Yeah, I know that the news coverage about professional cycling has not been very positive lately. Like many cycling fans, I have been bummed about the whole situation with Floyd, but I refuse to let that put a damper on my excitement about the upcoming USA Cycling Pro Championships. Ever since I heard the announcement that this year’s race would take place right here in Greenville, I have been eagerly awaiting the big weekend. Now, the races are less than a month away so I thought I would share my general plans for the Labor Day weekend (Note: if you haven’t picked up on it yet, this post will contain no design content, so skip over it if that is what you are looking for)

The time trial will take place in the mountains just north of Greenville on Friday, September 1st. The time trial is hosted by The Cliffs Communities, so the course connects a couple of those upscale neighborhoods and will definitely favor riders who can climb a bit. I will most likely be a Course Marshal for this race, though I don’t have my specific volunteer assignment yet. If you will be in town for the races and are interested, several volunteer positions are probably still open.

Saturday is the day between the time trial and the road race. I will be riding in the Palmetto Peloton Project metric century, a fundraising ride that supports the Lance Armstrong Foundation as well as local cancer research efforts. The 62-mile course will cover many of the same roads that the pros will be riding the following day (the course is very close to my house, so these are many of the roads that I normally ride as well). If you are going to be in Greenville for the race weekend, I encourage you to participate in the P3 ride. Check the website for details. A 25-mile option and a short family ride will also be part of this event so there is really something for everyone. If you are interested in riding, register early; only 500 spots are available. Of course, if you don’t want to ride but wish to contribute, send me an email and I will send you a sponsorship form. It is going to be a good ride that supports a great cause, so I hope that some of you can join in. Saturday night, a portion of downtown Greenville will be blocked off for a big street party. Several bands will play leading up to Sister Hazel, the headline act for the evening. It will be a great time on Main Street, so don’t miss it if you will be in town.

Sunday, September 3rd will be the day of the big road race. As I mentioned, the pros will cover roads that I know well, so I am really excited about this race. The 131-mile course will pass over Paris Mountain five times and back though downtown on each circuit. The race will end on a short finishing circuit of three fast laps through Cleveland Park in downtown Greenville. My plan is to watch some of the climbing up Altamont Road for the first couple laps, and then ride downtown to meet my family to see the finish. I think it is going to be a great weekend of cycling. Are any of you planning to come to Greenville and be a part of it?