Press Release: Cirque du Cycling Criterium Coming to Mississippi Ave.

Posted by Jonathan Maus (Editor) on June 6th, 2008 at 10:04 am

Bicycle racing in the north Mississippi Avenue neighborhood on June 14th 2008

Hundreds of racers will take to the streets for this inaugural event – Cirque du Cycling Criterium

Portland, Ore. Bicycle racing comes to North Portland for the Cirque du Cycling Criterium presented by Laughing Planet Café, which is just part of a full afternoon of cycling activities that includes a family ride, live music, bike parade, and exhibitors. The event is a benefit for Self
Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding underserved youth to realize their full potential.

This race course is unique because it includes two-way racing along Mississippi Ave – most race courses are not designed like this and this
course allows for spectators to see more of the action up close. The remainder of the course twists through the Mississippi Avenue neighborhood.

“Bicycle racing in an urban setting in Portland is a rare treat, and having it in bustling neighborhood like Mississippi Ave is even better,” said Jim Anderson, Cirque du Cycling Criterium Race Organizer. “Racers are excited to be part of this fantastic community building event, and would like to see huge crowds packing the streets of this great neighborhood.”

Spectators can get up close to the action at any point on the course. Expect to see racers zipping by at 30+ mph and negotiating tight turns along the course. Some highlight spots to view the racers are at the following areas: Start/Finish at Laughing Planet Café on Mississippi Avenue (between Failing and Beech Streets), Mississippi Avenue and Beech Street, Mississippi Avenue and Shaver Street, and on Mississippi Ave between Mason and Shaver streets.

A criterium is a type of bike race held on a short course, often run on closed-off streets. Success in criteriums requires a mix of good technical skills — in particular, the ability to corner rapidly and sharply — and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional fitness to accelerate hard from the corners.

The racecourse along north Mississippi Avenue (between north Mason and Fremont streets) is 1 mile in length. Races start at 6:30 pm on June 14th 2008. Start/Finish area is on Mississippi Ave between Failing and Beech Streets. Entry fee is $10 and $15 day of event. The event is free to watch.

Volunteers are needed and will receive a special event T-Shirt. For more information on the Cirque du Cycling event, cruise over to our website at: www.CyclingCircus.com .

About Self Enhancement, Inc.
Cirque du Cycling is a benefit for Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), a youth development organization that has enriched the lives of youth for 27 years. Working with schools, families, and community organizations, SEI provides opportunities for personal and academic success, serving more than 2,500 inner-city young people and families annually in year-round academic, enrichment, and family support programs. Learn more at www.selfenhancement.org.

About Laughing Planet Cafe
Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Laughing Planet’s five, quick-service cafes offer tasty, affordable, wholesome food in a convenient, family friendly, neighborhood-centric format. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, whole, and organic foods with balanced nutrition. For more information and locations visit www.LaughingPlanetCafe.com.

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