OBRA: OBRA Chat: 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RAC...

Karsten Hagen

2011-03-14

Piece of Cake + gravel???

That's like dessert after dessert!

My favorite bike race in the whole world just got better.

Wish I could be there.

Karsten Hagen

On Mar 09, 2011, at 01:29 PM, Jason Shucker wrote:

Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!

I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.

Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.

I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.

Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!

Rant Over

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dacrizzow

2011-03-10

wasn't planning on doing this race but now i am! i ride lots of hills but weigh too much to be a climber at banana belt. love my monday night PIR's but i'm not a sprinter. spend lots of time on otto miller road, rock brick road, forest park, beach roads at sauvie island, etc. (you get the picture). but there's no races to test that. wait! but there is! portland bikers seem to pride themselves on the whole belgium connection or whatever. i'm stepping in there. hope this brings in some new blood. the old blood sounds kind of tired anyway.

Rick Johnson

2011-03-10

Let's not confuse Road racing with Pavement racing.

Road:
an open way for vehicles, persons, and animals; especially
: one lying outside of an urban district

Road: a long, narrow stretch with a smoothed or paved surface,
made for traveling by motor vehicle, carriage, etc., between two
or more points; street or highway.

Road: a strip of land, smoothed or otherwise prepared to allow
easier travel, connecting two or more destinations.

Rick Johnson
Bend, Oregon

Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction...
One, it's completely impossible.
Two, it's possible, but it's not worth doing.
Three, I said it was a good idea all along.

Arthur C. Clarke

On 3/9/2011 12:29 PM, Jason Shucker wrote:

Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been
around for YEARS and has been very popular without adding a
gravel section. I am sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!

I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year
then any other state. However, we actually have very few one
day road races. If you love racing on gravel so much, hop on
a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another road race with
a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers
would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90%
pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how
that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.

Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they
also have special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We
don't! It isn't a big deal for them if a rock hits and cracks
their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to slap on
25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase
new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame
because a promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on
gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe
the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel
section.

I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its
first race to have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been
around for years and done just fine without this addition.
Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.

Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during
a TT? A Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the
track? Road is Road, leave it that way. The love affair with
cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over into other
races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!

Rant Over
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Slate Olson

2011-03-10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxdg41QEQyU

(Strada Bianca, aka Italian gravel)

On Mar 9, 2011, at 3:50 PM, Brian Ratliff wrote:

> 3 miles out of 17 does hardly a cross race make. I learned early that
> "Piece of Cake" was bit if a misnomer. That race has always been a
> tough one, but in the Belgium style with lots of wind and weather.
> I'm looking forward to it. I, for one, plan on racing my regular race
> bike, though probably with some box section tubular rims.
>
> It's not like we are racing through mudpits and horse manure. It's
> just a dirt road. We should race first, then have this discussion.
>
> Brian
>
> On Wednesday, March 9, 2011, Josh LeBus wrote:
>> I'm all for freedom of promotion, but as both a racer and promoter, it's nice to preserve heritage and consistency in the local races. From top to bottom and across the various disciplines. POC has always been kown as an enjoyable early spring one day road race with flat smooth roads with hefty cross winds to make things challenging. Last years course change was nice in that it was a good change of venue with interesting roads, but still retained the same character of the POC of old. I love the roubaix style and the addition of gravel, but really it would be ideal for later in the season when washout and rain isn't as big of concern as it will be in March. To hear a course review encourage burly tires and your cross bike, kind of changes the game and it's no longer a road race. It's more like a kremesse, similar to those that were ran at PIR a few years back.
>>
>>
>> I can sympathize with both sides and encourage Hugh to work on making races more enjoyable and intriguing, and he has that right to pursue what he wants a race to be, but I can also sympathize with those who have always look forward to POC as they've known it in years past.
>>
>>
>> On the fence
>>
>> On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 1:56 PM, Ron Babcock wrote:
>>
>> I for one agree with you...I don't race cross for a reason!
>>
>> A 3.5 mile gravel section is not needed in a road race, especially if it's been raining...as it has been known to do in Oregon during the spring.
>>
>> I'm still trying to figure out what was so wrong with the course from last year that a change was needed to add a gravel section to the course this year.
>>
>> For what it's worth to those saying it's great and if you don't want to race...don't. I have already paid my money for this race...however, just because a gravel road has the word "Road" in it doesn't mean road bikes are built to be ridden on them. If the rain persists and it it's going to be a long muddy section (i.e. making it dangerous to ride on at high speeds), I won't be there. If the section is still there next season...I'll pass until it's gone and that's unfortunate because this is the ONE road race of the season I really look forward to.
>>
>> Lets keep road racing to the roads (I'm honestly disappointed by the change in the race course this year)...Last time I checked the only cobble stones we have here are located in downtown Portland. We get enough crappy weather in this state, why add to the misery? And for the record again...I don't race cross and do so for a reason, it's great that a lot of people love it...but not everybody does and we actually have an "entire season/series" dedicated to that type of racing already!
>>
>> Rant over....
>>
>>
>>
>> Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 12:29:49 -0800
>> From: theshucker01@yahoo.com
>> To: obra@list.obra.org
>> Subject: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!
>>
>> I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.
>>
>> Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.
>>
>> I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.
>>
>> Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!
>>
>> Rant Over
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________ OBRA mailing list obra@list.obra.org http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>>
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>> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>>
>>
>>
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Ron Babcock

2011-03-09

However, most cross races are only around 10-12 miles in total length...There will be 10.5 miles (out of 52.2...20%) of gravel road through the three laps of this race. That makes it a cross race within a road race....

> Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 15:50:30 -0800
> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?
> From: ratliffb@gmail.com
> To: jlebus@gmail.com
> CC: wookiebiker@hotmail.com; obra@list.obra.org
>
> 3 miles out of 17 does hardly a cross race make. I learned early that
> "Piece of Cake" was bit if a misnomer. That race has always been a
> tough one, but in the Belgium style with lots of wind and weather.
> I'm looking forward to it. I, for one, plan on racing my regular race
> bike, though probably with some box section tubular rims.
>
> It's not like we are racing through mudpits and horse manure. It's
> just a dirt road. We should race first, then have this discussion.
>
> Brian
>

Brian Ratliff

2011-03-09

3 miles out of 17 does hardly a cross race make. I learned early that
"Piece of Cake" was bit if a misnomer. That race has always been a
tough one, but in the Belgium style with lots of wind and weather.
I'm looking forward to it. I, for one, plan on racing my regular race
bike, though probably with some box section tubular rims.

It's not like we are racing through mudpits and horse manure. It's
just a dirt road. We should race first, then have this discussion.

Brian

On Wednesday, March 9, 2011, Josh LeBus wrote:
> I'm all for freedom of promotion, but as both a racer and promoter, it's nice to preserve heritage and consistency in the local races. From top to bottom and across the various disciplines. POC has always been kown as an enjoyable early spring one day road race with flat smooth roads with hefty cross winds to make things challenging. Last years course change was nice in that it was a good change of venue with interesting roads, but still retained the same character of the POC of old. I love the roubaix style and the addition of gravel, but really it would be ideal for later in the season when washout and rain isn't as big of concern as it will be in March. To hear a course review encourage burly tires and your cross bike, kind of changes the game and it's no longer a road race. It's more like a kremesse, similar to those that were ran at PIR a few years back.
>
>
> I can sympathize with both sides and encourage Hugh to work on making races more enjoyable and intriguing, and he has that right to pursue what he wants a race to be, but I can also sympathize with those who have always look forward to POC as they've known it in years past.
>
>
> On the fence
>
> On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 1:56 PM, Ron Babcock wrote:
>
> I for one agree with you...I don't race cross for a reason!
>
> A 3.5 mile gravel section is not needed in a road race, especially if it's been raining...as it has been known to do in Oregon during the spring.
>
> I'm still trying to figure out what was so wrong with the course from last year that a change was needed to add a gravel section to the course this year.
>
> For what it's worth to those saying it's great and if you don't want to race...don't. I have already paid my money for this race...however, just because a gravel road has the word "Road" in it doesn't mean road bikes are built to be ridden on them. If the rain persists and it it's going to be a long muddy section (i.e. making it dangerous to ride on at high speeds), I won't be there. If the section is still there next season...I'll pass until it's gone and that's unfortunate because this is the ONE road race of the season I really look forward to.
>
> Lets keep road racing to the roads (I'm honestly disappointed by the change in the race course this year)...Last time I checked the only cobble stones we have here are located in downtown Portland. We get enough crappy weather in this state, why add to the misery? And for the record again...I don't race cross and do so for a reason, it's great that a lot of people love it...but not everybody does and we actually have an "entire season/series" dedicated to that type of racing already!
>
> Rant over....
>
>
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 12:29:49 -0800
> From: theshucker01@yahoo.com
> To: obra@list.obra.org
> Subject: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?
>
>
>
>
>
> Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!
>
> I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.
>
> Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.
>
> I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.
>
> Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!
>
> Rant Over
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________ OBRA mailing list obra@list.obra.org http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>
>

Josh LeBus

2011-03-09

I'm all for freedom of promotion, but as both a racer and promoter, it's
nice to preserve heritage and consistency in the local races. From top to
bottom and across the various disciplines. POC has always been kown as an
enjoyable early spring one day road race with flat smooth roads with hefty
cross winds to make things challenging. Last years course change was nice in
that it was a good change of venue with interesting roads, but still
retained the same character of the POC of old. I love the roubaix style and
the addition of gravel, but really it would be ideal for later in the season
when washout and rain isn't as big of concern as it will be in March. To
hear a course review encourage burly tires and your cross bike, kind of
changes the game and it's no longer a road race. It's more like a kremesse,
similar to those that were ran at PIR a few years back.

I can sympathize with both sides and encourage Hugh to work on making races
more enjoyable and intriguing, and he has that right to pursue what he wants
a race to be, but I can also sympathize with those who have always look
forward to POC as they've known it in years past.

On the fence
On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 1:56 PM, Ron Babcock wrote:

> I for one agree with you...I don't race cross for a reason!
>
> A 3.5 mile gravel section is not needed in a road race, especially if it's
> been raining...as it has been known to do in Oregon during the spring.
>
> *I'm still trying to figure out what was so wrong with the course from
> last year that a change was needed to add a gravel section to the course
> this year.*
>
> For what it's worth to those saying it's great and if you don't want to
> race...don't. I have already paid my money for this race...however, just
> because a gravel road has the word "Road" in it doesn't mean road bikes are
> built to be ridden on them. If the rain persists and it it's going to be a
> long muddy section (i.e. making it dangerous to ride on at high speeds), I
> won't be there. If the section is still there next season...I'll pass until
> it's gone and that's unfortunate because this is the *ONE* road race of
> the season I really look forward to.
>
> Lets keep road racing to the roads (I'm honestly disappointed by the change
> in the race course this year)...Last time I checked the only cobble stones
> we have here are located in downtown Portland. We get enough crappy weather
> in this state, why add to the misery? And for the record again...I don't
> race cross and do so for a reason, it's great that a lot of people love
> it...but not everybody does and we actually have an *"entire
> season/series"* dedicated to that type of racing already!
>
> Rant over....
>
>
> ------------------------------
> Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 12:29:49 -0800
> From: theshucker01@yahoo.com
> To: obra@list.obra.org
> Subject: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?
>
> Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for
> YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am
> sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!
>
> I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other
> state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love
> racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need
> another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you
> cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90%
> pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross
> racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.
>
> Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have
> special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big
> deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big
> deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go
> purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a
> promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do
> that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two,
> to the gravel section.
>
> I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to
> have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just
> fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles
> each lap.
>
> Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A
> Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave
> it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to
> bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves
> cross!
>
> Rant Over
>
>
> _______________________________________________ OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra Unsubscribe:
> obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
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> obra@list.obra.org
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> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>

Long, Steve

2011-03-09

And the chip seal, take that out too. J

I hate that stuff. J

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Michael Benno
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 2:21 PM
To: Steven Beardsley; obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?

While Steven doesn't like hills too much, I don’t like sprinting or sharp turns much either. These belong in crits or the track. OBRA, I think you should remove these items from road races too. Road races are about epic climbs, breakaways and solo finishes. While you’re at it OBRA, if you are entertaining cutting out everything we don’t like in road races, I don’t like flat straight roads, I think those are for time trials. Please remove those as well.

All kidding aside, thanks for the good points Steven and the perspective, I support the gravel decision as well and would like to thank the promoters for all their hard work and efforts to keep courses interesting and fresh.

Mike Benno

Veloce Racing

From: Steven Beardsley
To: obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Wednesday, March 9, 2011 12:37 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?

Again, seriously??

It's a gravel ROAD in a ROAD race. If you don't like it, don't race it. The Independence Valley Road Race is that same day and it does not have any gavel in it.

I don't like hills too much, so if a race promoter puts too many hills in a race, I don't do it. I also don't complain all of OBRA that there are too many hills in said race.

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 12:29 PM, Jason Shucker wrote:

Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!

I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.

Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.

I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.

Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!

Rant Over

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Michael Benno

2011-03-09

While Steven doesn't like hills too much, I don’t like sprinting or sharp turns much either. These belong in crits or the track. OBRA, I think you should remove these items from road races too. Road races are about epic climbs, breakaways and solo finishes. While you’re at it OBRA, if you are entertaining cutting out everything we don’t like in road races, I don’t like flat straight roads, I think those are for time trials. Please remove those as well.

All kidding aside, thanks for the good points Steven and the perspective, I support the gravel decision as well and would like to thank the promoters for all their hard work and efforts to keep courses interesting and fresh.

Mike Benno
Veloce Racing

From: Steven Beardsley
To: obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Wednesday, March 9, 2011 12:37 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?

Again, seriously??

It's a gravel ROAD in a ROAD race. If you don't like it, don't race it. The Independence Valley Road Race is that same day and it does not have any gavel in it.

I don't like hills too much, so if a race promoter puts too many hills in a race, I don't do it. I also don't complain all of OBRA that there are too many hills in said race.

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 12:29 PM, Jason Shucker wrote:

Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!
>
>I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.
>
>Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.
>
>I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.
>
>Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!
>
>Rant Over
>
>_______________________________________________
>OBRA mailing list
>obra@list.obra.org
>http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
>Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>

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Ron Babcock

2011-03-09

I for one agree with you...I don't race cross for a reason!

A 3.5 mile gravel section is not needed in a road race, especially if it's been raining...as it has been known to do in Oregon during the spring.

I'm still trying to figure out what was so wrong with the course from last year that a change was needed to add a gravel section to the course this year.

For what it's worth to those saying it's great and if you don't want to race...don't. I have already paid my money for this race...however, just because a gravel road has the word "Road" in it doesn't mean road bikes are built to be ridden on them. If the rain persists and it it's going to be a long muddy section (i.e. making it dangerous to ride on at high speeds), I won't be there. If the section is still there next season...I'll pass until it's gone and that's unfortunate because this is the ONE road race of the season I really look forward to.

Lets keep road racing to the roads (I'm honestly disappointed by the change in the race course this year)...Last time I checked the only cobble stones we have here are located in downtown Portland. We get enough crappy weather in this state, why add to the misery? And for the record again...I don't race cross and do so for a reason, it's great that a lot of people love it...but not everybody does and we actually have an "entire season/series" dedicated to that type of racing already!

Rant over....

Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 12:29:49 -0800
From: theshucker01@yahoo.com
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?

Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!

I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.

Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.

I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.

Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!

Rant Over

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OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
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John Benenate

2011-03-09

It looks like a great rendition of Piece of Cake.
I bet David Auker loves the dirt section.
Keep up the good work Hugh!
The Italian video you sent out, says it all.
jb

________________________________
From: John Bravard
To: obra@list.obra.org
Sent: Wed, March 9, 2011 12:50:15 PM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?

Just sue the promoter...let the courts decide!!

On Mar 9, 2011, at 12:37 PM, Evan Plews wrote:

Quit cluttering our email boxes with whining. Last time I checked, OBRA is not a
charity or entitlement organization. Its called a free market folks. You don't
like the race or the format--stay home! If the race has too low attendence the
promoter will understand that there isn't enough customers for this type of
event.

>
>I personally applaud Piece of Cake for doing something different and
>interesting--regardless if I choose to attend or not.
>
>
>Case closed--enough already!
>
>Thank you thank you thank you,
>
>
>
>Evan Plews
>www.evanplews.com
>503-949-4879
>
>
>
>________________________________
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 12:29:49 -0800
>From: theshucker01@yahoo.com
>To: obra@list.obra.org
>Subject: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?
>
>
>Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS
>and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this
>is dumb, dumb, DUMB!
>
>
>I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other
>state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love
>racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another
>road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would
>be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be
>whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT
>road racing.
>
>Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special
>bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them
>if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to
>slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new
>wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought
>it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross
>race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.
>
>
>I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have
>a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine
>without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.
>
>
>Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel
>Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that
>way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over
>into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!
>
>Rant Over
>
>
>_______________________________________________ OBRA mailing list
>obra@list.obra.orghttp://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra Unsubscribe:
>obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
_______________________________________________
>OBRA mailing list
>obra@list.obra.org
>http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
>Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>

Mike Rosenfeld

2011-03-09

Man...if you are worried about getting your white shoe covers dirty just go
buy some black ones. Will keep your shoes nice and shiny and pump some
money into the local bike shop economy.

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 12:29 PM, Jason Shucker wrote:

> Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for
> YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am
> sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!
>
>
>
> I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other
> state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love
> racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need
> another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you
> cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90%
> pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross
> racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.
>
>
>
> Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have
> special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big
> deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big
> deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go
> purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a
> promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do
> that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two,
> to the gravel section.
>
>
>
> I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to
> have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just
> fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles
> each lap.
>
>
>
> Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A
> Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave
> it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to
> bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves
> cross!
>
>
>
> Rant Over
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>

toddistic

2011-03-09

The only reason there is mud on the track is we let the "duathletes" known
as cross racers desecrate the sanctity of our most holy mountain, Alpenrose
Velodrome. A few weeks from now, the steep banks of Alpenrose shall be
cleansed to inherit what is rightfully hers, fixed geared and high psi
tubular tires.

Todd Fleischmann

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 12:29 PM, Jason Shucker wrote:

> Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for
> YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am
> sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!
>
>
>
> I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other
> state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love
> racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need
> another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you
> cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90%
> pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross
> racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.
>
>
>
> Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have
> special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big
> deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big
> deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go
> purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a
> promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do
> that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two,
> to the gravel section.
>
>
>
> I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to
> have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just
> fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles
> each lap.
>
>
>
> Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A
> Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave
> it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to
> bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves
> cross!
>
>
>
> Rant Over
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>

Erik Voldengen

2011-03-09

I tell you what: I just did Banana Belt, complete with big pot
holes...that was way worse.

Anything you're gonna ride at BB is more than adequate for P.O.C.

-Erik

John Bravard

2011-03-09

Just sue the promoter...let the courts decide!!

On Mar 9, 2011, at 12:37 PM, Evan Plews wrote:

> Quit cluttering our email boxes with whining. Last time I checked, OBRA is not a charity or entitlement organization. Its called a free market folks. You don't like the race or the format--stay home! If the race has too low attendence the promoter will understand that there isn't enough customers for this type of event.
>
> I personally applaud Piece of Cake for doing something different and interesting--regardless if I choose to attend or not.
>
> Case closed--enough already!
>
> Thank you thank you thank you,
>
>
> Evan Plews
> www.evanplews.com
> 503-949-4879
>
>
>
>
> Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 12:29:49 -0800
> From: theshucker01@yahoo.com
> To: obra@list.obra.org
> Subject: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?
>
> Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!
>
> I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.
>
> Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.
>
> I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.
>
> Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!
>
> Rant Over
>
>
> _______________________________________________ OBRA mailing list obra@list.obra.org http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Evan Plews

2011-03-09

Quit cluttering our email boxes with whining. Last time I checked, OBRA is not a charity or entitlement organization. Its called a free market folks. You don't like the race or the format--stay home! If the race has too low attendence the promoter will understand that there isn't enough customers for this type of event.

I personally applaud Piece of Cake for doing something different and interesting--regardless if I choose to attend or not.

Case closed--enough already!

Thank you thank you thank you,

Evan Plews
www.evanplews.com
503-949-4879

Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 12:29:49 -0800
From: theshucker01@yahoo.com
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] 2011 PIECE OF CAKE ROAD RACE...Why?

Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!

I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.

Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.

I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.

Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!

Rant Over

_______________________________________________ OBRA mailing list obra@list.obra.org http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Steven Beardsley

2011-03-09

Again, seriously??

It's a gravel ROAD in a ROAD race. If you don't like it, don't race
it. The Independence Valley Road Race is that same day and it does not have
any gavel in it.

I don't like hills too much, so if a race promoter puts too many hills in a
race, I don't do it. I also don't complain all of OBRA that there are too
many hills in said race.

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 12:29 PM, Jason Shucker wrote:

> Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for
> YEARS and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am
> sorry, but this is dumb, dumb, DUMB!
>
>
>
> I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other
> state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love
> racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need
> another road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you
> cyclcrossers would be if someone set up a cross course that was 90%
> pavement. You'd all be whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross
> racing. Well gravel is NOT road racing.
>
>
>
> Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have
> special bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big
> deal for them if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big
> deal for them to slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go
> purchase new wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a
> promoter thought it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do
> that, I'll do a cross race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two,
> to the gravel section.
>
>
>
> I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to
> have a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just
> fine without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles
> each lap.
>
>
>
> Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A
> Gravel Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave
> it that way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to
> bleed over into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves
> cross!
>
>
>
> Rant Over
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>

Jason Shucker

2011-03-09

Why was a gravel section needed or added? This race has been around for YEARS
and has been very popular without adding a gravel section. I am sorry, but this
is dumb, dumb, DUMB!

I know the claim that OBRA has more races in a calendar year then any other
state. However, we actually have very few one day road races. If you love
racing on gravel so much, hop on a MTB or a Cross bike. Why do we need another
road race with a gravel section? Imagine how pissed all you cyclcrossers would
be if someone set up a cross course that was 90% pavement. You'd all be
whinning and and moaning about how that's not cross racing. Well gravel is NOT
road racing.

Yes, the pros race on gravel, cobbles, etc. Guess what, they also have special
bikes, wheels, etc made for those races. We don't! It isn't a big deal for them
if a rock hits and cracks their carbon frame. It isn't a big deal for them to
slap on 25c tires and sturdy wheels. I am not going to go purchase new
wheels/tires for one race or risk trashing my frame because a promoter thought
it would be fun to run a race on gravel. If I want to do that, I'll do a cross
race. Maybe the promoter should add a barrier or two, to the gravel section.

I give Eugene Roubiax a pass, because it was set up from its first race to have
a gravel section, Piece of Cake has been around for years and done just fine
without this addition. Plus the gravel at ER is short. Not 3+ miles each lap.

Time to step up OBRA officials, whats next? Barriers during a TT? A Gravel
Corner in a crit? Muddy Sections on the track? Road is Road, leave it that
way. The love affair with cyclocross in this state is starting to bleed over
into other races....it's time to stop it! Not everyone loves cross!

Rant Over