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| The start and finish line on Northampton Street, just below the circle, packed with enthusiasts. |
Easton is one of many river towns that dot both sides of the Delaware. According to the New York Times, it is undergoing a transformation as a "refuge" for double-platers from NY and NJ escaping higher home prices and taxes. So is the entire Lehigh Valley and that's no reason for celebration because they drive up prices and taxes here. But there's something more going on in what was once called Fishtown. I was there for Saturday night's packed Twilight Criterium, a series of events throughout the afternoon and evening eclipsed by a criterium for professional male and female cyclists. The place was packed, not just with cycling fans like myself, but with people just out to enjoy a pleasant evening. There was high energy and lots of smiles, especially since the booze was flowing freely. Moreover, the shops and restaurants along Northampton and Third Streets might actually be nicer than those you'll find at Lambertville or New Hope, and with a lot less snobbery than you'll find at other high-end locations. Easton has arrived.
What the hell is a criterium, you might ask. Most cycling races are for long distances on roads from one city to another, usually lasting for several days. The Giro d'Italia, for example, was a 19-stage race on roads, cobblestones, mountains and gravel. Fans along the route get to see the riders once as they go by in a blur. In contrast, a crit is a short race along city streets with numerous turns and multiple laps. Fans can see the riders every time they lap the course.
Though the crits were the main event, the day was packed with events for everyone. There was a free fun ride along the course, a foot race for runners with cash prizes and even a wheelie competition
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| US Crit Champion Coryn Labecki |
The winner of the Women's Pro Criterium, EF Education - Cannondale's Coryn Labecki, had just won the USA National Crit in West Virginia. In her two decades of racing (she started at age 11), she has garnered 74 national titles on the road, time trials or at crits. She may be only 4'11' but is a cycling heavyweight. She would go on to win the Tour of Somerville yesterday.
Unfortunately, I had to leave before the men's race, which started with some rain. If you were there, feel free to share what you thought.
Easton has really bounced back from what it was 30-40 years ago. It's a good walking city with lots of small businesses and pubs and restaurants. Garlic Festival and events like the Criterium are unique. Adding the D&L Trail into the mix adds to the appeal.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, New Hope is snobby. Plus. the restaurants are not as good.
I wasn't in the area the first time Salami Pinto was mayor but it seems his second stint he has been a good mayor and deserves some credit for the rebirth; unlike that crazy woman on currently on council.
Would have been nice to some sort of local news about it. I must have missed any upcoming event news info. Will have to keep track now.
ReplyDeleteIt was simply awesome.
ReplyDeleteThe event was wonderful. Busy but not so many people that you felt overwhelmed. The stores seemed to benefit from the foot traffic. Cannot speak to parking as we walked down.
ReplyDeleteI cannot speak to parking either. I took a bus into town. I wanted to ride down and back but was advised by my eye doctor to hold off until Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in the LV my entire life. Easton is not a destination city. Never has been. The only reason I ever go to Easton is to go to the courthouse.
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