Kris Schamp
Hello, fellow OBRA racers!
It's hard to believe that the 2011 Cross Crusade Series is already over and we barely got our first taste of real mud!
Judging from all the smiles I saw on Sunday at PIR, folks are just getting warmed up and ready to test their skills and mettle in true cyclocross conditions (yes, we're talking mud and less-than-balmy weather conditions)... and the good news is that next Sunday's Kruger's Crossing Cyclocross Classic (http://www.portlandracing.com/cx/) is slated to deliver on all that, and more, so let's carry on the party for one more week!
For those of you who didn't receive the email message I sent out yesterday, here are a bunch of updates, ahead of Sunday's races:
1) Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the last day to pre-register online and win a Corsa Concepts wheelset (and more)!
That's right, all riders who pre-register for the race will receive a start line CALL-UP (in order of registration date and time), a Hammer Nutrition goodie bag, and a FREE entry in our raffle of a Corsa Concepts wheelset (or a $425 voucher towards a Corsa wheelset of higher value). So get on it, take a minute and pre-register online today at http://www.portlandracing.com/cx/registration.html
And even if you rather pay at the race, we ask you to help us save paper and fill out the online accident waiver and release form. Also please note that we only accept cash or checks for day-of-race registration.
2) Updated Race Schedule for Singlespeed and Men B (racing at 1pm with Cat A riders):
Based on attendance by category at last year's Kruger's Crossing, we made the decision this weekend to slightly change the race schedule and stage the Singlespeed and Men Cat B races next Sunday together with the Cat A races at 1pm. This will not only make the 1pm race more fun to watch, but it will give our volunteer crew some more daylight to tear down the course after the last race. IMPORTANT: To avoid duplicate bib numbers, all Cat A Men (not Master A Men) will have to pick up a new bib number at registration on Sunday.
3) Race Course and Weather Update:
Last week, I was at the farm and the course was drier than I've ever seen it this time of the year. There was hardly a puddle! However, with the rain we have in the forecast, it's fair to expect a slick and rather muddy course; so please don't show up with dry-weather cross tires! The latest NOAA forecast for Sunday calls for "Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs 40 to 45", so prepare accordingly and bring plenty of warm and dry clothes.
Regardless of the weather, we will do our best to make the course fun and challenging for all racers! This year, we plan to move the finish line (and the registration tent) to the grassy area adjacent to the corn maze and turn that whole area into a wild serpentine, featuring a slick, off-camber balance section, several 180-degree turns, a set of pumpkin barriers circling a bonfire, and the Hopworks beer garden, where - starting around 11am - we'll have a local band playing live music. This is also the area where we want you to set up your pop-up tents along the course and cheer on your team mates and friends.
Note: a Google Maps course map is posted at http://www.portlandracing.com/cx/course.html
4) Doggie Dash CX World Championship:
For the third year in a row, racers and spectators will get a chance to race their dogs (on-leash and sans bikes) in a FREE and all-for-fun doggie dash race on a shortened version of the cyclocross course! Last year, we had close to 100 dogs racing across various categories and this year, we hope to break that record. We will have a fenced-off dog corral where dogs can socialize before and after their race. Prizes and treats will be provided by our dog race sponsors Cycle Dog and Meat for top finishers in each category and we'll have special prizes for the most original dog attires!
To participate in the dog race, you must register your dog between 10 and 12:30 at the Cycle Dog tent, which will be located next tot the dog corral. Dog race staging starts at 12:30pm and the race starts at 12:45pm sharp.
5) Bring your Cross Crusade Bib Number!
Another reminder that we will use the Cross Crusade bib numbers, so please bring them with you. If you haven't raced cross yet this season or if you plan to race a new category, you will need to pick up a new bib number at the registration tent. As usual, bib numbers go on the left side.
6) Parking:
Parking at Kruger's Farm is not unlimited, so we encourage people to carpool or bike over to the farm. Also, there will be a parking fee ($5/car - cash only). Please obey the parking marshals' instructions and make sure to bring exact change.
7) Ten More Reasons to Come Over to the Farm this Sunday!
- FREE mechanical support provided by the pro mechanics of our title sponsor West End Bikes (note: no neutral wheel support at this race);
- FREE gourmet coffee during the morning hours, courtesy of Nossa Familia Coffee;
- FREE hot steel cut oats served by Bob's Red Mill (featuring an optional, special Kruger's topping: local honey from my backyard);
- FREE kiddie races, followed by a fun "Treasure Hunt" in the Kruger's Farm corn maze (it will be sloppy in the maze, so bring those boots!);
- FREE raffle throughout the day, with more than $2,000 in prizes, courtesy of our sponsors West End Bikes, Specialized, Portland Design Works, Chris King, and Hopworks Urban Brewing;
- FREE pro bike wash service, provided by Stewart Campbell of Bridge City Pressure Washing;
- FREE instant notification of post-race results: we've teamed up with local company Athletepath to get results delivered straight to your phone via text or email. Sign up at athletepath.com and follow your friends to get up-to-the-minute results throughout the day;
- A beer garden, courtesy of Hopworks Urban Brewing, featuring Portland's finest organic ales, a bonfire, and live music;
- Woodfired pizza, burgers, corn-on-the-cob, and various other food items, catered by Kruger's Farm Market;
- All-day announcing and DJ-ed music by Luciano.
8) Enjoy Racing at the Farm? Support Kruger's Farm Market!
Don Kruger and everyone else at the farm have always been extremely welcoming to cyclists on Sauvie Island and Don has gone to great lengths to keep bike racing at his farm alive and kicking. One great way that the bike race community can give back to Don - besides coming out and racing this Sunday - is by supporting his farm store. This Sunday, all goods (produce AND merchandise) at the Kruger's Farm Market store will be 20% OFF! So make sure to bring your Thanksgiving shopping list and load up on fresh and local goodies and some great holiday gifts.
That's it. I hope to see you on Sunday at the farm for some good times, on and off the course. Bring your family and friends. Bring your (friendly) dogs. Let's throw a party!
Cheers,
~Kris
Kris Schamp
Portland Racing