The Observer Newspapers | Grand Prix Rolls Into Reston

June 27, 2008

Grand Prix Rolls Into Reston

By Leslie Perales
Observer Staff Writer

It has been several years since Phil and Tania Steinschneider first started cycling together and the couple's interest in the sport has only grown. "It's addicting," Tania Steinschneider said. "Some days you love it, some days you hate it, but you can't stop doing it."

Tania Steinschneider had been taking spinning classes for a few years, but the couple wanted to find an activity they could both enjoy. Soon they found themselves cycling all over Virginia and the world.

The pair rides at least two to three times during the week and every weekend. Both are members of the Reston Bike Club and they race competitively with a team. Phil Steinschneider races with Evolution Cycling and Tania Steinschneider races with HPC-List.

"Since I was riding so much, my friends said just go there and see what happens," Tania Steinschneider said of her first race a year ago. After placing fifth in that race, she decided that racing in competitions was something she wanted to continue. Phil Steinschneider said competitive racing enticed him as well. "There's a certain adrenaline rush and the idea of winning," he said. The couple also said the desire to improve their placement in each race also keeps them motivated.

Phil and Tania Steinschneider have been spectators at the Reston Town Center Grand Prix in past years, and this year the couple will do more than just watch the race. They both plan to volunteer at the event and Phil Steinschneider will compete in the Grand Prix.

Tania Steinschneider said races are very competitive, but there is a bond that ties all the racers together. "The race can get very serious, but when it's over they share the same love for the sport," she said.

The Reston Town Center Grand Prix bike race will take place Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and races will be held throughout the day on an eight-turn course in Reston Town Center. "This is the seventh year running the race, and each year we learn more and the race gets better and better," said Steve Gurney, a representative for the race. About 500 cyclists will compete in Sunday's eight races, which last between 30 to 90 minutes and are organized by age and ability, Gurney said.

"It's a great venue for spectators because we have a really knowledgeable race announcer who provides live commentary throughout the entire day," Gurney said. "At some points on this course the cyclists are going close to 40 miles an hour. It's pretty exciting."

The race is organized by Evolution, a cycling club that started in 2000, and sponsors include the Bike Lane, a cycling store that will open in Reston Town Center this weekend, and Gold's Gym. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, employees from Gold's Gym will provide demonstrations on fitness techniques and trends, and volunteers from Bikes for the World also will be on hand collecting used bikes. In addition, the Traveling Bicycle Museum will host an exhibit about the history of bicycles from 1816 to today at the Grand Prix.