Kris Schamp
Hello fellow OBRA racers!
For those of you who didn't receive the email I sent out yesterday, I like to share a couple updates ahead of Sunday's 9th edition of the Kruger's Crossing Cyclocross Classic (http://www.portlandracing.com/cx/).
As of this morning, we have already more than 320 racers pre-registered and looking at the weather forecast for the weekend, we are in for a true Kruger's Farm cross race. After last year's dry edition (and last week's Barton Park road race), we were arguably due for some real mud and we'll do our best to make it another fun and memorable edition!
1) Today is the last day to pre-register, enjoy a call-up, and get a chance at winning in our weekly pre-reg raffle!
To make it easier on racers, officials and our registration crew, we have extended the pre-reg deadline until end-of-day Friday, so there is still time to secure a call-up and get your name entered in our final pre-reg raffle of another Chris King headset and an "off-season hibernation goodie bag" (courtesy of our sponsors Icebreaker, HUB, and Bob's Red Mill). The last item will be raffled off exclusively among all pre-registered women racers, because women who race Kruger's... just rock!
Call-up list as of this morning 7am: http://www.portlandracing.com/cx/call-up-list-2014.html
If you still prefer to pay at the race, make sure to bring cash or a check. Also a friendly reminder to bring your Cross Crusade bib number (and shoulder number!), which - as usual - go on your left side.
Note that the Singlespeed and Men B will race earlier in the day and that in order to avoid duplicate numbers, ALL Clydesdale riders will have to pick up a new "special" bib number at registration on Sunday.
2) Course update and team tents:
As always, the race course at Kruger's will be fun and challenging for Beginners and Cat A racers alike! While it will be very similar to last year's course, we are adding a couple new features (think "hoop house indoor loam track" and "CX-made spiral crop circle"). For those who like to pre-ride the course on Saturday, we plan to have the course set up by 2pm, though you are welcome to drop by earlier.
Teams are free to set up tents either on Saturday afternoon (we should have the team tent area marked by noon the latest) or Sunday morning anytime between 7:30 and 10am. Depending on how wet/muddy the area is, we might have to restrict vehicle access to the team tent area to avoid things getting too rutted and slippery. As for the designated location for team tents, please check the updated course map at https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zmKGSPxNKHsY.kH9CE2ozIvZc
3) "Think of the Children!" (or even better: bring them along for a day of fun on and off the course)
Nothing says family-friendly race venue like Kruger's Farm. In good tradition, and with the help of our kids race sponsor Islabikes, we will organize two on-course kids races. The first one, for expert kids of all ages, will entail a full (or slightly shortened) lap on the regular course and will start as we start finishing the Master Men race (around 12:15). The second race, for novice racers and younger kids, will start at the Islabikes tent and will feature a short loop in the area of the team tents and bonfire. (And, yes, they still will have to conquer the "Kruger's six-pack", but on the flip side, they will get treated to FREE Rip van Wafels and Larabar yumness at the finish line).
New this year, we are also adding an off-course "Kids Activity Tent" (under the big white canopy). Starting at 9:30am, volunteers from Girl Scouts troop 45690 will be on site providing crafts activities for kids age 4 and over. From 11am to Noon, Brian Echerer - from Velo Gioielli bike themed jewelery - will lead a free session of bike jewelry crafting for the kids.
Note: parents are allowed to leave their kids at the "Kids Activity Tent" while racing or spectating, as long as they have properly signed in their kids (with emergency phone # and planned pick-up time) and signed a waiver.
4) And, of course, the dogs!
For the 6th year in a row, racers and spectators will get a chance to race their dogs (on-leash and sans bikes) in the all-for-fun Doggie Dash CX World Championship presented by Portland Design Works (and benefiting local animal adoption and rescue center The Pixie Project), which will be staged on a shortened 0.4 mi section of the course. To participate in the dog race, you must register your dog between 10:30am and 12:45pm at the Portland Design Works tent (near the entrance of the farm). Staging starts at 1pm and dogs and handlers go off at 1:15pm sharp. Besides some awesome Portland Design Works prizes for the top finishers in each category and the three most original dog race attires, we'll raffle off a bunch of very cool Rad Dog Release N Run leashes among all dog race participants.
5) 7 more reasons to come out to Kruger's Farm this Sunday...
- FREE mechanical support provided by the pro mechanics of our title sponsor West End Bikes and one of our other local sponsors, Gevenalle (note: no neutral wheel support at this race);
- FREE raffle throughout the day, courtesy of our sponsors West End Bikes, Specialized, Osmo Nutrition, Showers Pass, Bob's Red Mill, HUB, The Lumberyard, and Rip van Wafels ;
- FREE sampling of Hopworks Urban Brewery's Abominable Winter Ale (and other wintery HUB favorites), right across from the bonfire;
- FREE Nossa Familia coffee in the morning, and hot gourmet food - including veggie chili, baked potatoes, hearty chicken soup, grilled sausages and brats - catered by Kruger's Farm Market;
- Full-on bike wash station (in the grassy area across from the farm store), featuring plenty of hoses. Stewart Campbell of Bridge City Pressure Washing will also be on site offering his pro bike wash service ($5/bike).
- 20% OFF all goods (produce AND merchandise) at the Kruger's Farm Market store! This is their final store day of the year and they'll be stocking up on traditional Thanksgiving items (squash, yams, brussels sprouts, etc) and baskets, so make sure to bring your shopping list and load up on fresh and local goodies and some great holiday gifts. It's a great way to support the farm and thank Don Kruger for continuing to host bike races at his farm!
- All-day race announcing by "the voice of Portland bike racing" Luciano.
- Giant, all-day BONFIRE!
That's it... I hope to see you on Sunday at the farm for some good times, on and off the course. Bring your family and friends. Bring your dogs. Let's throw a party!
~Kris
Kris Schamp
Portland Racing