During Bike the Bricks on Friday, May 22, Downtown McKinney will be converted to a racetrack as more than 500 cyclists from around the globe take over downtown at speeds up to 40 miles per hour in continuous races throughout the evening.

Presented by Alfa Romeo FIAT of McKinney, Bike the Bricks has become the largest one-day cycling race in Texas and features closed-course interval races, food, craft beer, festivities and a purse worth more than $25,000.

New and improved 

Austin natives Jamestown Revival will headline the concert with a performance starting at 9:30 p.m. on the Mellow Mushroom stage located on Louisiana Street. This year, free live music has been added to the entertainment. A full list of musical acts can be found on the city’s website, www.mckinneytexas.org.

A beer garden featuring handcrafted ales from the Texas Hill Country by Real Ale Brewing Company, and food trucks like Cajun Tailgators, Ruthie’s Food Trucks, Steel City Pops, Mad Grill Pan Asian Fusion, Spoons Café, and Cousins Main Lobster, which was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, has also been added to this year’s lineup.

Bike the Bricks is the largest one-day cycling race in the state. Bike the Bricks is the largest one-day cycling race in the state.[/caption]

Attendees can catch a new perspective thanks to a jumbotron screen located on Virginia Street to provide up-close footage of the races along with play-by-play coverage broadcasted around downtown. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating along the race route.

VIP tickets are available for purchase and offer premium access of the races, barbecue dinner, and two drink tickets, however remaining tickets are limited. The are available on a first come, first served basis and can be purchased for $40.

Event Details

Cyclists will begin warm up laps at 2:30 p.m. The race begins at 3 p.m. Admission to the event is free and free parking is available throughout the eleven parking lots surrounding the downtown square.

Free shuttle service to the event, provided by TAPS, will run from 4:30–11 p.m. Guests  may park at Sheraton McKinney, 1900 Gateway Blvd., and TAPS shuttles will deliver riders to the intersection of Virginia and Chestnut Streets in downtown McKinney every 30 minutes.

The event is hosted by McKinney Main Street in partnership with McKinney Velo, a local competitive cycling organization. For additional information about Bike the Bricks, including volunteer opportunities, contact McKinney Main Street at 972-547-2660 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com.