Craig Austin
Cross and short track are "where racing is at" because they're run at
the best time of year to enjoy those respective types of racing. XC is
run at the WORST time of year to race a mountain bike in Oregon. April,
May and early June are terrible times to be on a mountain bike in
western Oregon (but great times to be on a road bike); Bend area races
are better because they aren't mudfests, but they can be snowed in.
Short track is close and easy to get to, but don't discount the fact
that it's fun to ride a mountain bike in nice weather, which also
accounts for lots of turnout.
You can't judge Oregon mountain biking enthusiasm by the Ski Bowl
turnout. I rarely miss a Ski Bowl race but they aren't well promoted on
the OBRA website or list, the promoter doesn't send reminders, the
flyers are rarely up to date or don't have all the information on them,
and like others have pointed out, people have been racing mountain bikes
since winter.
I couldn't promise to make it to every mountain bike race if they
started in June and went through August, but I'd make it to lots more
than I do now, and just as importantly, my wife and kids wouldn't be
miserable if they came along. My kids might even be able to DO a race if
it was held in anything approaching decent conditions. As it is, they
won't ever get started in XC.
Cross racing is for cross season, but that's what the mountain bike
season has turned into over the past several years.
Craig Austin
________________________________
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of Randy Dreiling
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 11:04 PM
To: Rick Johnson; obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Why weren't you at SkiBowl today to race?
Giant was at Mt Bike Oregon(MBO) and left to be at Ski Bowl..they left
at 9pm from Oakridge Saturday night, so they could be at ski bowl on
Sunday
Not sure about what happened at ski bowl, but they were getting out a
lot bikes at MBO
I still think that short track and cross impact the turn out of XC...I
am NOT saying that is a bad thing, just that it is the way racing is
right now
I have said this a million times...cross is so hot now that people that
use to race all year now take the summer off to get ready for cross.
The Cross Crusade and short track is where racing is at right now
Randy Dreiling
----- Original Message ----
From: Rick Johnson
To: Paul Greenwalt
Cc: obra@list.obra.org; Brian Johnson
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 7:30:02 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Why weren't you at SkiBowl today to race?
That point is what leads me to conclude that it's not the family aspect
that kept people from coming out. Rather, it's racing burn out. I say
that because at Skibowl this weekend - in addition to the previously
mentioned race related things - there was whole Adventure Park full of
family friendly fun:
"When the snow melts, Skibowl transforms into an Adventure Park
featuring 20+ attractions. There are indy karts and kiddy jeeps, batting
cages, kids' play zone, miniature golfing, horseback trail rides, bungee
jumping, zip line, guided trail hikes and so much more. Our unique
mountain environment offers the perfect setting for summer fun.
You control the brakes, you control the speed - but you'll never
control the full-tilt rush of excitement as you whoosh through the
half-mile of mountain meadows on the Northwest's only dual alpine
slide!"
Then there was the Giant Demo truck with free rides of Giant's Downhill
bikes. Arts and crafts, book shopping and museum across the road in
Government Camp.
No, if you choose not to come out and race this one you are done with
racing - or you're simply dead. What a shame to waste such an awesome
opportunity!
And that reinforces the point that racing in Oregon starts too early and
ends too early. I think I'll propose a rule at the annual meeting that
there shall be no road races sanctioned before March 20th and no MTB
races before June 20th.
Rick
Paul Greenwalt wrote:
The race, weather, and venue were great...it would be sad if
that was the
last race at Skibowl. It's a great race for dragging the family
along...lots to keep everyone busy.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Johnson"
To:
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 12:36 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Why weren't you at SkiBowl today to
race?
I guess attendance at Skibowl races won't be an issue
next year
because there won't BE any races at Skibowl!!
(Apparently Petr's
packing in the Skibowl
races?)
That said, Skibowl totally owned me yesterday. I sucked.
:)
Thanks all for the race-- especially the water hand-ups.
Brian J.
---
"May Evil beware and may Good dress warmly and eat lots
of fresh
vegetables."
--The Tick
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Rick Johnson
Bend, Oregon
541-390-5269
RCJohnson1@Attglobal.net