Each year (since 2004), on the second Saturday in July, West Chester is transformed into a cycling destination for the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, presented by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. Last year, hundreds of professional racers pedaled their way through the narrow streets of West Chester (some reaching 35 mph), while nearly 20,000 spectators cheered them on. This exciting event has become one of the most popular cycling events in the area, gaining more participants and significance each year.
On Saturday, July 9th, cyclists from nearby and all over the world will compete in three races: the Amateur Men’s Criterium at 5:45 p.m., the Elite Women’s Criterium at 6:45 p.m., and the Pro Men’s Criterium at 7:45 p.m. The start and finish for all the races are in front of the title sponsor, Iron Hill Brewery at 3 W. Gay Street.
For little cyclists, the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race begins at 5 p.m. Kids between the ages of 3-10 are encouraged to bring their two-wheelers, tricycles, and helmets to W. Gay Street between Church and New Street. There will be plenty of family fun following the race: lots of giveaways from Dental Arts, obstacle courses and play areas, face painting, and professional skateboarding demos by Fairmans.
But the races are only part of the day’s excitement. The Kinetic Physical Therapy Community Festival kicks off at 4 p.m. at its traditional location on High Street (between Market and Gay Streets), showcasing local businesses and featuring delicious food and lots of fun giveaways. The 4th Annual Market Street Block Party also starts at 4 p.m. (between Church and Darlington Streets), with fun activities for the kids, more great food, and live music.
Plus, you could win a Cannondale Quick 5 Urban Bike (try not to drool)! To win these sweet wheels, just fill out an entry form at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, any Kinetic Physical Therapy location, or Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express in West Chester by July 1st. Winners will be announced on July 9th.
And while you’re in town, why not make a weekend of it? West Chester has lots of wonderful restaurants to choose from, and the West Chester Cycling Club will be leading seven different picturesque community bike tours on Sunday, leaving from Hoopes Park (sign-up begins at 11:00 a.m.).
Whether you are interested in bikes, food, great local shops and businesses, giveaways, or just some good old fashioned family fun, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium on July 9th has something for everyone!
Photographs credited to Allison Benford, Bonsai Doll Fern Photography.
CONTEST ALERT!
The Town Dish team is giving away two tickets (a value of over $150!) to the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium VIP tent (found on the corner of Market & Walnut sts.)! This top-notch food and drink tent presented by the brewers and chefs of Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant is only available for race sponsors and select VIP, and we want to share this experience with YOU!
In order to enter into the running, you must do the following:
- “LIKE” Iron Hill Twilight Criterium on Facebook by clicking here.
- Leave a comment on this post stating why you love Iron Hill beer and why you need to be in the VIP tent to catch the race!
Contest closes at 10 pm tonight, with the winner announced shortly after. May the best local win!
UPDATE: Thank you to all who entered our VIP Tent giveaway. We’ve selected a winner at random, with Joe being awarded two tickets to tomorrow’s event. Enjoy!
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