More than just a series of bicycle races and rides, the Tour de StrongLand is a two-day, multifaceted, family-friendly celebration of fun and fitness. It wheels through the Alle-Kiski Valley on Saturday and Sunday for the 23rd time, with activities for all levels of ability and plenty more for those who have no desire to work up a sweat.
Western Pennsylvania's oldest and largest citizens' bicycle race retains its format of offering mountain bike off-road races at Roaring Run Trail, Kiski Township, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday; and a series of on-road races beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, with Allegheny Towne Center, Allegheny Township, again serving as the starting and finishing line.
It is there that the Tour de StrongLand takes on a festival atmosphere from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday with a classic-car show, crafts, recorded music and informational and sales booths.
"The Tour de StrongLand helps to show people the variety of activities available in the Kiski Valley, with the multi uses of Roaring Run Trail, the scenery of the road races and the antique cars," says Julia Martin, bike race committee member.
The Tour has had such a long life, she says, because of a core group of dedicated people "and the ability and willingness to adapt to the changing times and try new things."
Frank Amato Jr., race co-chairman, believes the event has survived "because of our volunteers' passion to make this one of the premier races in Western Pennsylvania and also our riders' love of their sport."
He says the Tour represents the regional StrongLand Chamber of Commerce's ability to stage an event tailored to everyone in the community, ranging from the casual weekend rider to the expert off-road mountain biker "to a future up-and-coming road race champion."
From rides for tots and families who want quality time together while they are on the move, to challenging races for expert riders seeking serious competition, it's all there in the Tour, organizers say.
"I think that our local families really appreciate this aspect, and because of it, they encourage the youngest members in their families to get involved in bike riding," chamber president Allan Walzak says.
At its foundation, the tour is about promoting fitness and health, Amato says.
"It makes a lot of us think about what we should be doing, and I think some have actually made lifestyle changes," Martin says.
Walzak hopes that it has encouraged more people to embrace the active life. "It has to add to the personal health and living goals that people set," he says. "I recall some middle-aged and older-aged riders who have told me that they enjoy preparing for the race as much as competing each year."
Walzak says the Tour de StrongLand has become an institution in Western Pennsylvania, bringing attention to Alle-Kiski communities, parks and race sponsors.
"I think it does a great job of getting people to our area who may or may not have visited it," Amato says.
The race is sanctioned by the USA Cycling Federation. The courses, which remain the same as last year, cover parts of Allegheny, Bell, Gilpin, Kiski, Parks, Upper Burrell and Washington townships, and Apollo, North Apollo, Oklahoma and Leechburg boroughs, and the city of Lower Burrell.
Each year, the Tour adds to the anecdotes and stories about racers who simply "win by trying," Walzak says. "Whether or not they actually win a trophy or medallion, they feel that, by trying, they test their own abilities and by doing that, they have accomplished their goals."
Races at a glance
• Saturday
Mountain Bike Off-Road Race
Where: Roaring Run Trail, Kiski Township
Events: "Roaring Run I," 15-mile for experts, age 18 and older, 9 a.m.; "Roaring Run II," 11 miles for intermediates age 12 and older, 9:15 a.m.; and "Roaring Run III," a three-miler for novices, age 9 and older, 11 a.m.
Registration: Begins one hour before each race
• Sunday
On Road Races
Where: Giant Eagle, Allegheny Towne Center, Allegheny Township
Events: Range from "Road Race I" at 10 a.m, for experienced riders over a rolling 37-mile tour of the Alle-Kiski Valley for age 15 and older; to a free children's event at 10:35 a.m., a short distance "race" in the Giant Eagle parking lot for ages 2 to 7 on big wheels, skates and other modes of transportation. A "Kids Race" at the same time is an approximate 1.5-mile loop of Allegheny Towne Center for ages 8 to 12. Helmets are required for all events.
Also: "Men's Road Race II," "Women's Competition Race" and "Mountain Bike I," all at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, for age 15 and older, are 20.8-mile treks over Alle-Kiski roads. Each, except for "Mountain Bike I," has team categories. "Men's Road Race II" includes a tandem class.
Registration: 7 to 9 a.m.
Details: 724-845-5426; www.strongland.org/bikerace.html , strongland@windstream.net
