The 4th is always a fun holiday in Richmond. There are so many options….with kids, without kids. We were doing some prep work for our 3Sports gang and thought we’d share what we found.

* Diamond with the Flying Squirrels We are thrilled to see the Diamond’s fireworks extravaganza is back in full effect this year! We sorely missed the show last year and are stoked that the Diamond and the Flying Squirrels are offering three days of fireworks. Beginning Thursday, July 1st and continuing Saturday and Sunday. Get your tickets now, this is sure to sell out quickly!
* Genworth Financial Celebrate Freedom Concert & Fireworks Kick the weekend off right and head to the Genworth Financial building on W. Broad St. where you and your family will enjoy live music performed by the United States Air Force Heritage of American Band. This event is entirely FREE and includes lots of great activities for kids. After the family fun, listen to music and watch as the amazing fireworks show lights up the sky!
* Brandermill Parade & Fireworks Spend Saturday, July 3rd in one of Richmond’s most enthusiastic neighborhood’s while you enjoy an exciting Fourth of July Parade. The theme, “Batter Up Brandermill” is a tribute to baseball and will feature Grand Marshal Nutzy, the Flying Squirrels’ Mascot. The parade begins at Swift Creek Middle School and ends at Sunday Park. As the parade stops the festivities begin with a watermelon-eating contest, face painting, and balloon sculptures, not to mention all-you-can-eat popcorn!
* Parham Road Independence Day Parade & Festival It may be more convenient for some of us on Saturday to check out the Parham Rd. Independence Day Parade and Festival. Beginning at 10am at Trinity Lutheran Church, this parade will primarily feature people in uniform that you will surely want to tip your hat to as we celebrate our nation’s independence. The festival afterwards will include inflatable games, a dunk tank, great food and live music!
* Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks at Dogwood Dell On Sunday, the 4th, enjoy the beautiful natural setting at Dogwood Dell as you groove to music by local favorite R&B group Bak N Da Day. The music transitions to a carillon concert and closes with patriotic tunes from the Richmond Concert Band. The fireworks will start around seven.
* Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration & Sky-Diving Shows If you have your heart set on celebrating Fourth of July the way you did in your childhood, check out the Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and Sky-Diving Show in Crump Park, Glen Allen. Music, face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo will surely please your inner-child! Watch with excitement as Uncle Sam performs two skydiving shows!

Stay safe and enjoy the weekend whatever you decide to do!

Happy 4th,

The 3Sports Gang

We know it’s a few weeks away but we can hardly wait for the I Love The Tavern Triathlon!  We love this race because of the laid-back atmosphere among competitors; we believe it is actually a party masquerading as a triathlon!   Located at the naturally beautiful Robious Landing Park in Midlothian, VA this race is suitable for many different levels of competitors.

Beginning at 7AM, the race starts off with a 500meter swim in the James River.  Knowing the James, the current will be unpredictable, but it will be warm!   We expect the water temperature to be around 78-84 degrees, so leave the wetsuits at home!  After the swim, competitors will endure an 18.8 mile bike ride along the rural roads heading toward Powhatan County.  As you travel west, you’ll experience a couple hills but the ride back towards Robious Landing Park should be a breeze!  Finally, it’s time to hit the trails!  The 5k run is mostly flat but the route will keep you guessing with lots of turns, don’t worry though, there will be plenty of volunteers to steer you in the right direction and two stations offering thirst-quenching beverages.

Once the race is over, the party begins!  With delicious BBQ from Richmond’s friendliest, yummiest restaurant, the Tavern; you can wind-down in the shade as awards are being handed out for the triathlon.  Don’t forget to bring a blanket to lounge on and we are encouraging people to donate their blankets after the day’s festivities as there will be a collection for charity on site.

The I LOVE  The Tavern Triathlon benefits the Comfort Zone Camp.  This camp offers children a fun and safe place to grieve after the loss of a loved one in a comforting and healing environment.

We know that you will love this triathlon, whether you chose to swim, bike, and run alongside us, or if you simply hang for the post-race party.  Hope to see you there!  Happy trails!

What is éRide?

éRide is Cervélo’s nationwide test ride program. We travel with a Cervélo demo fleet to selected dealers throughout the United States and Canada from April through September 2010.

éRide will be hitting the Richmond region and stopping by our new location on Tuesday, April 20th.  Please come join the fun and take a test ride on some killer bikes!  Our new location: 6241 River Road

The éRide truck is carrying a strong fleet in 2010 with a full size run each of: R3-SL, S3, RS, and P3 models. All bikes are equipped with SRAM Red components, ZIPP wheels, and TestTeam equipment partner products. Cervélo eRide is a great opportunity to ride the same bikes as Cervélo TestTeam and the ride of your life.

How to participate

Register for a test ride:

Find a location below that is convenient for you and hit “register” for this event.

Why register?

Registering online will let us know to expect you at the event, and generates the required waiver. Please note that completing the registration will not guarantee that the particular Cervélo bike model will be available exactly when you arrive as all rides are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Can I test more than one bike?

Of course! You can decide what to test ride by what is available when you arrive, and try all the demo models if you wish.

What should I bring?

Your completed waiver, an ID, and a credit card are required to test ride. You should also bring your helmet, shoes, and pedals. We will have a limited number of helmets, shoes, and pedals if you do not own any, or forget them.

Is there any cost to test ride?

No, the demo ride is free. However, we do hold on to your ID and credit card as our insurance you will return the bike. All riders must sign a waiver granting Cervélo SA the right to charge their credit card for any damage incurred during their participation in éRide.