Mike Ripley

Hello,

Sal will post Monday to add to this post....deep feelings, but I thought it
would be good to get as much of a head start as possible.

The Facts

Cash Sponsorship in this economy is poor to non existent

Willamette Cost 20,500 just to break even and after getting 211 riders in
2008 in 40 degree weather and losing 3 grand we were OK with that. Sal and I
thought with proper planning and a kick ass course, we should get at least
that and maybe more......2 or 3 nice RR courses and a anything is possible
TT and the weather will be 20 degree's warmer, probably still a bit of rain.

Current. We have 10,100 dollars at the moment from registrations....midnight
Sunday and need 100 more entries to make this race happen.

The reality

*By Tuesday at noon* I will officially say the race is on and we have the
100 riders needed to break even....and keep this event going*....YEA!
On the other hand if we do not get the 100 riders* to either register ( no
service fee's online at sportsbaseonline) or e-mail me and say I am coming
and here is my rider info and I will pay at sign in then I will have to *
cancel* the race in time to let riders alter plans and hotels and cancel
flaggers to porta poties, and all other race related stuff and give everyone
a full refund.

Many have signed up and yes it will disappoint riders coming from Canada,
San Fransisco, and other parts of California, and to those locals who this
is their back yard and your back yard in Oregon and the Willamette Valley,
this may be it for Willamette.

Bottom line

I respect your decision on whatever you decide, and want you to achieve all
that cycling can for you. We have many opportunities with OBRA, and yes
there will be other times to race as I will be holding other events and Sal
will also.
It is a sign of the times and budgets, so no matter what, no hard feelings,
register now and if you do not Sal and I will have some time to
relax.....would you really want that?

Thanks everyone!

Mike and Sal