Bicycle racing in the Palouse continues year.

The second annual Ronde van Palouse (literally, “a tour of the Palouse”) will test local bicycle racers’ skills with a race course designed to challenge any rider, novice to professional. Happening on Saturday, April 9, 2011, the race sends riders on a tough 23-mile circuit amid the rolling farm country near Spangle, Washington, and are competing for $500 worth of merchandise.

“This is being called one the hardest road races in the Northwest”, says organizer Mike Sirott, “And I don’t doubt it for a moment.” The terrain includes rolling hills, gravel road sections, and exposure to the nearly constant wind of the Palouse. Local cycling clubs Spokane Rocket Velo and Team Two Wheel are hosting the event with additional sponsorship from North Division Bicycle Shop. This race is USA Cycling-sanctioned and online registration is now open at usacycling.org . On-site registration is also available. Racer are divided into eight classifications according to age, racing experience, and gender. Day-of registration begins at 8 a.m. and the first race starts at 11 a.m.

For additional information, email info@spokanerocketvelo.com or visit spokanerocketvelo.com.

Ronde van Palouse is sure to be fun and challenging for all participants.

Spokane Rocket Velo has been hosting bicycle racing in the Inland Northwest since 2004.