Biking isn’t just a great workout; it’s also an adventure. And when you sign up for a cycling event, it gives you the chance to take in a whole new corner of the world. Whether you want to race just for a day or race across the country, you’ve got options.
Bike Races 2018
You’ll find hundreds of races across the county this time of year, as close as your backyard or as far away as the other side of the world. Here are five of the more interesting amateur races in North America.
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
This race, held May 25-27, starts in Durango, Colorado, and is unique in that riders don’t race each other—they race a train headed to nearby Silverton, Colorado. It’s the brainchild of two brothers, one who worked as a brakeman on the train and one who loved to cycle.
The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa
This race began in 1973 as just a few friends racing across Iowa. Now, it’s the oldest, longest, and largest recreational bike race in the world, attractive to so many participants that a lottery system must be used to choose riders. This year’s event is July 22-July 28 and 428.1 miles.
Green Mountain Stage Race
This four-day road race (Aug. 31-Sept. 3) takes riders through the green mountains of Vermont (get ready to climb). It’s known for being laid back, yet still competitive. Winners of each category go home with a coveted handmade Vermont Teddy Bear wearing a custom race shirt.
PWC MS Bike Tour—Prince Edward County
The PWC MS Bike Tour held on July 8 this year, is billed as the largest fundraising cycling series in North America. The 2018 goal is to raise $182,500 to go toward multiple sclerosis research (Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world). Plus, riders have the chance to explore one of the most beautiful parts of Canada—on either a 40km or 75km route.
Race Across America
You’ll probably want to get a few easier races under your belt before you attempt this 3,000-mile trek from California to New York City, which is for both professional riders and amateurs. The race begins June 12 and individual riders have a maximum of 12 days to finish.
Storing Your Gear
The more you get into a hobby, the more gear you have. If you’re running out of storage space, consider renting a self storage unit. At StorageMart, you can rent a unit as small as 25 square feet or so—or up to the size of a garage. We offer affordable self storage units that can be rented on a month-by-month basis and are always clean and well lit. Need more info? Check out our storage unit guide or rent a unit online today.