---

From:  Rick C Johnson <RCJohnson1@attglobal.net>
Reply-To:  RCJohnson1@attglobal.net
To:  Evan Plews <plewse@hotmail.com>
CC:  obra@list.obra.org
Subject:  Re: [OBRA Chat] FYI Firecracker XC race?
Date:  Thu, 17 May 2007 08:13:33 -0700
>If anyone is interested I believe this is the thread that prompted the
>question:
>http://brmba.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=714
>
>I don't see any indication this is the opinion or policy of BRMBA, it
>appears much like our own forum - anyone is free to sign up and
>participate.
>
>Rick
>
>Evan Plews wrote:
>
> > I was out riding the Falls City trails on Monday. There have been no
> > changes since last year that would make the
trail system more
> > challenging, less rideable or more fragile. After all, BRMBA prides
> > themselves on building sustainable trails. Furthermore, the trails are
> > currently completely dry and hard packed.
> >
> > In fact we met up with some "XC" riders who described themselves as
> > out for their "first mountain bike ride". Amazingly after pushing
> > their way through some of the climb we ran into them again on the one
> > of the downhills. They seemed to be riding well and enjoying
> > themselves so much so that we marveled at their enthusiasm. Great to
> > see folks trying out our sport for the first time in such a great
> > location!
> >
> > We have ridden the main trail system (used for the race more or less)
> > long before the stunts or any trail
modification was organized by
> > BRMBA. I know many members of that organization and I am quite
> > surprised by the postings on their website.
> >
> > It would appear that BRMBA believes their alteration of the existing
> > trail system is an entitlement for controlling access. Hardly a
> > logical conclusion since BRMBA was given the opportunity to do this
> > work by the land owners--the residents of the State of Oregon through
> > ODF!
> >
> > Especially confounding is the fact that BRMBA seems to be trying to
> > stereotype a certain variety of rider that is an acceptable user of
> > these trails. I will have to consult my IMBA membership to better
> > understand the criterion for who a real moutain biker is!
> >
> > I have personally emailed a
board member and asked for an explanation
> > of the statements found on the BRMBA message board. It will be
> > interesting to better understand the definition of "allowable" riders
> > and/or riding styles. I find it amazing that these statements were
> > made in a public forum in such a haphazard manner by one of the board
> > members. It would appear that BRMBA has lost remembrance of both its
> > roots (XC riding) and its supporters (folks like you and me).
> >
> > I personally have donated hundreds of $$$ to their cause. Hopefully
> > this is a case of sour grapes or some kind of personal conflict and
> > cooler heads/clear thinking will prevail over emotion. I am also
> > trying my best to give them the benefit of the doubt rather than both
> > barrels regarding this last
minute pre-race fiasco.
> >
> > In the meantime how about we take the high road until some official
> > statement regarding the event this weekend is made?
> >
> > I will keep you posted if I receive any response from my inquiry to
> > the BRMBA "brass".
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Evan Plews
> > Capitol Subaru Cycling
> >
> >
> >
> > ----Original Message Follows----
> > From: "Ron and Dorothy Strasser" <rondot@spiritone.com>
> > To: <obra@list.obra.org>, "Carrie Cleeton" <cleeton@zfin.org>
> > Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Firecracker XC race?
> > Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 20:54:44 -0700
> >
> > I find the concept of freeriders suggesting that XC riders are too
> > hard on
> >
trails a sick joke...I hope!!!!
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Carrie Cleeton" <cleeton@zfin.org>
> > To: <obra@list.obra.org>
> > Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 11:51 AM
> > Subject: [OBRA Chat] Firecracker XC race?
> >
> >
> > >I just read on the brmba.org web page (the group that manages the
> > > fall city riding area where the firecracker was to be held) that they
> > > and the ODF have decided to not allow the promoter to use the trail
> > > the race is normally run on, because according to them it is too hard
> > > for XC riders and we cause too much trail damage. Has anyone heard
> > > if this is official or if this is a bunch of angry freeriders blowing
> > > smoke? Is the race still happening? If it is, will
there be any
> > > single track or will it be all gravel roads?
> > >
> > > Carrie
> > >
> > > Here is the link to the specific thread where this is "announced."
> > >
> > > http://brmba.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=714
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> > >
> >
> >
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