There’s Good News: Bend cyclists of all ages invited to hit the course at Cascade Cycling Classic
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For one afternoon, downtown Bend streets, usually filled with traffic, will belong to cyclists of every age and ability.
Organizers of the Cascade Cycling Classic Downtown Criterium are inviting the community to take part in two free family-friendly events on Sunday, June 21, including a new "All-Bikes Ride" and the return of the popular Kiddie Crit.
The events are part of the Cascade Cycling Classic Downtown Criterium, presented by Hayden Homes and Simplicity, which brings competitive cyclists from around the country to Bend each year.
New All-Bikes Ride opens race course to the public
For the first time, the Horner Cycling Foundation is opening the downtown race course to the public through its new All-Bikes Ride event.
Anyone with a non-gas-powered bicycle can participate, including traditional pedal bikes and e-bikes. Riders will have the rare opportunity to pedal two laps on the closed downtown course without vehicle traffic.
The rides are scheduled for 3:05 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. and again from 4:35 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. Helmets are required.
Organizers say the goal is simple: give community members a chance to experience the excitement of the race course, regardless of age or skill level.
Kiddie Crit returns for young riders
Young cyclists will also get their moment in the spotlight during the free Kiddie Crit, which begins at 3:55 p.m.
The race is open to children ages 8 and younger, and organizers emphasize that any bike will do. Every participant will receive a race water bottle and candy before the event, along with a participation medal at the finish line.
Parents must sign a liability waiver between 2:40 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. at the Horner Cycling Foundation and volunteer check-in table on Northwest Minnesota Avenue between Wall and Bond streets.
The race schedule includes:
- 3:55 p.m. — Ages 0-2
- 3:58 p.m. — Ages 3-4
- 4:02 p.m. — Ages 5-6
- 4:05 p.m. — Ages 7-8
Helmets are required for all participants.
A full day of racing in downtown Bend
The Downtown Criterium is expected to draw cyclists from across the country to compete on Bend's technical downtown circuit.
Races begin at 11 a.m. and continue through 8 p.m. The course starts and finishes on Northwest Wall Street near the Tower Theatre before winding through several downtown streets.
Fans will also have a chance to cheer on Bend's own Horner Cycling Foundation Junior Team, which races from 3:25 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Following the Kiddie Crit, runners will take to the streets for the Bend Classic Mile hosted by FootZone at 4:15 p.m.
Volunteers still needed
Event organizers are also seeking volunteers to help with course setup, teardown and course-marshalling duties throughout the day.
The Cascade Cycling Classic is produced as a fundraiser for the Horner Cycling Foundation, whose mission is to create an inclusive junior road cycling program focused on skill development, teamwork and fostering a lifelong love of cycling.
Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the event can visit cascadecyclingclassic.com or contact organizers at molly@hornerlawllp.com.
