Race for the Cure. The 5K Mother's Day race to raise money for breast cancer research takes off May 9 from the Art Museum steps - one in a series of 90 races around the country. There's a 1K walk, too.
Freedom Valley/Pedal for Parkinson's. One of the more successful fund-raising bike rides in the Philadelphia area has come about through the collective efforts of the Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley and the Greater Philadelphia Parkinson's Council. Joining forces, the two have put together an event on May 23 for all cyclists - a choice between 9-, 16-, 32-, 64-, and 70-mile rides, as well as 9- and 16-mile walks or an in-line skate race. Participants can choose between three starting points: the Philadelphia Waterworks, Austin Park in Rosemont, or Reeves Park in Phoenixville.
Depending on the registration - cyclists may register with one or both organizations - folks will be helping raise money either for continued improvement and extension of various bicycle trails in the area or for Parkinson's research, or both.
City Gent Tour. For those who couldn't get enough of the recent Great British Bike Weekend or who don't own an English Racer, there's Sunday's semiannual Fairmount Park ride with uber city gent, former Art Museum president and English Racer owner Robert Montgomery Scott. This year's ride, ``Resting on Our Laurels,'' will tour Laurel Hill Cemetery, Laurel Hill Mansion and Mount Pleasant Mansion. Participants will stop at the historic cemetery and discuss some of its famous inhabitants, including Sarah Josepha Hale, author of ``Mary Had a Little Lamb,'' and Gen. George Mead, hero of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Coming up. The region's premiere cycling event, the First Union USPRO Championship, will be coming to town June 6. The elite professional race will be preceded by more than a week's worth of other races and rides starting May 22. They include the Amateur Bike Challenge for ages 18 and under (May 22 in Norristown, May 29 in Wilmington; see below); the First Union Corporate 5-K Run (May 26); the Bicycle Coalition Bike To Work Day (June 4); the Manayunk Cycling Festival (June 4-5); the grueling Manayunk Wall Climb (June 4); and the Lance Armstrong Time Trial (June 5). Many of the events are open to the public: Call 877-573-7437.
Cyclists may want to get a head start in raising pledges for the annual American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure on June 26. The event, held in more than 30 states across the country, will make its local appearance in Horsham, with a choice of 30-, 60-, and 100-mile rides (610-828-5003).
The Sports column runs on this page the first weekend of each month.
Cycling
Bicycle rides are free unless noted.
Key to ride classifications Different clubs have slightly different classifications - D: Easy, for beginners and inexperienced riders and families; moving speed is usually at or below 10 m.p.h. C: Moderate, for average riders, below 15 m.p.h. B: Advanced, for experienced riders, 15-18 m.p.h. A: Difficult, for very strong riders, over 19 m.p.h.
SCHEDULED May 1 Argentine Metric, Bicycle Club of Philadelphia (BCP), choice of 69-mile A, 57-mile B & 45-mile C+ rides at Peace Valley Park, New Galena Rd, off Rte 313, New Britain, Bucks County, 9 a.m. (215-844-2669). * Pennypacker Park, BCP 40-mile C ride to Manayunk and back begins at Pennypacker Park, Park Blvd, off Kings Hwy, Cherry Hill, 9 a.m. (215-335-1127). * Burlington County Green Acres, South Jersey Cyclists (SJC) 35-mile ride at Shawnee High School, Rte 532 & Tabernacle Rd, Medford, 9 a.m. (609-489-1341). * QVC/Habitat for Humanity Stroll & Roll, choice of 15-, 25-, & 40-mile bike rides & 1.5-mile walk, at QVC Studio Park, 1200 Wilson Dr. West Chester, 9:30 a.m. Bike registration 7:30 a.m.; walk registration 8:30 a.m. (Cyclists must raise minimum of $30 in pledges; runners a minimum of $10; 610-384-7993). * Mays Landing, Delaware Valley Bicycle Club (DVBC) 84-mile B ride at Kingsway Regional High School, Rtes 322 & 551, Swedesboro, 7:30 a.m. (610-833-2096).
May 2 ``Resting on Our Laurels,'' semiannual bike tour by former Art Museum resident Robert Montgomery Scott, tours Laurel Hill Cemetery, Laurel Hill Mansion, and Mount Pleasant Mansion, begins at Art Museum, 1 p.m. ($3; $1 ages 8-12; 215684-7926). * Downingtown, BCP 54-mile B/B+ ride at Rose Tree Park, Rte 252 off intersection of Rose Tree Rd & Rte 1, Media, 8:45 a.m. (610-449-6456). * Brandywine Ramble, BCP 28-miel C ride through Chester County at Chadds Ford Elementary School, Rte 1, half mile past intersection with Rte 100, Chadds Ford, 9 a.m. (610-265-5455). * Jersey Ramble, DVBC 20-mile C ride at Kingsway Regional High School, Rtes 322 & 551, Swedesboro, 9 a.m. (610-833-2096). * Brandywine, DVBC 28-mile C ride at Chadds Ford Elementary School, Rte 1, half mile past intersection with Rte 100, Chadds Ford, 9 a.m. (610-265-5455).
May 8 Brandywine Valley Spring Classic, BCP 65-mile ride for B+ to B- levels at parking lot behind Wawa, Rtes 1 & 100, Chadds Ford, 8:45 a.m. (610-399-3307). * Tour de Cure Evaluation Ride, BCP 64-mile C ride with two start locations: Fort Washington State Park, main parking lot, Rte 73, off Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 10 a.m.; Simon School, Horsham & Babylon Rds, 10 a.m. (215-844-2669). * MTB, BCP 20-mile C ride for mountain bikes behind the Art Museum at the Italian Fountain, 11:30 a.m. (215-223-9871). * Hills of Northeastern Burlington County, SJC 50-mile ride at corner of Woodlane Rd (Rte 30) & Smithville Rd (Rte 684), Eastampton, 9 a.m. (609-489-1341).
May 9 Sources of the Schuylkill, BCP 65-mile B/B+ hilly ride to Hawk Mountain begins at New Smithville Inn, Old Rte 22 & Rte 863, off exit 13 of I-78, New Smithville, 9 a.m. (215-674-3992). * Main Street Kettle Run Blast, SJC 15- to 20-mile ride at Main Street & Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, 8 a.m. (609-489-1341). * Open Space Tour, DVBC choice of 8-, 18-, 35-, 50-, & 65-mile rides for various levels at Ridley Creek State Park, Forge Rd, Middletown Twp, Delaware County, 8 a.m. ($10; 610-565-4058).
May 15 Oley Valley, BCP 40-mile C ride at the Daniel Boone Homestead, Daniel Boone Rd & Rte 422, Baumstown, Berks County, 9 a.m. (610-277-7810). * New Hope to Frenchtown, BCP 65-mile B ride at Staples parking lot, Rte 179 & Sugan Rd, off Rte 202 N, New Hope, 9:30 a.m. (215-674-3992). * To Hill & Back, BCP 45-mile B/B+ hilly ride along the Schuylkill River, begins behind the Art Museum at the Italian Fountain, 10 a.m. (215-438-9091). * Half the Hills, BCP 35-mile B-/C+ hilly ride along east bank of the Schuylkill, begins behind the Art Museum at the Italian Fountain, 10 a.m. (215-438-9091). * Bartram's Ride, BCP 25-mile C ride to Bartram's Garden begins behind the Art Museum at the Italian Fountain, 1 p.m. (215-483-3618). * Pinelands Triple Loop, choice of 28.6-, 38.9- & 35.4-mile rides at Batsto State Park, Rte 542, 8 miles east of Rte 30, Washington Twp, 8 a.m. ($15; 609-804-1082).
May 16 Triathlon Ride, BCP event features 30- to 40-mile C ride, followed by breakfast and visit to Rodin Museum, begins Lloyd Hall, foot of Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive in East Fairmount Park, 9 a.m. (610-491-8144). * New & Different, DVBC 35-mile B ride at Bike Line, Lancaster Ave & Rte 252, Paoli, 9 a.m. (610-647-6269). * Meandering Around, DVBC 25-mile C ride at Kingsway Regional High School, Rtes 322 & 551, Swedesboro, 9 a.m. (610-833-2096).
May 22 First Union Amateur Bike Challenge, 1.8-mile ride for ages 18 & under followed by health and safety demonstrations, begins at Main & Barbadoes Sts, Norristown, 10 a.m.; registration 9 a.m. Event is part of First Union USPRO Championships celebrations. (215-973-1065). * Ride to Intercourse, BCP 82-mile B ride through Chester and Lancaster counties, begins at Unionville Elementary School, 1775 W Doe Run Rd, Kennett Square, 8 a.m. (302-798-1243). * New Jersey Ramble, BCP 40-mile C ride at behind the convenience store, N J side of Tacony-Palmyra bridge, Rte 73, Palmyra, 9 a.m. (215-288-5907). * MTB Ride, BCP C/D ride for mountain bikes behind the Art Museum at the Italian Fountain, 10 a.m. (215-223-9871). * Ocean City NJ, DVBC 126-mile B ride to Ocean City, begins at Kingsway Regional High School, Rtes 322 & 551, Swedesboro, 7 a.m. (610-833-2096).
May 23 Freedom Valley Bike Ride & Pedal for Parkinson's combined rides, choice of 9-, 16-, 32-, 64-, & 70-mile bike rides or 9- & 16-mile walks or in-line skate begins at three locations: Philadelphia Waterworks, Fairmount Park, Aquarium Drive off Kelly Drive; Rosemont Train Station, Lancaster Ave (Rte 30) & Airdale Rd, Rosemont; Reeves Park, Bridge & Starr Sts, Phoenixville. All rides begin at 8 a.m.; registration 7 a.m. Riders need to register with either one, or both sponsors. ($25 each ride; Freedom Valley 215-829-4937; Pedal for Parkinson's 215-546-9004). * Mountain Bike Ride, BCP ride for all levels through Brandywine Creek State Park, begins at Brandywine Creek State Park, Rtes 92 & 100, Wilmington, 9:30 a.m. (610-558-4421). * Brandywine Junket, DVBC 32-mile B ride at McDonald's parking lot, Rte 30, 1.5-miles west of Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, 8 a.m. (610-383-9327).
May 29 First Union Amateur Bike Challenge, 1.8-mile ride for ages 18 & under, at Brandywine Park, N Park Dr & Van Buren St, Wilmington, 10 a.m.; registration 9 a.m. Event is part of First Union USPRO Championship celebrations. (215-973-1065). * Family Fun Ride, leisurely ride for families as part of First Union USPRO Championships events, at Brandywine Park, N Park Dr & Van Buren St, Wilmington, 9 a.m. (302-428-2845). * Mount Gretna Ride, BCP 87-mile B+ ride through Lancaster County begins at Shady Maple Market, Rte 23, off Rte 10 S, Blue Ball, 8 a.m. (215-572-0753). * Valley Forge Challenge, SJC 37-mile ride at the lower parking lot behind the Valley Forge National Historical Park Visitors Center, Rte 23, Valley Forge, 9 a.m. (609-489-1341).
May 30 Pain Ride, BCP 103-mile B+/A- hilly ride through Conestoga Valley, begins at Avon Grove High School, Schoolhouse & State Rds, off Rte 841 S, West Grove, 7:30 a.m. (215-572-0753). * Kountry Kitchen, DVBC 35-mile C ride at Kingsway Regional High School, Rtes 322 & 551, Swedesboro, 9:30 a.m. (610-833-2086).
ONGOING Bicycle Club of Philadelphia (BCP) Helmets are required for BCP rides; all rides weather permitting; participants asked to call for more information on all rides. For information about BCP rides, call 215-735-2453. * Sunday Morning Breakfast Ride, C ride each Sunday (except 5/23) at 22d & Spring Garden Sts, 8:45 a.m. * Sunday Ramble, 40- to 50-mile B ride each Sunday (except 5/23) behind the Art Museum at the Italian Fountain, noon. * Sunny Sunday Afternoon Ride,12- to 22-mile D ride each Sunday (except 5/23) at Lloyd Hall, the foot of Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive in East Fairmount Park, 1 p.m. * Bulldog Ride, 55- to 70-mile B+/A- ride each Sunday (except 5/23) at 25th St & Fairmount Ave, at the Bulldog statue, noon. * Spinoff Ride, 25- to 30-mile C ride each Sunday (except 5/23) behind the Art Museum at the Italian Fountain, 12:15 p.m. * Call for weekday rides.
Delaware Valley Bicycle Club (DVBC) Pancake Breakfast Ride, 10- to 25-mile early morning C ride each Thursday at various locations in Havertown, 7:30 a.m.; call for meeting place (610-789-7673). * After Work Spring Special, 10- to 15-mile C ride each Thursday at Ridley Creek State Park, Forge Rd, Middletown Twp, Delaware County, 5:30 p.m. (610-431-2675).
Middletown Township Sunday Morning Bike Rides, 15-mile ride through Ridley Creek area each Sunday at Linvill Rd & Abel Place, Middletown Twp, 8 a.m. (610-565-2255).
South Jersey Wheelmen (SJW) Call to confirm for all SJW rides. 30- to 40-mile C Rides each Saturday at Cumberland County College, College Dr & Sherman Ave, Vineland, 8 a.m. (609-825-5475). * Mountain bike rides each Sunday at Action Wheels Bike Shop, 1066 Rte 45, off Parkville Station Rd, Wenonah, 9 a.m. (609-468-5115). * 15- to 20-mile ride each Monday at Action Wheels Bike Shop, 1066 Rte 45, off Parkville Station Rd, Wenonah, 6 p.m. (609-468-5115).
Running SCHEDULED May 1 University City 5-K, at Cavanaugh's Restaurant, 39th & Sansom Sts, 11 a.m.; race-day registration 9 a.m. ($15; 215-386-4889).
May 2 Blue Cross Broad Street Run, 10-Mile Run for individuals and 5-member corporate teams, 2-Mile Health Walk, at Central High School Athletic Field, Broad St & Somerville Ave, 9 a.m. Kids' dashes at Philadelphia Naval Yard, Marine Parade Grounds, south end of Broad St. 9 a.m. No race-day registration; late registration and packet pickup at Health & Fitness Expo, Memorial Hall, 42d St & Parkside Ave, W Fairmount Park, noon-8 p.m. 4/30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 5/1. Pasta dinner at Memorial Hall, 6-8:30 p.m. 5/1. (Individual $28; teams $200; Kids' Dashes $5; 215-563-6184).
May 5 Flower Market 5-K Run/Walk, at Rockford Park, 19th St & Tower Dr, Wilmington, 6:30 p.m.; race-day registration 5:30 p.m. ($12 advance, $15 day of race; 302-654-6400). * Spring Fling 5-K, at Upper Mainline YMCA, Ashby & Berwyn-Paoli Rds, Berwyn, 6:45 p.m.; race-day registration 5:30 p.m. ($12 advance, $15 day of race; 610-647-9622).
May 8 5-K Law Enforcement Unity Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk, at Philadelphia Police Headquarters, 7th St between Arch & Race Sts, 9 a.m.; race-day registration 8 a.m. ($12 by 5/4, $15 after; 215-418-4363). * Karen Assal Run & Walkathon, 10-K & 5-K at Corpus Christi School, 920 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale. 10-K 8 a.m.; 5-K 9:30 a.m. Race-day registration 7 a.m. ($15 advance, $18 day of race; 215-361-9971). * Friends Helping Friends 5-K 1-Mile Race, & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, at St Catherine of Siena School, 51 W North St, at Rte 47, Clayton, 2 p.m.; race-day registration 12:30 p.m. (5-K $12 advance, $15 day of race; 1-Mile Race $8 advance, $10 day of race; Fun Walk $6 advance, $8 day of race; 609-468-0010). * Memorial Greg Shouldis 5-K, at Governor's Mansion, King's Highway & Division St, Dover, Del., 10 a.m.; race-day registration 9 a.m. (302-661-7300).
May 9 Race for the Cure 5-K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Fun Walk, at Art Museum steps, 8:30 a.m.; race-day registration 7:30 a.m. ($23; 215-829-1899).
May 16 Kid Shelleen's 5-K & 10-K, at corner of 14th & Scott Sts, Wilmington. 10-K 9 a.m.; 5-K 10:15 a.m. Race-day registration 8 a.m. ($15 by 5/15, $20 after; 302-655-5610). * Dash for Diabetes 5-K, at North Hills Medical Building, Goshen Rd & E Marshall St, West Chester. Fun Walk 9 a.m.; 5-K 9:30 a.m. Race-day registration 8 a.m. (5-K $10 by 5/7, $12 after; Walk $8; 610-436-8249).
May 20 5-K Run/Walk for Epilepsy, at Rockford Park, 19th St & Tower Dr, Wilmington, 6:30 p.m.; race-day registration 5:30 p.m. ($12 advance, $15 day of race; 302-654-6400).
May 22 Run of the Mill 5-K & 1-Mile Fun Run, at Prallsville Mill, Rte 29, off Rte 202, Stockton, 9 a.m.; race-day registration 7:30 a.m. ($12 advance, $15 day of race; Fun Run $5; 215-297-0684). * Great Cape May 10-K & 5-K Race, at Convention Hall, 720 Beach Dr, Cape May, 8 a.m.; race-day registration 7 a.m. ($15 by 5/14, $17 after; 609-468-0010). * Upper Bucks YMCA 5-K, at Upper Bucks YMCA, 451 California Rd Quakertown, 9 a.m.; race-day registration 7:45 a.m. ($10; 215-536-8841).
May 26 First Union Corporate 5-K, run for corporate teams of 8 runners begins at the Art Museum, 7 p.m.; race-day registration 6:30 p.m. (Team fees vary depending on division entered, call for additional information; 215-786-5056).
May 29 Glasgow Draggin' Dragon 5-K Run/Walk, at Glasgow High School, 1901 S College Ave, Newark, Del, 9 a.m.; race-day registration 8 a.m. ($10 advance, $13 day of race; 302-454-2381).
May 31 5-K for Jay, at Crestview Swim Club, 1000 Fawn Rd, Wilmington, 9 a.m.; race-day registration 8 a.m. ($10 advance, $12 day of race; 302-654-6400).
ONGOING Bryn Mawr Running Club Running workouts for all abilities each Tuesday at Haverford College Track, Lancaster Ave, Haverford, 6:30 p.m. Runs of 5, 8, and 10 miles each Wednesday at 6 p.m. and each Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Both at Bryn Mawr Running Co, 828 W Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr (610-527-5510).
Delaware County Road Runners' Club Training runs of 5- to 7-miles each Sunday at Springfield Public Library, 70 Powell Rd, Springfield, 9 a.m. and each Saturday at Harris School, Sharon & Blackstone Ave, Collingdale, 9 a.m. (610-534-2833).
Fast Tracks Women's running club meets for workouts and runs each Wednesday at the Valley Forge Middle School track, Rte 252, Valley Forge, 6:30 p.m., and each Saturday at the Betzwood picnic area in Valley Forge National Historical Park, Rte 23 & N Gulph Rd, Valley Forge, 8:20 a.m. (610-789-3181).
Frontrunners/Philadelphia Gay and lesbian running club (215-545-6990). * Runs of up to 5 miles each Monday at Louis Kahn Park, 11th & Pine Sts, 6:30 p.m. * Runs of up to 5 miles each Wednesday at the northwest corner of Rittenhouse Square, 6:30 p.m. * 5- to 11-mile run each Saturday at the northwest corner of Rittenhouse Square, 9:15 a.m. * Meet for carpool to Boathouse Row for 5-mile run each Saturday at northwest corner of Rittenhouse Square, 19th & Walnut Sts, 9:45 a.m., or behind the Art Museum at foot of Boathouse Row, 10 a.m. * Run along Wissahickon Creek, first Saturday of each month, meet for carpool at northwest corner of Rittenhouse Square, 9:45 a.m.; run starts at Northwestern Ave & Forbidden Dr, 10 a.m. * Women's Run, last Saturday of each month, at northwest corner of Rittenhouse Square, 9:45 a.m.
Valley Forge Striders (215-248-2721). Track workouts for all abilities each Tuesday and Thursday at Conestoga High School, Conestoga Rd, off intersection of Rtes 252 & 30, Berwyn, 6:30 p.m. * Runs of various distances each Saturday at Betzwood picnic area in Valley Forge Park, Rte 23 & N Gulph Rd, Valley Forge, 8 a.m.
