Friday, May 17
The Wilmington Grand Prix kicks off Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. with the Monkey Hill Time Trial and Kick-Off Party. The time trial is a 3.2-mile race against the clock through Wilmington’s Brandywine Park, with racers departing every 30 seconds, concluding with the fabled climb up Monkey Hill. The Commuter Challenge at Monkey Hill benefits the Urban Bike Project of Wilmington. The family-friendly event will feature live music by What the Funk, craft beer, food trucks, and more.
Saturday, May 18
Grand Prix Festivities move downtown on Saturday, where the Major Taylor Community Ride begins at 11:30 a.m. Now in its third year, the Major Taylor Community Ride celebrates bicycling’s inclusiveness and is open to ability levels. Participation is FREE. Major Taylor's challenges, accomplishments, and life lessons have inspired Major Taylor Cycling Clubs throughout the country, some which will be in Wilmington for this very special community ride. The ride is held on the same Wilmington Grand Prix course that top-tier amateur as well as professional racers will be tackling later that day. It is not a race, and family participation is encouraged; riders can do as many or as few laps as they wish during the thirty-minute event duration while professional announcers recognize participating groups. In addition, many of the racers competing that day will join cycling clubs and the public for this inspirational ride. The ride will kick off the Men’s and Women’s Pro races, followed by two amateur races. All Major Taylor riders must sign a waiver before taking part. Registration is free and open on bikereg.com.
A FREE street festival featuring course cafes, informative vendors, and family fun will welcome spectators to downtown Wilmington between 11:30 and 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19
The Grand Prix continues with the 12th Annual Governor’s Ride and the 11th Annual Delaware Gran Fondo. The Gran Fondo continues to draw cyclists from around the country with 15 states so far this year, including Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Vermont represented. Along with six countries, including Australia, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, and Canada, who will take a scenic tour through the Brandywine Valley. This year’s rides will start at Rockford Park at 8:00 a.m. and take participants through the beautiful Brandywine Valley and some of Delaware’s most-prized cultural attractions, such as Winterthur, Hagley, Auburn Heights, covered bridges, and the Delaware Museum of Science and Nature. For more information visit wilmgrandprix.com.
