Kris Schamp

(In case you didn't receive the email message I sent out this morning...)

This coming Sunday we are kicking off the Kruger's Kermesse Farm Crit Series. We hope to see you out there, either as a racer or as a spectator. Here are a couple updates I thought you might be interested in:

1) Course Update:
Earlier this week, I was at the farm for a final check on the course and things look great. Despite the rain, there were only a couple of slick spots and in the next two days I expect most of these to dry out. According to the latest forecast, the weather will be partly sunny and dry through Sunday, so expect a fast course, definitely less dusty than last year! As for tire choice, fast cyclocross tires (like Michelin Sprint) are probably the best all-round choice. 25 or 28mm slick road tires might work as well, assuming you run high enough tire pressure and are a little more careful of the lines you pick (there are a couple ruts and potholes on the course).

2) Pre-riding:
I had a lot of people asking me if they can pre-ride the course. I was hoping to arrange something for Saturday, but they have a wedding at the farm that day and most of the course will not be accessible. So if you like to pre-ride, your best bet is to come out early on Sunday morning to get a couple laps in and get a feel of the course and decide what tires to run.

3) Registration & Team Relay:
Pre-registration has closed, but you can still sign up for the team relay through end-of-day tomorrow (Friday). Just shoot me an e-mail with your names and the category you plan to race in and then bring the paperwork and pay for your race on Saturday. The team relay format is a lot of fun and makes for a great second race! To make it even more accessible, we decided to change the 10-person team category into a 4+ person team category. This will be a mixed category, so make sure to have at least one lady on your roster. One important reminder about the relay: for safety reasons, racers will not be allowed to race after drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages. Hope that make sense...

4) Bib Numbers:
Whether you have already pre-registered or not, please make sure to budget enough time before your race to pick up your bib #. All racers will use custom bib numbers, so leave your OBRA road bibs at home. And like in cyclocross, bib numbers go on the left.

5) Wanted: Volunteers!
We are still in dire need of a couple hands to help out during the race, especially at registration and some course marshals. If you like to volunteer - and get to race for free - just reply to this e-mail.

6) Sponsors and prizes:
We got some great sponsors supporting this series with some cool prizes. Besides our title sponsor Cyclepath, we have Chris King, Clif Bar, Rapha, Nossa Familia and Laurelwood chipping in with product and great schwag that we will raffle off among all racers each week and at the final race. Thank you sponsors!

That's it. If you have any questions, check our web site or just shoot me an e-mail. I am looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday at the farm. Should be a blast!

~Kris

Kris Schamp
www.portlandracing.com

http://www.portlandracing.com/kermesse/