A new road racing series set to debut in April will take place in Portland’s famous International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. The Rose Garden Circuit Race is the latest event organized by Giro Events, the same crew behind last summer’s inaugural Giro di Portland.
Steven Beardsley of Giro Events says it’s been a lot of work to get all the permits for a bike race through the Rose Garden, “But good things usually are not easy.” This is an exciting new addition to Portland’s already packed annual racing calendar. Just imagine evenings spent in a beautiful park, amid bikes, friends and roses, with the Portland skyline just below.
“I think there is a lot of potential for the event and venue for years to come,” says Beardsley, “We just hope that the turnout makes it worth the effort.”
If the success of the Portland’s Mt. Tabor Race Series is any indication, I think the Rose Garden Circuit Race just might nab a healthy following. Beardsley, a very successful racer himself, says he strives to put races in places the public can experience them. As we’ve seen with the massive crowds that turn out for the Twilight Criterium on the North Park Blocks, bike races are great for spectators; and Beardsley adds, “It’s also more fun to race when you have people there to enjoy it.”
The Rose Garden Circuit Race course will take racers on a 1.2 mile loop starting atop the International Rose Test Garden (across from the Japanese Garden) and then down SW Sherwood Blvd to a hairpin turn near the City of Portland’s water reservoir and back up to the garden on SW Rose Park Road. Race entry is $15 and there are categories for men, women, beginners, and experienced riders. More info at GiroEvents.com.