Emily Martini

Those of us who are on the OBRA officials email have been chatting alot the past 24 hours in regards to officiating, giving time back to OBRA, etc.

Kenji said it best last night-OBRA is more than just clip and pedal-we all need to give back in many ways, other than just paying to race.

My question for everyone out there--how many times have you taken advantage of host housing when you travel to a race? Whether it is staying with a friend, a friend of a friend, networking, etc...someone opened their door and provided a place for you to sleep, so you wouldn't need to worry about added expenses of a hotel, etc.

I am having a bit of a hard time (along with Sal) in getting people to volunteer to host riders for Eugene Celebration, the Cross Over, and Co-Motion. Now-this isn't a stab at Eugene by any means-most races in the Portland area are one day events-but I just wanted people to stop for a minute, and think about everything that has been given to them in order for them to "clip and pedal" and to evaluate what you have given back to OBRA as a whole.

Those of us that officiate do not do it for the monetary rewards. Riders looking for a place to crash are not expecting the Ritz-a floor,shower and sometimes if possible a kitchen is all that is needed(eating out is expensive too).

As of this moment, I am actually considering moving my furniture out to the carport, and making the living room one big campsite, and possibly just setting up a sprinkler and slip and slide for people to soap and rinse off..sounds fun huh?

If you can help out great-shoot me an email off list. This wasn't a plea for help-just another thought provoking post, and me not doing what I should be doing....