Welcome to the 8th Annual Elkhorn Classic Stage Race - Update #1

Elkhorn
World Headquarters - 25 February, 2009 - www.ElkhornClassic.com -
Elkhorn is pleased to announce that the 2009 registration is open!  Last
year's attendance was record setting; you will remember that nearly
every category filled and went on a waiting list. Don't wait and have
to scramble. Plan early then train early.

I
would like to extend a major thank you to the members of SouthTown
Velo, sponsored by Environmental Business Solutions, who have
enthusiastically accepted the role of OBRA team sponsor for our event.  They
will be assisting with the volunteer coordination and daily duties
needed to maintain the quality of racing Elkhorn is known for.

Elkhorn is again
committed to helping develop and encourage women's racing. Wouldn't it
be a great thing to see the women's field full? You can make it happen.
We are proud to announce that the Baker City community has committed to
once again match each of the women's payouts to the men's. As in 2008,
for women-only racers, and women-only teams, the community is offering
free host housing through Baker City residents and businesses.  Please
contact Elkhorn for details. We are also considering a rebate program
for any woman racer who refers a new, first time woman racer to
Elkhorn. Women's groups and teams are strongly encouraged for all
categories. Is there interest in a Masters Women field? We don't have
one currently, but we would consider having one if there's enough
participation. 

We are once again
offering team discounts for group registration because everyone knows
that "If I'm going to have this much fun, my teammate should enjoy it
too." Team captains should contact us directly for details.

We
are pleased to announce that Elkhorn will host the OBRA District Stage
Race Championships for Men and Women Categories and Masters Men
divisions as well. Details are forthcoming, but this is open to all
eligible OBRA members.

A reminder that the video montage shown
at Mad Matilda's last year will be available for purchase during
registration. It will be available in Baker City, but order early and
Whit will include the 2007 photo recap as well. Please check our
website for details. Ah, the memories.

We are already receiving inquires about the race and lodging options in Baker City.  Since
well over half of Elkhorn racers are from outside of OBRA, groups and
teams from the Western US and Canada tend to make their plans early and
coordinate whatever and whenever they can. We encourage folks to make
their lodging arrangements early and consider traveling in groups,
teams, carpools, caravan, convoy or what not.  As
with previous years, there is an RV park behind the school grounds, as
well as a camping option at Baker High School for racers on a budget.   

And as always, a special thanks to race founders Nathan & Claire Hobson.  Without their original vision, Elkhorn would not be.   

Ride safe,