Top professional cyclists converge on Tower Theatre for celebration

They spend the majority of the year traveling across the country and around the globe for bike races, but for similar reasons they all choose to call Bend home. And now, Bendites have a rare opportunity to hear firsthand what motivates these elite riders to compete, what they do to maintain top form, what their plans are for 2008 and why they choose to live and train in Bend.

Scheduled for Friday, December 21 at 7pm at the Tower Theatre, the Bend Cycling Celebration features an informal talk show style format with some of cycling’s biggest names who also happen to be Bend residents, including Chris Horner, Carl Decker, Adam Craig, Chrissy Ruitter and Megan Elliott. The panel will be moderated by Anthony McCrossan, head commentator for the internationally-renown London-based Cycling TV, the world’s largest broadband cycling television company who will simulcast the event globally on www.cycling.tv.

Admission to the Bend Cycling Celebration is $10 for adults and $5 for kids age 12 and under, with proceeds benefiting Central Oregon Velo’s Youth Development Program. Doors open at 6pm, and the forum begins at 7pm. Admission includes a complimentary beer for attendees age 21 and over courtesy of Bend Brewing Company, or a complimentary soda. Tickets can be purchased at the Tower Theater box office, online at www.towertheatre.org, or at Bend Bike N Sport.

Admission also includes the chance to win a number of door prizes, including ladies and gents cruiser bikes courtesy of Felt and Giant Bicycles, autographed cycling jerseys, equipment and apparel from a vast array of manufacturers.

The Bend Cycling Celebration is presented by Central Oregon Velo, Bend Bike N Sport, Racecenter Northwest, the Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau, Bend Memorial Clinic, Lowes Commercial Properties and Cycling TV. For more information visit www.bendbikensport.com or call 322-8814.