Troutdale receptive to proposed spring 2010 bike race

By Shannon Wells

The Gresham Outlook, Dec 18, 2009, Updated Dec 18, 2009

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When spring rolls around, Ten Guys Named Alex may be descending on Troutdale with bikes.

OK, don’t be alarmed or bar the door.

Ten Guys is simply a whimsically named group of Portland bicycle enthusiasts proposing “Le Mur,” a two-tiered road and circuit race based in downtown Troutdale on Sunday, May 2, 2010.

French language for “The Wall,” Le Mur is named for its focal point: the relentlessly steep pitch of Buxton Avenue from Historic Columbia River Highway south toward Seventh Street.

Racers will tackle the unforgiving grade multiple times as part of a circuit race through downtown. The hill also will serve as the climax of a 69-mile race through the winding roads along the Sandy River near Corbett.

The 10 Guys group presented the concept to the Troutdale City Council at its Thursday, Dec. 10, meeting.

If details regarding vehicular traffic, parking and use of city police and public works staff can be successfully worked through, Mayor Jim Kight said the race would provide a positive event for participants, spectators and local merchants.

“One of the things Troutdale is looking at is creating events as a draw for tourism,” he said. “This kind of bike race could draw thousands of spectators to Troutdale. Events like this are vitally critical to providing economic resources for merchants within our city.”

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