On April 27, the roads in and around Mt. Gretna will be filled with cyclists vying to win the 2019 Tour de Gretna.
The event will have riders racing clockwise along the nearly 10-mile course, which can be seen above.
During the races, roads will remain open with riders utilizing a yellow line rule. For each wave of the three scheduled races, a lead car will drive ahead of the peloton. An official on a motorcycle will follow the peloton making sure that no riders cross over the yellow line. Should a rider wind up off of the peloton, they will follow the typical rules of the road.
The race will have as many as 15 auxiliary police personal stationed at intersections along the courses route, to both look out to the safety of riders and help direct motorists off of the course.
Ultimately, this will create a safer racing environment for riders, while at the same time minimize inconveniences to drivers.
Each race consists of 3-6 laps of the course. Every lap will see riders navigating over 600 feet of climbing.
The first wave of riders will embark at 9am with different divisions beginning at separate times throughout the day.
According to race organizer Bill Gentile, the Tour de Gretna’s course is a very safe option for club cyclists that want to try their hand at racing, but may not meet the traditional qualifications.
This has prompted the Tour de Gretna to feature a 40+ category, as such a category will allow for participants to acquire a one-day license from USA Cycling.
The Tour de Gretna is a Pennsylvania Cycling Association BAR event, and is also the Masters’ State Championship for riders hailing from Pennsylvania.
Even if you don’t find yourself ready to hop on a bike and ride as many 60 miles, the Tour de Gretna still has plenty to offer for spectators.
Near the start-finish line there will be a spectator tent with live-streaming of the races, food, and a cart beer garden.
Following the race, weather permitting, podium photos and awards will take place at the Mt. Gretna Hideaway outdoor deck with a live band from 4-7.
Part of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of Stacey memorial fund. This fund, which is in memory of Stacey Pennington, works to provide educational programs and activities at Gretna Playground.
More information about the Tour de Gretna, including the start times for specific racing divisions, can be found by visiting the Tour de Gretna website.
Those looking to register to participate in the Tour de Gretna can do so here. To get a sense of what it’s like, check out this 2016 video of the race.
Edit: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the Tour de Gretna travels along its course counter-clockwise.
