Jim Anderson

See photos from Cheryl Wilson Photography and full write up on

www.nwracereport.com

OR

http://www.nwracereport.com/race_coverage/race_coverage_road/2003/090903_pir

_wrap/indx.htm



http://tinyurl.com/mvzf











Another Great Season at Portland International Raceway on Monday Nights!



Written by: Jim Anderson, Edited by: James Newman



As the road race season winds down, I start to review the race series as a

race organizer and think forward to next season. Attracting new racers to

PIR is always an objective. I also try to make more media, publicity and

marketing connections to market the event to new racers of any ability or

fitness level.





Overall year the Monday Night PIR Series was a positive experience for the

women racers at PIR. In 2003 more women have come out to race than anytime

in the past. Just a few years ago we would see only 7 ? 10 women racers, now

10-18 women regularly show up. Women had 4 different categories to choose

from (Open Women, Women Cat. 1/2/3s, Women Cat. 4/5, Women 35+) this season.

Thank you to all the more experienced women racers who have been very

proactive and willing to help out the new and less knowledgeable beginner

racers. This year Monday Night PIR races proved to be a great venue to

recognize all different abilities of women athletes. This growth in the

women?s events was a great success and will certainly continue in 2004.



The Masters Men categories saw record field sizes this year. Each week

competitive groups showed that master racing is definitely strong in Oregon.

In fact, OBRA membership has approximately 2130 members that are 30+. The

format (masters by categories) for the Monday races seems to be popular

because it allows racers to compete in their category with their peers of

similar ability, instead of simply grouped by age. In 2003, the masters by

categories have put on hotly contested races week after week all summer

long.



Focusing on attracting new racers has always been a mission of the Monday

PIR Series. Getting cycling enthusiasts who want to try racing is what the

PIR series is really all about. Along with supporting the new racers, we

also support the intermediate to advanced racers, too. In 2004, a novice

category is to be offered. This is a perfect opportunity for a new racer to

just try out racing with less intimidation and mileage. On average the

Monday Series sees 2-3 new OBRA members a night at PIR, which is great for

our organization and bicycle racing in Oregon!



The race series not only has a mission to get attract new racers for our

organization and build bicycle racing in Oregon, but also strives to be part

of the community by donating to the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA).

For several years the race series has offered at bike commuter discount.

What that means is if you ride your bike to the race, you get a dollar off

entry. Then I donate that $1 to the BTA to support their causes in bicycle

safety, advocacy, and awareness in Portland. For 2004, I plan to support

them even more and encourage racers to do their part by not only bike

commuting but car-pooling and using the new North MAX Light Rail System

(opening in Sept 2004). When they do so they will get that same discount off

entry, and I will donate that amount to the BTA.



There will still be racing on September 8th and 15th. Plenty of prizes and

excitement for the last two races of the summer! Lastly, a special thank you

needs to go out to the racers, OBRA race officials, Portland International

Raceway, OBRA, and Mike and Candi Murray. As always thank to our sponsor,

Lakeside Bicycles. They have support the series for many years and are great

supporters of bicycle racing in Oregon, thank you Lakeside! This has been a

great season at PIR! More information on the race series or results at:

www.obra.org <http://www.obra.org/> , information about the BTA:

www.bta4bikes.org <http://www.bta4bikes.org/> and for more information on

our sponsor please visit: www.lakeside-bikes.com



















--

Jim Anderson

ji-@eugeneevents.com

503-975-8229

Race Director

Eugene Celebration Cycling Classic - Sept 20-21 2003

http://Www.eugenecelebration.com

http://Www.obra.org/eugene_celebration/