FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Maryalicia Johnson 407-468-3379
              pager 407-231-9081

2004 FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Orlando, Fla. (March 12, 2004) – The Festival of Speed will be held on Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14, 2004. 

In addition to the Downtown Criterium at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, the festival will feature a free race for kids, a family fun ride – The Greater Orlando Bicycle Ride (GOBR), games, live music, drawings and more.  The City of Orlando will host an array of community activities including spectator-friendly expos, live entertainment and interactive activities designed for cycling enthusiasts.  Festival sponsor Downtown MINI will provide a Mini Cooper as the official pace vehicle for the Saturday and Sunday races. 

In 1990, Bicycling Magazine rated Orlando as the second worst city in America for bicycling; since then, Orlando has been transformed into “A Bicycle Friendly Community,” as designated in 2000 by the League of American Bicyclists. 

CYCLING BENEFITS

Improves health…cycling is one of the best exercises for your cardiovascular system;

It can also help you attain reduced stress levels and heightened self-confidence

Improves air quality by reducing exhaust pollution from cars

Conserves natural resources and high-priced gasoline

Reduces traffic congestion and parking hassles

For more information, please visit www.festivalofspeed.org.

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