Grand Prix to take over Downtown

Mary A. Castillo

For the first time in its history, the streets of Downtown Laguna

will be overrun by bicyclists as part of the first Laguna Beach

Rotary Grand Prix.

“We’re growing up,” said Rotarian Bill Parrish who has been

actively recruiting volunteers for Saturday’s event. “This will be a

major fund-raiser and it will introduce a whole new dimension to our

fund-raising and allow us to make a bigger impact.”

The Grand Prix was the brainchild of Parrish who wanted to create

a major event that would generate funds to increase the Rotary’s

support of humanitarian and environmental endeavors. He got together

with fellow Rotarian, Patrick Fetzer, who happens to be a

professional racer and owner of Laguna Cyclery, and they began

strategizing how they could organize an event of this magnitude.

Fetzer brought in Linda Yadao, who not only had experience organizing

bike races but was well-known for her bike safety programs, as race

director.

“We conducted a survey among businesses and residents and found

that 66% were in favor, 31 were neutral with only 4% who opposed,”

Parrish said.

“We took the project concept to key people at the city,” Fetzer

said. “We got their feedback and concerns before we approached the

council with a formal request.”

The City Council unanimously approved the criterium in December,

authorizing among other things, street closures, the use of amplified

sounds and vendor booths and a tram system to and from Act V.

A criterium is a multi-lap race of 25 to 60 miles held on a closed

course generally a mile or less in length. These races are extremely

fast as the cyclists jockey for position and sprint for lap “primes”

(cash or merchandise prizes, pronounced “preems” and announced by the

ringing of a bell), said Fetzer.

The Rotary is banking on this inaugural race to attract more

racers because of its events for children and teens as well as

Laguna’s greatest asset -- location.

“I can only think of a handful of races where the course is in a

magical place like Laguna,” Fetzer said. “They’re mostly in

industrial complexes that are easy to contain and get city

permission.”

The course will start on Forest Avenue then turn right on Third

Street, right on Mermaid Street and then back to Forest. Spectators

will be able to see the dynamics of the racers change as they rip

through each lap. So far 125 riders have signed up among the eight

race events.

The day’s events include a 30-minute kids race sponsored by

Shimano, a special celebrity chase and Nicole’s Spirit Under 23

Development Race.

The development race is a particularly special event to the race

organizers because it memorializes U.S. National Track Champion and

Saturn Cycling team member, Nicole Reinhart who died in a racing

accident two years ago. Nicole’s brother will be part of the Saturn

Cycling Team who will participate in Saturday’s event, Yadao said .

“We’ve had a huge response from the bike industry,” Yadao said.

“They’ve donated bikes, surfs boards and bike gear that allow us to

give incentives to young riders.”

Among the organizations that benefit from the Rotary’s charity

efforts include the CSP Youth Shelter, Laguna Beach Boys & Girls

Club, Brandy’s Friends, Laguna Beach Seniors and more.

Fetzer hopes that they’ve laid the groundwork for future events

that will include women’s races and group rides.

“This has been a great way for me to give back to the community,”

he said. “This year I’ll be helping out but next year I want to be

racing.”

The first race of the Laguna Beach Rotary Grand Prix will begin at

7 a.m. Riders can register on Forest Avenue between North Coast

Highway and Glenneyre Street. The free tram will leave the Act V

parking lot starting at 6:30 a.m. Racers are encouraged to ride into

town however, guests and family members are recommended to take the

shuttle. Metered parking on Laguna Canyon Road will not be enforced

on race day and parking will also be available in the Laguna Beach

High School parking lot on Park Avenue.

For more information, please call (949) 494-5052 or visit

www.lagunabeachgrandprix.com.

STREET CLOSURES FOR SATURDAY, SEPT. 28

4 a.m.

2nd Street between Forest Avenue and Mermaid Street

5 a.m.

Forest Avenue

6 a.m.

Third Street at Park Avenue

Forest Avenue at Ocean Avenue

Glenneyre Street at Park Avenue

Beach Street at Ocean Avenue

The two blocks contained within the race criterium will be

accessible by foot or emergency vehicles under the control of police

officers and course marshals. Most streets are scheduled to reopen at

about 2 p.m. Loma Terrace will have limited access from 6 a.m. to 2

p.m. except through a controlled exit on the north by the police

station.