Round and round and round they'll go 

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The pros could do a lap in the time it takes to say the name, but the San Luis Obispo Downtown Criterium Classic Cycling Festival returns July 20.

In the race, riders complete several laps on a looped course through downtown. The races run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with different race categories scheduled throughout the day.

Riders this year will have the advantage of freshly laid asphalt, but there will likely still be plenty of spills, and plenty of road rash.

Traffic in the downtown area will be closed to cars for most of the day. People are encouraged to ride bikes, and parking will be provided by the SLO Bike Valet.

Leading up to the Sunday race, Art’s Cyclery will hold a Race Ready Clinic for beginning riders, July 18. SLO Bike Kitchen will also be on hand to talk about basic bike care. The clinic begins at 5:30 p.m. They ask that folks RSVP.

SLO Bicycle Coalition is having a fund-raising party July 19, at the Ludwick Community Center, featuring guest speaker, and former Olympian turned activist, Bob Mionske. Tickets for the event cost $50 for the general public and $40 for racers or Bicycle Coalition members. Check out food, music, raffles, and a cyclists’ rights presentation.

The first racers will take off at 7 a.m., July 20. The all-day event has a block party at Chorro and Higuera streets, featuring velo rapper “Fossil Fool,” who’s thing is pedal-powered beats. At noon, costumed runners will take to the streets, in the Deux Run Run fundraiser for Special Olympics. There will be plenty of family geared events, vendor booths with free swag, along with informational booths from the likes of Tall Bike Posse.

For more information, visit: www.cencalcycling.com.