Inaugural Railbender: Altoona Bike Ride
By: Laura Hartog
Updated: August 7, 2012
This year the Altoona Bicycle Club is proud to announce the First Annual Railbender ride! This event will consist of two rides: the Railbender for experienced riders, and the Fun Ride for beginners! On today's show, promoter Pam Etters talks about the event!
Watch this story to learn more about a special discount for cyclists in her live interview!
Race information:
On Saturday, August 11th, anyone and everyone is invited to test their cycling skill along a segment of the professional "Tour de 'Toona-style" Altoona Road Race course. Riders can choose from two different ride options. Each ride will offer different distances, fun challenges and pace. Experienced riders will be leading each ride and the courses will be marshaled at intersections to ensure the safety of all riders involved.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR WTAJ / CENTRAL PA LIVE VIEWERS!
Visit the event website to sign up for the race and type in the code: WTAJ
You will receive a discount on your entry fee!
To register, click here:
http://www.railbender.org/index.html
Additional Race Details Below:
The Altoona Bicycle Club is dedicated to providing the safest and most rewarding experience possible to all participants.
Railbender:
The Railbender is considered to be a Gran-Fondo style ride where amateur cyclists ride a 43 mile portion of the Tour de 'Toona Altoona Road Race professional course, finishing in grand fashion under the finish line like they're a pro themselves! Riders will be put to the test on this grueling ride with a few moderate climbs before the infamous 6 mile long Sugar Run climb and a final descent down through the world famous Horseshoe Curve, all traffic free. Those registering for the Railbender ride should be physically fit and consider themselves an experienced rider.
The Railbender will depart the start/finish area shortly at 9:15AM and will have 4.5 hours to complete the entire course. Cyclists must be prepared to leave the Aid Station at the top of the Sugar Run climb (Mile 32) no later than 1PM. Once they cross the finish they will have ample time to enjoy some food, including a BBQ lunch, live music, prize giveaways and the vendor village for the afternoon.
Registration fees:
Before or on August 9th: $55 (No t-shirt)
On August 11th: $60 (No t-shirt)
Fun Ride:
The Fun Ride is approximately 14 miles long with minimal hills and meant for riders who enjoy the sport of cycling for recreation and exercise. This course will offer an enjoyable ride for both the beginner and moderately experienced rider. The Fun Ride will be led by experienced, avid cyclists with thorough knowledge of the course and surrounding area. No rider will be "dropped" off the back without a ride companion/ leader to escort them back to the start/finish area. A support van will follow the riders, and is available to anyone in need of mechanical or medical support. One Aid Station will be available for those needing a rest and/or refreshments around 8 miles into the ride. Riders are invited to enjoy the BBQ lunch, live entertainment, prize give-aways and vendor village for the afternoon. Registration is open to anyone 14 years of age or older. Minors must have parental consent form signed by parent or legal guardian in order to participate.
Registration fees:
Before or on August 9th: $40 (No t-shirt)
On August 11th: $45 (No t-shirt)
