Large Crowds Expected for Folsom's Cyclebration Bike Festival
FOLSOM - Folsom's Cyclebration bike festival offers a variety of events for spectators, recreational riders and competitive cyclists. The three-day, family-friendly event kicks off Friday afternoon, Sept. 11 and concludes Sunday, Sept. 13.
Spectators may see top professional cyclists and amateurs compete in dirt jumping, time trials and mountain and road bike races. There is no fee to enter race venues at Negro Bar State Park, Cummings Family Park, the Historic District and other locations.
Friday events include Fam Jam Dirt Jumping at Cummings Family Park. Recreational riders, amateur and pro competitors will display some impressive dirt bike jumps under the lights, according to Parks and Recreation Director Robert Goss.
"Attend the free lakefront Cyclebration festival at Negro Bar State Park on Saturday and you'll have a great spot to view the start and finish of several exciting events, including Cyclocross," says Goss. "Enjoy live music, food and bike demos between10 a.m. and 5 p.m."
Also on Saturday, recreational riders of all ages may participate in several family oriented events. Participants in the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Folsom Trails Family Treasure Hunt will follow a map and solve clues along Lake Natoma and through Historic Folsom in search of treasure. Other recreational riders may join the 11:40 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. easy Cruiser Ride around Lake Natoma.
"Sunday's featured event is the Two Bridges Circuit Race, a fast-paced 1.3 mile course through historic downtown Folsom and across Lake Natoma Crossing and Rainbow Bridge," says Goss. "This exciting event is already a racing classic loved by competitors and spectators alike."
The various categories of the Two Bridges Circuit Race races start and finish on Leidesdorff Street in front of Bicycles Plus and Karen's Bakery between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Suggestions for spectator viewing include the sidewalk on Lake Natoma Crossing, the south end of Rainbow Bridge, and along Leidesdorff Street. The race course will be open to recreational riders for a free public ride during a 30 minute race break beginning at 1 p.m.
While motorists should be prepared for road closures related to Sunday's Two Bridges Circuit Race, the Folsom Historic District is open for business and will be easily accessible from the Folsom Boulevard exit to Sutter Street. Rainbow Bridge and the north-bound lanes of Lake Natoma Crossing will be closed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Commuters between Placer County and El Dorado County will not be disrupted as the Folsom Lake Crossing bridge will remain open.
