Jon Myers

   Sunday is the it, the Oregon Off-road hillclimb state championships.

This is your chance to win a gold medal without having to travel to

Greece. Also up for grabs is bragging rights for the fastest off-road

hill climber in the state in your class for a full year.

   Start time is 10:00 for all categories at Skibowl on Mt. Hood.

   The course is a grueling 3.5 mile climb on gravel roads up 1600 feet

of elevation. We will be using Low road and high road on the way to the

top.

   Any bike is allowed: mountain, cross, or even road. There is some

deep gravel, rough hardpack, and some granny gear steep sections. A

mountain bike should be able to pretty much ride the whole thing. On a

cross bike, you will probably be running a couple of steep 50-75 meter

sections. I would have a 38x32 on my cross bike if I were going to try

that steed. On a road bike, you'll be fixing a pinch flat about 1/2 way

up.

   Only $15 gets you started. See you on the mountain.