Tim Schauer

Well put Brad. I am one of the riders who did not wear a costume but did enjoy the good natured harassment I got in "Boo Alley" during the race. However, I was not impressed, but surprised that my 14 year old son, also no costume, got beer poured on him in "boo alley" for not having a costume. I felt I was inviting the silly string and the boos, but I think harassing the juniors goes a little too far. All that said, we don't extend any of that blame or frustration to the promoter! You guys ROCK! The Crusade is absolutely awesome. I told him, that beer and cyclocross will have a symbiotic relationship for you later in life, but 14 is a little early to mix Beer and cyclocross! :)

I also heard a lot of conversation about how to discourage us "no costume racers" and encourage us to dress up in the spirit next year...I even heard suggested a delayed start for those without...or a special call up for ONLY those in the points WITH costumes...but I think there could be a few fun ways to level the playing field next Halloween. Here is a suggestion or two that could be fun for us and the crowd.

How about a extra set of body barriers for us "no costume" racers? Or maybe a small short cut if you are wearing a costume? Or maybe a hug water pit or mud bog for those without costume? Post an official at the course split to direct traffic after the first lap? The first lap would be too hard to split up the traffic. This special course section should probably accommodate a large spectator group too....maybe a soap bubble wall or something too????

-Tim Schauer

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Cheryl Willson
Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 2:29 PM
To: obra obra
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Fwd: Crusade Costume vs. No Costume

Forwarding for Brad....

Begin forwarded message:

From: BRAD ROSS >
Date: November 2, 2009 1:32:34 PM PST

Costume vs. No Costume

One of the things that makes the Cross Crusade and the local cycling scene in general so great is that it's very inclusive. We have put huge amounts of energy into making anyone and everyone feel welcome.

While I was blown away at the number of people who chose to wear costumes on Sunday in Astoria, we have to remember that it's voluntary. Having beer poured on you, getting boo'd at, having things thrown at you and water splashed in your face is not fun. And I feel it goes against the whole ethos of inclusion that has made the Crusade so awesome.

I have received a number of letters from upset racers today basically asking what it is that I'm going to do about this. I will remind everyone that I have very little control over other people's behavior. I'll just ask that you all treat each other with respect.

>From now on, let's just cheer extra loud for people dressed in costume.

--
Brad Ross
Cross Crusade Cyclocross Series
USGP of Cyclocross
Portland Twilight Criterium
Cascade Cycling Classic

Ron and Dorothy Strasser

I agree with Brad. Lets try to not show our ugly side (except in costume). Lets support Oregon Cross and OBRA by being good sports.
Two great races left in the Crusade series. PIR race will include the SS world championship race. If you have not experienced this event.... well I just say look at it as the second weekend of Halloween racing. Do not miss it. And we end the series at the Famous Barton Park (this is no Disco). If you have not raced here... you might consider a mouthpiece to protect your teeth. Some might wear shoulder pads. Lots of fun left after that with USGP then over to BEND for nationals. The Crusade Crew does a wonderful job of giving us great Cross races.

The other Cross races we have are great as well. Crusade has set a high standard and that makes the other promoters stay on task providing good venues for us to race and have fun. Just think about all the cross races (Bend, Southern OR, Eugene, Salem area (including this Saturday OBRA Championships), Hood River, Barlow, Pain on the Peak, The Blind Dates, and even with all the garbage taking place with Kruger's permitting, that Cross race is still going to take place (talk about having fun with pumpkins!). We are darn lucky in my opinion.
Thanks to all of you (fellow racers, fans, promoters, volunteers, sponsors, officials and everyone else that makes it happen). I may be getting slower, but I am still having as much fun as my first race!
my two cents
ron
(I was just one pinball between the fairground barns)

----- Original Message -----
From: Cheryl Willson
To: obra obra
Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 2:28 PM
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Fwd: Crusade Costume vs. No Costume

Forwarding for Brad....

Begin forwarded message:

From: BRAD ROSS

Date: November 2, 2009 1:32:34 PM PST

Costume vs. No Costume

One of the things that makes the Cross Crusade and the local cycling scene in general so great is that it's very inclusive. We have put huge amounts of energy into making anyone and everyone feel welcome.

While I was blown away at the number of people who chose to wear costumes on Sunday in Astoria, we have to remember that it's voluntary. Having beer poured on you, getting boo'd at, having things thrown at you and water splashed in your face is not fun. And I feel it goes against the whole ethos of inclusion that has made the Crusade so awesome.

I have received a number of letters from upset racers today basically asking what it is that I'm going to do about this. I will remind everyone that I have very little control over other people's behavior. I'll just ask that you all treat each other with respect.

From now on, let's just cheer extra loud for people dressed in costume.

--
Brad Ross
Cross Crusade Cyclocross Series
USGP of Cyclocross
Portland Twilight Criterium
Cascade Cycling Classic

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Cheryl Willson

Forwarding for Brad....

Begin forwarded message:

> From: BRAD ROSS
> Date: November 2, 2009 1:32:34 PM PST
>
> Costume vs. No Costume
>
> One of the things that makes the Cross Crusade and the local cycling
> scene in general so great is that it's very inclusive. We have put
> huge amounts of energy into making anyone and everyone feel welcome.
>
> While I was blown away at the number of people who chose to wear
> costumes on Sunday in Astoria, we have to remember that it's
> voluntary. Having beer poured on you, getting boo'd at, having
> things thrown at you and water splashed in your face is not fun.
> And I feel it goes against the whole ethos of inclusion that has
> made the Crusade so awesome.
>
> I have received a number of letters from upset racers today
> basically asking what it is that I'm going to do about this. I will
> remind everyone that I have very little control over other people's
> behavior. I'll just ask that you all treat each other with respect.
>
> From now on, let's just cheer extra loud for people dressed in
> costume.
>
> --
> Brad Ross
> Cross Crusade Cyclocross Series
> USGP of Cyclocross
> Portland Twilight Criterium
> Cascade Cycling Classic