Kris Schamp

Hey, everyone!

A couple final updates and reminders about today's Kruger's Crossing Cyclocross Classic (http://www.portlandracing.com/cx/).

First off, yesterday, our set-up crew built a great course that won't disappoint! Yes, we got quite some rain in the last couple days (but fortunately none overnight), but not that much that we have any standing water (Hillsboro Stadium '06-'07 anyone?). We had a couple people come out and pre-ride yesterday and the feedback was pretty unanimous: this is going to be a lot of fun! What the Kruger's Crossing course lacks in run-ups and technical climbs/descents, it more than makes up in slippery corners, off-camber serpentines, fun barriers, and of course... mud! :)

And mud we'll have plenty of! Even if the course is still in great shape this morning, we expect the grassy sections to get torn up pretty quickly. New this year, we added a spiral "crop circle" (similar to the one at Hillsboro Fairgrounds Crusade race). It will be interesting to see how it holds up through the day. However, if we notice that anytime during the day, it degrades to the point where it's not fun to ride anymore or otherwise causing havoc, our lead official might decide to shortcut it altogether. As usual, there are plenty other spots along the course that are likely to get pretty muddy, but there will be plenty of sections that will give you some respite of the mud. Actually, of the total 2.0 miles course distance, about 1 mile is on hard-packed farm roads (and pavement) and another 0.3 miles is on packed wood chip trails.

Also new this year, we installed a basic, on-course washing station that racers are free to use during their race to clear up mud. Since there is no running water in the pit, we installed the hose close to the farm store (next to Mathilda's pig pen).

One very important request: please drive very carefully on the parking lot (no accelerating or spinning) and at all times follow the parking marshals directions on where to enter/exit the lot and where to park. Even if we have overflow parking space, parking is limited at Kruger's Farm and we like to maximize the capacity of the main lot (which is in much better shape than the overflow parking). That said, this is a working farm, so there are plenty of tractors around if someone gets stuck.

Finally, a word about all the prizes and goodies that are up for grabs today. Mud equals glory and thanks to the generous support of Hopworks Urban Brewing and Bob's Red Mill, top-3 finishers in the 2-wheeled categories will go home with some freshly brewed organic ale (at least if you're over 21) and steel cut oats. Throughout the day, we'll also raffle off a bunch of great prizes: West End Bikes schwag, Specialized Roubaix tires, Lumberyard day passes, Showers Pass liner gloves and thermal baselayer, and another special Women's prize (a $220 Icebreaker Hoodie jacket), and more HUB beer and steelcut oats. No need for raffle tickets as we will be using the posted results (next to registration) to select and mark the lucky winners in each category (starting around 11am). Racers can pick up their winnings at the race (right where the results are posted) at 11:30am, 1pm or 3:30pm, or anytime before December 15th at our presenting sponsor West End Bikes (1111 SW Stark St).

That's it. I am looking forward to seeing you all out at Kruger's Farm today. Let's have a party!

~Kris

Kris Schamp
Portland Racing