VIP tickets for Philadelphia cycling

Seeking some extra cash to help keep the wheels rolling, the organizers of Sunday's TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship are offering up-close-and-personal VIP tickets for the first time in the race's 25-year history.

At $100 each, the Gold VIP tickets include front-row seating at the start/finish line, catered food and beverages, credentials for special access around the course, free parking, and shuttle-bus transport to wherever you need to go.

VIP ticket holders may also win one of 10 rides in the race's official pace car, as well as attendance at a special appearance by one of the race's top riders. There is also a Silver-level VIP ticket for $75 that includes some of the same perks.

Patron packages for corporate and personal entertaining are also available.

For more information on the ticket packages, go to www.procyclingtour.com and click on VIP credentials or patron packages.

Philly Fun Ride. Cyclists 12 or older can ride the course before Sunday's 9 a.m. start time - 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. - by registering for the Philly Fun Ride. It can be done in advance online through Friday at www.procyclingtour.com. Click on the Philly Fun Ride banner.

The fee is $40 per rider for advance registration, $50 on the day of the ride. Riders of all ability levels are invited. Helmets are mandatory, and riders will receive snacks and an official Embrace the Race T-shirt.

For day-of registration for the Philly Fun Ride, go to the main staging area at Kelly Drive and Sedgley Avenue, just below the Art Museum, on Sunday, beginning at 6 a.m.