Erik Voldengen
I received this from Erik Sten's office. Attachents removed.
Dear Mt. Tabor racing enthusiasts,
Since this morning was the first that we heard of the alleged impacts to
bike races and the soap box derby on Mt. Tabor, let me share with you what
I've learned so far. I think it's all good news, though we will
need you to
work with us on a few things.
I have copies of a Jan 18th letter from Gretchen Newberry of Parks sent to
Northwest Velo, Rose City Wheelmen, Portland United Messenger Association,
and Cascade Slalom Association, outlining the introduction of a security
zone encompassing the three reservoirs at Mt. Tabor. The letter
states that
the "current changes, once finalized, will likely prohibit the public from
using the road above the old soapbox derby track." I suspect this letter
may be the source of some of the confusion (through no fault of
Gretchen's).
It is true that the new security zone comes with a few required actions on
your part, but not prohibitions.
For example, I'm told by the Water Bureau that the Rose City Wheelmen have
worked out the details for their June 30th event (see attached). This
involves providing plans for security, letting the City know the route of
the race, and keeping spectators away from the immediate vicinity of the
reservoirs. I'm told by the Water Bureau that we can be flexible provided
these conditions are met--that we can still open gates if needed,
allow the
use of the soap box derby track, etc. I also confirmed that groups can
provide their own security, provided the other conditions are met. This
hopefully addresses any potential concerns about prohibitive costs.
I'm told by the Water Bureau that this stuff should be addressed
through the
normal Parks permitting process. Gretchen Newberry and Mark
Warrington from
Parks were the contacts given to me. (City folks: if this isn't
right, let
me know. I do hope that we can give everyone a simple process
and a single
point of contact). Hopefully all this info is accurate.
Please share this email with interested fellow cyclists, soapbox
derbyists,
etc., in order to try to do what we can to discourage misunderstandings.
Enjoy the nice weather and the racing! Let me know if you have
any ongoing
questions or concerns.
Warm regards,
Rich Rodgers
Assistant to Erik Sten
<<MtTaborRaceSecurity.doc>> <<CourseMap.doc>>