david jackson

Lately, I've read several e-mails from various folks in OR and WA concerning
OBRA's future as an autonomous entity that sanctions bike racing throughout
the region. This message is simply one person's opinion on the subject and
not intended to be interpreted as authoritative in any way, shape, or form.

Until May '06 (when I temporarily relocated back east), I'd participated in
OBRA events across the state for many years. Beginning in May '06, I bought
a USCF license and resumed racing in TN, KY, and IN. I'll be the first to
admit everyone's experiences are different. But, for what it's worth, I've
found USCF to lag far behind OBRA in terms of the arrangement, quality, and
affordability of its events. Sure, USCF is larger, more diverse
geographically, and (presumably) better able to stage events having broader
appeal for a range of participants. But at what cost?

Over the past 10 months, I've participated in about a dozen races in 3
different states (in my old Hutch's kit, of course). Never has there been a
time when at least one person didn't remark that they'd heard of OBRA and
had positive things to say about it. In fact, based on their impressions,
several have stated they wish USCF was more like OBRA - I couldn't agree
more.

Again, I mean USCF no disrespect whatsoever and freely acknowledge there are
others whose opinions may be completely different from my own. But I've
found OBRA to be a very unique, relatively well-run, and personable
organization. In fact, some (like myself) would argue it's a model of
desirability and, at least in my experience, has no equal.

For this and other, similar reasons, I sincerely hope OBRA retains its
identity and autonomy. Trust me, the grass isn't necessarily greener on the
other side of the fence!

David Jackson
Hutch's Eugene
OBRA #542

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