Brooksville Cycling Classic Adds More Events

The Classic is part of the Sunshine Grand Prix, a weeklong series of Tampa Bay races

Brooksville, Florida – The 7th Annual Brooksville Cycling Classic will be held next weekend (April 1 and 2) in downtown Brooksville.

The Classic, a series of downtown criterium races held in Brooksville since 2010, is part of the Sunshine Grand Prix, a week-long series of Tampa Bay area races expected to attract competitive cyclists and cycling enthusiasts from around the state.

The event is expanding this year to include community cycling, fitness and spectator activities for just about everyone. This year’s additional activities include a Brooksville Main Street Fitness Expo and three local touring rides; the 8-mile Good Neighbor Leadership Ride, the 22-mile Lake Lindsey Spin, and the 63-mile Croom Forest Metric Century Ride.

Good Neighbor Leadership Ride: Beginning at 10 a.m. April 1, Hernando Sheriff Al Nienhuis and other local leaders will spearhead an out-and-back ride to the end of the Good Neighbor Trail in Brooksville, starting from Russell Street Park. This ride is designed as a no-stress rolling community get-together promoting exercise and safety. This 8-mile, flat course makes a perfect activity for families and for those new to cycling. No charge. T-shirts available for purchase while supplies last. To register, call Ann-Gayl at (352) 540-6817 or go to surveymonkey.com.

Lake Lindsey Spin: Beginning at 8 a.m. April 1 at the Hernando County Courthouse parking lot, this casual group ride follows a route north from the end of the trail to Lake Lindsey Road. Includes a rest stop at the famous Lake Lindsey Mall. Distance: 22 miles. Price: $20, includes T-shirt. To register, go to raceroster.com.

Croom Forest Metric Century: Beginning at 8 a.m. on April 1 at the Hernando County Courthouse parking lot, this ride includes some of the most scenic roads in Hernando and seldom-explored leg through the lake country of Citrus County. Riders will travel from the end of the trail north to Croom Road, east through the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, and points north. Distance: 63 miles (100-plus kilometers). Price: $25, includes T-shirt/ To register, go to raceroster.com.

The Pro 1-2: Beginning at 1 p.m. April 1, this 70 minute race has been added to a national race series. Spectators will enjoy the excitement of watching top flight riders race through the streets of downtown Brooksville in hopes of winning the $3,000 purse.

Fitness Expo: Join in on April 1 for music and food, booths for health- and fitness-related vendors – including gyms, bike shops and nutrition professionals. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Main Street in front of the Historic Hernando County Courthouse. For vendor information, contact Ryan at (352) 540-6409.

For additional information on events and registration, visit the Brooksville Cycling Classic Facebook page at facebook.com or contact Laura at 352-293-1100.