Kris Schamp

Hello everyone!

For those of you who didn't receive the email I sent out yesterday, here are a couple updates ahead of Sunday's 5th edition of the Kruger's Crossing Cyclocross Classic

http://www/portlandracing.com/cx/

1) Race course and weather update:
Wednesday afternoon, I was at the farm when the big storm moved in. It was quite the sight and I guess we are lucky that this storm didn't come 3 days later! While the rain and wind are supposed to taper off by Saturday evening, it's safe to assume that the course will be a bit soggy and muddy (read: very similar to years past). Temperatures are also expected to drop in the 40s, so prepare accordingly and bring plenty of warm and dry clothes. The course (http://tinyurl.com/5nhtc5) is about 2 miles/lap, though depending on the course conditions, we might shorten the course a bit for the early races. We also plan to monitor the course throughout the day and - if needed and where possible - re-route the course over fresh tracks, to avoid that some sections get chewed up to the point that they are no longer rideable. As far as the corn maze goes, we will most likely skip it this year, as things can get pretty messy there. Then again, if things dry up during the day on Sunday, the
re is a chance that we throw in an optional shortcut through the maze for the afternoon races, like we did last year.

2) Doggie Dash CX World Championship Update!
By popular demand, we are bringing back this free and fun race for our four-legged friends - sans bikes and on-leash. To participate in the dog race, you must register your dog between 10 and 12:30 at the Cycle Dog tent, which will be located next tot the dog corral and right across the entrance of the corn maze. Dog race staging starts at 12:30 and the first race starts at 12:45. All dogs will receive a bib number and a special treat package provided by our dog sponsors Meat and All for Paws. Top-3 finishers in each category will receive a cool prize courtesy of Cycle Dog and we'll have a very special prize for the winner of the best dog attire category: a super-fun one-hour on-location photo session with Bob Libby from Canis Studio!

3) Registration
Online pre-registration has closed, but you can still register on Sunday from 7:45am until 15' before each race. Note that we only accept cash or checks for day-of-race registration. And please help us save paper by filling out the online accident waiver and release form at http://www.portlandracing.com/krugers-cx-waiver-2010.php

4) Bring your Cross Crusade Bib Numbers:
Another reminder that we will use the Cross Crusade bib numbers, so please bring them with you. If you haven't raced cross yet this season or if you plan to race a new category, you will need to pick up a new bib number at the registration tent. As usual, bib numbers go on the left side.

5) Parking:
Parking at Kruger's Farm is not unlimited, so we encourage people to carpool or bike over to the farm. Also, there will be a parking fee ($5/car - cash only). Please obey the parking marshals' instructions and make sure to bring exact change.

6) Ten more reasons to come over to the farm this Sunday to race or spectate:
- Free mechanical support by the friendly folks of the Bike Gallery;
- Free gourmet coffee courtesy of Nossa Familia Coffee;
- Free Kiddie Races and cool prizes courtesy of Fun Reflector;
- Free Hammer Nutrition samples for all racers;
- Free raffle throughout the day, with more than $1000 in prizes, courtesy of our sponsors Chris King, Showers Pass, HUB, Bike Gallery and Nossa Familia Coffee;
- Woodfired pizza, burgers, corn-on-the-cob, and various other food items, catered by Kruger's Farm Market;
- Mega bonfire (or the "Mother of All Bonfires" in Don Kruger's words) along the course, to keep everyone warm and toasty throughout the day;
- Beer garden with Portland's finest organic ales, brought to you by Hopworks Urban Brewing;
- On-site bike wash service by Taylor Kneuven and crew;
- All-day announcing and DJ-ed music by Luciano.

7) Enjoying racing at the farm? Support Kruger's Farm Market!
Don Kruger and everyone else at the farm have always been extremely welcoming to cyclists on Sauvie Island and Don has gone to great lengths to keep bike racing at his farm alive and kicking. One great way that the bike race community can give back to Don - besides coming out and racing this Sunday - is by supporting his business. This Sunday, all goods (produce AND merchandise) at the Kruger's Farm Market store will be 20% OFF! Make sure to bring your Thanksgiving shopping list and load up on fresh and local goodies and some great holiday gifts. And if you live in Portland, make sure to check out their new "farm stand" locations in St Johns (7316 N Lombard) and - opening this Friday! - in SE Portland (the old Uncle Paul's Produce at SE 23rd and Hawthorne). Both farm stands are open every day of the week and will be open year-round.

That's it. I hope to see you on Sunday at the farm for some good times, on and off the course. Bring your family and friends. Bring your dogs. Let's throw a party!

Cheers!
~Kris

Kris Schamp
www.portlandracing.com