John Bravard

In a response to Emily Thurston's email a few weeks back, Mike wrote:



"Having said all this I have to agree that OBRA needs to do a better job

at encouraging development of elite level riders. Our current system is

heavily participation based and inclusive rather than exclusive. This is a

good thing since it has increased the total number of riders. Currently

Oregon easily has the highest number of bike racers per capita in the US.

The problem is that the number and quality of lower category and Masters

races has contributed to the problem of the shrinking of the Cat. 1/2

fields. To reverse this trend we need to give riders more reason to become

Cat 1/2 riders, to stay Cat 1/2 riders and to come to the races that are

offered. I have several ideas about how we can do that. One big component

would be to stratify prize lists so that Cat 1/2 riders get substantially

more. (Why do we prize Old Guy races anyhow? Does it do anything to

increase participation or to help the sport?)"



I rode the Mutual of Enumclaw Stage Race on May 19 & 20, and I must report

that it was a bigger, more competitive event than what we see here in

Oregon. The Pro/1/2 field had over 100 riders. Pro/1/2 fields here in

Oregon are small despite the strength of OBRA. I can't speak for everyone,

but I'm guessing that most 1/2's in Oregon would rather not travel to

Washington every time they want to race against a strong field.



Why is Cat. 1/2 racing in Oregon seeing such sparse participation? Is

there a lack of incentive to become a cat. 2? Are Oregonians simply slower

and less fit than Washingtonians? I think Mike hits some points on how to

make Cat 1/2 racing in Oregon stronger. Any other ideas out there?

Comments? Pot shots from the peanut gallery?



John Bravard