Jeff Mitchem

On May 6, 2012 a bicycle race was held for the first time on rolling
terrain around a vineyard named Montinore in Washington County's wine
country. 250 trusting, intrepid souls delivered fitness, ambition and
climbing prowess on a sublime spring day. Some won, no one lost. Many would
reflect on the roads, the turns and the climb with a smile of thanks and
new found respect for an innocent sounding ribbon of asphalt called Plumlee
- 700 meters, average grade 5%, max grade 13%, 8 turns, climbed at 18 mph
(men) and 16 mph (women).

Thanks are in order....

To all of the riders who made this first time event so successful that
there is no doubt that it will be back, bigger and better. Reports from the
field were overwhelmingly positive: great staging venue at Montinore
Estate, awesome course in a sweet setting, a stout little climb and tricky
descent, real turns, buffalo, wine and sun(!)

To the Montinore folks who were surprised to sell so much wine to athletes.
I told them it would be so. Thank you all for proving me right. They loved
us, they want us back, we will comply.

To the officials who clearly love what they do for us. We are lucky.

To the volunteers - you guys are the guts of bike racing and I hope I
adequately expressed my appreciation and thanks to each of you.

Ride well, be safe.
__________
*Jeff Mitchem*
cell.971.400.1840
Rapha Racing NW
PEDAL
www.pedalevent.com