Today is the 125th anniversary of Seattle’s first bicycle tournament. So it’s fitting that this weekend, our city is also host to the 2013 North American Cycle Courier Championships.

Seattle happens to be home turf for the reigning world champion, Craig Etheridge. No pressure…

There are events all weekend, but the main race is Sunday. Here’s the tentative NACCC schedule:

Friday July 5th 2013.

ALL DAY – REGISTRATION at Judkins Park.
FOOD will be available at the park for all who have registered.

1100 hrs – Tour of Seattle Group Ride, Judkins Park.
1300 hrs – Group Photo at Judkins Park.
1100 – 1930 hrs – Bike Polo, ABUS Quicklock competition, Foosball and other bike games.
2000 hrs – Group ride from Judkins to The Canterbury for the July DBB ride and alleycat.
2100 hrs – DBB ride and alleycat, The Canterbury.
2200 hrs – Goldsprints, location still TBD
2200 hrs – REGISTRATION, maybe.

Saturday July 6th 2013.

1000 – 1200 hrs – REGISTRATION at HQ on the main race course.
1200 – 1600 hrs – Main event qualifiers, Magnolia Light Industrial area.
1600 – 1800 hrs – Course clean-up, we can use your help.
1700 – 1900 hrs – Messenger Forum at Peddler Brewery, 1514 NW Leary Way.
1800 – 2000 hrs – Eat some food.
2000 hrs – Meet up at Gasworks Park.
2100 hrs – Group ride to the Lake Union Loop alley cat start.

Sunday July 7th 2013.

1200 hrs – MAIN RACE START.
Do not be late, don’t even be on time. Be early and ready to have you brain and legs crushed.
1200 – 1600 hrs – North American Cycle Courier Championship Main race.
1600 – 1800 hrs – Course clean-up, we can use your help.
1900 hrs – Food and Final Messenger Forum at the Belltown Underground.
2000 hrs – Doors open at awards party, Belltown Underground.
Photo Booth, two bands.
Valet bike parking provided by ABUS Mobile Security.
2200 hrs – Closing ceremony and awards, Belltown Underground.
More bands and mega partying.

One obvious omission from the schedule: Fancy riding. In July 1888, the Queen City Cycling Club hosted famed fancy rider Prince Wells at the first Seattle bicycle tournament. From History Link:

On July 5, 1888, the Queen City Cycling Club holds Seattle’s first bicycle tournament, featuring entries from all over Washington Territory and Oregon.

Participants include Prince Wells, “whose skill as a fancy rider is well known throughout the Union.” Prince Wells was brought in at “great expense” as a celebrity cyclist.

Events of the tournament also included a five-mile “bicycle vs horse” race.