Mt. Hood Cycling Classic
Hello Northwest Racers!
We are now one month away from the 2010 Indie Hops Mt. Hood Cycling Classic. Things are in full swing and we are looking forward to our best event yet. We have a number of exciting opportunities lined up for this year. For starters we are back in Portland with a tremendous Pro Men's race as well as a brand new CAT 2 men's race. Both will be run under USA Cycling for upgrade points. We also have two brand new stages with the PIR Prologue and Mt. Adams Road Race. Here is a quick look at what is on tap.
PIR
Tuesday June 1st
Tuesday night racing just got a bit more exciting. Food, vendor expo, beer garden, music and a decked out course that will feel like you are racing the big time are all on tap for each of the races. A modified schedule has been created to accommodate the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic Prologue that will follow the standard PIR racing. CAT 4/5 Men will race at 5:45, CAT 3/4 Men at 6:15 and the CAT 1-3 at 6:20. Once you are finished sit back grab a beer and watch the action kick off at 7:30 with the CAT 2 men's prologue followed by the Pro-1 men's prologue. UnitedHealthcare, Bissell, Rock Racing, and more will be on hand to tear up the track.
Tabor
Wednesday June 2nd
For those of you that missed the action in 2008 you have another chance. Absolutely an amazing course with some of the strongest riders in the country throwing down and pushing the pace. In 2008 the race was won by Hilton Clarke from then Toyota United with an average speed of 27 mph! Look for a return of that action. Food, music, event expo, and after the racing is done stay to watch the first ever Cycleball match in the Northwest! Racing starts at 6:00 with the CAT 2 Men's race and then heats up with the Pro-1 Men's race at 7:30. Mark it on your calendars and do not miss this in 2010!
Adams
Thursday June 3rd
We are invading Washington with this brand new course! Less climbing more scenery than last year's Cooper Spur Circuit race. One of the most amazing courses around that is reminiscent of the old 3 Summits Road Race (minus the moss). Run on narrow forest service roads located in between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams this is a course that people will be raving about. Starting and finishing in the picturesque town of Trout Lake, Washington. This is a different course than was originally posted so be sure to check out the new details.
Gorge
Friday June 4th
Yes it is back. The most dramatic, most spectacular time trial in North America period (not my words but the pros). Travel the old scenic highway between The Dalles and Hood River via the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway. Enough said.
Mt. Hood
Saturday June 5th
The queen stage looks to once again be the deciding factor for the races. Starting at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort the course will take riders from the snowy alpine slopes of Mt. Hood down into the dry desert of Eastern Oregon and then return for a spectacular mountain finish.
Hood River
Sunday June 6th
Finish up with the criterium in downtown Hood River in front of Full Sail Brewing. One of the most challenging and technical criterium courses in the country this is a great way to polish off one tough week of racing.
Packet Pickup
We will be offering packet pickup in Portland this year for CAT 3, CAT 4, Masters, and Women Categories at both the PIR Prologue and the Mt. Tabor Circuit Race. Check in early and save yourself some time race morning with the convenience of picking up your packet ahead of the race. Pro-1 and CAT 2 Men's packet pickup will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday June 1st at our Portland host hotel Comfort Inn in Troutdale.
For maps and more information head to the website at www.mthoodcyclingclassic.com
Also for more info on the new Mt. Adams Road race be sure to check out Oregon Cycling Action website. They will also be posting stage reviews and stories prior to the race.
http://oregon.cyclingaction.com/2010/snow-pack-ups-ante-for-hoods-mt-adams-stage/
I hope to see all of you at the startling line!
Sincerely,
Chad