Busy Bike Weekend Features Historic New York to Riverton Bike Race

Riverton will be home to a big biking weekend.

The Riverton Historic Criterium takes place Sunday. The Criterium is an 8-mile flat course that features six turns and goes through the center of Riverton.

It is a USA Cycling event and begins at 1 p.m. The start and finish of the race, as well as same-day registration is at the Christ Episcopal Church on Fourth and Main streets.

A criterium is a bicycle race usually held on a short course often run on closed-off city streets. These fast-paced events are usually 25-40 miles in length, last between one and two hours, features several corners and gives spectators the opportunity to view most of the race.

Success in criteriums requires a mix of good bike handling skills, in particular the ability to corner smoothly and accelerate quickly, have tactical awareness and a powerful sprint, according to rivertonhistory.com.

A video from last year's ride is attached to this post.

Prior to that race, New York and Riverton will recreate The New York Times Tri-State Relay Race of 1895 on Saturday.

In 1895, The New York Times covered the race. This weekend, interested observers will be able to follow along on Twitter and other social media, according to the report, according to the Burlington County Times.

Organizers warn this is the first time the ride will be held and riders participate at their own risk. Riders must be prepared for an unsupported ride and be prepared to sustain a 15 mile an hour pace over the duration of the entire ride. Helmets are required.

The 100 mile route is available at http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4173576. After the ride, a reception will be held at District Riverton Bistro