Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic
Good Morning My Lycra Clad Friends,
A quick update and reminder to all of you regarding the Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic. I have been contacted by a number of groups who are planning to send teams or riders out in March to recon the CBCC courses and get some great winter training miles logged. With the exception of the downtown venue for the criterium all of the roads used for this year's race are incredibly quite regarding vehicle traffic. March is usually a great weather month in The Dalles for training as 80% of the rain that hits Portland stays east of town making it a beautiful dry climate to train. Please be however be sensitive to the local traffic by waving and moving over when cars come up so we can keep locals happy and continue to support the cycling movement that is growing in the region. If you come out this way for the day or for the weekend feel free to stop by and see living legend Dave Zimbelman at Salmon Cyclery in downtown The Dalles. He has pocket maps that fit in your jersey the local Chamber has printed showing each of the stages and a number of other great routes in the area. They are super pro on their design and information and most importantly they are free! Plus he can give you the inside scoop on each course and answer any questions you may have. For store hours and location go to www.salmoncyclery.com
A reminder that the early registration fee is only good for a few more days so sign up now to get the best rates!
Also a quick note to those who are dreading an early season crit at this year's race I just want to stress that the Downtown Criterium at the Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic is the perfect early season venue. No less than four lanes wide, flat and solid rectangle course will make sure riders have tons of room to manuver throughout the race. Quite possibly the easiest crit course in the Northwest and not to be compared to the Downtown Hood River Criterium course at the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic which is possibly the most technical crit course in the Northwest.
Finally book your rooms now to make sure you get a place to stay. Lodging is limited out in the Gorge and I would hate for anyone to have to sleep in their car! For lodging info go to our lodging page at www.cherryblossomclassic.com Be sure and tell the hotels you are in for the race as they have rooms blocked specifcally for the event. Comfort Inn and Cousins Inn are both going to have race info and results available nighly.
Keep the rubber side down and we look forward to seeing all of you at the starting line!
Sincerely,
Chad and the Sorella Forte Race Team