Crit Season Has Arrived

photo courtesy of Erik J Mills

Even though it may not seem like June, summer is upon us–and if you’re involved in racing that means crit season has come! What are these crits I speak of? Criteriums (a.k.a crits) are bike races held on a short courses (typically less than 3 miles) and are often located on closed-off city center streets. This style of racing is much more spectator friendly because of its high lap counts and relatively close to town locations.

Locally, there are weekly criteriums at the Greenhill Technology Park off Terry Street right here in Eugene. Every Tuesday at 6:30pm, local racers come out to show what they are made of. For a reasonable $15 anyone can participate, or just come out and watch people who loves bikes as much as yourself (for free!). They even have a “kiddie kilo” where kids 12 and under can race on the same course as their older counterparts (warning: kids racing is adorable and may bring on signs of happiness).

If traveling by bike (why would you not?), simply head west on the Fern Ridge Bike path. When the path intersects with Datalogic’s parking lot just keep heading straight and you will run right into Terry Street. By car, simply head west down 11th street. Terry is two stoplights past the Beltline; turn right. All the information for the races can be found at the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association’s webpage or by stopping by any local bike shop.