Bicycling Magazine Open--Citizens Gran Fondo Press Conference

Mananyuk, PA--Charities Turn out for Bicycling Magazine Open

Program Offers all Cyclists a Chance to Ride the Pro Course

Winnie’s LeBus in Manayunk was the site for announcing the Bicycling Magazine Open, a three lap timed event for amateurs and recreational cyclists to ride the closed Championship course before the pros in the 28^th TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship on Sunday, June 3.

Sponsored by Bicycling Magazine, the largest general interest cycling publication in the world, the Bicycling Open expects several thousand entrants to take the challenge. In order to accommodate the Bicycling Open from 7AM to 10:30, the traditional TD Bank international pro race will start at 10:45 and be shortened from 156 miles to 124. The pros will ride 7 times up the Manayunk Wall instead of ten and will do five finishing circuits between Lemon Hill and the Parkway instead of the traditional three.

Dave Howard, Bicycling’s executive editor and long time fan of the classic Philadelphia event said, “We are excited to offer the thrill of riding up the Wall to our readership of dedicated recreational riders and then encourage them to stay to watch the pros show how it’s done.”

Michael Chauner, a pro cyclist who will ride for ProAir-HFA in the TD Bank Championship was on hand to offer coaching from his company, VeloSouplesse, to first-timers willing to take the challenge. First to volunteer was Winnie Clowry, owner of Winnie’s LeBus on Main street in Manayunk. “I’m a little nervous,”, she said “But I’ve watched and supported the race for so many years that I couldn’t pass up a chance to actually try the course!” Chauner will give her a training program based upon her goals and time commitment to train.

Importantly, the Bicycling Open will offer participants to ride for their favorite cause.  The event’s connection with Charity of Choice encourages registrants to challenge friends and family to sponsor their rides, with funds raised going to the riders’ own favorite charities.   Many area non-profits are rallying their supporters to ride in the Bicycling Open, maximizing a turn-key fundraiser for their individual organizations. Participating Charities that attended the announcement were: ALS of Greater Philadelphia, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Phila, Cadence Cycling Foundation, Cradles to Crayons, Gearing Up, MS Society, Neighborhood Bike Works, Phila 9/11, Philabundance, Ronald McDonald House of Phila, Shriner's Hospital Philadelphia.  Additional charities will be signing on.