Legendary cycling race Paris Roubaix, nicknamed "The Hell of the North," challenges riders with lousy weather, narrow, cobbled roads (pavé), and rabid fans. It's part of the European Spring Classics that usher in the pro cycling season.
For the past 25 years, a small group of Philadelphia riders gather over three Sundays at the end of February and beginning of March to ride their own version of the grueling classic. Don't try to register for the ride because it is completely unofficial and off the grid. You need to know someone who's ridden it or find out through the grapevine.
The ride begins and ends in Chestnut Hill with various sprint zones, rest stops, and drama along the 56 mile route. The crazy course traverses trails in Jenkintown and goes off-road in Lorimer Park. After 9 relatively smooth miles through Pennypack Park, riders emerge from its sylvan safety to the potholes of Frankford Avenue. After avoiding trolley tracks and car doors, classic riders find their way to Delaware Avenue until a right turn on dock street lands them on pavé courtesy of Dock Street. The mandatory loop around City Hall and dash down West River drive culminates in a grueling climb up the Manayunk Wall and an excursion through Fairmount Park's Forbidden Drive. A crazy climb up Valley Green Road and back into Chestnut Hill closes the stage.
Training for the race usually begins with the first day of the race. The GC contenders maintain a fierce but friendly rivalry. Sardines serve as the nutritional supplement of choice.
Local lore states that there are only two kinds of cyclists--those who have ridden the Spring Classic and those who haven't. Which are you?
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