The PossAbilities Para-cycle Race Series in conjunction with the 32nd annual Redlands Bicycle Classic is happening April 7 through April 10.
Loma Linda University Health PossAbilities, powered by Quest Diagnostics, was recently chosen to receive a grant by the United States Olympic Committee for clearly demonstrating the vision of the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation by providing opportunities and improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries.
The grant will help offset expenses for the Redlands Bicycle Classic PossAbilities Para-cycling Race Series, with PossAbilities serving as the designated host for the 2016 United States Paralympic Cycling Series event.
“We are very thankful to have been chosen for this grant,” says Pedro Payne, PhD, director of PossAbilities. “The additional funding will allow us to lend financial support to many challenged athletes who would otherwise not be able to participate in this event.”
Payne continued, “We invite our entire community to come out and support these cyclists because they are an inspiration to us all. They really show us that physical limitations are no match for an athlete’s desire to excel!”
The event this year involves four stages of racing to include a road race in Yucaipa on Thursday, April 7; a time trial in Highland on Friday, April 8; and two criteriums in downtown Redlands on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10, respectively.
A “Learn to Ride Clinic” for all ages and open to the public will be held in the parking structure located across the street from 107 E. Citrus on Sunday, April 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Race schedule:
• Thursday, April 7 – Stage 1, PossAbilities Para-cycle Circuit Road Race (all classes)
Start at Sunnyside Drive north of Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa.
Distance: 1.7-mile loop for 12 laps (20.4 mile max)
Start time: 9:00 a.m.
• Friday, April 8 – Stage 2 , PossAbilities Para-cycle Time Trial (all classes)
Start at Greenspot Road at Santa Paula Street, Highland.
Distance: 5.3 miles
Start time: 10:30 a.m.
• Saturday, April 9 – Stage 3, PossAbilities Para-cycle Criterium (class H & recumbent only)
Start at Citrus Avenue in downtown Redlands
Distance: 1.0 mile circuit for 30 minutes
Start time: 1:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 10 – Stage 4, PossAbilities Para-cycle Criterium (class H & recumbent only)
Start at Citrus Avenue in downtown Redlands
Distance: 0.65 mile circuit for 30 minutes
Start time: 3:05 p.m.
For more information on PossAbilities, visit teampossabilities.org.