Written by Michelle Bote
Once the Fourth of July passes, you know Historic Marietta Bike Race is right around the corner!
This year’s Historic Marietta Bike Race will be happening on Saturday, July 9th. The Historic Marietta Bike Race supports the community efforts of the Marietta Fire Company and the Marietta Parks and Recreation with race proceeds. Local businesses and restaurants come out in support of the bike race, too, as it allows them to showcase the beauty and history of their small town.
What is also great about the bike race is that a competitive, human-powered, “NASCAR” on two wheels comes to Marietta where spectators are close enough to hear the tires whizzing by and feel the draft as the pack of cyclists whoosh past. Approximately one hundred and seventy cyclists will take to the streets to race multiple laps, based on a category or age, through a short, closed course (approximately a mile). The start/finish area is located on East Front Street near Shank’s Tavern and goes clockwise to Gay, West Market, chicanes left on South Waterford and makes a right on East Market, a right on South Locust with the last right turn on East Front.
The day will feature not only the marquee thirty five mile race for top USA and international racers, but also races for kids ages four to six and seven to nine. New this year will be a Fireman’s Fun Race, sponsored by Gretna Fatbikes. There will be vendors ranging from those selling jewelry made out of recycled bicycle parts to the Sven’s Café food truck.
The tradition of bicycling racing in Marietta has drawn professional cyclists to establish roots in the area, too. Come out on July 9th to cheer on your local professional cyclists including Joseph Hydrick (riding for CS Velo), Jamie Clinton (riding for Team Wheelhouse), and Jake Sitler (riding for Astellas Cycling Team) while enjoying a free sporting event on the streets of Marietta.