david baker
That race was during the 90's when xc racing was the new fad, ten years from now people will be trying to figure out how to bring cross back to it's glory.
You cannot stop or start fads intentionally, unfortunately.
----- Original Message -----
From: John and Robin McCaffrey
To: 'Obra List serve'
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:14 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] 08 Oakridge FTF canceled
I just found results for the '98 Dustslinger. It occurred on 09-06-98. It was a holiday weekend, at the end of the summer and
yet there were 54 finishers in the expert classes and 50 in the sport. It was 32 miles and it was ONE lap. No, it was not a spectator friendly course but it was fun.
Only the top 6 Experts finished in under 3 hours. The Sports (men and women) also raced the long course and only the top 26 finished under 4 hours.
I wonder if the races would be better attended if they were longer and more difficult; especially during the mid to late summer.
Maybe racers are more likely to drive 3 hours if they know the race will be great experience and last at least half as long as the total hours of driving required.
I don't remember what the draw was for so many to show up at the Dustslinger. I do remember (even though I didn't have anything to drink from a long ways out) it was long,
hot, dusty and fun at the same time.
I hope some of the people who raced a bike for the first time at a 'cross race will
want to try racing in the dirt in the spring and summer too I but don't remember seeing any advertising for mtb races at a 'cross race.
Do the first time racers at the 'cross races know we have great mtbing too?
John McCaffrey
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Steve Lacey
Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:25 AM
To: Obra List serve
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] 08 Oakridge FTF canceled
Sorry to hear the unfortunate news.
I wonder why the series takes some of the nastiest part of Oregon's season to stage its races when some of the best weather on the planet occurs in Oregon during July and August.
I would prefer some XC races in August to keep my fitness up for cross season rather than having three months off to maintain fitness.
The Oakridge race venues are some of the best courses I have raced on in my 20 years of racing mountain bikes.
To bad, Mike Ripley take note.
Steve
----- Original Message ----
From: Randy Dreiling
To: obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Friday, January 25, 2008 2:46:22 PM
Subject: [OBRA Chat] 08 Oakridge FTF canceled
Hi All
I am sad to say the 2008 Oakridge FTF has been canceled.
The series asked if the FTF could move to the end of May because the series now run March-mid June( the FTF use to be held in July), but the forest service has not OKed the date change, because they are worried about owls mating and wet trails.
Since I know people will ask why not still have the race in July, my answer is....
I am NOT putting down Cycle Cross I am simply noting as a promoter of 10+ years that , With the increased popularity of Cycle Cross, Mt Bike racers tend to not race as much in the Summer now, this has been proven by the decrease in race numbers over the last couple years for Summer races(Spring races are still doing OK), while it is great Cycle Cross is growing and clearly Cycle Cross is more spectator and family friendly, the downside is the Cross Country Mt Bike race season has changed and basically if you have a race after mid June or are not part of the series, the number of racers drops WAY down at your event.
I hope to work with the Forest Service to host the FTF in 2009.
It has been a real honor hosting the racers over the last 10 years and I miss not hosting a race in 2008.
Take care
Randy Dreiling
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