Summer racing is in full-swing! And with this year’s Tulsa Tough being so exciting, and another favorite being weeks away, we decided it was the perfect time to talk about some of our favorite summer races! Across the country, racing goes up a notch in the summer time. Fitness for most racers peak directly in line with the temperatures soaring skyward. From super weeks of back-to-back crit race to grueling stage races, we are fortunate to have so many races at our disposable. Some of which happen to be close to home!
Here are some of the best — and favorite — west-coast friendly summer races and why!
Tulsa Tough.
Technically more mid-west than west coast, Tulsa Tough is a short flight away and a lot of SoCal racers typically attend every year! For SoCal crit racers who attend Tulsa, this three-day omnium Crit weekend is definitely a highlight of the year. Not only does Tulsa Tough offer fast and technical crit racing but it also offers an ambiance like no other race. The fans — especially on the infamous Cry Baby Hill — are incredibly wild for good reason, and turn a weekend of bike racing into a weekend of bike partying!
What we love most about Tulsa Tough is that there is nothing but good, friendly vibes all weekend long. On the bike rivalries turn into off the bike friendships, while every night goes from bike race to party. If you ever have a weekend free to make it to Tulsa Tough, even if it’s just to spectate, we promise it will be worth every penny and more!
San Dimas Stage Race.
Yes, we know this one starts with a time trial that goes straightly uphill. Within those four miles, though, if you take one second to check the scenery you’ll forget for that one second that your legs are screaming at you. Mountains overlap into mountains, weaving greens and blues into a watercolor painting broken up by winding grey roadway. The next day takes riders to Bonelli Park for the road race, known to be just grueling enough to break up the group lap after lap. New to the road race for the past few years, though, is Heckler’s Hill. Similar to Cry Baby Hill of Tulsa Tough, riders can make grabs for cash as spectators cheer them on, or even tacos if their race gels are just not enough.
If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll find yourself in downtown San Dimas on Sunday for some crit racing. And who doesn’t love crit racing? With many restaurants lining the street and plenty of places for people to watch the excitement, Sunday’s full day of racing makes for the perfect outing for those not racing. It also helps those racing to push a little harder for primes and to get their names announced as they cross the finish line.
It should be noted, however, that we may be slightly bias since SDSR is organized and put on by SC Velo. So, being a part of SC Velo since our junior years, we will always have a love for SDSR. The fact that you feel like part of the family only emphasizes it.
Cascade Classic.
Located in the heart of Bend, Oregon, Cascade Classic is a four-day stage race that will test your abilities. If you find yourself racing, you’ll be competing among the nation’s best in the middle of the majestic Cascade Mountains. Bend itself is extremely bike friendly and just an overall great place to visit, racing or not. With that, the Cascade Classic organization showcases the best of Bend; the stage race consists of a short TT, a majestic mountaintop finish, a grueling neighborhood circuit race, and a classic downtown crit. And it’s not just for professionals: there are multiple categories for amateurs to experience racing in the majestic Cascades as well! If you’re looking to turn your racing adventure into a full-on family vacation, Cascade Classic is the perfect race just for that!
Manhattan Beach Grand Prix.
While this is no longer a part of USA Cycling’s Pro Road Tour, this still remains one of our favorite summer crits. The best part about it is that that it’s in SoCal! There’s something about racing near the beach in LA that gives us goosebumps. This course’s banana shape allows for awesome spectating with the ability to sit and relax in the median and watch as racers go by both ways. For racers, this is one race that offers a competitive prize purse, which makes the racing that much faster. With restaurants and that hard-to-mimic SoCal vibe, Manhattan Beach Grand Prix beats any day at the beach.
There you have it, our three favorite summer races! But these are just some of our favorite summer races. Tell us, which summer races are your favorites?