Bike event goddess Ayleen Crotty just let me in on a big secret. She and her other bike fun operatives at Good Sport Promotion — the folks behind the Hottest Day of the Year Ride, the Twilight Criterium and others — have just unveiled details about their big new event for Summer ’07.
The Cirque du Cycling will happen on June 16th in and around Mississippi Street in North Portland.
Here’s the word from the website that just went live a few minutes ago:
“The event will include a Parade, demonstrations, exhibitors, live music, spectacles, tall bikes, mini bikes and 3 criteriums. Bicycle fun for all ages and types that kicks off Pedalpalooza, 2 weeks of bike events. Plenty to watch or take part in.”
According to Ayleen the event was the brainchild of Laughing Planet restaurant co-owner Franz Spielvogel. Ayleen says Spielvogel is an active member of the Mississippi neighborhood and “really wanted to bring something exciting to the streets.”
The criterium race will be only for racing categories 1-3 and will include a special “People’s Race” that will only be open to non OBRA members. The route is not confirmed but will definitely include Mississippi Street.
Ayleen, who is also responsible for the Multnomah County Bike Fair says she’s hopeful for a large, diverse turnout,
“Hopefully the festival atmosphere will draw even non-racing fans into the event and they’ll see how exciting bike racing can be.”
There is also a poster contest being held for the event. Check details on the website.
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Out of curiosity, why only Cat 1-3 for the crit? Spectators love to see crashes, and that’s what we 4s and 5s excel at…
Ha!
The People’s Crit should be fascinating.
BTW, this sounds like a rockin’ event.
What a great idea. Definitely looking forward to it.
I sure hope that by Cat3 and Cat1/2 they are planning for both Men AND WOMEN!
Certainly they would not make the mistake made since the 90’s, with in town criteriums that only certain people can ride.
I remember crits in old town with many more options 1-3’s, 4’s 5’s novice’ citizen.
Crap, just run ’em a little shorter for the inexperienced, instead of cutting em out entirely.
Even a old guy like me could race then.
(Beginner?)
On another note, I think it would be good to have a north Portland event, maybe even replace the Mult Co bike Fair with it…
I wonder if we have anything going on that weekend, now that I think of it…….J/K…
Should be fun for all.
I have a few new ideas for fun, instead of the old derby/ Joust situation, if you care to hear, Ayleen…..
Thanks for getting the word out, Jonathan! We’re definitely excited for the Cirque! The event is still being formed, so expect to hear much more of the coming months.
As to what team I claim affiliation to, sadly no longer MCBF. This year I had to resign as one of the MCBF coordinators (all volunteers). The group of nine (or so) has grown strong and I’m sure the fair will be better than ever this year. I’m looking forward to kickin back on the bleachers!
After the dismal organization and execution of the Portland Century event, and the resultant dodging of responsibility and finger pointing, I find it very hard to get fired up about any event that Ms. Crotty is involved with the planning of.
Sorry, I’ll sit this one out.
it’d be cool to have a trackbike only cat as well.
Uh, your loss, miles2go. You OBVIOUSLY do not know the local event scene and you have no idea what you’re talking about. You probably wouldn’t like the Mult. Co. Fair or this new event because, from what it sounds like, you’re no fun. And these events are/will be FUNNN!
I’m really looking forward to this event because we need more bike street fairs. Yeah, miles2go will miss out b/c he’s a grumpy century rider. get over it man – move on. mistakes happen. and i agree, you don’t know what you are talking about.