Evan Plews
John, Chris all dissed MTBers...
I couldn't agree more. After growing up in the "valley of sickness", and racing for nearly as long as Chris, I am baffled by the race schedule for XC in Oregon.
My analysis is that it is competely illogical and the so called "statics" are meaningless. Why? Because all the statics are based on starting the race season too early and burning everyone out.
Unless we completely throw out the concept of starting races before Memorial Day and everyone abides, this will always happen be the case. Think: chicken or the egg... Also, there is a lot of cross over in OBRA racing so keeping major events of different disaplines off the same day would be natural!
There needs to be some consideration for the national event schedule and holidays, too...
Hornings Hustle = Willamette Stage Race and NMBS
Mudslinger = Sea Otter
Chainbreaker = Mothers Day
Bear Springs = Mt Hood Classic and NMBS
Firecracker = Silverton RR
Picketts = Elkhorn Classic
Jedi = NMBS
Season over before July = ridiculous!
I know there were some schedule changes, this year, but if this is going to be a legitimate series there needs to be some ranking of events in OBRA and consideration amongst promoters. If it is a XC Series or Oregon Cup event, no conflicts--period. Number one priorty!
This comes up every year, so I guess when no one shows up to a race, maybe the "powers that be" will be willing to throw away the broken play book and come up with a different (better) plan. Until then, my plan is to race when I feel like it. Who cares if mediocrity rules the rain/mudfest anyway? We have 'cross for that!
This is all...
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2008 07:43:03 -0700From: jpweathe@yahoo.comTo: obra@list.obra.orgSubject: Re: [OBRA Chat] MTB XC Series Timing & Turnout
All,
This is a good discussion, not one I really meant to prompt, sorry if it's the 20th rendition -- I'm new to the list. After my third season of racing it, again I will say that I love Oregon MTB racing and really appreciate the effort OBRA and the promoters make to put it on. So don't take any of this the wrong way. And as I said in my post, I'm adjusting to the mud and rain (albeit slowly) -- next year my ride will have no cables, no suspension, and low maintenance hubs. Anyone want to buy a Blur XC (after the Creampuff)?
I don't know the reasons behind what we see in MTB race turnout, whether turnout drops because people have summer commitments or because they are tired of racing by then. But I do agree with Craig that if you only look at data on later races in Oregon you might be missing the big picture.
Why not look at how other states with strong series do it -- e.g., Colorado?
Check out the Mountain Cup Series, which spreads the races throughout the summer, starting in May, ending in early September:
http://www.racemsc.com/events.html
Check out the 2007 Results:
http://www.racemsc.com/results/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=16&Itemid=62&&year=2007
I scanned the results quickly and it seems turnout was relatively even throughout the season. Purely unscientific, but it does suggest there is a different way to do it that could take advantage of Oregon's natural advantage -- amazing trails and a beautiful summer season.
Re Craig's point that race fatigue can be a cause, I can tell you my family would be less burned out on me racing (and driving all day to race) if it wasn't 3 out of 4 weekends for 3 months. And my family is much more inclined to come to the races if it isn't 37 degrees with snow, sleet and rain. In my experience, if they come to the race with their bikes and have fun, then there is no family race fatigue.
I'm sure others on this distro have looked at Colorado and can tell us why this wouldn't work for Oregon, would love to hear the reasons.
Cheers,
jw
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