The North Campus colleges and schools are inviting bicycle riders of all ages to join the new North Campus Criterium, featuring four different bike races on Sunday.
Organized by Doug Kelbaugh, emeritus dean and professor of architecture and urban planning, the event celebrates the North Campus community and its landscape.
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“As someone who bikes to work and recreationally, I thought this would be a good way to add to the vitality of North Campus, whose terrain is perfectly suited for a circuit bicycle race,” Kelbaugh says.
The event is from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. It consists of four different races. They are:
• A Juniors Race for children and young teens.
• A Citizen’s Race open to anyone from the public or the U-M community ages 15 or older.
• A USA Cycling-sanctioned pro-am race for riders in categories 1 through 4.
• A Team Relay open to all U-M students, faculty and staff.
“This race is structured to appeal to everyone — whether they have a road bike or not — they can just come out and be active,” says race director Harvey Elliott, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences.
Kelbaugh said he’s aiming to have participation by at least one relay team from every school and college, whether all-male, all-female or co-ed. Teams can consist of faculty, staff or students. Organizers say they hope the criterium will become an annual event and build a friendly, competitive spirit.
Races will take place on a closed 1.1-mile circuit through North Campus, with police and barricades at every intersection during the event. The event is underwritten primarily by the College of Engineering, with help from Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design.
The Stamps School is striking five dozen bronze medallions to be awarded to winners in many categories. Additionally, local commercial sponsors will be providing gift certificate prizes. Free mechanics also will be on hand.
“North Campus may not be able to compete with Central Campus in arts and entertainment, but this is an event in which we can excel,” Kelbaugh said.
Free food and music also are planned. Participants should bring their own bike, water bottle and helmet. Spectators are welcome.
