Jim Anderson
Here is a very well written explanation for new racers or people that
are confused:
From:
http://www.bicyclepaper.com/bp/issues/April02/bp3.htm
Two State Racing Organizations Worth Joining
By Sarah Grinnell
If you've ever thought about pedaling in the fast lane and seeing what
your really made of on a bicycle and you live in Washington or Oregon,
then there are two organizations that can cater you into the fast lane.
Wanna Race in Washington?
The Washington State Bicycle Association (WSBA) is a statewide,
non-profit organization, which enables individuals and groups in
promoting bicycle racing events throughout the state. "WSBA is designed
to make racing better and easier in Washington State," says managing
director of WSBA, David Douglas, "We want to keep racing alive in
Washington." To promote an event with WSBA, all that is needed is a
payment of $1 for every rider that is registered and WSBA will provide
all the equipment needed to put on a high flying bicycle race. The
equipment includes radios, for communication between race vehicles,
photo finish camera for accurate results as well as course and safety
signage.
Never heard of WSBA? Don't sweat it. WSBA has been an organized racing
supporter in Washington for years, but in the last ten years or so has
changed management and been unable to promote their services as readily
as they would like. As of 2002, WSBA has around 850 members and helps to
promote about 80% of all road races in the state of Washington. Three
volunteer staff, who annually organize, coordinate and distribute a
year's schedule of quality racing, run the organization.
So if you want to race, but don't know how to be entered into a race
within Washington, all you need to do is some training and a membership
to WSBA. The membership cost is $10 and includes your own racing number,
which is good for about 90% of all racing within Washington. WSBA is a
non-profit organization, so the membership fees and money that is raised
during promoted events all goes back into buying equipment for future
races. For more information on this racing organization, or if you would
like join WSBA visit www.pazzovelo.com/wsbanew.htm.
Attention Oregon Cyclists!
Compared to Washington State, bicycle racing seems to attract a larger
crowd in Oregon. Helping in about 99% of all road races within Oregon,
the race promoting organization who calls themselves the Oregon Bicycle
Racing Association (OBRA) dominates the Oregon race promotion by being
an independent organization and giving their members a more economical
membership price than the national federation. Formerly governed by the
United States Cycling Federation (USCF), OBRA was dissatisfied with the
lack of local attention and broke away from the USCF in 1998 to "promote
and increase the number of events and racers within the state," says
administrative director Candi Murray. She says that since the secession
from USCF the membership of OBRA has, "swelled to the highest level ever."
OBRA, also a non-profit, volunteer organization, supports about 1,800
members from the Oregon state racing community. Unlike WSBA which
support only road racing, OBRA supports road and track racing, as well
as mountain biking, and cyclocross racing. A membership with OBRA costs
$15 to $20 (depending on what types of racing you are interested in) and
will provide a racing number, plus a subscription to the local cycling
paper in Oregon.
If you're looking to promote an event in Oregon, OBRA charges $1 per
rider for the use of their equipment, media contacts, mailing services,
and advertising assistance. For more information on this organization or
if you would like to find out how out join ORBA visit www.obra.org
<http://www.obra.org>
------------------------------------------------------------------------