Redlands Bicycle Classic, April 9-13, relies on volunteers who open their homes to riders traveling from across the country and beyond.
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Redlands Bicycle Classic, April 9-13, relies on volunteers who open their homes to riders traveling from across the country and beyond.
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Bicycle Classic is calling for more host families to welcome cyclists for the 2025 event, set to take place April 9-13. The longest-running continuous stage race in the U.S. relies on volunteers who open their homes to riders traveling from across the country and beyond.
Dave and Christi Coy have been hosts for the past eight years, opening their Redlands home to four cyclists annually. The couple, both avid bike enthusiasts, learned about the program through local connections and word of mouth. Their guests have come from across the United States, as well as Scotland, Mexico and Canada.
“One of our guests was a Scottish cyclist who reminded us so much of Sean Connery—his movements, his voice,” Christi Coy recalled. “We’ve also had riders from Mexico and Canada."
The cyclists fix their own breakfast and bring all of their food. Christi Coy noted how much rice the cyclists brought for their meals.
The Coys enjoy the camaraderie of race week. Their daughter, Angela, who lives along one of the race routes, even hosts a viewing party with tacos and other food for the cyclists after their laps. One former guest, Sam Boardman, has remained a close friend over the years.
Marian and Jere Chrispens of Yucaipa have been hosting cycling teams for the past three years and will welcome another team in 2025. The couple, longtime bicycle enthusiasts, enjoy getting to know the riders and learning about their backgrounds.
“We had a good time getting to know them and a little bit about where they came from,” said Marian Chrispens. “They were a delightful group, full of energy and laughter! We were impressed with their service to the Redlands community. While here, they visited several schools in Redlands to promote good living and exercise.”
The event’s host housing coordinators are seeking additional hosts in Redlands, Highland, and Yucaipa. Volunteers can host two to four riders or an entire team. Teams are used to sharing a room. Hosts are asked to provide:
Meals and cleaning services are not required.
Robyn Purves, one of three host housing coordinators and volunteers with the
Bicycle Classic, needs more area residents to welcome the race teams to their homes for the whole week of April 6-13.
At the March 6 meeting of the classic committee, Purves said her committee
needs beds to accommodate four-person cycle teams in Highland, Yucaipa and
Redlands.
Residents can accept two to four riders or a full team if they have room and residents can specify if they want women’s teams or men’s teams.
“Most of them couldn’t afford to come to town without this amazing gift of housing,” said Scott Welsh, media coordinator for the RBC. “And there’s a bonus—what kid in America can say they had to give up their bedroom for a week to an Olympian or a world champion?”
Residents interested in hosting can contact Purves and her fellow coordinators at:
Robyn Purves: Robyn4RBC@gmail.com
Shannon: Shannon4RBC@gmail.com
Stacey: Stacey4RBC@gmail.com
The 2025 Redlands Bicycle Classic, presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, will bring professional and amateur cyclists to the region for the country’s longest-running continuous stage race.
Since its inception in 1985, the Redlands Classic has hosted some of the top names in road racing, earning the moniker “Where Legends Are Born.” The five-stage event is back for the 40th anniversary with new races and expanded opportunities for local participation.
April 9 – Toyota of Redlands Time Trial
The event opens with an 11.2-mile individual time trial at Lake Perris State Recreation Area. The women’s professional race begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the men’s event at 12:30 p.m.
April 10 – Trek Bikes Onyx Summit Road Race
Riders will take on a challenging climb to 8,000 feet on Highway 38, starting from Hangar 24 Craft Brewery. The men’s race covers 75.5 miles, beginning at 9:30 a.m., while the women’s 56.1-mile course starts at 10:45 a.m.
April 11 – Redlands Community Hospital Crafton Hills Road Race
New to the Classic, this course begins near Crafton Hills College and features laps through the hills of Yucaipa. The women’s pro race (41.4 miles) starts at 8:30 a.m., and the men’s pro race (55.2 miles) follows at 10:45 a.m. Junior races will also take place, with distances ranging from 27.6 to 36.8 miles.
April 12 – Downtown Redlands Criterium & Legends’ Fondo
Cyclists will compete on a one-mile downtown circuit, with professional women racing at 2:20 p.m. and men at 4 p.m.
New this year is the Servpro Legends’ Fondo, a non-competitive ride with four routes ranging from 22 to 70 miles. Two-time Classic champion Phil Gaimon will lead the 70-mile “Oak Glen Challenge.”
The Stater Bros. Charities Public Races will also return, offering local youth a chance to race in Downtown Redlands. School Duel registration is open for ages 3-18.
April 13 – Sunset Road Race & Family Fun Walk
The final day includes the Crafton Hills College 5K Run/Family Fun Walk at 7 a.m. and the Community Alliance Medical Group Sunset Road Race, with women racing 68.1 miles at 10 a.m. and men covering 91.1 miles at 2 p.m.
Additional criteriums will be held for juniors, masters, and novice riders.
Registration is open for various race categories, including professional, junior, and public participation events. More information is available at redlandsclassic.com.
For those interested in vendor opportunities, details are available here.
Community Forward Redlands is providing special coverage of the Redlands Bicycle Classic as an in-kind Gold Pedal media sponsor.
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