Race Organizers Prepare for Annual Riverview Grand Prix

Four years ago, Ed Grystar and Pat Lyons, local Oakmont bicycle racers and members of the Three Rivers Bicycling Club, were looking for a way to promote their town as a vibrant, healthy community and their hobby as a popular, fast-paced event enjoyed by both young and old. 

It was from this idea that the “Riverview Grand Prix” was created and, four years later, the event has not only grown exponentially, but it has also become an activity that residents and cyclists look forward to each year.

Grystar is anticipating another great race when cyclists take on the Riverview course this upcoming Sunday, May 29, and he hopes that this year will draw even more racers and the general public to view the event.

“Those attending for the first time this year will get to see what bike racing is all about," Grystar said. "It is a spectator-friendly race as you get to see the participants on each lap.  It’s exciting and fast!”

The Riverview Grand Prix will follow a .8 mile loop beginning at the Oaks Theater on Allegheny River Boulevard. The races are United States Cycling Federation (USCF) sanctioned and all cyclists are licensed, racing in their respective divisions.  Grystar said that one-day licenses are available on race day for those interested in the entry level competition.

“Racers are categorized by their skills.  Entry and intermediate levels are numbered 4 and 5, more experienced racers are categorized as 3 and 2, with the highest being a category 1, which is just below a professional racer.  This year we are pleased to add a separate junior (under 19) and women’s competition,” Grystar said.

The Grand Prix will include three races: one for the category 4 and 5 racers, one for women and juniors, and one for the category 1, 2 and 3 racers.

“Last year we had close to 100 racers in two events and with the junior and women’s competition this year we are hoping for more than ever,” he said. “Participants will get the opportunity to race a beautiful course, closed to traffic, and utilizing the whole street.  Plus the level of prizes to the winners is being expanded with the help of high-level donations from Dirty Harry’s Bicycles to all of the races.”

Rounding out the Riverview Grand Prix festivities will be the popular kids' races.

“Last, but certainly not least, is the popular ‘kids' races,’ which have separate competitions for the youngest racers up to age 12. These are held before the final race and each child receives a packet of coupons and freebies from local merchants,” Grystar said.

Winners of the kid’s races will also receive additional prizes and the race winners will be eligible to win a bicycle from Dirty Harry’s in Verona.  Free bicycle safety checks will also take place at 3:30 p.m.  Music and live commentary of the races will also be part of this year’s Grand Prix.

For cyclists interested in participating in this year’s Riverview Grand Prix, there will be day-of registration at 1:30 p.m. at the Oaks Theater or registration forms can be found online at www.riverviewgrandprix.com.

Grystar said hosting a successful event wouldn’t be possible without the sponsors, volunteers, and the Oakmont Borough police and public works departments. He added that volunteers are still needed to help out this year to help marshal the streets during the race. The volunteer shifts are typically two-hours long; lunch and T-shirts will be provided for all volunteers.

Interested volunteers should contact Dolly Provenza at provenza53@comcast.net.  All other questions can be directed to Ed Grystar at egrystar@aol.com.