Brian Vegter

Well, the results are in and I'm very appreciative of all your input, no matter which side of the TT debate you were on.

First, the numbers and then a little background so those of you who aren't promoters can understand what goes into putting on an event like this.

164 people responded to the survey.

95 respondents (57.93%) want NO aero restrictions
69 (42.07%) wanted Merckx style
*(There will be No Aero restrictions this year)

140 want a 5 stage race in 2016
23 would prefer the current 4 stage version

101 DO NOT want a Team Time Trail
58 would have liked a TTT

67 liked Dooley Mountain as a stage
50 liked Catherine Creek
28 liked others (most noted Anthony Lakes)

The inclusion of a gravel/dirt road section was a 50/50 split
20% of respondents wouldn't be more or less likely
15% would be More likely
13% would be Less likely

I also appreciate all the positive feedback you gave about the quality of our organization, length of stages and equality. All of these are very important to me and the crew here, and I'm glad you feel the way we do.

I spend lots of time planning this race every year and often lose sleep over decisions like the TT format, like most promoters, I don't take what I do lightly. While I can't give everyone exactly what they want, I know we do a great job of providing a race unlike any other in the Northwest. Heck, no other race in the world allows Cat 4/5 men and women to race the courses the P 1/2 field does.

Some of you gave feedback that we could restrict the lower categories for the TT, but what makes the BCCC unique is that we don't restrict anyone on our road stages, so why would we start restricting them on the TT? If there were going to be restrictions they would be for everyone. That's how we do it here.

I know that the TT specialists would have still won the TT even if it was Merckx style and I know that nobody lives anywhere near Baker City and so bringing extra bikes can be a pain. I didn't consider the TT change to level the playing field as some people might think, but considered it because as Lang Reynolds once noted, all the 4 stage races are the same, RR, TT, Crit, RR. I know I personally like going to races that change their routes or formats to keep it fresh and that's why I considered this change.

Now for a little info about our new stage 1. The course profile makes it look like a BEAST, however I think it's a real all-rounders kind of course. All of the climbs average between 3-4% and no climb goes over 7% for more than a few 100 meters. There's a nine mile descent into Prairie City before the turn around and anyone who's race the Dooley Mountain stage will be familiar with the first two climbs of the day.

As always, I'm super excited about this year's race and I'm planning our 5 stage 15 year anniversary edition for 2016. If you're planning to come over and preview any of the courses this year, drop me a line and if I'm available, I'll happily be your guide.

Now get yourselves and your teammates signed up.

Brian Vegter
Race Promoter
Baker City Cycling Classic
www.bakercitycycling.org
541.325.1689