Air Force Classic

[PotomacCyclist]

The pro races are races though. If you stay to watch them, keep on your toes and remain alert. A couple years ago, two of the pro riders bumped into each other shortly before the finish. One guy came crashing down and skidding down the road, just next to the barriers. I was filming the finish and didn’t even notice that the rider skidded and landed right in front of me. A couple feet off to his right and he could have taken me out. Fortunately, no spectators were injured. The rider got up and ran across the finish line without his bike. (He was also missing a section of his bike shorts, courtesy of the pavement.)

Speaking of injuries, stay alert during the Challenge Ride too. While it’s generally safe, there is always a risk with any event like this. There have been a couple (minor?) crashes over the years. It shouldn’t scare you off from signing up. I’d recommend not wearing earphones, if you use earphones on the bike. The roads will be busy with cyclists, with many people weaving through and around others.

[PotomacCyclist]

From the 2012 Crystal Cup pro race:

[video=vimeo;43806927]https://vimeo.com/43806927[/video]

The event was called the Air Force Cycling Classic then. It was later changed to the Air Force Association Cycling Classic.

[vvill]

FWIW, I think this ride is most fun if you can find some people to ride with who are around the same cycling fitness level. Trade pulls and paceline, and the laps will fly by. There is a lot of lycra at this event though, so chances are you’ll be able to find someone impromptu to draft with.

[PotomacCyclist]

There’s no requirement that you ride for 3 hours. You don’t even have to start on time. You can start at any time between 7 and 8 am, although the ride will still end at 10 am, no matter what time you begin.

If you only want to ride one lap, you can. You need to finish two laps to qualify for a bronze finisher medal, four laps for silver, and six laps for gold.

[TwoWheelsDC]

For some irritating reason, I always have some sort of commitment that keeps me from doing this…this year I have class on Saturday/Sunday 9am-5pm for the entire month of June. Maybe next year…

[sjclaeys]

I’m signed up.

[Lt. Dan]

Signed up for the Challenge- this looks awesome!!!

[Anonymous]

Registered. Though that is way too early in the morning for civilized people to be up and about and… exercising…

[PotomacCyclist]

Some places have 5K running races in the fall, on the night that Standard Time resumes. So the race starts at 1:59 am Daylight Saving Time and ends in Standard Time, usually between 1:15 to 1:50 am. So according to the clock, you finish the race before you started, sort of.

Bethesda had one of these races, but I think it has faded away, possibly because of disinterest. I guess not many people actually want to run a 5K race at 2 or 1 in the morning.

[AFHokie]

signed up today; first time participating for me.

[Boomer Cycles]

@Boomer2U 116255 wrote:

I am registered, too. It will be my first time as well.

Turns out that I won’t be able to ride although I already registered:( Hope that you all have a great ride, and set some KOMs/QOMs

[kwarkentien]

I’ve always liked this ride. Won’t be able to do it this year because I’m doing Tour dem Parks Hon! instead. Have fun and bring home some gold y’all!

[bobco85]

Starting today, if you registered in time, you can pick-up your race packet in Crystal City as follows (info is from http://cyclingclassic.org/general-registration.html)

THURSDAY, June 11th: CRYSTAL CITY, Boeing Headquarters, Lobby
929 Long Bridge Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
Location: Lobby
NOTE: We recommend parking at Long Bridge Park, and walking through the soccer fields, there is limited street parking.
4:00-6:00pm

FRIDAY, June 12th: CRYSTAL CITY, Boeing Headquarters, Lobby
929 Long Bridge Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
Location: Lobby
NOTE: We recommend parking at Long Bridge Park, and walking through the soccer fields, there is limited street parking.
Noon – 6:00pm

SATURDAY, June 13th: CLARENDON*
Registration Tent – Across from the Start/Finish line, next to the Clarendon Metro Elevator (3100 Wilson Blvd), 10:00am-2:00pm
*NOTE: Vehicle access is limited, so we recommend taking the metro or riding your bike. NO packet pick-up in Crystal City on Saturday

SUNDAY, June 14th: CRYSTAL CITY
Registration Tent – Near the Start/Finish line at 2011 Crystal Drive 6:00am – 8:00am

And just in case you forgot, the Challenge Ride starts at 7:00 am and runs only until 10:00 am. You are allowed to start as late as 8:00 am, but at that point you would only have 2 hours instead of 3 to complete as many laps as possible.

[Lt. Dan]

They are still doing walk-up registration today, correct?

[bobco85]

@Lt. Dan 117906 wrote:

They are still doing walk-up registration today, correct?

Yes. According to the website, you can still do walk-up registration.

[Author]

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