Ron and Dorothy Strasser

OBRA-land
It is great to be a member of such a supportive group. The creative and diverse talents of OBRA members offer all of us so many options to race our bikes.
My hope for this year is that I see more co-operation between OBRA and other cycling advocacy groups. There already may be much that takes place that I am not aware. I know that cycling is so diverse. Humans want to feel a part of a group, so at times make slight differences seem larger than reality. Maybe a mountain biker or zoo bomber think each other or a recumbent rider are weirdoes for example. Or the whole lycra / baggy image thing. Truth is we all ride self-propelled fun machines. So what I hope is that OBRA, BTA, NWTA, SOMBA, Portland Wheelmen, BRMBA, COTA, IMBA and all the other cycling organizations and clubs out there can work to have more open and flexible communications and look for opportunities to work together to make cycling (all modes) more attractive to young and old citizens of this very unique and beautiful state we call Oregon. I do not usually get all wound up about new year resolutions, but Bike Portland has some posted that show me how many people really care about all of us having good places to ride our bikes, paved or off-road. (http://bikeportland.org/2009/12/31/your-our-our-big-bike-hopes-and-resolutions-for-2010/). Everyone has a love, a passion for some phase or this thing we might call "bike world". Check it out and even post your thoughts. Kris Schamp , looking a little more Northern based than Belgium to me... had a post close to my heart that showed me how much he cares about you having great places to ride and race (thanks Kris). You could even think about this time to join NWTA as you could get that membership and an IMBA membership for just $30. (http://nw-trail.org/join) That is a great deal and supports an ever stronger organization (s). NWTA is now a chapter of IMBA. Working together this organization can and will make things get better for us off-road riders. They will also work along with OBRA and other groups to make all cycling more accessible for citizens. Join your local area group(s) and get that OBRA membership renewed. Then get out there and ride with passion and courtesy. Together we can make our route better.
Thanks for reading and considering (it is from my heart).
ron
disclaimer... I am not paid by any of the groups mentioned above. I live on love and always win the race with myself!