San Juan Man Competes in Handcycle Time Trial

Stroke survivor Fermin Camarena, 59, of San Juan Capistrano, was pumped Thursday.

He was one of many athletes and military veterans from across Southern California and as far away as Tampa, Fla. who took part Thursday in the 29th Redlands Bicycle Classic Handcycle Time Trial at Big Bear Lake.

"Nice day, fresh air what more you could ask for?" Camarena said before he entered the start gate.

The Redlands Bicycle Classic is billed as an all-volunteer organization comprised of community members who seek to promote of cycling and its benefits in Redlands and its surrounding communities, race officials said.

The event was founded in 1985 by a community group to promote awareness of downtown Redlands.

The first day of racing, Thursday April 4, featured the time trials on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.

Friday April 5 features road racing in Beaumont and Cherry Valley, with a start/finish on Sixth Street eastof Beaumont Avenue, about 15 miles east of downtown Redlands via Interstate 10.

Saturday April 6 features the criterium circuit in downtown Redlands and 28 categories for public racers, from 3-year-old tricycle riders to men and women 45 and older.

Sunday April 7 features the Sunset Road Race, from downtown to twisting hillside climbs and descents - 9 laps for the women's 68.1-mile course, and 12 laps for the men's 94.1-mile course.

Teams represented in the 4.3-mile race against the clock included Paralyzed Veterans, Roger C. Peace Para-Cycling, Hincapie Sportswear, and Team PossAbilities based in Loma Linda.

Results from Thursday's time trials and downloadable, printable maps of the primary race routes are at this link.

For more details, visit www.redlandsclassic.com.

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