Mike Ripley
Dear OBRA members
This is kinda long but----
For those who do not know me my name is Mike Ripley and I am the
acting OBRA mtb Rep for 2007. I have been involved in racing since
1990 and also promote and race as often as I can. This year marks a
great time for mtb racing and while in some previous years things
have changed a great deal, not so for this year. The classes are the
same as 2006 and I will be working on a comprehensive set of rules/
guidelines for 2008. I wanted to outline some mtb related programs
and items for you as a racer to pay attention to for this season, and
please feel free to contact me anytime at mikecycle@earthlink.net to
discuss any ideas you may have to bring more people into OBRA mtb
racing.
Safety:
Please wear a helmet at all times while on your bike. This includes
before and after Events. You can be DQ'd for not doing this.
Please use toilets and do not urinate where others can see.
No bad language or attitude
Do not drop gel packs or anything on the course except for sweat.
Please pull over if vehicles are on the roads when warming up and
remember that any course could have a vehicle on it so pay attention.
There is no insurance provided by OBRA if you crash. We will call the
emt or 911 in an emergency (lets not have any accidents like that)
BE nice when passing slower riders, say------ coming by, track, when
its safe, love ya ---ect
Series:
Petr has series of races between Bear Springs and his MT hood races
and I am heading up the Rivercity XC Classics series. Its open to
races of 125 or so participants and involves races with at least 1
year of race history (I wanted to make room for instant classics).
Randy Drielling wanted to focus on mtb oregon and and his events and
he asked me to help with this. I believe we have 6 and maybe 7 of the
best races in the state all in 3 months of racing for you. The series
has room for up to 10 events in coming years so please make it to 4
or 6. Primal has given us a great price on jerseys for the series
winners in 19 classes and if you want to see a pic go to
bendelitemtb.com for points and updates and the Team Competition
Memberships:
Please sign up for your membership as once again no Hard plates at
the races only Temp Plates. I will be assisting at Hornings Hustle
and if you do want your hard plate please sign up through OBRA now----
well soon
Single speed:
We ordered extra SS plates do to the requests. If you are only going
to race once or twice this season use a temp plate at the race, but
if SS is your focus they are available at no charge and just write a
not on the membership form. Singlespeed plates are green. Some races
will have SS women as well and the course length is up to the
promoter but in general will be in the 20-29 mile range
Course Observer Program
Its back and if you have raced off-road for 3 years, please e-mail me
if you would like to race for free at any mtb event. You will fill
out a sheet to give to the race director and to mail to OBRA. This
helps me alot and lets you be a part of making Oregon mtb racing
better. Contact me directly
50+ Sport men
Hot topic It would be nice to have all 50+ guys racing this cat this
year. It was a great class last season and for the mudslinger the
difference for sport and expert in some classes is 27-32 miles for
expert. This will be a 2.5 hr finish or so. I know it all depends on
what course it is, but for the most part I know Jay rathe needs some
competition (sorry Jay)
Upgrades:
Please be aware that you need to sign up for Pro women or Semi-pro or
Pro men before the Mudslinger and or you will have to upgrade to this
class and earn it for the rest of the year.
You can start out after Mudslinger as high as Expert and earn your
way up.
You can submit a race resume from out of state if you are new to
OBRA. Being an Oregon Pro does not mean you can get a NORBA Pro
license, but generally speaking NORBA has been good about getting
people to Semi-pro if they are a Oregon Semi-pro or Pro.
Upgrade rules:
3 top 3's in a minimum field (15) for all classes except women (10
per field) or semi-pro men (10) per field to move to pro. 40+ expert
will not be moved, but can if they want to to semi-pro. fast Juniors
can and will be able to race Expert 19-39 or Semi-pro as there are
not enough to race expert in there own class for 2007 but we will
look at this again for 2008 if the need is there.
Special note:
OBRA's average age is 37 and I would like to see that drop. Please
take time to mentor and get other people involved. Take time this
year to work on your local trails and get involved with national
groups and or local riders.
Have Fun be safe and I will see you soon
Mike Ripley
OBRA mtb rep
mikecycle@earthlink.net
541-342-1493