Jeff Lorenzen

Okay, first a disclaimer - I do work for the race organization. But my point
goes beyond that . . .

If you are approaching old like me (late 30-something, as the average age of an
OBRA member), try to remember back to your early days of racing. You likely
traveled around the NW, sleeping 4 or 5 to a hotel room, scratching up money for
a new tube. These were the days before 12 year olds had $10,000 time trial
bikes and Cat. C cross racers did not have pit bikes. You traveled to the Twin
Rivers Classic in Lewiston/Clarkston or to the Snake River Omnium in Idaho.
Maybe the Horse Heaven Hills races, or the Memorial Day omnium in the Tri-Cities
(racing on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation? Really?). And, of course, Columbia
Plateau. You got out of town for a weekend, headed East to better weather, and
had a great time doing races that were, perhaps, a little more low-key than
others (maybe that was just me).

Why not recapture that this weekend? Sure, I know money is tight right now, and
maybe your form isn't quite what you'd like, but why not pack up the bike, find
a teammate (or three) to share a room, call in sick, and head out to The Dalles
for great weekend. The courses are great, the weather looks good, the
restaurants in The Dalles are better than they have been for 30 years, and the
race has a cool vibe. And if you've never had that great road trip race
experience, why not start now?

You've got a few hours left. Go ahead and register.

Happy racing!

Jeff Lorenzen
Hood River Double Cross
Port of Hood River Criteriums
541.490.6837