Mt. Hood Cycling Classic
2009 Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic
Welcome competitors to the 2009 Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic presented by Gorge Delights. On behalf of Breakaway Promotions and Sorella Forte we appreciate you including us in your 2009 race schedule. The city of The Dalles is excited at the opportunity to host this event and showcase the beautiful roads the region has to offer. I wanted to take this time to send out some important information regarding the event.
Packet pickup
Packet pickup will be offered at two different times and locations. Starting Thursday all riders can pick up their registration packets at the Hood River Port Crit. For those interested in shaking out the legs and getting an extra day of racing this is a great opportunity. The criterium is located on the Port of Hood River and is a flat fast 4 corner race. For more info go to www.obra.org/flyers/2009/port_of_hood_river.html for details. The second packet location will be at the start of Stage #1 at Petersburg School. Packet pickup times for each category will be
Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All Categories -Port of Hood River
Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Pro 1-2 Men, Pro 1-3 Women, Masters Men - Petersburg School,
Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CAT 3 Men, CAT 4 Men, CAT 4 Women, Masters Women
We will be posting registered rider lists on the Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic website on Wednesday. If you register late you won't be on that list. If any of your registration info is incorrect you can have it changed at packet pickup. This event is an OBRA sanctioned event and requires an OBRA license. Be sure and bring your license to packet pickup. No license no race. If you do not have an OBRA license you can purchase a temporary that covers the entire event for $5 at packet pickup. All riders must fill out an OBRA standard release form and submit it in order to get their race number. Blank forms will be located at packet pickup or can be downloaded from the OBRA website at www.obra.org and click on the forms link. Parking will be tight so please be courteous and follow the directions of our parking attendants.
Technical Guide
The 2009 Cherry Blossom Technical Guide is now available online. It is a preliminary guide and changes can and may be implemented before packet pickup. The technical guide that you will receive at packet pickup is the official race guide and will be what the race adheres to unless the chief official makes a change.
Race Info Update
Come prepared for any kind of weather. Even though The Dalles traditionally has mild weather this time of year anything is possible. Come prepared. Wheel support will be neutral for all categories but it requires support from the riders to make it happen. Before every stage a wheel lottery will be run and those whose race number is chosen will be required to submit wheels for neutral support. A list of the lucky lottery winners will be posted at packet pickup before stage #1 and at rider sign in thereafter. There will be no wheel lottery for the time trial.
Racing Category Update
The Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic will split out the following categories for GC scoring.
CAT 3 Women
Masters Women
Masters 50+ Men
Prizes will be given to the top three riders of each of these categories at the conclusion of the race on Sunday.
Things to Do in The Dalles
There are a number of fun things to do and experience while you are staying and playing in The Dalles. Here is a sampling of a few.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
The CGDC is a tremendous museum tracking the history and culture of early Native Americans to the Oregon Trail. Come alone or bring the family for a huge number of world class exhibits and interactive displays.
The Mint
In the mid 1800's The Dalles was the third largest city in Northwest and a hub for the gold mining industry in Eastern Oregon. In 1864 Abraham Lincoln commissioned a minting operation be built in The Dalles to accommodate the gold being mined in the Northwest. The Mint building was built but before it was operational the U.S. Treasury decided to relocate the Western minting operation to San Francisco. Today the Mint houses the award winning Erin Glenn Winery. Come in Friday from 6-9 for tremendous wines, craft beers on tap and live music.
The Fort Dalles Museum
One of the earliest outposts in the area The Fort Dalles Surgeons Quarters and museum is a walk back in time.
Please do not reply to this email. Consult the website at www.cherryblossomclassic.com for more details.