Roger Colwell
Here is your personal invitation to come out and enjoy a full weekend of off
road bicycle racing on top of the world, at spectacular Bald Peak; a
photographers dream venue. "PAIN AND SUFFER'N WEEKEND" is finally here! I
spent several hours at the venue yesterday marking the XC trails, and
believe you me, they are in tremendous shape. The recent heavy rains came
right on schedule. The trails are firm, fast and not at all muddy. Friday
night's STXC race at just under 6 minutes per lap combines speed on the
recently harvested wheat fields and some challenging single track.
Saturday's XC has been lengthened for 2010. The legendary "payback hill" is
in play once again this year. Grass seeding in critical areas last fall at
"switchback alley" and several others have really improved the traction.
Likewise, Sunday's CX course length and difficulty (as if it weren't tough
enough last year) has been upped. A new short double run up and a trio of
whoop-d-whoops adds a little more excitement.
Under the big top (a 20' x 40' tent) tables and chairs are there for your
use the entire weekend. Bring your own refreshments and food or enjoy some
fresh pizza right out of the oven from *Earth Oven Pizza*. I tried it out
last Sunday at the Orenco Farmers Market, and without question some of the
best pizza I've eaten since I moved to Portland more than 25 years ago. *Earth
Oven* will be here for breakfast (yes, they have a breakfast menu) and lunch
both Saturday and Sunday. Back again from last year's XC race is *Chen's
Dynasty* with great Chinese food and beverages for lunch Saturday and
Sunday. Donuts from *Mama's Minis* will be there as well. Bet you can't eat
just one!
Go to the website www.painandsuffern.com for directions to the venue.
Starting race times and your race categories can be found by clicking on the
"Register" tab, then scrolling on down the page. Pre-registration closed
yesterday (Wednesday).
I look forward seeing and meeting you at the races. Be sure to come up and
say hi! I will be the one with the big smile and stressed out face.
Roger Colwell
Brought to you by Sunset Cycles,
and the Sunset Cycles Racing Team