Jim Anderson

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.

³Bicycle racing in an urban setting in Portland is a rare treat, and having
it in bustling neighborhood like Mississippi Ave is even better,² said Jim
Anderson, Cirque du Cycling Criterium Race Organizer. ³Racers 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.²

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 Planet¹s 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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