Attention racers!  On your mark.  Get Set.  Cycle!

Father’s Day marked the 44th annual Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic.  A community event where cyclists of all ages and skill levels race the loop around Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem.   Races are between 10-30 laps around the park and have some decent prize money for the winners.

I have attended the race as a spectator twice.  There is no better way to spend a weekend afternoon watching people in the neighborhood congregate around the track and on their stoops, heat up charcoal for their BBQs and enjoy some high quality racing.

If you are traveling to New York in June or live in the city and have never attended this race, it is worth the a few hours of your time.  As a bonus intermission event, there a Bromton bike commuter race which was definitely a crowd pleaser.  It was 10 all out laps in full professional corporate gear – suits and dresses.

Always be on the lookout for neighborhood and community events in the city, you might be so impressed they become an annual tradition for you and your friends.