About 260 bikers went for a ride around town this past weekend at the 15th annual Swamp Classic.
The two-day road race was sponsored by UF’s bike club Team Florida, the city of Gainesville and local businesses, and races were held for all ages and skill levels.
“It’s like a little moving circus,” said Kenny Duffield, 21, who came by to check out the event. “It’s different. I’m not used to seeing bike culture like this.”
Saturday, cyclists competed in time trial races for individuals and teams in Archer. Sunday, riders peddled along a downtown street course that circled Southeast 2nd Place and Southeast 2nd Avenue between Southeast 1st and 7th streets.
Spectators gathered to cheer on their friends and watch as the pack rounded corners at speeds up to 40 mph.
Phil Gaimon, a recent UF graduate and coach for Team Florida, took first in his professional-level races, winning a total of $500 for the weekend.
“It’s a lot of hard work,” Gaimon said. “It was pretty satisfying to end the weekend on that note.”
