Sue Butler

I don't often post messages, but I am sitting in Vermont watching it rain after competing in the National Championships for mountain biking. As a female who it never occurred to to enter a mountain bike race until probably 5 years ago, I can say it is rather intimidating, b/c you really don't know what to expect, how to do it, etc. And then there is the question of the motivation: WHY should I do it??? At least I had a husband that thought, "Why not? Let's make a weekend of it and go to Bend and do the Cascade Chainbreaker?" That is still one of my favorite races to this day. And then I think, look where it has led me. I actually had a moment yesterday while lined up in the second row behind Shonny V. and Georgia Gould when I couldn't believe I was actually there. And why was I there? Simply put, racing is fun. It is a way to challenge yourself and push yourself and improve your skills and fitness. It is a great outlet if you have any ounce of competitiveness in you, and it i
s also a great way to forget everything else for the 2.5 hours you may be suffering. And it is something you can do for yourself. I am not sure what the motivation is for everyone, but I do think that Oregon has one of the greatest places to get into cycling and racing. We have amazing cyclists in our state and I had the privilege of watching them this weekend and cheering them on. It is a great community, a great way to meet a lot of like minded people and a great way to stay fit for life. So if you are a woman, or if you are married to one and reading this, challenge yourself or your spouse to get out there and try it. Be careful, however, it can be addicting. Ask my husband Tim.
Cheers to Oregon racing and OBRA and all the women out there racing! Let's keep it growing in our state!