Mt. Hood Cycling Classic
Dear NW Racers,
We have arrived at the first stage race of the road season. It is time to test your stamina and skill for more than just a single day. 3 days 4 stages including the epic stage 4 Orchard Run Road Race. Those of you fair weather racers get signed up. The weekend is looking good. Here are your last minute instructions. Packet pickup starts tomorrow and we expect all you to be there. Especially the ladies. This is a Sorella Forte women's event that benefits Haven a nonprofit organization working to stop domestic violence. Do your part to break the cycle of domestic violence.
Weather
Weather looks really good folks. I am talking the warmest day of the year so far on Friday with sun and calm winds. Really it is going to be calm for the Columbia Hills Road Race!!! High of nearly 70 degrees makes for great racing conditions. Saturday looks like a slight chance of showers in the morning then turning to partly sunny and high near 60 for the criterium. Then another sunny and nearly 60 degree day on Sunday. Check out NOAA for all the latest forecast info. http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=45.60635207711834&lon=-121.15585327148437&site=pdt&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text The Dalles is Sunsational!
Courses
Courses look spectacular. County has been out feverishly sweeping and patching everything. They have also graciously waited to do any grading work on the Pleasant Ridge dirt road climb until after the race. It is packed hard and so stinking smooth that after exiting the chip seal road prior it will feel like butter. Last year we saw very few punctures or mechanicals on this stage. So feel free to run your speed wheels with confidence. With the help of River City Bicycles we have water bottles this year in our feed zones as well as GU.
Registration
Today is the last day to register for the race so sign up now! You saw the weather forecast. Even if you are not in tip top shape this a great way to get some hard miles in those legs and be fully supported while doing so. Packet pickup will be located at the brand new Water's Edge Health and Wellness facility. While their grab a bite to eat and tell them thanks for all their tremendous financial support. We could not even come close to putting this event on without their help. Patron their delicious bistro and let them know how much we appreciate them so we can keep this event rolling on into the future. A final rider list will be posted on our website tomorrow morning so you can size up the competition.
Junior Criterium
We are running a junior criterium this year at the Castelli Downtown Criterium for ages 9-13. Junior racers can sign in at the start finish line starting at 6:00 PM with racing starting at 7:40 PM. Bring the kids along and let them have a chance to race under the lights!
Prizes
A huge thanks to all our sponsors and Sorella Forte for stepping up with even more merchandise for the event. We have just received another $1500 in items from to take our total prize list to over $11,000 in cash and prizes. Plus the ultimate the Magla Cherry Jersey provided by Castelli! Are they awesome or what!
Categories
Please note that Friday morning race groups are Pro 1-2 Men, Masters Men, and CAT 3 Men. Afternoon groups are CAT 4 Mens, Pro 1-2 Women, CAT 3 Women, CAT 4 Women.
Fuel Up at Packet Pick-Up
Packet Pick-Up will be located at Water's Edge Health and Wellness facility Thursday 5:30PM -8:30PM & Friday 7:00 AM-11:00 AM.
Plan on fueling up with a fabulous pre-race dinner at the Bistro located inside the Water Edge facility. Thursday evening dinner specials are:
Loaded Baked Potato stuffed with broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, scallions and diced bacon, topped with a dollop of sour cream. $6.95
Italian Baked Lasagna filled with Italian sausage, mozzarella and our homemade marinara sauce. Served with a side salad and garlic bread $12.95
Arrive early for Happy Hour 3PM-6PM and get ½ price appetizers, beer, and wine.
Check your rider's bag for the full menu and Bistro coupons that can be used throughout the weekend.
Need to Plan Some Recovery Time Between Races?
Call the SPA at Water's Edge to schedule a recovery massage with one of their amazing therapist. Limited spaces available. Call 541-506-5788.
We look forward to seeing all of you on the starting line!
Sincerely,
Chad
P.S. Please do not reply to this email address. For more information at this time go to the www.cherryblossomclassic.com and contact info will be located there.