Provencher, Darell
I usually try to stay out of these discussions, but here goes....
I've raced in Oregon for 19 years. During that period I've seen a
TREMENDOUS improvement in race scheduling and overall organization. We
really owe all of this to less than a dozen people in this state that keep
bike racing alive. I don't have much input for the Eugene Celebration. It
has an established tradition and no doubt a following from dedicated
roadies. If for some reason the promoter can't get enough volunteers, then
he/she should cancel it for that season. I've never raced it, because I hang
up my road and track racing shoes usually by the end of August. So here's
my comments regarding track racing for 2000.
This year's Sr Track Championships must have been the latest ever in my
recollection of 19 years of racing. For many racers, Sept signals the
beginning of a new school year, moving, etc. Most trackies I know are burnt
out by the last week of August. Combine that with lousy weather, and voila
-- lower participation.
Whether some trackies like it or not, we should make the AVC the last big
track event of the season. Hold it in mid to late August. Oregon Sr Track
and Junior championships should be held no closer than 2-3 weeks before the
AVC, keeping in mind dates for Regionals, Sr Natls, and Masters Natls.
State Masters Track should take second (or even third) priority on the
schedule to Senior (and Jrs) State Track. Our future still lies with youth,
not with us old farts. I would rather see State Sr Track at the end of
May/beginning of June than in September. Enough already of punishing our
bodies more than we should. What happened this year was an anomaly. But
let's not let it happen again next year. Thanks.
-- Darell
-----Original Message-----
From: Candi Murray [mailto:ob-@teleport.com]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2000 4:31 PM
To: ob-@topica.com
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Late season racing and Midvalley Racing
Two points that we need to discuss
1. Early in the year there was much discussion that the year started too
early and didn't go long enough. This weekend we had the state track
championships and barely had enough people to hold the event. We ended up
cancelling the Cat 4 Women, Cat 4/5 Men and Sr Women Points Races because
we could no get a minimun field of 5. This next weekend is the last road
events of the year. Is this the time for those early season opponents to
put up or shut ut?
2. Jim Anderson, from Portland is putting on the Eugene celebration. THIS
EVENT WILL HAPPEN, TO THE CONTRARY OF SOME RUMORS. but the disturbing
thing is that he has solicited this group for helpers to put on the event
and has gotten 5 people from a list of over 700. If we want events to
continue, and there are not many in the Eugene area, we have to support
them. If you aren't racing this weekend, then can't you lend a couple of
hours to help ensure that this event is safe and smoothe? Put up or shut
again?
Candi
To respond to the whole group send to ob-@topica.com.
To respond to the list manager send to ob-@teleport.com
To unsubscribe send to obra-uns-@topica.com
___________________________________________________________
T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics