Bicycle races, and introduction to bicycle racing clinics start up for the summer at Portland International Raceway
Bicycle races, and introduction to bicycle racing clinics start up for the summer at Portland International Raceway
Portland, Ore. Summertime at Portland International Raceway on Monday nights means bicycle racing. This year we are featuring clinics to introduce women and men to the sport. Coaches, and experienced riders will be leading these clinics for Men and Women. Clinics run for Men on the 1st Monday’s and Women on the 2nd Monday’s of the month The River City Bicycles Monday Night Race series runs from May 4th to August 31st.
The successful introduction to racing clinics are scheduled for Men on the 1st Monday’s and Women on the 2nd Monday’s of the month (May-August), and will focus on the basics of how to get started in racing. There will be a brief intro talk prior to the race start, and followed by debriefing after the race. Experienced coaches and racers will lead this. Kendra Wenzel of Wenzel Coaching is running the women’s clinic, and Men’s clinic is overseen by Russell Cree of Upper Echelon Fitness. This is a great way to see what racing is all about, ask questions and meet other riders. Clinics will run approximately 30 minutes before the race and 30 minutes after the race. There is no fee for clinics, and riders do not need to race that night. We encourage all riders that are interested in bicycle racing to join as an annual member to the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association.
“The races at Portland International Raceway are a great introduction to the sport of bicycle racing,” said series organizer Jim Anderson, “We had overwhelming success with the introduction to racing clinics in 2008, and wanted to keep that success going. Riders will learn the basics of racing; meet other racers and coaches, in a short concise clinic.”
All levels and abilities are welcomed and encouraged to attend: all that’s required is a helmet, a road bike and a sense of adventure. There are separate races for novice masters men (aged 30+), novice women, and two categories for more experienced master men, and an open women category for women of any age and ability.
The course is a 1.9-mile, flat, wide and smooth paved loop of Portland International Raceway (I-5 Exit #306B) in N Portland. The raceway circuit is closed to all car traffic.
Entry fee is $13 for women and master men, $5 for women under 18. Racers who avoid traffic on I-5 by bike commuting, or taking MAX to PIR receive $1 off entry, and race organizers will donate $1 to the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA), a local non-profit working to make Oregon one of the best places in the world to ride a bike.
Top racers win gift certificates from River City Bicycles each night and for the monthly series, but the emphasis is on learning, improving and getting a great workout in a fun, sociable and exciting environment. Consistent riders in all categories for the season have a chance to win a Showers Pass jacket. Racing starts at 6:15pm on Monday nights May 4– August 31.
