Fitchburg Longsjo Classics to include a host of events

Mike Steidley will be back again this year for the Workers' Credit Union Downtown Criterium on Sunday, July 6, with his Extreme Bike Stunt Show at Putnam Place, on Boulder Drive, in Fitchburg. COURTESY PHOTO

In addition to four days of cycling competition over the Fourth of July week, the Fitchburg Longsjo Classic is hosting a series of family events starting with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday night, July 2.

"Our goal is to complement the four days of incredible racing with family fun activities. There is something for everybody," said George Gantz, senior vice president of Unitil and president of Fitchburg Cycling Club. The race this year coincides with Fitchburg Civic Days.

The Best Western Royal Plaza in Fitchburg, the official race headquarters, will host an All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Buffet from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, in conjunction with the Opening Ceremony. Tickets for the dinner are $12.95 in advance or $15.95 at the door. To reserve tickets, please call (978) 342-0002.

The Fitchburg Longsjo Classic will be distributing a limited number of free passes for the Wachusett Mountain SkyRide, for Friday's race, at the Downtown Fitchburg Block Party, Thursday, July 3, which will be in full swing with antique cars, music, food and dancing from 5 to 11 p.m. In addition, fireworks are planned to go off around 9 p.m.

On Friday, July 4, at 10 a.m., the 49th Annual Fourth of July Parade kicks off from the Bernardian Bowl on Summer Street and proceeds to Main Street and up to the Upper Common.

The First Congregational Church in Princeton Center is also hosting a Food Feast on Friday, July 4, that includes breakfast, a barbecue and an all-you-can eat pasta dinner that is coordinated with the Wachusett Mountain Road Race, a grueling course that includes a 104-mile pro men's race.

In addition, Wachusett Mountain Ski Area will be operating the ski lift chair so spectators can take it to the top of the mountain to watch the finish of eight different races. Gantz noted that anyone who donates a used bike on Friday, July 4, which will benefit the Boys and Girls Club and Worcester Earn-A-Bike, will receive a free SkyRide to the summit and a t-shirt.

Fitchburg State College is hosting a barbecue on Saturday, July 5, during the Circuit Race, which is a 3.1-mile loop past the college on Pearl Street. According to Gantz, hot dogs and hamburgers will be served by Chartwell, which will set up at the intersection of Pearl Street and Highland Avenue.

Ride to the Race, for Sunday, July 6, is also back this year. Recreational cyclists can take the MBTA train to Fitchburg with their bike, ride self-guided routes from 16- 70 miles, watch the race, and have access to secure bike parking, hot showers and coupons for merchandise and food. The cost is $20 and benefits the Pan Mass Challenge.

A host of activities will be taking place at Putnam Place, Boulder Drive, in Fitchburg, on Sunday. The Welcome Center will include: a rock climbing wall, Mike Steidley Extreme Bike Stunt Show in the early afternoon, Frisbee shows with Todd Brodeur, face painting, games and other activities. In addition, Outback Steak House will be selling food.

For the more adventurous, a Community Citizen's Race is on Sunday, July 6, as well. Riders will race five laps on the world-famous criterium course. The proceeds from the race registration will benefit fitness programs at the Boys and Girls Club, which will also be participating with its own ride around the course.

The cost to participate is $30 and is limited to 50 rider. Registration for the event is online at www.longsjo.com.

More information on most of these events can be found at www.longsjo.com.