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Robin Carpenter grew up a block away from the Manayunk Wall, and on Sunday he'll return to Philadelphia to conquer it in the Cycling Classic. 

Driving the news: Carpenter, 34, rides for Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, which sports a maroon and gold jersey. 

Flashback: Carpenter, who now lives outside Boston, has experience with the Philly course besides growing up in the city. 

He raced in the previous incarnation of the Classic from 2013-16. 

State of play: Carpenter said that while he's nearing the end of his career and not a favorite, several of his teammates are capable of winning and his goal is to help them to victory. 

What he's saying: "It's a hometown race for me," he said. "A lot of riders never get that." 

We asked Carpenter questions about cycling in the Philly region. 

❤️ Favorite bike routes or trails in the region?

Answer: Schuylkill River Trail going toward Valley Forge.  

This is a staple for any cyclist in the region. It's easy, accessible and safe, offering a long stretch of pavement that's relatively flat. 

Also: The backroads of Main Line neighborhoods, particularly Bryn Mawr and Gladwyne. 

There are so many different roads to take that offer challenging hills, low traffic and great scenery that you'll never do the same route twice. 

✅ 1 must have for a long ride (besides water)?

Changing a tire is something every cyclist should know how to do. It's not fun getting stranded. 

🗣️ Advice for someone looking to get into cycling? 

It'll take you places that you'll never be able to get to or think about going to in a car. You can see so much more of where you live than you do from inside a vehicle. 

It's all about the journey rather than the destination. 

1 Philly cyclist to root for in the Cycling Classic

"It's a hometown race for me," he says. "A lot of riders never get that."

Three cyclists in burgundy kits stand with their bikes on a podium; the center rider waves as a man at a nearby podium smiles, with historic buildings in a city square behind them.

Robin Carpenter of Team Modern Adventure Pro Cycling, center, will take part in Philly's bike race this weekend. Photo: Dario Belingheri/Getty

Robin Carpenter grew up a block away from the Manayunk Wall, and on Sunday he&#x27;ll return to Philadelphia to conquer it in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cycling Classic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/28/cycling-classic-race-what-to-know-bike" data-vars-content-id="5085137b-eed9-4b4e-9f83-8fb7e1a9f73a" data-vars-headline="1 Philly cyclist to root for in the Cycling Classic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/28/cycling-classic-race-what-to-know-bike" target="_self">Cycling Classic</a>. Driving the news: Carpenter, 34, rides for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Modern Adventure Pro Cycling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.maprocycling.com/riders" data-vars-content-id="5085137b-eed9-4b4e-9f83-8fb7e1a9f73a" data-vars-headline="1 Philly cyclist to root for in the Cycling Classic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.maprocycling.com/riders" target="_blank">Modern Adventure Pro Cycling</a>, which sports a maroon and gold jersey.

Sports

Culture

Southwest Philly's Francis J. Myers Recreation Center has a $27-million new look.

Why it matters: It was a much-needed glow-up for the nearly 150-year-old rec center  — and one the biggest investments of Philly's massive Rebuild program.

Driving the news: The three-story rec center in the Kingsessing neighborhood, which was built in 1878, got a fresh layout, lighting and fuel-efficient infrastructure.

Elected officials and community members ceremoniously opened the renovated rec center yesterday. 

Indoor gym with a tall white ceiling and exposed beams. A blue fabric hangs from the center rafters while kids run across a polished basketball court with blue wall padding and hoops.

The newly redone basketball court inside the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center. Photo courtesy of the City of Philadelphia

💠 2 cool things to come: Artist Reginald Adams is installing two brightly colored, glass and porcelain tile mosaics in the coming months. 

A garden-themed mosaic is going up outside the new gymnasium, stretching 1,000 square feet across several panels.

Another 15-by-9-foot tree mosaic will go up in entranceway.

Split view of a modern building exterior with tall vertical mosaic panels of flowers and faces, and an interior wall mosaic of a colorful, swirling tree with butterflies.

These two big mosaics from Reginald Adams will can soon be found at the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center. Rendering courtesy of the city of Philadelphia. 

First look: $27M rehab of Kingsessing rec center

It was a much-needed glow-up for the nearly 150-year-old rec center  — and one the biggest investments of Philly's massive Rebuild program.

Exterior of Francis J. Myers Recreation Center: dark tiled wall with large white letters, bright yellow canopy, stone facade, glass windows, sidewalk and greenery on a sunny day.

The front entrance of the newly rehabbed Francis J. Myers Recreation Center in Kingsessing. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia

Southwest Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Francis J. Myers Recreation Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phila.gov/programs/rebuild/project-sites/francis-j-myers-recreation-center/" data-vars-content-id="59663d54-5b67-4530-89e6-7f4bca9c9996" data-vars-headline="First look: $27M rehab of Kingsessing rec center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phila.gov/programs/rebuild/project-sites/francis-j-myers-recreation-center/" target="_blank">Francis J. Myers Recreation Center</a> has a $27-million new look.Why it matters: It was a much-needed glow-up for the nearly 150-year-old rec center — and one the biggest investments of Philly&#x27;s massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rebuild program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phila.gov/programs/rebuild/" data-vars-content-id="59663d54-5b67-4530-89e6-7f4bca9c9996" data-vars-headline="First look: $27M rehab of Kingsessing rec center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phila.gov/programs/rebuild/" target="_blank">Rebuild program</a>.

Things to Do

News

Newcomers Guide

🏮 Last call! Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square ends its summer run on Sunday. Besides the 1,000+ light installations, nightly performances include juggling acts, head balancing and fountain show. 

Tickets: $16-$32 (kids under 3 years old are free)

🍿 Grab the popcorn and a blanket for outdoor movies this weekend in Point Breeze tonight, Norris Square on Saturday and West Philly on Sunday. 

🍽️ Don't sleep on Graduate Hospital's Restaurant Week. Running through Sunday, you can find dinner specials for $30-$45 at several participating restaurants. 

🎉 It's Fourth Friday along South Street. 

Check out art shows, hear live music and score discounts at businesses in and around the commercial corridor. 

🦅 The Eagles are at the Linc in South Philly to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason game on Friday at 8pm. 

🥳 This week's Firstival celebrates the creation of the Slinky. 

So head to the the American Philosophical Society near Independence Mall from 11am-1pm for family friendly activities and giveaways. 

🇮🇩 Philly's Indonesian Festival is set for Saturday from 11am-5pm at the Fleisher Art Memorial in Bella Vista. 

Enjoy authentic eats, live music and street dancing. 

🎊 Calling all students!  Close out August with a back-to-school themed street festival at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 

Count on food trucks, pop-up exhibits, live music and vendors. 

🚲 The Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns to Philly this weekend for the first time in a decade. 

The women's race beings at 8:30am on Sunday, followed by the men at noon, where they will ride around a 14.4-mile circuit from the art museum up to Manayunk and Roxborough. 

Also check out a fan festival on Saturday (10am-5pm) and Sunday (8am-5pm) near Eakins Oval. 

women's race beings at 8:30am on Sunday, followed by the men at noon

Philadelphia weekender: Cycling Classic, Eagles and outdoor movies

Fill out your social calendar with these can't-miss events.

Illustration of a line of briefcases followed by a suitcase with a pair of sunglasses and a hat on it

🏮 Last call! <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chinese Lantern Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://phillychineselanternfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="8fb645a5-48aa-4998-8e25-5945902938d4" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Cycling Classic, Eagles and outdoor movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phillychineselanternfestival.com/" target="_blank">Chinese Lantern Festival</a> at Franklin Square ends its summer run on Sunday. Besides the 1,000+ light installations, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nightly performances" data-vars-click-url="https://phillychineselanternfestival.com/must-see/" data-vars-content-id="8fb645a5-48aa-4998-8e25-5945902938d4" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Cycling Classic, Eagles and outdoor movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phillychineselanternfestival.com/must-see/" target="_blank">nightly performances</a> include juggling acts, head balancing and fountain show. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://hpi.ticketapp.org/portal/product/59/events" data-vars-content-id="8fb645a5-48aa-4998-8e25-5945902938d4" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Cycling Classic, Eagles and outdoor movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hpi.ticketapp.org/portal/product/59/events" target="_blank">Tickets</a>: $16-$32 (kids under 3 years old are free)</li></ul>🍿 Grab the popcorn and a blanket for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor movies" data-vars-click-url="https://scribe.org/street-movies-2026" data-vars-content-id="8fb645a5-48aa-4998-8e25-5945902938d4" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Cycling Classic, Eagles and outdoor movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scribe.org/street-movies-2026" target="_blank">outdoor movies</a> this weekend in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Point Breeze tonight" data-vars-click-url="https://scribe.org/SMpointbreeze" data-vars-content-id="8fb645a5-48aa-4998-8e25-5945902938d4" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Cycling Classic, Eagles and outdoor movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scribe.org/SMpointbreeze" target="_blank">Point Breeze tonight</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Norris Square on Saturday" data-vars-click-url="https://scribe.org/SMNorrisSquare" data-vars-content-id="8fb645a5-48aa-4998-8e25-5945902938d4" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Cycling Classic, Eagles and outdoor movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scribe.org/SMNorrisSquare" target="_blank">Norris Square on Saturday</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Philly on Sunday" data-vars-click-url="https://scribe.org/SMWestPhilly" data-vars-content-id="8fb645a5-48aa-4998-8e25-5945902938d4" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia weekender: Cycling Classic, Eagles and outdoor movies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scribe.org/SMWestPhilly" target="_blank">West Philly on Sunday</a>. <ul><li>Shows begin at 7:30pm. </li></ul>

Philadelphia now has its very own cruise terminal.

Why it matters: It brings a big new industry to Philly, primed to draw thousands of tourists, create jobs and generate an estimated $300 million in statewide economic output annually.

The big picture: There's no better time to get into the cruise business.

After a record year in 2025, the industry continues to grow, Axios' Kelly Tyko reports. Spending on cruises rose across all income groups during the first four months of this year — while flights and hotels saw some spending dip.

Plus: Cruises are one of the travel industry's most resilient sectors.

Driving the news: The Cruise Ship Terminal will serve as the homeport for Norwegian Cruise Line, allowing passengers to embark from and return to Philly. 

Location: On the Delaware River next to the Philadelphia International Airport in what is technically Delaware County's Tinicum Township. 

The terminal is a partnership between the Port of Philadelphia and the Norwegian Cruise Line's parent company. 

State of play: City and state officials will gather at the new terminal at 11am Thursday for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. 

Meanwhile, 20 cruises have already departed from Philly while construction of the terminal has faced delays.

The Norwegian Jewel made its inaugural call in Philly in April, marking the return of cruise service for the first time in more than 15 years.

While construction was ongoing, cruisegoers had to use a shuttle to get to the terminal. Going forward, passengers can go directly to the terminal for check-in and luggage drop-off.  

🧳 Plan your trip: Cruise destinations include Bermuda, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Canada and New England on the Norwegian Jewel or Pearl.

Then in the summer of 2028, voyages on the Norwegian Gem will add destinations to Bermuda and the Atlantic Coast.

By the numbers: Norwegian has committed to running at least 41 annual sailings out of Philly through 2033.

The Philly cruise terminal is projected to generate roughly 2,150 direct and indirect jobs, per the PhilaPort.

Worth noting: The new terminal has the potential to draw additional cruise lines to Philly. 

Between the lines: The return of cruises to Philly could boost local hotels, restaurants and other businesses. 

That's because passengers are encouraged to arrive in the region a day or two before their voyage sets sail. 

What they're saying: Martin O'Rourke, a PhilaPort spokesperson, tells Axios that the new terminal "puts Philadelphia on the map in the cruise industry." 

"It shows that we are a key market along the East Coast for passengers to enjoy," he added. "Additionally, it stands to be an economic engine for the region."

$300 million in statewide economic output

Philly's new cruise port is ready for prime time

White cruise ship with colorful, swirling artwork on its hull docks at a calm harbor; distant city skyline and a blue sky with wispy clouds glow with evening lights.

The Norwegian Jewel docks in Philadelphia before a recent voyage. Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Philadelphia now has its very own cruise terminal.Why it matters: It brings a big new industry to Philly, primed to draw thousands of tourists, create jobs and generate an estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$300 million in statewide economic output" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philaport.com/the-port-of-philadelphia-welcomes-norwegian-cruise-line-with-inaugural-call-of-norwegian-jewel/" data-vars-content-id="b43059bc-6462-4269-a091-93aa0e48c6a6" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s new cruise port is ready for prime time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philaport.com/the-port-of-philadelphia-welcomes-norwegian-cruise-line-with-inaugural-call-of-norwegian-jewel/" target="_blank">$300 million in statewide economic output</a> annually.

Travel

Top cyclists from around the globe will race in Philadelphia this weekend.

Why it matters: The Cycling Classic is the biggest one-day professional bike race in the U.S., and it's expected to draw 100,000 fans to the city.

The big picture: The classic catapults Philly back onto the map for the sport.

That's because the Union Cycliste Internationale, the international governing body for cycling, has sanctioned the race, as well as USA Cycling.

The teams competing are a mix of different professional levels, including those in the highest tiers.  

Driving the news: On Sunday, a pair of separate races (male and female) will showcase elite riders speeding around a 14.4-mile course on city streets running from roughly the Philadelphia Museum of Art up to Roxborough.

Teams will compete for $75,000 purses for each race.

Plus: A free Fan Fest is set for Saturday (10am–5pm) and Sunday (8am–5pm) at the Iroquois Sculpture near Eakins Oval. 

On tap are mini-bike courses, cycling-related activities, eats, drinks, merch and live music.  

Flashback: The race has deep roots in Philly.

The Classic was held here annually starting in 1985 until its last run in 2016, when the race was mothballed due to lack of sponsorship.

Between the lines: Philly native Carlos Rogers, a hairstylist and co-owner of Hush Salon in Old City, was the driving force behind reviving the race, along with his partners Eric Robbins and former Mayor Michael Nutter.

What they're saying: Philly is already a cycling city, but the Classic will likely boost interest in the sport even further, Rogers tells Axios.  

"If there's one kid that sees these riders go by … then maybe it will inspire them to get a bike and get into bike racing," said Rogers, a former amateur cyclist who competed in the Philly 1994 Cycling Classic. 

The intrigue: Whether the race will happen next year is TBD, Rogers says. 

Yes, but: We'll find out in September when UCI reveals its 2027 race calendar.

🏁 Start and finish lines: On Benjamin Franklin Parkway near 22nd Street.

⭕ Full circuit: After the Parkway, riders will head up Kelly Drive and Ridge Avenue, then turn onto Manayunk's Main Street before climbing "The Wall," then head onto Pechin Street and Manayunk Avenue in Roxborough, after which they'll go back along Kelly Drive and Reservoir Drive. 

⚬ Smaller circuit: Along Kelly Drive and around Lemon Hill.

The Manayunk Wall: This intense climb on Levering Street and Lyceum Avenue has the potential for race-defining moments where riders can break away from the pack. 

"Fall from the Wall": At the summit of the Wall, riders descend down Pechin Street and Manayunk Avenue, where they will likely reach their fastest speeds (~50 mph). 

🚴‍♀️ The women's race: 8:30am Sunday start time

Four full laps, then two smaller circuits running from the Parkway to Lemon Hill — totaling 62 miles.

🚴‍♂️ The men's race: Noon on Sunday 

Eight full laps, then two smaller circuits (120 miles).

Women's teams: 21, of which 3 are WorldTour (the top professional tier)

Team countries: 10, including USA, Germany, Italy and Mexico.

🗣️ Cycling lingo to know: Peloton: The main group or pack of riders riding together.

👀 IRL: Set up anywhere along the circuit. Plus, the Schuylkill River Trail along Kelly Drive will remain open. 

Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns after 10-year hiatus

The Cycling Classic is the biggest one-day professional bike race in the U.S.

Crowd-lined street at a cycling race finish; cyclists in colorful jerseys race past cheering spectators, barriers, blue banners, a red stop sign, and a Dexter St sign with 50 meters marker.

Philly will once again host a big cycling race. Photo: Jonathan Devich/Getty

Top cyclists from around the globe will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/09/17/philadelphia-cycling-classic-returns-in-2026-with-manayunk-wall-cash-prizes-for-pro-cyclers" data-vars-content-id="d63542b2-95b7-4eba-8af9-25bbd560038f" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns after 10-year hiatus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/09/17/philadelphia-cycling-classic-returns-in-2026-with-manayunk-wall-cash-prizes-for-pro-cyclers" target="_self">race</a> in Philadelphia this weekend.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cycling Classic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philadelphiacyclingclassic.com/" data-vars-content-id="d63542b2-95b7-4eba-8af9-25bbd560038f" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns after 10-year hiatus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philadelphiacyclingclassic.com/" target="_blank">Cycling Classic</a> is the biggest one-day professional bike race in the U.S., and it&#x27;s expected to draw 100,000 fans to the city.

Mike D'Onofrio

Featured stories

Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns after 10-year hiatus

1 Philly cyclist to root for in the Cycling Classic

Philly's new cruise port is ready for prime time

Philadelphia weekender: Cycling Classic, Eagles and outdoor movies

First look: $27M rehab of Kingsessing rec center