Race Info

The Indie Hops Mt. Hood Cycling Classic is returning for the 2010 season in full force!

The event  provides racers from a broad range of age, fitness and skill levels to compete and enjoy the tremendous cycling opportunities the area has to offer. The venues of Mt. Hood, Hood River and the Columbia Gorge provide some of the most spectacular and scenic roads of any race anywhere. Welcome and enjoy!

The event consists of 6 stages, 2 in Portland, 4 in and around the Columbia River Gorge! Again, will prove to be some of the toughest racing in the US! Both road races will consist of big miles and even bigger elevation gains as rider will be taken from the rich farmland of the upper Hood River Valley up into the foothills of Mt. Hood. Six climbs representing no less than 18,000 feet of elevation must be conquered before the race is done.

The criterium will be a great test of speed and bike handling. The downtown criterium is a huge crowd favorite, with hundreds of spectators lining the streets. Riders will have to negotiate one of the most technically demanding courses in the Northwest this year. The course will consist of a 1 kilometer loop and will last 35 minutes to an hour depending on which category is competing. Expect speeds of up to 40 miles per hour with little to no breaking involved. Music and festivities will all be on hand to add to the excitement.

One of the many great attributes of the Classic is that it is a home grown event. As Sperry explains, “the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic has grown far more rapidly than any other race on the pro circuit, far surpassing events that have been in existence 2 and 3 times longer than we have. We feel strongly that this success is in large part due to the overwhelming natural beauty of the area, the spectacular roads and venues, and the tremendous community support.”

Organizers have shared the success of the race with the community by advancing bike safety, health and fitness. “The Pros in Schools Program has been huge. I have already had a number of pro teams asking if they can participate again in 2008. Having these accomplished athletes talk to kids about bike safety, helmets, health and fitness, and working to accomplish personal goals is a positive message,” says Sperry. “We want to broaden these programs and, as the race continues to grow, we intend to pursue more ways to give back to the community.”

The race will return on June 1-6, 2010.

It seems that the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic has found the right combination of beautiful venues, challenging terrain, top notch competition, and community involvement.