uzideth@gmail.com
2008-01-29
"Win on Sunday, sell on Monday."
Saturday just doesn't sound very good. And it's hard to move a bike on
Sunday.
> > >
> > >
> >
>
SAT/SUN Racing
Erik Voldengen
2008-01-29
I've never raced outside of Oregon, so I always thought everyone raced on
Sundays.
I assumed it was so kids can do their sports on Saturdays (e.g. soccer), and
the parents can do their thing as well. Works for me.
-Erik
Brian Baumann
2008-01-29
I prefer Saturdays too. That way I can drink beer
Saturday night without fear of screwing up my race for
the weekend :)
Brian
____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Freyensee, James P
2008-01-29
I am just going to make a wild assumption that there are probably more
people that do the road-mtb racing combo than STXC/Super D/Downhill-road
racing combo so it may be worth experimenting and swapping days by
moving the xc on a Saturday and the Super D/downhill on a Sunday when
there is a potential Sunday Road-mtb conflict.
But I'm with Evan that I prefer racing on Saturdays. I find it
interesting that I have raced full seasons in several areas of the US
(California, all over the Midwest) and I have never seen such a
Sunday-schedule emphasis as I have seen here in Oregon.
J
________________________________
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of Todd.Dye@CH2M.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 9:04 AM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] SAT/SUN Racing
Agreed.
Variety is good, and with as many events as there are on the OBRA
calendar, I'm surprised that Saturday sometimes get left wide open when
there are several events on Sunday. Actually, this year's calendar
looks pretty darn good from that standpoint, with only a couple of
examples of multiple events on a Sunday and nothing on the Saturday
before or after. I hope that is a trend, and that promoters see
Saturday as a viable option. I think it's great for those of us who
can't or don't race on Sunday, as well as spreading events out so there
is less competition between events for calendar spots and racers.
The road calendar (at least after March) and cross calendar looks like
of pretty good mix of Saturday/Sunday events this year which I think is
good. The XC mtb calendar seems pretty heavily biased towards Sunday,
with only Spring Thaw on a Saturday. With STXC, Super D and downhill
events mostly on Saturday's I doubt that will change though.
________________________________
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of Evan Plews
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 8:35 PM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] SAT/SUN Racing
Remember than not everyone in OBRA agrees on everything... Neither day
is THE right or wrong decision. Each has advantages/disadvantages for
all of us. I for one, prefer racing on Saturday. Hopefully the promoters
will offer events on both days.
Thank you.
________________________________
From: elongride@hotmail.com
To: jwose@bendnet.com; mike@mudslingerevents.com
Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:37:48 -0800
CC: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Fwd: Great point
Julie, moving Pickett's back to Sunday was the right decision. I'll get
to race Pickett's Charge again for the first time in many years. It's
much easier for most of us to get a Sunday off than a Saturday. I, for
one, really appreciate the change. You put on one of the best XC races
on the West Coast. Just keep doing what you're doing, listening to your
customers and your race will continue to be a great annual competition.
See you in June,
-Erik
> Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:14:27 -0800
> From: jwose@bendnet.com
> To: mike@mudslingerevents.com
> CC: obra@list.obra.org
> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Fwd: Great point
>
> This is interesting because I have heard nothing but grief these past
two
> years about Pickett's being held on a Saturday. (I originally moved it
to
> Saturday so as not to conflict with the Yreka race). You will notice
that
> we have moved it back to Sunday due to "popular demand."
>
> -Julie
>
> > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> > From: Mike Ripley
> > Date: Jan 28, 2008 1:37 PM
> > Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Great point
> > To: "Freyensee, James P"
> >
> >
> > I agree----I can't race on Mothers day unless Andi races and I take
my mom
> > to Bend----not going to happen and way to political-----I have tried
for
> > years to get them to switch the race to Saturday and I do not think
Marcel
> > can do it, buts it is probably do to the fact that Web Cyclery is
busier
> > on
> > Saturday or something. Spring Thaw was States last year and that had
to
> > have
> > a bump effect and this year I am putting on Table Rock Road Race the
day
> > after Thaw to Double your leg burning fun. Don't forget to pull your
bike
> > out of the way for me or don't crash. Your a life saver
> >
> > Mike
> >
> >
> >
> > On Jan 28, 2008 1:30 PM, Freyensee, James P
> > wrote:
> >
> >> I noticed last year that the race overlap was normally due to RR,
> >> Crits,
> >> ITTs, and MTB all being scheduled for Sundays and Saturday was a
bare
> >> calendar day, or the only thing that was happening on a Saturday
was
> >> track/velodrome racing (starting April through July there are 8
such
> >> occurrences if you also throw in the OBRA Team ITT). Saturdays can
be
> >> successful race days for participants whether it is a road or MTB
race.
> >> I
> >> could argue a reason why Chainbreaker was down was because it was
held
> >> on
> >> the Mother's Day- I knew a few people who would have done the race
if it
> >> were not held on Mother's Day. Spring Thaw XC was held on a
Saturday
> >> last
> >> year and Mike pointed out the race was up 75+ riders from last
year. A
> >> very
> >> nice side benefit I liked from Pickett's Charge (other than it's a
great
> >> race) is that it was held on a Saturday- that means you got Sunday
to do
> >> whatever you want without the fear you are going to burn yourself
out
> >> for
> >> the race the next day. There were a few weekends last year if a MTB
race
> >> was
> >> held one day and a Road race was held the other day I would have
done
> >> both.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> J
> >> ------------------------------
> >>
> >> *From:* obra-bounces@list.obra.org
[mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org]
> >> *On
> >> Behalf Of *Mike Ripley
> >> *Sent:* Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:42 AM
> >> *To:* Craig Austin
> >> *Cc:* obra@list.obra.org
> >> *Subject:* Re: [OBRA Chat] Great point
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Hey Craig,
> >> I missed CC'ing the OBRA list and ya---wrong person--- and you are
100%
> >> right about all of it but here are the stats from 07 to build a
> >> perspective.
> >>
> >> First of all the top 20 at any given race is 70% different riders
from
> >> week to week in XC except at the pro/semi-pro level. The top 3-5 is
> >> consistent which means we may after this year want to look at would
> >> riders
> >> go to more races (begginers and sports and a few experts) if they
were
> >> spread out or do people like the focus and have time to relax
before
> >> cross.
> >> Bend----lower than normal attendance picketts has to compete with
mt
> >> hood
> >> and chainbreaker was down
> >> Oakridge and Firecracker doubled in size from 80 to 150 or so
> >> Mudslinger up 30 riders
> >> Test OF Endurance up 45 riders
> >> Bear springs the same
> >> Hornings great first year turnout----200+
> >> Spring Thaw up 75+ riders
> >> Portland short Track----up alot!
> >>
> >> The biggest point to lower turnout is the overlap of all racing and
the
> >> fact that on any given Sunday between road/TT and mtb XC we may
have 800
> >> people racing bikes which is an awesome problem to have if thats a
> >> problem.
> >> The big fear is that fire danger may creep in on summer events and
the
> >> risk
> >> but guess what---I am looking into a summer Venue for this year---
as I
> >> always do with different land agencies and finding a venue with
Parking.
> >> I
> >> agree about the mud! Ask anyone I am marginal in the mud racing
myself,
> >> but
> >> its a level playing field. I wish in a prefect world that cross was
the
> >> last
> >> weekend of September through Mid January and Road Was Mid February
> >> thorough
> >> Mid May for Single day events and XC was the first Weekend of May
> >> through
> >> Labor day with stage racing and those things going on. After the
> >> Mudslinger
> >> being put on in March/April for over 20 years it may never change
but oh
> >> well----thats one race. Back in the day the schedule looked like
this.
> >> Mudslinger/Lemurian (Shasta) Washington series going on so we would
> >> drive
> >> up. Spring Thaw, a bend race or two and Mt Hood Maybe 6 big races.
> >> Overall
> >> we have more turnout now but with more races people pick and
> >> choose.Thebig point if it does get hot is having the availability
to
> >> shorten the race
> >> and keep it fun--no 3 hr death marches at 100+ degree's. I guess
for the
> >> mud
> >> get a good fender and a great mud tire and take advantage of it.
The one
> >> good thing about no summer racing is we have time to go on vacation
or
> >> spend
> >> time with or family's and ride our favorite trails. Here's to
trying new
> >> things---like racing in the snow. Time to build trails-----anyone
have
> >> experimental drying agents for trails.
> >>
> >> Here's to Sunny skies.
> >> MIike Ripley
> >> OBRA mtb Rep
> >>
> >> Mike
> >>
> >>
> >> On Jan 27, 2008 12:29 AM, Craig Austin
wrote:
> >>
> >> Mike, was that supposed to come just to me? Because I'm not sure I
made
> >> the point you're responding to, must've been someone else.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> But while I have you on the line, I think you guys do a great job
but
> >> I've
> >> been trying for years to get the series moved BACK, not up.
Seriously,
> >> Oregon has the best weather on the planet for racing mountain
bikes--in
> >> June
> >> and July, and into August. April and May are just not great times
to be
> >> riding singletrack here. I personally think that's the biggest
reason
> >> for
> >> the downturn in participation. I'm pretty sure the Bend races
haven't
> >> had as
> >> drastic a reduction, and one really big reason is that you're
pretty
> >> sure
> >> you won't be racing in mud. Mud is for cross. A little bit of mud
is
> >> fine
> >> for mountain biking. But I've seen you throw your bike when it
clogged
> >> up
> >> with mud at Reehers a few years ago, and that race nearly soured me
on
> >> Oregon MTB racing for the rest of that season. Unfortunately, it's
a
> >> chicken-and-egg thing right now; the later races in the past few
years
> >> have
> >> had lower turnout, so the promoters keep moving them earlier, which
> >> means
> >> people burn out on riding mountain bikes earlier, so even the June
races
> >> suffer from lack of attendance. So the promoters think no one wants
to
> >> race
> >> in the summer, and move more and more races to the spring.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> I may be wrong, but I think if you guys would wait until May to
start
> >> racing, you'd have bigger turnouts. By then several road races
would've
> >> already happened, so a bunch of people who would normally choose a
road
> >> race
> >> over a mtb race will already have done a few road races and will be
> >> ready
> >> for a change. Also, drier races mean that roadies aren't going to
be
> >> intimidated into missing it, like they are for muddy races. You
aren't
> >> going
> >> to lose the hardcore mountain bikers by racing May, June, July
instead
> >> of
> >> April, May, June, and you might be surprised how many more racers
show
> >> up.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> All of this is my opinion, of course, but I have talked to dozens
of
> >> racers who have quit racing mountain bikes and the number one
reason I
> >> hear
> >> is that nearly all the races are held in the mud.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Craig
> >>
> >>
> >> ------------------------------
> >>
> >> *From:* ripleymike1@gmail.com [mailto:ripleymike1@gmail.com] *On
Behalf
> >> Of
> >> *Mike Ripley
> >> *Sent:* Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:41 PM
> >> *To:* Craig Austin
> >> *Subject:* Great point
> >>
> >> Hey,
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Great point----We just need a 6-10 mile loop in Forest Park or
another
> >> urban area but in Oregon Xc racing is about the riders experience
and
> >> the
> >> adventure. Picketts and Chainbreaker have 2-3 times where you see
the
> >> rider
> >> 30-45 minutes but thats the extent of it. I guess in part that is
what
> >> makes
> >> cross great and XC racing is not cross. Not defending which is
> >> better----they are just different beasts.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> I will look for good venues this year and if you think one has
potential
> >> keep me informed. Land is tough to come by and it takes years to
build
> >> the
> >> trust to use it and one person can mess that up in so many ways
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Mike
> >>
> >>
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > OBRA mailing list
> > obra@list.obra.org
> > http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> > Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
________________________________
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Todd.Dye@CH2M.com
2008-01-29
Agreed.
Variety is good, and with as many events as there are on the OBRA
calendar, I'm surprised that Saturday sometimes get left wide open when
there are several events on Sunday. Actually, this year's calendar
looks pretty darn good from that standpoint, with only a couple of
examples of multiple events on a Sunday and nothing on the Saturday
before or after. I hope that is a trend, and that promoters see
Saturday as a viable option. I think it's great for those of us who
can't or don't race on Sunday, as well as spreading events out so there
is less competition between events for calendar spots and racers.
The road calendar (at least after March) and cross calendar looks like
of pretty good mix of Saturday/Sunday events this year which I think is
good. The XC mtb calendar seems pretty heavily biased towards Sunday,
with only Spring Thaw on a Saturday. With STXC, Super D and downhill
events mostly on Saturday's I doubt that will change though.
________________________________
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of Evan Plews
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 8:35 PM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] SAT/SUN Racing
Remember than not everyone in OBRA agrees on everything... Neither day
is THE right or wrong decision. Each has advantages/disadvantages for
all of us. I for one, prefer racing on Saturday. Hopefully the promoters
will offer events on both days.
Thank you.
________________________________
From: elongride@hotmail.com
To: jwose@bendnet.com; mike@mudslingerevents.com
Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:37:48 -0800
CC: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Fwd: Great point
Julie, moving Pickett's back to Sunday was the right decision.
I'll get to race Pickett's Charge again for the first time in many
years. It's much easier for most of us to get a Sunday off than a
Saturday. I, for one, really appreciate the change. You put on one of
the best XC races on the West Coast. Just keep doing what you're doing,
listening to your customers and your race will continue to be a great
annual competition.
See you in June,
-Erik
> Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:14:27 -0800
> From: jwose@bendnet.com
> To: mike@mudslingerevents.com
> CC: obra@list.obra.org
> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Fwd: Great point
>
> This is interesting because I have heard nothing but grief
these past two
> years about Pickett's being held on a Saturday. (I originally
moved it to
> Saturday so as not to conflict with the Yreka race). You will
notice that
> we have moved it back to Sunday due to "popular demand."
>
> -Julie
>
> > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> > From: Mike Ripley
> > Date: Jan 28, 2008 1:37 PM
> > Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Great point
> > To: "Freyensee, James P"
> >
> >
> > I agree----I can't race on Mothers day unless Andi races and
I take my mom
> > to Bend----not going to happen and way to political-----I
have tried for
> > years to get them to switch the race to Saturday and I do
not think Marcel
> > can do it, buts it is probably do to the fact that Web
Cyclery is busier
> > on
> > Saturday or something. Spring Thaw was States last year and
that had to
> > have
> > a bump effect and this year I am putting on Table Rock Road
Race the day
> > after Thaw to Double your leg burning fun. Don't forget to
pull your bike
> > out of the way for me or don't crash. Your a life saver
> >
> > Mike
> >
> >
> >
> > On Jan 28, 2008 1:30 PM, Freyensee, James P
> > wrote:
> >
> >> I noticed last year that the race overlap was normally due
to RR,
> >> Crits,
> >> ITTs, and MTB all being scheduled for Sundays and Saturday
was a bare
> >> calendar day, or the only thing that was happening on a
Saturday was
> >> track/velodrome racing (starting April through July there
are 8 such
> >> occurrences if you also throw in the OBRA Team ITT).
Saturdays can be
> >> successful race days for participants whether it is a road
or MTB race.
> >> I
> >> could argue a reason why Chainbreaker was down was because
it was held
> >> on
> >> the Mother's Day- I knew a few people who would have done
the race if it
> >> were not held on Mother's Day. Spring Thaw XC was held on a
Saturday
> >> last
> >> year and Mike pointed out the race was up 75+ riders from
last year. A
> >> very
> >> nice side benefit I liked from Pickett's Charge (other than
it's a great
> >> race) is that it was held on a Saturday- that means you got
Sunday to do
> >> whatever you want without the fear you are going to burn
yourself out
> >> for
> >> the race the next day. There were a few weekends last year
if a MTB race
> >> was
> >> held one day and a Road race was held the other day I would
have done
> >> both.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> J
> >> ------------------------------
> >>
> >> *From:* obra-bounces@list.obra.org
[mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org]
> >> *On
> >> Behalf Of *Mike Ripley
> >> *Sent:* Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:42 AM
> >> *To:* Craig Austin
> >> *Cc:* obra@list.obra.org
> >> *Subject:* Re: [OBRA Chat] Great point
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Hey Craig,
> >> I missed CC'ing the OBRA list and ya---wrong person--- and
you are 100%
> >> right about all of it but here are the stats from 07 to
build a
> >> perspective.
> >>
> >> First of all the top 20 at any given race is 70% different
riders from
> >> week to week in XC except at the pro/semi-pro level. The
top 3-5 is
> >> consistent which means we may after this year want to look
at would
> >> riders
> >> go to more races (begginers and sports and a few experts)
if they were
> >> spread out or do people like the focus and have time to
relax before
> >> cross.
> >> Bend----lower than normal attendance picketts has to
compete with mt
> >> hood
> >> and chainbreaker was down
> >> Oakridge and Firecracker doubled in size from 80 to 150 or
so
> >> Mudslinger up 30 riders
> >> Test OF Endurance up 45 riders
> >> Bear springs the same
> >> Hornings great first year turnout----200+
> >> Spring Thaw up 75+ riders
> >> Portland short Track----up alot!
> >>
> >> The biggest point to lower turnout is the overlap of all
racing and the
> >> fact that on any given Sunday between road/TT and mtb XC we
may have 800
> >> people racing bikes which is an awesome problem to have if
thats a
> >> problem.
> >> The big fear is that fire danger may creep in on summer
events and the
> >> risk
> >> but guess what---I am looking into a summer Venue for this
year--- as I
> >> always do with different land agencies and finding a venue
with Parking.
> >> I
> >> agree about the mud! Ask anyone I am marginal in the mud
racing myself,
> >> but
> >> its a level playing field. I wish in a prefect world that
cross was the
> >> last
> >> weekend of September through Mid January and Road Was Mid
February
> >> thorough
> >> Mid May for Single day events and XC was the first Weekend
of May
> >> through
> >> Labor day with stage racing and those things going on.
After the
> >> Mudslinger
> >> being put on in March/April for over 20 years it may never
change but oh
> >> well----thats one race. Back in the day the schedule looked
like this.
> >> Mudslinger/Lemurian (Shasta) Washington series going on so
we would
> >> drive
> >> up. Spring Thaw, a bend race or two and Mt Hood Maybe 6 big
races.
> >> Overall
> >> we have more turnout now but with more races people pick
and
> >> choose.Thebig point if it does get hot is having the
availability to
> >> shorten the race
> >> and keep it fun--no 3 hr death marches at 100+ degree's. I
guess for the
> >> mud
> >> get a good fender and a great mud tire and take advantage
of it. The one
> >> good thing about no summer racing is we have time to go on
vacation or
> >> spend
> >> time with or family's and ride our favorite trails. Here's
to trying new
> >> things---like racing in the snow. Time to build
trails-----anyone have
> >> experimental drying agents for trails.
> >>
> >> Here's to Sunny skies.
> >> MIike Ripley
> >> OBRA mtb Rep
> >>
> >> Mike
> >>
> >>
> >> On Jan 27, 2008 12:29 AM, Craig Austin
wrote:
> >>
> >> Mike, was that supposed to come just to me? Because I'm not
sure I made
> >> the point you're responding to, must've been someone else.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> But while I have you on the line, I think you guys do a
great job but
> >> I've
> >> been trying for years to get the series moved BACK, not up.
Seriously,
> >> Oregon has the best weather on the planet for racing
mountain bikes--in
> >> June
> >> and July, and into August. April and May are just not great
times to be
> >> riding singletrack here. I personally think that's the
biggest reason
> >> for
> >> the downturn in participation. I'm pretty sure the Bend
races haven't
> >> had as
> >> drastic a reduction, and one really big reason is that
you're pretty
> >> sure
> >> you won't be racing in mud. Mud is for cross. A little bit
of mud is
> >> fine
> >> for mountain biking. But I've seen you throw your bike when
it clogged
> >> up
> >> with mud at Reehers a few years ago, and that race nearly
soured me on
> >> Oregon MTB racing for the rest of that season.
Unfortunately, it's a
> >> chicken-and-egg thing right now; the later races in the
past few years
> >> have
> >> had lower turnout, so the promoters keep moving them
earlier, which
> >> means
> >> people burn out on riding mountain bikes earlier, so even
the June races
> >> suffer from lack of attendance. So the promoters think no
one wants to
> >> race
> >> in the summer, and move more and more races to the spring.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> I may be wrong, but I think if you guys would wait until
May to start
> >> racing, you'd have bigger turnouts. By then several road
races would've
> >> already happened, so a bunch of people who would normally
choose a road
> >> race
> >> over a mtb race will already have done a few road races and
will be
> >> ready
> >> for a change. Also, drier races mean that roadies aren't
going to be
> >> intimidated into missing it, like they are for muddy races.
You aren't
> >> going
> >> to lose the hardcore mountain bikers by racing May, June,
July instead
> >> of
> >> April, May, June, and you might be surprised how many more
racers show
> >> up.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> All of this is my opinion, of course, but I have talked to
dozens of
> >> racers who have quit racing mountain bikes and the number
one reason I
> >> hear
> >> is that nearly all the races are held in the mud.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Craig
> >>
> >>
> >> ------------------------------
> >>
> >> *From:* ripleymike1@gmail.com
[mailto:ripleymike1@gmail.com] *On Behalf
> >> Of
> >> *Mike Ripley
> >> *Sent:* Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:41 PM
> >> *To:* Craig Austin
> >> *Subject:* Great point
> >>
> >> Hey,
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Great point----We just need a 6-10 mile loop in Forest Park
or another
> >> urban area but in Oregon Xc racing is about the riders
experience and
> >> the
> >> adventure. Picketts and Chainbreaker have 2-3 times where
you see the
> >> rider
> >> 30-45 minutes but thats the extent of it. I guess in part
that is what
> >> makes
> >> cross great and XC racing is not cross. Not defending which
is
> >> better----they are just different beasts.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> I will look for good venues this year and if you think one
has potential
> >> keep me informed. Land is tough to come by and it takes
years to build
> >> the
> >> trust to use it and one person can mess that up in so many
ways
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Mike
> >>
> >>
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > OBRA mailing list
> > obra@list.obra.org
> > http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> > Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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Evan Plews
2008-01-28
Remember than not everyone in OBRA agrees on everything... Neither day is THE right or wrong decision. Each has advantages/disadvantages for all of us. I for one, prefer racing on Saturday. Hopefully the promoters will offer events on both days.
Thank you.
From: elongride@hotmail.comTo: jwose@bendnet.com; mike@mudslingerevents.comDate: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:37:48 -0800CC: obra@list.obra.orgSubject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Fwd: Great point
Julie, moving Pickett's back to Sunday was the right decision. I'll get to race Pickett's Charge again for the first time in many years. It's much easier for most of us to get a Sunday off than a Saturday. I, for one, really appreciate the change. You put on one of the best XC races on the West Coast. Just keep doing what you're doing, listening to your customers and your race will continue to be a great annual competition.See you in June,-Erik> Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:14:27 -0800> From: jwose@bendnet.com> To: mike@mudslingerevents.com> CC: obra@list.obra.org> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Fwd: Great point> > This is interesting because I have heard nothing but grief these past two> years about Pickett's being held on a Saturday. (I originally moved it to> Saturday so as not to conflict with the Yreka race). You will notice that> we have moved it back to Sunday due to "popular demand."> > -Julie> > > ---------- Forwarded message ----------> > From: Mike Ripley > > Date: Jan 28, 2008 1:37 PM> > Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Great point> > To: "Freyensee, James P" > >> >> > I agree----I can't race on Mothers day unless Andi races and I take my mom> > to Bend----not going to happen and way to political-----I have tried for> > years to get them to switch the race to Saturday and I do not think Marcel> > can do it, buts it is probably do to the fact that Web Cyclery is busier> > on> > Saturday or something. Spring Thaw was States last year and that had to> > have> > a bump effect and this year I am putting on Table Rock Road Race the day> > after Thaw to Double your leg burning fun. Don't forget to pull your bike> > out of the way for me or don't crash. Your a life saver> >> > Mike> >> >> >> > On Jan 28, 2008 1:30 PM, Freyensee, James P > > wrote:> >> >> I noticed last year that the race overlap was normally due to RR,> >> Crits,> >> ITTs, and MTB all being scheduled for Sundays and Saturday was a bare> >> calendar day, or the only thing that was happening on a Saturday was> >> track/velodrome racing (starting April through July there are 8 such> >> occurrences if you also throw in the OBRA Team ITT). Saturdays can be> >> successful race days for participants whether it is a road or MTB race.> >> I> >> could argue a reason why Chainbreaker was down was because it was held> >> on> >> the Mother's Day- I knew a few people who would have done the race if it> >> were not held on Mother's Day. Spring Thaw XC was held on a Saturday> >> last> >> year and Mike pointed out the race was up 75+ riders from last year. A> >> very> >> nice side benefit I liked from Pickett's Charge (other than it's a great> >> race) is that it was held on a Saturday- that means you got Sunday to do> >> whatever you want without the fear you are going to burn yourself out> >> for> >> the race the next day. There were a few weekends last year if a MTB race> >> was> >> held one day and a Road race was held the other day I would have done> >> both.> >>> >>> >>> >> J> >> ------------------------------> >>> >> *From:* obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org]> >> *On> >> Behalf Of *Mike Ripley> >> *Sent:* Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:42 AM> >> *To:* Craig Austin> >> *Cc:* obra@list.obra.org> >> *Subject:* Re: [OBRA Chat] Great point> >>> >>> >>> >> Hey Craig,> >> I missed CC'ing the OBRA list and ya---wrong person--- and you are 100%> >> right about all of it but here are the stats from 07 to build a> >> perspective.> >>> >> First of all the top 20 at any given race is 70% different riders from> >> week to week in XC except at the pro/semi-pro level. The top 3-5 is> >> consistent which means we may after this year want to look at would> >> riders> >> go to more races (begginers and sports and a few experts) if they were> >> spread out or do people like the focus and have time to relax before> >> cross.> >> Bend----lower than normal attendance picketts has to compete with mt> >> hood> >> and chainbreaker was down> >> Oakridge and Firecracker doubled in size from 80 to 150 or so> >> Mudslinger up 30 riders> >> Test OF Endurance up 45 riders> >> Bear springs the same> >> Hornings great first year turnout----200+> >> Spring Thaw up 75+ riders> >> Portland short Track----up alot!> >>> >> The biggest point to lower turnout is the overlap of all racing and the> >> fact that on any given Sunday between road/TT and mtb XC we may have 800> >> people racing bikes which is an awesome problem to have if thats a> >> problem.> >> The big fear is that fire danger may creep in on summer events and the> >> risk> >> but guess what---I am looking into a summer Venue for this year--- as I> >> always do with different land agencies and finding a venue with Parking.> >> I> >> agree about the mud! Ask anyone I am marginal in the mud racing myself,> >> but> >> its a level playing field. I wish in a prefect world that cross was the> >> last> >> weekend of September through Mid January and Road Was Mid February> >> thorough> >> Mid May for Single day events and XC was the first Weekend of May> >> through> >> Labor day with stage racing and those things going on. After the> >> Mudslinger> >> being put on in March/April for over 20 years it may never change but oh> >> well----thats one race. Back in the day the schedule looked like this.> >> Mudslinger/Lemurian (Shasta) Washington series going on so we would> >> drive> >> up. Spring Thaw, a bend race or two and Mt Hood Maybe 6 big races.> >> Overall> >> we have more turnout now but with more races people pick and> >> choose.Thebig point if it does get hot is having the availability to> >> shorten the race> >> and keep it fun--no 3 hr death marches at 100+ degree's. I guess for the> >> mud> >> get a good fender and a great mud tire and take advantage of it. The one> >> good thing about no summer racing is we have time to go on vacation or> >> spend> >> time with or family's and ride our favorite trails. Here's to trying new> >> things---like racing in the snow. Time to build trails-----anyone have> >> experimental drying agents for trails.> >>> >> Here's to Sunny skies.> >> MIike Ripley> >> OBRA mtb Rep> >>> >> Mike> >>> >>> >> On Jan 27, 2008 12:29 AM, Craig Austin wrote:> >>> >> Mike, was that supposed to come just to me? Because I'm not sure I made> >> the point you're responding to, must've been someone else.> >>> >>> >>> >> But while I have you on the line, I think you guys do a great job but> >> I've> >> been trying for years to get the series moved BACK, not up. Seriously,> >> Oregon has the best weather on the planet for racing mountain bikes--in> >> June> >> and July, and into August. April and May are just not great times to be> >> riding singletrack here. I personally think that's the biggest reason> >> for> >> the downturn in participation. I'm pretty sure the Bend races haven't> >> had as> >> drastic a reduction, and one really big reason is that you're pretty> >> sure> >> you won't be racing in mud. Mud is for cross. A little bit of mud is> >> fine> >> for mountain biking. But I've seen you throw your bike when it clogged> >> up> >> with mud at Reehers a few years ago, and that race nearly soured me on> >> Oregon MTB racing for the rest of that season. Unfortunately, it's a> >> chicken-and-egg thing right now; the later races in the past few years> >> have> >> had lower turnout, so the promoters keep moving them earlier, which> >> means> >> people burn out on riding mountain bikes earlier, so even the June races> >> suffer from lack of attendance. So the promoters think no one wants to> >> race> >> in the summer, and move more and more races to the spring.> >>> >>> >>> >> I may be wrong, but I think if you guys would wait until May to start> >> racing, you'd have bigger turnouts. By then several road races would've> >> already happened, so a bunch of people who would normally choose a road> >> race> >> over a mtb race will already have done a few road races and will be> >> ready> >> for a change. Also, drier races mean that roadies aren't going to be> >> intimidated into missing it, like they are for muddy races. You aren't> >> going> >> to lose the hardcore mountain bikers by racing May, June, July instead> >> of> >> April, May, June, and you might be surprised how many more racers show> >> up.> >>> >>> >>> >> All of this is my opinion, of course, but I have talked to dozens of> >> racers who have quit racing mountain bikes and the number one reason I> >> hear> >> is that nearly all the races are held in the mud.> >>> >>> >>> >> Craig> >>> >>> >> ------------------------------> >>> >> *From:* ripleymike1@gmail.com [mailto:ripleymike1@gmail.com] *On Behalf> >> Of> >> *Mike Ripley> >> *Sent:* Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:41 PM> >> *To:* Craig Austin> >> *Subject:* Great point> >>> >> Hey,> >>> >>> >>> >> Great point----We just need a 6-10 mile loop in Forest Park or another> >> urban area but in Oregon Xc racing is about the riders experience and> >> the> >> adventure. Picketts and Chainbreaker have 2-3 times where you see the> >> rider> >> 30-45 minutes but thats the extent of it. I guess in part that is what> >> makes> >> cross great and XC racing is not cross. Not defending which is> >> better----they are just different beasts.> >>> >>> >>> >> I will look for good venues this year and if you think one has potential> >> keep me informed. Land is tough to come by and it takes years to build> >> the> >> trust to use it and one person can mess that up in so many ways> >>> >>> >>> >> Mike> >>> >>> >>> > _______________________________________________> > OBRA mailing list> > obra@list.obra.org> > http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra> > Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org> >> > > _______________________________________________> OBRA mailing list> obra@list.obra.org> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
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