Bicycling aficionados have an opportunity to meet the legendary “Voice of Cycling”—Phil Liggett—at a fundraising event on May 23 at Turin Bicycle in Evanston.

The event, dubbed “Liggettisms Live,” will benefit the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. It will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Turin Bicycle, 1027 Davis St. in Evanston.

Phil Liggett has provided commentary on the Tour de France 34 times and is famous for his spontaneous, witty phrases, which include such gems as: “He’s dancing on his pedals in a most immodest way!”; “He’s really having to dig deeply into the suitcase of courage!” and “LOOK, LOOK at that infernal cadence!”  A collection of “Liggettisms” was even published in 2005.

“Phil Liggett gets people excited about cycling, and that’s what we at Turin strive to do every day,” says Chris Mailing, owner of Turin Bicycle.

Tickets cost $100, and 30 hardcore fans can pay $500 each for the chance to attend a catered pre-party cocktail hour with Liggett prior to the event.

The event will feature a question-and-answer session and a live auction. Prizes include a Trek travel package for two to the Tour de France, cycling jerseys signed by Lance Armstrong and Andy Hampsten, an original Christian Soto limited edition cycling photo, and a Saris car bicycle rack. For registration, visit this Web site.

Volunteer opportunities are available for the event. For more information, contact Arline Welty at arline@biketraffic.org.

Proceeds benefit the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, North America’s largest bicycling and pedestrian advocacy organization, which is supported by more than 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 35 staff members. For more information about the group, visit www.biketraffic.org.