When the starter’s pistol goes off for the Beverly Area Planning Association’s (BAPA) 16th Annual Beverly Hills Cycling Classic on Fri., July 20, riders and spectators alike will be checking out an all new race course and festival location. The start/finish and festival grounds are moving to the St. Barnabas parish parking lot, 101st and Longwood Drive, Chicago, and the new 1.54 kilometer criterium course takes riders in a loop through the historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood from Longwood Drive to Seeley Avenue, between 100^th and 102nd Streets. The new course includes the hills and thrills that attract pro/am riders from around the globe to this race.   

The first day of racing in the Prairie States Cycling Series Intelligentsia Cup, the local event features six exciting pro/am races sure to provide plenty of action for spectators all around the race course. Racing starts at 4:15 p.m., and the Intelligentsia Cup features top-level professional and elite amateur athletes. New to the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic this year are two juniors races. The competitions also include a Masters’ race, women’s race and two men’s races.

The Bikes and Brews festival opens at 4 p.m. and features craft beers from Lagunitas and other favorite breweries including Open Outcry Brewing and Horse Thief Hollow. There will be plenty of food, a kids’ zone, live music following the races, and lots more. The suggested donation for admission to the Bikes & Brews festival area is $5 and supports BAPA’s community-based programs.

For information on the event, becoming a Bikes and Brews sponsor or donating primes for rider prizes, call BAPA, 773-233-3100. bapa.org/events/bikes-brews