Crowds pack Manayunk streets for return of Philadelphia Cycling Classic

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is a moment spectators say they have waited years to see.

"I've been hearing about this race back from 10- 15 years ago when I was a racer myself. This was my first time actually being here," said Lauren Costantini from Boulder, Colorado.

Costantini made sure she was at the cycling hotspot, AKA, the Manayunk Wall.

"This wall is impossible to climb, said Vincent Better of Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Fans watched and cheered as the cyclist zoomed by and tackled the infamous 17% grade hill.

Diana McWilliams was able to watch it from her front door.

"It was just so cool to hear; you could hear people cheering up the street as they came by. It was just really awesome to watch them," said Diana McWilliams of Manayunk.

Besides spectators, another thing this race is historically known for is the watch parties.

People packed their porches along Levering Street to watch the bikers up close.

One group threw a motorcycle-themed party.

"Two-wheeled brethren. Biker for Biker," the homeowner said.

This race brought out the characters and romance.

"Kate just moved to Manayunk 20 years ago, and we met at Kildares, and the next day we saw each other at Bike Race. We've been together ever since; now we have three kids and bringing them to the bike race!" said Ned Clark of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

This race means so much to so many people.

Fans say they hope this becomes a yearly tradition, once again.