Loma Linda University Health PossAbilities to Host U.S. Paralympics Cycling Series at Redlands Bicycle Classic

LOMA LINDA >> The PossAbilities Para-cycle Race Series in conjunction with the 32nd annual Redlands Bicycle Classic is happening April 7 - 10. Loma Linda University Health PossAbilities, powered by Quest Diagnostics, was recently chosen to receive a grant by the United States Olympic Committee for clearly demonstrating the vision of the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation by providing opportunities and improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries. The grant will help offset expenses for the Redlands Bicycle Classic PossAbilities Para-cycling Race Series as a designated host for the 2016 United States Paralympics Cycling Series event. “We are very thankful to have been chosen for this grant,” said Pedro Payne, PhD, director of PossAbilities. “The additional funding will allow us to lend financial support to many challenged athletes that would otherwise not be able to participate in this event.” Payne continued, “We invite our entire community to come out and support these cyclists because they are an inspiration to us all. They really show us that physical limitations are no match for an athletes’ desire to excel!” The event this year involves four stages of racing to include a road race in Yucaipa on Thursday, April 7; a time trial in Highland on Friday, April 8; and two criteriums in downtown Redlands on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10, respectively. A “Learn to Ride Clinic” for all ages and open to the public will be held in the parking structure located across the street from 107 E. Citrus on Sunday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Race schedule: • Thursday, April 7 – Stage 1, PossAbilities Para-cycle Circuit Road Race (all classes) , start at Sunnyside Drive north of Oak Glen Rd., Yucaipa , distance: 1.7 mile loop for 12 laps (20.4 mile max), start time: 9 a.m. • Friday, April 8 – Stage 2, PossAbilities Para-cycle Time Trial (all classes), start at Greenspot Rd. at Santa Paula Street, Highland, distance: 5.3 miles, start time: 10:30 a.m. • Saturday, April 9 – Stage 3, PossAbilities Para-cycle Criterium (class H & recumbent only), start at Citrus Avenue, Downtown Redlands, distance: 1.0 mile circuit for 30 minutes, start time: 1:30 p.m. • Sunday, April 10 – Stage 4, PossAbilities Para-cycle Criterium (class H & recumbent only) start at Citrus Avenue, Downtown Redlands, distance: .65 mile circuit for 30 minutes, start time: 3:05 p.m.