Chad Sperry
Dear OBRA and WSBA Memebers,
We are now one month away from the Gorge Roubaix Race and Gorge Gravel
Grinder. Things are coming together nicely and a quick drive of the
courses yesterday gave us piece of mind that even though the snow was deep
out there this winter (3-4 feet in places) melt off was gradual and roads
are in surprisingly good shape. Here are some important updates for all of
you.
GORGE ROUBAIX April 1st. We are excited at the tremendous support we
received from a number of teams individuals and sponsors that allowed us
the opportunity to bring this race back for 2017. With so few road racing
events on the calendar this year it was such a great opportunity to get
this back on. We will be once again using the Historic Columbia River
Highway course that runs from The Dalles to Mosier and features the Dry
Creek gravel climb. Many have asked about equipment and I tell them an
11-23 cassette with standard tires and tubes is sufficient. The gravel
climb is smooth and moderate and roads are in good shape. We are offering
$1000 in prize money as well as the following categories, Pro 1-2 Men, CAT
3 Men, CAT 4-5 Men, CAT 1-3 Women, CAT 4 Women, and Masters. For Masters
Men we will run them all together but score the 4-5 Masters separate from
the 1-3. For more info such as course maps, times, photos, and details
head to our webpage at Gorge Roubaix
Be sure and
register early avoid the dreaded late fee and long lines on race day that
come with day of registration.
GORGE GRAVEL GRINDER April 2nd
I can not say enough about this year's courses and event. We are so
excited about the new Big Grinder course as well as all the amenities that
come with your entry. For starters we will be running chip timing this
year. So by the time you step off your bike you will know your time and
place. Not only that your results will be posted immediately on our
website so friends and family can see how awesome you did! Then recover
with a craft beer and lunch at Clock Tower Ales. Custom pint glass, shirt,
well stocked aid stations and on course mechanical support provided by Mt.
View Cycles and Clement Tires cap off this great event! Be sure and sign
up before March 15th to save money and avoid the price increase. All the
info and links for registration can be found at Oregon Gravel Grinder
My suggestion for gearing is
running a 11-25 cassette and a 28 mm tire with a standard or thorn
resistant tube. Be sure and check out some of our photos of the new Big
Grinder Course taken yesterday on our Facebook page at Facebook Oregon
Gravel Grinder
ECHO TO ECHO SCHEDULING CONFLICT
So I have heard from a number of people about the disappointment of Echo to
Echo moving to the same weekend as the Gorge Roubaix and Gorge Gravel
Grinder. Please realize this move was out of necessity due to one of the
most extreme winters that Eastern Oregon has had in the last 30 years.
Sometimes mother nature has final say on what we can do. So here is what we
at Breakaway Promotions is prepared to do to help with this
disappointment. First and foremost if you had already registered for the
Gorge Roubaix and would rather race Echo to Echo give me a shout and we can
see about refunding your entry or transferring it over to the Gorge Gravel
Grinder on Sunday. Second and most importantly this is actually an
excellent opportunity to double down on the first weekend in April by
warming up with the Echo to Echo race on Saturday and finish yourself off
with the Gorge Grave Grinder on Sunday. Drive time from Echo to The Dalles
is only one and a half hours and it is on your way home if you are coming
from Portland or the Valley. Cousins Country Inn is providing a tremendous
room rate of $85 for a double room and those of you who have stayed there
in the past know the rooms are great. Give them a call at (541) 298-5161 if
you plan to stay with them. Contact me if you are planning to do the
double down weekend and we will give you a discount for another $15 off
your entry if you are brave enough to pull this challenge off.
Thanks everyone and we look forward to seeing you in April!
Sincerely,
Chad Sperry and Breakaway Promotions Crew