Bike races Sunday Bike races Sunday (September 24, 2004)

Pleasanton plots course for amateurs, pros

Bicycle enthusiasts - or those who are just curious - will have a chance to see racers in action right in Pleasanton. The Real Bicycles Racing Team is presenting the Documentum/Kenda Criterium races, with more than $3,000 in cash and prizes, all day Sunday in Hacienda Business Park.

The 40-60 minute races, which will cover about 25 miles, have racers going up to 30 mph or more. To attend or participate, turn off Hopyard Road onto Providian Drive and follow the signs for parking and registration. The 7/8-mile race course loop will take up one lane of Johnson and Franklin drives.

Registration for a race costs $25. Kids races are free and last from 5 to 15 minutes. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian signature.

Beginners are welcome to enter the Elite Men's 4/5.

"Anyone who would like to give racing a try can purchase a one-day license at the registration booth located at 4900 Hopyard near Johnson," said organizer Ron Castia. "It is recommended that if someone wants to try this race for the first time that they be fairly fit and have good riding experience. It is late in the season, and even the beginners are very fast."

For more information, e-mail Castia at ron@realbicycles.com or visit www.realbicycles.com. -Dolores Fox Ciardelli
Race schedule

8 a.m. Elite 4/5 8:50 a.m. Elite 3 9:50 a.m. Masters 35+ 3/4/5 10:45 a.m. Masters 45+/55+ 11:45 a.m. Kids Race 12:15 p.m. Women 4 1:05 p.m. Masters 35+ 1/2/3 2:05 p.m. Women P1/2/3 3:05 p.m. Elite Pro/1/2

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