West Chester does two things right—food, obviously, and wheels. With such a bike-friendly town, and a short course lined with great restaurants, it’s no surprise that Iron Hill’s 3rd annual Twilight Criterium is as popular as it is. (What is a criterium anyway?) Streets are blocked, beers are served outside and elbows are jabbing strangers with a frantic excitement that can only be brought on by 100 men and women in spandex whipping by at full speed.
The race starts at the corner of High & Gay Streets, the location of the title sponsor, Iron Hill. They will have a beer tent outside featuring your favorite summer beers, and it’s worth the wait in line to get the chance to be at the starting line with a frosty beverage in hand.
Follow the track down Gay Street towards Church Street. This is the best place to grab a quick snack (to sop up the beer that you’ll most likely be guzzling in the hot sun!). Try the new El Portal Mexican Restaurant or Sabor Al Tropical Restaurant for yummy, exciting Mexican and Puerto Rican treats.
This is an all-day event, mind you, so mosey your way down Church Street, take a left onto Market Street, and head towards Baxters. With a corner property and windows all around, this is a perfect place to ask for a good view and get your eat on. Afterwards, cross the street and climb up to Coyote’s rooftop bar—grab a mojito and see how far you can hang over the railing to watch the bikers complete even more laps (Warning: WC Dish does not endorse consuming alcohol and hanging off buildings! Attempt at your own risk!).
Now it’s time to head back to Iron Hill for an end-of-race beer, or to Sprazzo for a cup of coffee if you’re feeling a little worn out by the summer sun. Make sure to get back outside—you don’t want to wait another year to catch the end of this bike race!
(image credit: iron hill twilight criterium website)
