Events: The Breakthrough Tour

Furious pedaling.... Spine-tingling curves.... The threat of high-speed wipeouts.... Thousands of dollars at stake. It's all part of The Breakthrough Tour, a bike racing benefit for Operation Breakthrough. The Tour, now entering its second year, is set for June 25, 26 and 27, and you're invited to come out and watch the action.

On Friday, June 25, racing runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Longview Community College in Lee's Summit. On Saturday, June 26, the venue moves to Cliff Drive in northeast Kansas City, with racing from 8: 30 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Sunday, June 27, the action will be in Downtown Kansas City, at 14th and Wyandotte, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There's no admission for spectators.

The racers will complete multiple laps on a 1-mile circuit - sometimes reaching speeds up to 35 mph!

"We had no idea bike racing was so exciting," says Sister Berta. "Last year, I couldn't believe how fast the bikers were going or how close together they were. You're just holding your breath as they go around those curves, hoping everybody makes it."

Also exciting is the support the event brings to the Center's children. Last year, The Breakthrough Tour attracted 600 racers and raised $25,000.

Major sponsors of The Breakthrough Tour include SKC Communications and the City of Kansas City's Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.

For racing information, go to www.tourofkc.com. If you have questions, please contact, Jennifer Heinemann at jenhowe(at)earthlink.net.