Bucks County Classic: The People Behind the Bikes

By Natalya Bucuy • The Cardinal Contributing Writer

Five races, 1.4 mile course, 8 turns, 90 feet of climbing per lap, and 18 years running. That is the Bucks County Classic in numbers. But for most participants, volunteers, hosts, and spectators of the premier Cycling event in Pennsylvania it’s not about the numbers. It’s about the people and the memories they create together.

Cyclists come from near and far corners of the world to ride the course on the beautiful historic borough streets. Over 10,000 spectators come to Doylestown to watch the race. Volunteers organize and publicize the event and ensure safety on race day. And hosts welcome cyclists in their homes, providing comfortable places to stay.

Rick Millham, a Doylestown native and a long-time race volunteer, together with his wife, Lori, have hosted Gateway Development Cycling, IS Corp, and CWA Racing teams over the years.

“By providing a consistent home for hosting each year we have had the opportunity to get to know the riders and develop a wonderful bond with them,” Millham says. “When my children were younger I wanted them to meet these amazing athletes who leave home to pursue a dream of cycling all year long. Now with our children grown and out of the house it is a wonderful opportunity to fill our home with youthful energy, laughter, and happiness.”

Those bonds and moments of joy go beyond training and prepping days, as athletes share their victories and accomplishments with the family.

“Having a Pro Cycling race in Doylestown is great for our community because it brings the people out to see these amazing athletes compete at the highest levels,” Millham says.

One of the cyclists Mallhams have hosted is Dennis Ramirez Mejia, who has been participating in the event since the addition of Men’s Pro Race in 2014.

“Bucks County Criterium is one of the hardest criterium races in the country due to its demanding course and always changing weather conditions,” Ramirez says. “My best memory is in the 2017 edition when I was able to get 3rd place in the race. That has become one of the highlights of my racing career. I know the race by heart and I have been able to share this with the riders and teams I have met in Doylestown.”

In 2021, another one of Millham’s guests, Paula Munoz, of Chili, won the Women’s Pro Race of the Bucks County Classic. This year, her 16-year-old daughter, Javiera, will join her olympian mom in the race. Her team, CWA Racing’s owner Tish Kelly, plans to attend this year’s event. “My team raves about how well-run the event is and they just love their host housing,” she says.

Major Sponsors Include:

Doylestown Health, The Thompson Organization, Eastburn and Gray PC,

Borough of Doylestown

Supporting Sponsors Include:

Doylestown Health Foundation, Eagle Power Turf & Tractor, Floyd’s of Leadville,

Verge Sport, Jarrett Vaughan Builders, Inc.

Hepatitis B Foundation/Blumberg Institute/Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center,

Marshall Financial Group, Visit Bucks County Pennsylvania, Odyssey Energy Solutions

Community Sponsors Include:

Bucks County Herald, Bike Works, C&N, TD Bank

Bridge Acupuncture, Paper and Leaf Hemp Company

2022 Race Day Schedule: