This is my first year living here during it as well... I'll be going out of town saturday morning and coming back sometime sunday... what should I expect as far as driving goes? Can I get in/out of my house? I live on Green, just down from Silverwood.

A bunch of crazy cats get drunk and bring all sorts of insane contraptions that they attempt to ride down the wall. They gather at the intersection of Manayunk & Lyceum Ave. It turns to Lyceum at Fleming. It's a sight to see. For 2 + years, I lived right at that intersection where my apt was above Masons Grocery so I could go out on top of his roof for the best view. They pretty much go flying off their 'vehicles' after 100 yards. It's hilarious!

If you are returning during race time on Sunday, you will probably have a hard time finding a parking spot near Green Ln and Silverwood. I live near Hermitage and Mansion, and the parking is tight even up here (and the police use this opportunity to go on a ticket writing spree). If you return later in the afternoon, you should be OK. A lot of visitors tend to clear out pretty quick when the race is over.

This is one of those days when people who live in the affected areas basically should just relax and enjoy and not try to go anywhere by car or transit. It's like July 4 on the Parkway - it's fun and low-stress if you don't set yourself up for problems by trying to *be* anywhere. Just enjoy the thrill of a big city event and the camaraderie of your neighbors.

Actually, I have my own parking spot behind my place on Green, so parking wasn't what I was concerned about. Just driving. I didn't know if the street would be closed and I couldn't get to my place. The travel can't be avoided though... I'm from upstate NY and my family is having an event I need to attend. I'm just trying to make things as smooth as possible. What time does the bike race start and end?

As someone who is new to the area what are the times of each event?

The durby and the race?

I'm planning on having all the food and drinks I need by tonight and just sitting out the weekend.

Midnight on Saturday is the "Downhill".

I believe the actual bike race starts at 9 am on Sunday. Of course, you have to wake up earlier than that to start drinking!

I'm making fresh Margaritas!

I'm hoping to bump into you on the hill, then!

I had people over last year at my old residence on Green Lane come in from northwest of the city and had take 76 east to get to my place. They told me that 76 was a parking lot between 7am and 2pm. It took them an hour and a half to get from KOP to my place. Plus there is the construction at the Conshy curve that isn't finished, so one can only imagine how bad traffic will be.

That being said, rumor has it that this might be the last year for the bike race. It might be worth the trip back to the Yunk. Good luck.