HEADLINER

38th Redlands Bicycle Classic to host races and rides for cyclists of all ages

When to watch and how register below

*Plain Wrap at the Redlands Bike Classic 2023. (Photo: Courtesy of Redlands Bicycle Classic)*

REDLANDS, Calif. – The 38th Redlands Bicycle Classic is gearing up for an exciting display of competitive bike racing starting April 10 and running through April 14.

Thousands are expected to visit Redlands to experience the longest-running continuous invitational professional stage race in American bike racing.

The event will feature a wide variety of activities for both children and adults. Whether you are a racer looking for the heat of competition, a cyclist seeking a laid-back long-distance ride, or a member of the community looking for a fun-filled day, the Bicycle Classic will have it all.

Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14, are packed with professional races and community events.

On Saturday, professional cyclists race through Downtown Redlands, with criterium races beginning at 1:00 p.m. Here's a map of the route.

On Sunday, professional Sunset Road Races start at 10:00 a.m. for women and 2:00 p.m. for men.

For recreational cyclists a highlight of the weekend will be the Plain Wrap Ride on Saturday morning, with registration starting at 6:30 a.m.

Youngsters will also take center stage on Saturday morning for tricycle and bicycle sprints followed by nearly 20 heats of youth races. The events follow a week of school visits by professional cyclists to 32 schools in the community. The annual Stater Bros. Charities School Duel, featuring riders ages 3-17, will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until noon. Day-of registration is available.

In addition to cycling, road runners will have a chance to shine at the mile run, 5K run or Family Fun Walk. These events will kick off the final day of the Classic, with the Redlands Mile beginning at 6:30 a.m. followed by the 5K at 7 a.m.

Keep reading for more details about these events and a link to the full schedule here.

NEWS BRIEF

🚨 Shooting on W Park Ave – A 40-year-old man was critically wounded following a confrontation that erupted into gunfire on W Park Avenue, south of Redlands Boulevard, around 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, according to a press release from the Redlands Police Department. Eyewitnesses and law enforcement officials say that it started when the victim engaged in a confrontation with the suspect. A fight broke out that led to a series of shots fired by the suspect. The suspect was questioned at the scene and found to be in legal possession of the firearm. Read more here.

👟 String of shoe thefts – Redlands Police Department is investigating a string of Nike store thefts. Police say more than $10,000 of shoes were stolen from the Nike store at 27651 W. San Bernardino Avenue between March 31 and April 2. Read more here.

🚒 Local Thai restaurant damaged in fire – Siam Dish restaurant on Redlands Boulevard is recovering after an attic fire last Friday. Redlands firefighters responded to reports of a fire at 656 E. Redlands Blvd on Friday, March 29. When crews arrived after 3 p.m. they found the restaurant's attic and kitchen area on fire, according to an April 2 press release from the Fire Department. Read more here.

👩‍🌾 Agritourism approved – The future of farming in Redlands received a lifeline when Redlands City Council approved additional income streams for local farmers. On Tuesday, April 2, the council unanimously passed ordinance 2961 to allow for more than just farming on areas zoned A-1 Agriculture. This includes areas in the San Timoteo and Live Oak Canyon and smaller groves near the Redlands Municipal Airport. Read more about what it means for farmers and residents here.

🏨 Super 8 temporary housing: The Redlands City Council has given the green light to partner with a local motel to provide temporary housing services. The Redlands City Council unanimously approved an agreement with Swami Suigi Investment Incorporated, doing business as Super 8 Redlands, on Tuesday, April 2, for an amount not to exceed $66,300. The partnership will provide emergency motel rooms for homeless individuals and families as needed. Funding for the contract comes from the recent award of $4,529,069 from the state's Encampment Resolution Funding Program. Read more here.

📵 Hands-free cell phone enforcement: The Redlands Police Department is encouraging residents to "put safety in the driver's seat" this April for Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Throughout April, the police department will actively look for drivers violating the state's hands-free cell phone law. Drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or other electronic communications device while behind the wheel, even when stopped at a red light. Read more about the enforcement effort here.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Redlands Chamber unveils new community-focused lobby

The initiative aims to merge tradition with innovation

*Redlands Chamber of Commerce celebrates the lobby ribbon cutting April 5. (Photo:* *Bruce Herwig**, Courtesy of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce.)*

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Chamber of Commerce proudly unveiled its new lobby, surrounded by city and state officials, local businesses, and residents, during a ribbon cutting on Friday, April 5.

This event marked the return of an old tradition of providing the community with a central hub for information and connection.

The Chamber has established a welcoming space at its headquarters on 1st Street in Redlands to guide visitors around the city and provide residents with resources to get involved in their community.

The refurbished lobby, located at 47 N 1st Street, boasts an array of modern amenities tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents and visitors alike.

Take a look inside the new lobby and how the Chamber is using the space to embrace the future and preserve the past here.