Jim Anderson
Women¹s bicycle racing at Portland International Raceway grows at 2009
series
Introduction to bicycle racing clinics are a huge success with record number
of riders attending clinics
Portland, Ore. This summer at Portland International Raceway we started a
clinic series that ran on the 2nd Monday¹s of each month (May-August). These
clinics were created and developed over the past couple years, and were
implemented this year. The goal has been to introduce potential women
bicycle racers to the sport and give them a place to learn the basics in a
positive atmosphere. We were overwhelmed by the success and the turnout. The
four clinics introduced on average of 10-15 women riders each clinic to the
sport of bicycle racing.
³Just a few years ago we were seeing a downturn in women at bicycle races in
Oregon, and many racers were wondering why,² said Jim Anderson, Race
Organizer. ³We came up with the idea to help grow the sport from the bottom
up and get more women excited about bicycle racing hopefully the momentum
will keep going!²
³I love working with the beginner women because you can't help but be
reminded of what it was like to experience the rush of hanging in the pack
for the first time or sprinting for the line and going harder than you ever
imagined you could go. So many of the women are afraid of being dropped
their first time, and instead find that they can stay with the group and are
actually contesting at the end.² says Kendra Wenzel, coach of
www.wenzelcoaching.com and clinic leader.
We will continue to grow the clinic series and look forward to offering it
for new women riders in the 2009¹s series.
High-resolution photos of the clinics and racers are available free of
charge - please inquire. OR see
All levels and abilities are welcomed and encouraged to attend: all that¹s
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, two categories for more experienced masters men, and an open
women category for women of any age and ability.
The course is the flat and wide 1.9-mile loop of Portland International
Raceway (I-5 Exit #306B).
Entry fee is only $13 for women and masters (aged 30+) men, $5 for women
under 18. Racers who avoid traffic on I-5 by bike commuting, carpooling or
taking MAX to PIR receive $1 off entry, and race organizers will donate $1
to the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, 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 Lakeside Bicycles) nightly and for
the monthly series, but the emphasis is on learning, improving and getting a
great workout in a fun, sociable and exciting environment. Racing starts at
6:15pm on Monday nights
May 5 August 25. More information at: www.racemondaynight.com
.
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