June 10, 2008

The King of Lemon Hill

  On June 8, Philadelphia was the site of one of the most challenging one-day races ever held on U.S. soil. The Phildelphia International Classic turns this hard-working city into an amusement park. On a 15-mile course, pro men rode 10 laps, completing the 156 mile race in 98 degree heat and 90% humidity.



The View


Knowing the importance of this race for the East Coast, we at SCOTT decided to throw one of the biggest outdoor parties this traditional race has ever seen. There are two climbs at this race. One of them is called The Wall and the other is called Lemon Hill.



The Spectators


SCOTT hosted more than 400 guests at Lemon Hill, with food provided by La Costiera, a famous Italian restaurant and great friend to SCOTT. The guests enjoyed the race from prime real estate as the riders came by and launched their attacks on the steep hill. At the party, spectators also had the opportunity to watch the rest of the race live on television monitors that were set up at the party site.



Watching the final sprint with friends


“This is a way to give back to the cycling fans, our dealers and their employees in Pennsylvania,” said Bart Passanante of SCOTT. “This gives us a chance to get together around good food and refreshments and catch up with each other in a very friendly setting, a bike race! I would like to thank Breakaway Bicycles, La Costiera and the Caso family, and Tanya Wildonger for all their time and effort”



Our friend and sponsored athlete Barry Lewis shared his photo gallery with us. To see how the day progressed, please click here and watch the slide show.



Bart Passanante of SCOTT


We are hoping to have a bigger and better get together next year. Stay tuned!
Thank you Philly…


Here is a feedback from one of the guests on his blog:

“We watched the race from Lemon Hill. Through her team, Tammie scored passes for SCOTT Bicycle's VIP party, which was set next to a sweet section of the course. It was nice to be around other local amateur racers, much better than the drunks at Manayunk or the crowds at the Art Museum.

The biggest perk of Scott's section was its location under the biggest tree of the hill. With the temperature just short of the record at 98˚F and the overbearing humidity, it was a blessing to sit still in the shade.

The other big perk was the live-feed on the big-screen TV. During the last three laps on the finishing circuit we'd take turns between cheering on the breaks by the fence and watching the coverage under the tent.

Out of the 200-plus riders who lined up for the Philadelphia International Championship, only 81 finished.

See? Even the pros get dropped.”