Now that summer is here, cyclists are freed from dealing with the elements that hinder training in Southern California—snow, tornadoes, self-loathing—and can concentrate on training, training to race, racing to train and racing. Isn't it nice they can do pretty much all of these every Tuesday evening through August at Long Beach's El Dorado Park? There, at the conspiratorial-sounding Area III, is a 1.75-mile loop that attracts some of the best local cyclists who push themselves, their bikes and whoever happens to be riding inches away from their rims. What's great is you don't have to be one of the best local cyclists around to participate. Races are held for three different skill levels: one for very-fast-to-intermediate racers; a masters category for old dudes—and by old dudes, they mean anyone older than 40, which suggests cyclists have a view of the world reminiscent of the movie Logan's Run; and finally, there's a category for beginners to novices, so tighten down your training wheels. If you have a need for speed, if you like to deal in wheels, and if you don't mind being considered a fossil because you were born in 1966, head on down to El Dorado Park. What else you got to do?
Tuesday Night Criterium Series at El Dorado Park, 7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach, (714) 356-1214; www.californiabicycleracing.org. Every Tues., 6:30 p.m. Through Aug. 29. $7-$10.
