PossAbilities and Redlands Bicycle Classic Add Stage to Handcycle Events

3/16/11 - In recent years the Redlands Bicycle Classic has become more than just an internationally recognized professional cycling race, it has become an event that leads by promoting the core values of Health, Diversity, and the Environment. This commitment has been no more evident than with the association and partnership of the Loma Linda University PossAbililities program.

“Once again PossAbilities is excited to be the presenting sponsor of the 2011 Redlands Bicycle Classic,” says PossAbilities Manager, Pedro R. Payne. “For the last 5 years we’ve been honored to be a partner in this very exciting event. It seems every year the RBC keeps getting better and better!”

Loma Linda University PossAbilities has marked its five-year sponsorship anniversary with the Redlands Bicycle Classic by taking on an even bigger role than just a presenting sponsor.  They have brought in Handcycle Director, Cotie Williams, to be a part of the all-volunteer Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee, a role tasked with promotion and coordination of all things handcycling.  And this year’s race is no small task given the four-day scope of the Redlands Bicycle Classic.

“The Loma Linda University PossAbilities program brings so much excitement to our event, and the athletes are nothing short of inspirational!” says Race Director Eric Reiser. “Each year our partnership with PossAbilities has grown, and this year we are proud to feature another tough event for our handcycle athletes.  With four different stages that will challenge the mettle and power of each racer, it’s sure to bring out the best in the athletes and the crowds!”

This year’s handcycle race will consist of four stages and be run, as it has in the past, as a featured event at each of the four Redlands Bicycle Classic venues: 1) the PossAbilities Hill Climb Time Trial, a 3.1-mile climbing course contested solo against the clock, 2) the PossAbilities Road Race, a 21-mile testing course with fast corners, long straights, and plenty of wind to keep the racers fighting to keep top speed, 3) the PossAbilities Downtown Long Course Criterium, a nine-turn incredibly technical and fast course that will test each rider to the limits of their ability, and 4) the PossAbilities Short Course Criterium, held on a similar Downtown Redlands course, but a shorter five turn layout that keeps the racers in the spectator’s eye but still packs plenty of arm busting punch!

Also back for a 2011 edition of this year’s event is the crowd favorite PossAbilities Handcycle Clinic. This is an opportunity for the public to get a real understanding of the rigors and challenges of handcycle competition. The PossAbilities Handcycle Clinic will be held on Sunday, April 3rd in the parking garage under the expo area (at 6th and Citrus in Downtown Redlands) from 12:00 - 2:00pm. Handcycles will be available for all comers to take for a spin.

As the 2nd round of the U.S. Handcycle Series (also presented by PossAbilities), the 2011 Redlands Bicycle Classic presented by PossAbilities is set to be an amazing event, contested by over 30 handcyclists on the same roads that the men’s and women’s professional peloton has been hammering for over twenty-five years. It’s an event and a partnership that builds community through the promotion of an active lifestyle, whether it is on two-wheels or three!

For more information about PossAbilities and the Handcycle portion of the race contact the Handcycle Race Director, Cotie Williams at (909) 558-6664 or via email at [email protected]. To learn more about PossAbilities go to www.teampossabilities.com.