Fast, fun bike racing for all types of riders begins this May at Portland International Raceway
Portland, Ore. Portland International Raceway (PIR) is usually filled with racecars roaring around the track. On Monday nights May 4th thru August 31st, hundreds of cyclists will take over PIR as the River City Bicycles Monday Night Race Series kicks off its 13th season.
“Bicycle racing continues to grow in Oregon, and we see new racers each year trying it out. PIR is a great place to learn about racing,” said series organizer Jim Anderson, “We are adding clinics for novice women and men who want to see what the sport is all about, in hopes of seeing a growth in the novice category. Also, with the addition of the track being easily accessible in N Portland, we expect our great bike racing venue to be packed with racers this summer.”
After the overwhelming success of last year’s clinics, we expanded the offering. The series now offers clinics for Men on the 1st Monday’s and Women on the 2nd Monday’s of the month, 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.
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. Experienced riders from local racing teams are on hand to provide guidance and answer questions. 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 only $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.
