A Woman's Race to the Top
by Audrey Malloy
This coming May, Women's Woodstock Cycling Grand Prix will bring a new meaning to the term, “fight like a girl.” While the public is used to seeing men vastly represented in the field of sports, the Grand Prix will celebrate the ladies this coming May. The race, planned for 2nd, is an approximately 60.3-mile excursion through the Catskill Mountains offered exclusively to women. This is no stroll in the park, however; professional and veteran cyclists will flock to our humble abode to endure some of the most beautiful yet challenging trails in the Northeast.
While the Grand Prix is a feat too challenging for the rest of us, a Family Fun Ride will also be offered to less-experienced yet enthusiastic cyclists, regardless of gender or experience. The Fun Ride is a competitive 6.2 mile race beginning at 9:30 A.M on Saturday, May 2nd, on Rock City Rd. in Woodstock. Boys and girls as well as grown-ups are welcome and encouraged to come out and tour the Catskill Mountains as they're meant to be viewed: on two wheels.
If uphill climbs and rocky terrain don't sound intriguing enough, a celebratory Block Party will be held on Saturday immediately after the cyclists cross the finish line at Mountain View Studio, off of Rock City Road, in Woodstock. With the help of Ulster Savings Bank, the party will provide a chance for cyclists and spectators alike to honor the competitors and celebrate over free food, refreshments, and music. Donations will be accepted to support the Woodstock Fire Department for all their efforts to ensure safety throughout the race.
With the race approaching in just under seven weeks, the WWCGP team is calling all community members to lend a hand in supporting our female athletes. It is very rare that a community as small as our own is honored to host something as profound and progressive as one of two women's bike races of this caliber in the country. Up to par with races such as the Tour of Gila and the The Epic Gatineau Parc Grand Prix, the WWCGP team urges locals to take part in something that not only commemorates the beauty of our home, but also the talent and strength of our women! If you are interested in volunteering and becoming a part of the team, visit our website (http://wwcgp.weebly.com/volunteer.html) and like us on Facebook.
