Uphill Time Trials Thursday Open 27th Redlands Bicycle Classic

The 27th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic opens Thursday with individual time trials on an uphill course in Redlands.

The results will determine starting positions in the Beaumont road races on Friday, race director Eric Reiser said.

The time trials on Thursday start at 10:40 a.m. for women and 12:10 p.m. for men. Riders will begin at 30 second intervals, according to race officials.

The event, which begins on Highland Avenue east of Redlands Boulevard and finishes on Sunset Drive near Panorama Point, is set up to test riders' hill-climbing ability.

Recommended viewing locations include the start on Highland, the corner of Highland and Ford Street, the corner of Ford and Reservoir Road, the hill on Wabash Avenue from Interstate 10 to Sunset Drive, and the finish line on Sunset, race officials said.

Road racing begins Friday with Stage 1 of the Classic in Beaumont. The start and finish are at 6th Street east of Beaumont Avenue.

- PossAbilities Handcycle Circuit Road Race starts at 7:45 a.m.

- City of Beaumont Circuit Road Race for Men starts at 9:15 a.m.

- City of Beaumont Circuit Road Race for Women starts at 9:25 a.m.

The circuit loop in Beaumont covers 24.1 miles. Men will ride 5 laps to total 120.5 miles, and women will ride 3 laps to total 72.3 miles, according to race officials.

For more information about volunteering for the Beaumont stage, call the City of Beaumont at (951) 769-8520. Information is also available at www.ci.beaumont.ca.us and www.redlandsclassic.com.