'Tour de Crystal Lake' Races into City This Sunday

No need to travel to abroad to watch exciting bike racing. 

Cycling pros, semi-pros, and amateurs will descend upon Crystal Lake this Sunday, July 14, for the first-ever "Tour de Crystal Lake." The tour is not a leisurely ride through the countryside. It is a series of races - broken down into time and gender categories - and the streets of downtown Crystal Lake are the track.

"The bikers will be racing around a course," said Michelle Rentzsch, director of planning and economic development for Crystal Lake. "These are timed events. It's high excitement to watch."

The tour is part of the Prairie State Cycling Series, and is being hosted locally in part by the city of Crystal Lake, the McHenry County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Crystal Lake Park District.  

City leaders said this type of bike race typically provides increased revenues for area businesses including restaurants, hotels and shops. 

The action is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the starting (and finish) line located by the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams Street.
 
From there, the racing route is as follows:
West on Crystal Lake Avenue
North on Grant Street
Northwest on Brink Street
Northeast on Minnie Street
Southeast on Woodstock Street 
South on Williams Street to finish line at Raue Center for the Arts.  

The public is invited to come out and cheer on the racers. Roads for the race will be closed to motorists, but parking is available on nearby streets and parking lots. 

Spectators choosing to bike to the downtown area can corral their bikes at Wheel Werks Bike Valet, located at the Home State Bank parking lot on Grant and Brink streets). 

Other Events for the day include:

Family Fun Expo Area

The Crystal Lake Park District is hosting a Family Fun Expo Area in the parking lot near Brink Street. The expo will have family-oriented games and activities. A bike rodeo is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where kids can test their biking skills and learn how to be safe while riding.

Beer Garden and Stage at The Cottage

Located at The Cottage, corner of Crystal Lake Avenue and Grant Street.

1 to 3 p.m. Jimmy Nick and the Mamas Band
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dangerous Joe's Band
6 to 8 p.m. Hans and the Hormones Band

Family Fun Race

The park district is also hosting a Family Fun Race for riders of all ages who want to get in on the action. Participants must register in the Expo area by the start of the family ride. 

Live Acoustic Music at the City Gazebo

Watch the race, and listen to "some of the area's best up and coming musicians." at the downtown gazebo near the Metra station along Woodstock Street.

Art of the Bicycle

The Raue Center for the Arts will have more than 30 custom and vintage bicycles exhibited. Bicycling-related art featuring paintings also will be displayed. A cash bar and refreshments will be available. No admission fee.