Portland Chapter

Congrats to the new OA Portland cross stars!

JonathanNeu — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:41:41 -0700

Went out to watch Ile Powell race in his first bout of off-road terror and Marc Romano in his first race in his OA kit. The race was the Kruger's Kermesse and it looked like a brutal run packed with bone jarring tooth chipping excitement! I was only there to catch their last lap so had no idea as to where they were in the field, as with any cross jam the field was shattered like a pint glass at a toga party.
Upon dishing it out for the finish Marc just took Ile at the line and that was the end of it. Both seemed like they put it all out there and I had never seen Ile so winded! Seeing that dreaded man in such pain, keeling over gasping for air, nearly brought a tear to my eye! However, I held back the drops for the sake of "being a man."
I asked the two what spots they think they held down, these humble men said they were happy just to have finished.

WELL, I am writing this blog to congratulate the two on putting their feet in the dirt and both taking a top ten spot! Ile, Marc...you are savages!

Jonny

Portland Chapter

Tour D' Organics Portland

JimStuck — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:13:37 -0700

Today was a good day. After months of planning and never knowing if we were getting anything accomplished, we seemed to have got through it. The Tour D' Organics Portland ride is history, for 2008. It is still to be determined on whether it was good or not so. As a chapter and a team it was a huge success. We came together and got the job done and made our chapter a closer knit group. This may not be visible to anyone but me, so I want to let everyone know; You All did a tremendous job and I thank you for helping me make this ride and chapter work. It was just over two years ago when Bradley put on the first Tour D' Organics ride here in Portland. Two months after that I decided to try and get a Portland chapter going. Today truly showed me that we have got a great OrganicAthlete chapter, and it will not just fade away as I have thought it would many times in the last two years. I see the upcoming cross season as a wonderful time for our chapter and team. It seems that all of our team is racing cross this year and seeing the green and orange kit with the "GO VEGAN!" flying around the course will be a great thing.

With much love and respect, thank you!

Jim

Portland Chapter

Cross Crusade clinic 1

BonnieHildebrand — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:45:57 -0700

Last night was the first cyclcross clinic associated with the Portland Cross Crusade. Ile, Marc and I turned up with hundreds of other enthusiasts and gave it our best. There were mostly beginners, with a few more seasoned racers looking to improve their skills. The very large beginners group broke into two slightly smaller large groups and off we went with three instructors each to try and learn how to dismount and run a barrier.
Man, I feel like the only one who didn't get it. After stomping my own foot and falling into the bike when my brain blanked out and I messed up the sequence: right foot unclip; swing right leg inside of left leg; right hand on 'sweet spot' of top tube, left foot unclip; both feet on the ground at a run. How hard could it be? :-)
I finally got it, sort of. Near the end of the clinic I just had to quit 'cuz I was second guessing myself and couldn't even get off the bike. Didn't help that I felt like I was riding a greased squirrel of a bike that's got too long of a reach for me. Not a good thing for cross. I did manage to run a few barriers after several attempts and constantly reminding myself to get my right elbow to the inside of my saddle when I lift the bike to run a barrier. I hop them like a bunny, rather than running 'through' them, but that will change with practice.
Ile was a powerhouse. I watched him for a while and he's definitely got no trouble with the dismount or remount. He's gonna be someone to watch out for in his first season.
Couldn't keep track of Marc, so do know how he did.
Next week, I'm gonna ride a smaller bike. Maybe a Surly Cross-Check.

Portland Chapter

Jazzy Ride

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:45:21 -0700

Riding to me is like jazz. Freedom from the bounds of automobiles, freedom into the groove. Like a Sun Ra awakening for the day, breathing rhythmic melody, essential life. Crank revolving from deep within, taking me somewhere, transporting me there…

Spin, rock. Push to the pedal power burning and yearning. Lean, roll. Click the cleat and listen to the beat, the sound. Hummin’ tire my brain’s a wire at seven o’clock I saddle my steed the ride gets me goin’ the sound like a birdsong whistlin’ and singin’ I float…Tillimook’s on fire, my wheels just roll. … Pullin’ the brakes, oboe screatchin’, somewhere a flute, maybe from the trees? Rolling, rhythmic. Thunder cloud of bass drum beating, lightning strikes as my feet turn circles, caught in infinity, electric charging, surging, glimmering, glowing. Pedal for the pleasure, for the wonder and the wandering. To get you there, to lead you where the sound reminds you your days are fleeting. You’d better stop to listen, but you’d better get moving as you stop to listen. Just grab your bike and hold on tight and ride on through this life, alright!

Portland Chapter

Just for fun

CaseyMcDonald — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:39:09 -0700

It seems like we spend so much of our lives working on something: Most of us spend a good portion of the day at work. We come home and work on the house, or work in the yard. When we have the time, we might work on our bikes, work on our relationships, or find any number of other ways to work. Even when on the bike, those of us that race, end up working on sprinting, or climbing, or whatever our weakness might be. I started putting in heavy base miles in December, and the first road race was beginning of February. XC mountain bike races followed soon after. Here it is, the first of August, and I only now feel like the racing season is for the most part over. New cross races have been added to the calendar, so it looks like September it all starts right back up again. I’ve gotta admit, I’ve been feeling a bit burned out lately. What I need is to just go ride my bike for fun.

So, last weekend I got a few of my mountain biking friends together and took a much needed camp/bike trip to central Oregon. We spent three days hitting what I unapologetically consider some of the best singletrack in the country. There’s just nothing quite like Oregon mountain biking. On the way out we did a quick loop up in the McDonald forest in Corvallis, which is a special place for us since it’s where we all got in to mountain biking in the first place, back in college. Riding those trails instantly reminded us of days spent skipping Physics and rocking Dan’s trail on our hardtail steel frames. Good times indeed...

The next day in Bend we started early, and mapped out an epic route that wound throughout the area trail map. We made sure to include the classics like Phil’s trail, Woops, and Swampy Lakes, and checked out some new areas I haven’t seen before. The trails here are fast, flow-ey, and fun. The scenery is unmatched, with the snow-capped Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, Broken Top, and a slew of others around every corner. I could almost feel the stress of work vanishing from my body. 5 hours later and back at the trailhead we couldn’t stop smiling. As a bonus, Bend is home to some of the best microbrew you can find.

On Sunday, with our spirits lightened thanks to the singletrack fairies, we set off to ride the granddaddy of river trails, the McKenzie River Trail. It’s been about 3 years since I’ve ridden this trail, and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. It deserves all the attention it gets- Aaron was right on when he said, “this trail is schizophrenic!” It starts out super technical with tight downhill turns through lava flows, and then winds along the majestic McKenzie River, and including every type of trail from serene turns, to brutal, punchy climbs, to a rooted-out skill maze. It always keeps you on your toes. Along the way there are waterfalls that look like they come from some dreamscape, and places where streams emerge from underground, creating an otherworldly blue. The oldgrowth forest, the trees… they honestly speak to me, what wonder I have for all that they have witnessed. This is such a special place, I feel lucky to be able to ride this trail. I’ll just make sure it doesn’t take 3 more years before I ride it again.

I’ve definitely had a great time this year training and racing… It’s just really nice to just go ride my bike in the woods for fun.

Portland Chapter

Run Like Hell half Marathon, 10k, 5k

JimStuck — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:53:26 -0700

Start: 10/19/2008 - 07:30

End: 10/19/2008 - 10:30

The Portland chapter is picking the Run Like Hell half marathon as our first fitness challenge event. Seasoned runners and those new to running are encouraged to join us in training for the half marathon, 5k or 10k.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT:
Come celebrate the 6th running of the Run Like Hell Half Marathon 10K and 5K.
This event has become a Portland tradition with participants dressing up in great costumes for both events. The half marathon is a great run through the Pearl District, along Front Ave, and along Barbur and Terwilliger Blvd where participants enjoy the brilliant colors of the changing leaves as well as beautiful views of downtown, Mt. Hood and more!

Not feeling up to a Half Marathon? Bring the whole family and run or walk the fast and fun 5K or the newly added 10k event. Both are easy courses that are great for all ages and abilities. Come dressed in costume for these, there will be a costume contest after the race!

ABOUT P:EAR:
p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.

AFTER RACE PARTY:
After the races, enjoy live music from the Freak Mountain Ramblers, food from Buffalo Wild Wings, and beer from Redhook in Portland's living room (Pioneer Sq.) There is also a costume contest for all those who dress up!

LOCATION:
The race starts and finishes on Taylor at 4th ave. near Pioneer Square.

START TIMES:
Half Marathon starts at 7:30am
if you cannot keep a 15 minute per mile pace, please do not enter the half marathon, enter the 5k instead

5k starts at 8:30am

Kids Race 9:45am
This time is approximate, it is based on the other two adult events being mostly finished in order for everyone to be safe. We actually will not know ourselves until right before it is time to do the kids event so please listen for these announcements.

Day of race registration at 6:30am

IN STORE PACKET PICKUP:
Saturday Oct. 18th
Fit Right NW 1207 NW 23rd
10:00am to 3:00pm
* participants can use the parking garage on Northrup on the West side of 23rd

PLEASE HELP US HELP YOUR RACE DAY GO MUCH SMOOTHER
BY ATTENDING PACKET PICKUP ON SATURDAY.

EVENT RESULTS / CHIP RETURN:
This event is championchip timed. please see results / timing for important information regarding chips.

Running Team

An Organic Essence

CaseyMcDonald — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:56:47 -0700

Why Organic? I’m an organic being, a sort of protoplasm on a stick, just like everything else that exists in this reality. Our makeup is essentially the same, or at least it started out that way. I’d hate to be a chemically enhanced version of myself, and my enduring empathy causes me to believe a plant or any another animal would feel the same. When I was about twelve my parents were concerned that my being shorter than the rest of the kids would be a disadvantage throughout my life, and took me to see a doctor about the possibility of growth hormones. Even at that age, and being presented with the prospect of taking a drug to grow to “normal” height I wondered why my natural height was a problem. Was I not good enough as I was? Because I had a choice, I didn’t take the drug. In high school I made the varsity soccer team as a freshman and made first team all-state. I was selected to the Oregon Olympic Development team, playing against the best players on the west coast. 20 years later I’m competing in mountain bike races in the Expert category….which begs the question: was my “vertically challenged” stature a detriment? All I really know is if I had taken those drugs when I was twelve, I’d be asking myself now if all that I accomplished was real. I like to think that all the plants out there would feel the same way.

Beyond the subject of chemical enhancement, ‘organic’ to me has a more romantic connotation. I think of it as more of a native occurrence possessing a natural beauty. Today in the short track race I had one particular turn out of a berm that felt organic to me, like it was the natural flow of the turn. Dreams are organic, as they are born from a natural state and no force can modify their direction. Oregon forests are organic, not simply because they haven’t been chemically fertilized, but because they thrive in the same manner that they did in ancient times. A quiet moment with my dog, lounging in the sun near the river in July just might be the most organic moment of them all.

I’d love to see the concept of organic change from whether this banana is better than that one to a sense of appreciation for all that is natural and a delight in all that is truly important in this world.

Portland Chapter

Short Track #3

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:16:11 -0700

Start: 07/07/2008 - 13:12

Fast, fun mtb race almost like a crit in the infield of PIR and surrounding trees.

Portland Chapter

Short track #4

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:55:40 -0700

Start: 07/14/2008 - 08:53

Super fun, fast race in the infield of PIR. Several laps through the trees and into the motocross course.

Portland Chapter

Firecracker Crit

CaseyMcDonald — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:14:22 -0700

Celebrating some war won long ago that divided nations and eventually created an empire of high fructose corn syrup mind-numb, where it's hard to distinguish where the factory farms end and the ubiquitous car lots begin. Blasting an array of colors into the air to prove our manifest destiny was fulfilled, to relish in the hot-dog picnic at the lake, finally able to use that 4-wheel drive that came standard on the Jeep Cherokee Limited with the Eddie Bauer pinstriping and in-seat butt warmers.

Not to be facetious, though- this really is a great land worthy of celebrating. OrganicAthlete Portland decided to celebrate our freedom by sweating it out at the Firecracker crit in Eugene, an almost circuit-like 4-corner race around a technology park with super wide roads and long straights. Go Vegan! was the most popular phrase on lycra within the peloton, with Jon, Ile, Jim, and Casey all showing their American pride with the green and orange. The pace was quick from the start, with a group of locals trying several breakaway attempts, all to be chased down by each of P-town’s boys. Throughout the race we worked together well, with the professionalism of a Johan Bruyneel-led squad. Ile snuck a massive flyer while John held the pack in place, Casey and Jim also right there for backup. Jim led the field at a blistering pace for a lap to wear out the weak. Lap after lap the pace never eased, lactic acid building in all of us. By the last lap we were all happy to be done. These are the true moments of the American dream, pushing it until the end and enjoying the feeling of just doing it. All in all it was a successful showing for vegan power in the Northwest.

Portland Chapter

Firecracker Crit

CaseyMcDonald — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:56:40 -0700

Start: 07/05/2008 - 12:55

4-corner, wide crit around an techical complex in Eugene.

Portland Chapter

Mt. Tabor #5

CaseyMcDonald — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:28:09 -0700

Start: 07/02/2008 - 09:27

Hard, hilly circuit race over Portland's mellow volcano.

Portland Chapter

Elkhorn Classic Stage Race - Dooley Mountain Road Race

CaseyMcDonald — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:13:12 -0700

Start: 06/22/2008 - 09:11

~105 mile race through the Blue Mountains, ending on a 10 mile epic climb to the top of Dooley Mountain.

Portland Chapter

Elkhorn Classic Stage Race - Gold Rush Criterium

CaseyMcDonald — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:11:29 -0700

Start: 06/21/2008 - 13:00

End: 06/21/2008 - 14:00

Fast, wide streets around downtown Baker city.

Portland Chapter

Elkhorn Classic Stage Race - Pleasant Valley Time Trial

CaseyMcDonald — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:09:18 -0700

Start: 06/21/2008 - 09:08

10 mile hilly individual time trial outside Baker City.

Portland Chapter

Elkhorn Classic Stage Race - Oregon Trail Road Race

CaseyMcDonald — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:02:36 -0700

Start: 06/20/2008 - 09:00

3 days of gruelling racing in beautiful Eastern Oregon. Climbs through the Blue Mountains, Ochocos, and through Baker City.

Day1: Oregon Trail Road Race

Portland Chapter

Test of Endurance XC

CaseyMcDonald — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:51:04 -0700

Start: 06/15/2008 - 08:50

50 miles, 8,000 ft. of climbing in the Oregon Coast Range.

Portland Chapter

Falls City Firecracker XC

CaseyMcDonald — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:45:52 -0700

Start: 06/01/2008 - 08:42

Going up the downhill freeride trails!

Portland Chapter

Bear Springs Trap

CaseyMcDonald — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:39:28 -0700

Start: 05/18/2008 - 08:37

Super fun trails in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

Portland Chapter

Monday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:37:15 -0700

Start: 05/05/2008 - 08:34

Monday masters at the race track

Portland Chapter

Just a cat4's take - Elkhorn

CaseyMcDonald — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:09:12 -0700

So far from what I've gathered from my limited experience, bicycle racing is a very strange thing. What started out as just a really fun thing to do, riding your bike...at some point along the way becomes like the short-skirted mistress that causes you to plan fake 'business trips', only to wind up at the Motel 6 applying the chammois cream liberally and getting ready to ride it hard. Then when you do, it hurts. You just want it to be over, go back to when times were simpler, when you just rode your regular city bike and that was good enough. It keeps hurting, because you signed up for this damn race and you find yourself at the portion that was described as 'power rollers', but is really basically a 15 mile climb through the desert in the middle of the day in summer with no shade, no more water, and fucking rattle snakes hissing at you from the side of the road, all while your spirit was split in half as you watched the peloton fade into the heat wave of 'haha you suck' hysterics or maybe that's just the heat exhaustion messing with you, it could all be a mirage at this point...I'd laugh to myself if I had the energy but all that comes up is a throatful of vomit, oh well at least it's vegan. Creeping across the line 12 minutes behind the field, the sprint of shame. O.K., obviously this isn't for me who am I fooling, I'll just have an orange now and stop trying to be a bike racer. Yeah, sounds good, go back to just riding for the fun of it, stop this suffering there's no sense in it, but BAM before I could finish the orange images of the next day's time trial and crit were dancing a sort of jazzy lindy-hop jig through my mind, and thinking well only 12 minutes I can make that up just a bad day everyone has them. Screw that I'm a hard ass vegan I know I'm a strong rider and anyways I'm not here for anyone else. Seasoned riders in same kit but might as well be a world removed if that's what being a real racer means then I'm stoked to be a 4 and just finishing, more than a million other Portlanders can say anyways. Glorious I finished it was tough and hey that's Manuel, way to go Socks! What, followed quickly by Jon, in usual regal style tattoos glistening, power metal screaming through the vampire-esque demeaneor. And from the power of Jah, the lion comes roaring from the canyon up this ancient hillside, it's Ile. No other peloton can claim a higher being amongst its gates. At the OA1 van and cantelope, bananas, oranges, clif swag replacing several thousand calories lost to the desert god Satan. Bradley offering leg massages, other riders still coming in. Jim! That dude was a full on rancher cowboy back in the day, you know he's got some serious conviction to be racing through his old ranch on a bicycle with lycra that says "Go Vegan!". Hell yeah, doesn't matter what place he came in, we all know he's one of the strongest dudes in the race. Sleep, feels so good dreaming about racing the next one 5 hours after I'd given it up for good. Waking up yes yes there's 2 races today never done a crit legs feeling surprisingly good, oh yeah, soaking in the stage race essence so this is what it's like I can dig this... 3rd day looming darkly, 2 short races in one day feels like a day off. Raced, raced, hung in there O.K, bumping up 3 spots on GC yes I know its just CAT4 and that GC spot only started at 41 but its all good, I'm learning and we all gotta start somewhere. Didn't want to start Sunday, though, might be a strong vegan but serious wimpiness taking over trying to come up with excuses not to start don't want to be the embarrasment... just a CAT4 and can't even finish with the lead group. No sleep and a zombie float to the start line and off again, nerves but O.K., I'm racing and it will all be over soon enough, strange to make such a big effort to start something that as soon as you start you want over... just another strange phenomenon that's causing my legs to spin around and around through the sage valley and up over the Blue Mountains in three climbs that I've broken down into Forest Park level terms, clinging desparately to the pack but Jon and I snapping off the elastic band holding us on at the third. Real OA teammate paceline racing, this is what it's all about, no one I'd rather be with right now for this than Jon. 45 seconds behind the group, 25 miles flat, smiling at the cows, bewildered by the birds before the dreaded climb that turned out to be great, 10 miles of thinking how great it is to be finishing this with my team mate, and out of contention so no need to kill myself. A seriously beautiful climb, wouldn't have been able to fully appreciate it if we were with the field, lungs melting, legs disappearing in a numb death state, trying to keep up with Hill Climb Champ and eventual GC winner Mith Lee, or that Portland State kid who's been winning all the Tabor races this year. No, Jon and I rolling in together with someone I didn't know cheering "Go Vegans!", forcing a slow speed photo finish which Jon took by .02 seconds, hell yeah that proves he's the stronger of the two of us. Enjoying the good team vibes from the awesome Bend couple and Jen, not to mention Bradley and Justin making us feel like we really accomplished something. Kinda strange beyond that, but again racing is weird so I won't dwell. Really weird was Jim was supposed to be waiting at the top, but wasn't there. Conclusions were made that he's just too strong to bail out, and what had to be the most inspirational moment of the whole race was watching him roll past the finish line smiling, his P-town team and the founder of OA cheering him on. Sitting around the finish line party long after it was over, realizing we might have 5 of the slowest guys in the race but who cares, we're all bad ass vegans and we made it. What a great feeling.

Portland Chapter

Test of Endurance

CaseyMcDonald — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:10:58 -0700

Last year it was 42 degrees and raining for the Test of Endurance, an annual mountain bike race in the coast range outside Corvallis, Oregon. This year we were blessed with blue skies and 70-something temps, which made the 5.25 hours of misery that much more bearable. Actually, I had a pretty fun time most of the race. With over 8,000 feet of climbing over 50 miles, it pointed to my advantage of being the small guy that loves to climb. It was a mass start, with every category taking off together, but with the first climb the huge field got spread out very quickly. As I watched Eric Tonkin and the rest of the pros spin off into the clouds, I found myself deep within the group of expert riders and the occasional semi-pro (we all had color-coded tags on our jerseys so it was easy to tell which category everyone was racing). No blue tagged Sport riders to be seen, sweet. This was pretty much the case for ~35 miles of endless climbing and the occasional screaming descent. Around the 35 mile mark I was pedaling along minding my own business, when BAM my hamstring muscle formed a tight fist and was trying to rip a hole in my skin to get out. I'd been drinking tons of water, Clif stuff, bananas, etc., so not sure what else I could have done to stop the cramping... but when it came, there was nothing I could do but get off the bike and stretch. It was then that the eventual winner (and friend) passed me, giving me a few words of encouragement to stick with it. After a bit more stretching and self-massage, I got back on and pedaled gingerly up to the aid station where I downed a few bottles of electrolyte infused water and stretched some more. Off from there I felt great, only 10 miles to go- but alas, I'd lost enough time that I wouldn't catch the leader, and while I was at the aid station another guy came through. I felt good for that last stretch, photo guy camped out deep within the doug fir forest caught me smiling as I launched a hump into a tight burm in the endless swarm of trees. I wheelied through the finish line while the pros who'd already finished cheered me on. All I could do was smile as I hobbled over to the burrito tent. Third place wasn't bad, I know I would have placed better if it weren't for the cramps as I was still feeling strong... but lesson learned, I'll be smarter about the electrolytes next time I'm climbing for 5 hours straight.

Portland Chapter

Bear Springs Trap

CaseyMcDonald — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:51:40 -0700

Riding in my element among the lodge pole pines and volcanic rock gardens, zen-ish flow leaning into banked burms, g-force eminating a star's luminary sparkle from my smile as I hit the next one drawing even more speed floating like Ewok through the forest at the speed of a dream. Boulders melt below my Schwalbe's, a spark from my pedals as I draw a sip from my camel. Rush, ride, swerving jolly singletrack bliss with a pocket full of shot blocks and Go Vegan! on my ass as I pass the masses. Yonder yearning up, up, posessed, addiction calling, "Ride! Fast! Oregon! Forest! Catch the S&M rider! Climb! Feel it burn!” yes.

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Another sip from the camelback, another few turns carved into the psyche, draining the legs but the lungs have a little bit left, or was it the other way around? Either way there's a fuzzy line between joy and pain, and these races surely bend those lines into miles of switchback descents until you realize you've gotta come back up and it's a different kind of fun...actually the type that really isn't fun at all, in fact it sucks a lot and you wonder why you're doing it in the first place. Thinking I could be at home at the park with the dogs, carefree frisbee day, but then again I'd only be wishing I was riding, so...BAM, hit the stump, brush it off and hope nothing's broken. Check the bike first, then myself. Creek crossing from late season snowpack melt, cold wet Sidi’s a welcome relief. Can’t choose the songs stuck on repeat in my head, got some funky lyrics messin with the natural essence of the ancient forest, can’t help it, focusing on the rooty hobble uphill, and keeping a lookout for the Fat Tire Farm arrow and the double pink ribbons that assure I’m on the right trail. Pass aging hiker guy, shouts some kind of words of encouragement with a look of amazement that people actually ride this stuff… Thinking I heard him say something about being in second, and then feeling glad because now I knew I was on the right trail. Not too sure how I feel about being 2nd, wishing I was in first, speeding up. How far off second? Who’s up there ahead of me? Damn I’ve pushed it hard and popping calories at 15 minute intervals but there’s still a wall stuck to the front of me, with hydraulic pressure counteracting any acceleration force I attempt to apply. Slogging it, slowly, up, this pace alien to me, where’s my sense of urgency I always have some left to claw my way up, and this trail is so nice I should surely have some reserve inspirational energy left? Around some bends, over some logs, ducking some branches, letting out some guttural groans, feeling the primal Yeti inside me yelp a dying squeal, dreaming of the cold Oregon microbrew I stashed in my car at the finish line. Yes, cold beer. Straining still somehow going up, but there isn’t even a high peak here, where am I climbing? 6th sense kicking in, or is that just oxygen debt? Feeling like we’re close, though, maybe just wishful thinking… gotta be, if not then I’ll end it myself. Light poking through above, light like a trail God pointing the way to finish line salvation. Temporary resolve in my agony, an awakened smile, pick up the pedaling. RIVER CITY RIDER passing me! All out sprint on dirt road, finish line in sight, I know this guy we were both out in front at the Mudslinger I can’t beat him, he saved the last push that I used 5 miles back. Rolling in to the finish I didn’t even care, called the race organizer a bastard with a smile, he just smiled back with evil in his eyes. Crawling back to the car, laying in the back with one foot out, one glove off, and the beer already half way down. Glad to be done, glad to be alive, although not sure if I really was anymore. Wandered back in a haze to the finish line, and in a surreal stage of events somehow managed to consume a few peanut butter sandwiches, some bananas, a lot of water, grabbed my silver medal, and hung out with Jon & Sami’s dog. **Sami came in 2nd in women's pro!!!*

Portland Chapter

Bear Springs Trap XC

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:01:20 -0700

Start: 05/18/2008 - 11:00

End: 05/18/2008 - 14:00

Grueling but epic race in beautiful Mt. Hood National Forest.

Portland Chapter

My "new" bike

maniadmin — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:21:30 -0700

My old bike got a complete overhaul this winter. With a fresh powder coat, custom paint details, new wheels, and a new SRAM Force group on it, this classic 1981 "Cello Europa" italian racing machine is as good as a new bike to me.

Portland Chapter

Holy grail of bike routes

CaseyMcDonald — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:46:36 -0700

Today Jon, Ile, and I set out for a Sunday ride. What we couldn't have known when we left was the divine intervention that was about to lift us from ordinary cycling experiences and into another realm of true cycling bliss. The promised land ride was not without it's suffering, however, as we certainly earned this cycling nirvana via a hellacious, never ending 6 mile climb to one of the most glorious vistas in all of P-town, Bald Peak. It was the grizzled motorcyclist, savoring the last puffs of his cigar, who kindly offered to take our photo and told us how on a clear day you can see Adams, Hood, Jefferson, and St. Helens. Even with the May cloud cover over the valley, the view was none the less spectacular.

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After a vegan ProBar munched, Ile’s bladder drained, and the urge to vomit settled, we set off to reap the rewards of our sacrificed legs. Isaac Newton was certainly on to something with his laws of motion, as we discovered, with sort of a velo-twist: what goes up very slowly and painfully must come down at an unnerving but thrilling speed. We hit about 52mph on the downhill back towards civilization, a continuous gravity drop that took a fraction of the time it took to ride up, but seemed like a never ending pleasure ride- the forest, grass fields, and orchards blurring in our peripherals as we became one with Speed in its purest state.

At the junction of our descent and the valley farm roads was an idyllic country store where we stopped to bask in the glory of our endorphin rush. We all shared a sort of look like a healthy version of a meth-fueled high. Our eyes were bugging out, arms shaking, hearts beating to the rhythm of a heavy metal guitar riff. We guzzled a concoction of several colors of energy drinks, and re-applied the worn out chamois cream for the return home and back to reality.

We were still feeling the effects of the last drips of endorphins lubricating the cerebellum, even after the 25 miles of pedaling back to the East side. This ride just might go down as my favorite route I’ve found so far in Portland…. At least until the next one!

Portland Chapter

Portland Vegfest

CaseyMcDonald — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:30:36 -0700

OrganicAthlete Portland represented plant based athleticism well today, without any physical force. We set up a booth with OA literature and our banner at the annual Vegfest, and received a lot of attention from people looking for groups to ride/run with. It's been a sort of puzzling situation to me in a town with so many cyclists, runners, and veg minded people, that we aren't overflowing with members quite yet. But we have come a long way in just a few short years, and our presence is certainly becoming known on the local scene. There are OA kits showing up in every type of cycling race in the area, from cyclocross, road racing, track, and mountain biking. We have some newer members who are really bringing a balanced strength to the team. Now that the weather is starting to cooperate a bit more (knock on wood), we'll start having more organized rides in which interested people can join in on the fun and see what we're all about. We're all really looking forward to continued growth and success within the chapter.

The Vegfest was a great opportunity to show our presence and connect with the local veg community. Several runners and cyclists signed up for the mailing list, one person signed up as an OA member, and several more stopped to ask what we're all about and took some literature. Maybe most importantly, we gave away 50 flyers for the Tour d'Organics that we're putting on September 6th. People seemed to be really excited about the ride, which should be a great way for them to learn more about OA and what we have to offer. It really is exciting to be a part of the group and witness the growth that's happening right now.

Portland Chapter

Slingin' mud

CaseyMcDonald — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:09:03 -0700

Some races are more than just a bike race. To me the annual Mudslinger, in its 22nd year, is more like a homecoming, a tradition. I spent some of the best years of my life so far in the sleepy college town of Corvallis. It was there that I first experienced true singletrack deep within the pristine old growths of McDonald Forest. I remember riding my green Gary Fisher hardtail on that first ride, thinking "This is it!". The feeling was otherworldy, a sensation I feel every time I set out into the woods on fat tires today.

More...

Back in those days the Mudslinger was put on there on those same trails, but now that it has grown and land use issues have become such a struggle, it is based 15 miles outside of town in Blodgett in the Starker Forest. But still true to its original feel, it is a mudslinger of epic proportions. The third Sunday of April will always be Mudslinger weekend.

This year was extra special, as there was a full on blizzard in the hours before the race, very unusual for late April in the Willamette Valley. Oh well, better snow than rain. I was feeling pretty good before the start, the nerves weren't too overwhelming at the start. I just wanted to get it going so I could get warm.

Mike Ripley, the guy who's put it on for all these years, announced at the start that the stair-step climb was back this year. This is a series of ~27% grade climbs right off the bat, enough to get the heart to readline status. I was glad to hear it, as I tend to do better with more steep climbs. The snow let up just before our race, and after a neutral ride over to the start line and some waiting for our division to start, it was finally on.

The race started with the stairstep climbs, which found a lot of racers dismounting and running up. I was able to ride up and into the top 5 and we quickly got a sizeable gap on the rest of the field. Up and up we climbed along patches of snow. Up more and more, endless climbing. I noticed the gap widening as I looked back, it was just us 5. I figured if I could just keep my position I'd be guaranteed a top 5. But after about 1000 ft of climbing I noticed 2 of the guys started feeling it, peeling off. It was down to just 3 of us now... I knew who the other 2 guys were, the sandbaggers! Started wondering if that made me a sandbagger, too. Realized maybe not, since I was hurting just as bad as anyone else, I was just riding through the pain.

After what was probably about 3000 ft of climbing we hit the super muddy singletrack. Yes, a chance for a breather finally. I was right on the tail of the River City rider, who was having a hard time negotiating the roots and mud. The trail was too tight to pass, so I waited... eventually on steep muddy downhill section he endoed and flew off his bike, creating an opportunity for me to pass. "You alright?" I asked. "Yeah". Nice, looks like he needs to practice riding a mountain bike.

Feeling good, Clif shot giving me a second wind. My 5" travel bike might be a bit heavier up the hills, but it sure flew down the screaming downhill. Making up lost time, catching the leaders again. In all this muck I eventually passed the other leaders, and found myself in the lead, up with the Expert and Singlespeed riders who started before us. As much gruellling uphill as we climbed, there was an equal amount of nasty, slime ridden mud splattering downhill.

Finally emerging from the forest, caked in mud, I was right on the tail of an Expert rider, and follwed him to the right up another fireroad climb. Several minutes later I realized I was back on the original lap, which our category wasn't supposed to do again. The rider I was following told me I was supposed to turn left where we came out of the woods. "Damn!" I headed back downhill with vengeance, and eventually past the spot where I should have turned left. From there it was a short 2 mile sprint on a flat hardpack road to the finish.

I crossed the line knowing I had lost about 12 or 13 minutes by my wrong turn. How many positions had I lost in that time? There was no way of knowing. Can't describe the feeling of knowing I lost out on a win by taking a wrong turn. Especially at this race, in my town, where my love of mountain biking was born.

I later learned that I came it 10th, which is respectable even without the mishap, but still....I suppose there's something to be learned from this experience, but it still bums me out. I know how I really did, and that's all that should matter. It just really would have been nice to be on that podium.

Portland Chapter

King's Valley of the sun

CaseyMcDonald — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:57:55 -0700

I think a good handful of people got shelled off the pack on the first lap, it was that kind of race. We got some glorious sun out of no where, 80 degrees and racing through truly beautiful rolling hills in what I've always thought was a sort of magical valley. Not wizards and gnomes magical, but I've always felt a sense that the valley posesses some sort of blessed essense. On this visit, however, I didn't have too much chance to enjoy the scenery, as I was busy speeding up, breaking, speeding up, breaking, etc... The peloton was huge, seemed like everyone made it a point to make it to this race. We had three laps, with really only one semi-sustained climb on each, which was also the finish. In the thin lanes with such a large group, I was having to work in the pack to move through it if I wanted to move up at all. With the constant surging and breaking it made it even tougher. But Jon and I were able to work ourselves into pretty good positions up towards the front for a good portion of the race.

More...

A few miles from the end and the elbows started nudging, tires rubbing, and testosterone flowing. From behind me I heard some aluminum bumping, and then an almost comical high pitched "ahhhhhh", followed by the sound of a human landing in the ditch. Dude behind me elected himself operational leader and shouted to us "don't look back!". It was tempting but I didn't look back. What I saw instead was the final climb, and a little sooner than I expected, the tempo picked up quick. I stayed with it, in the front 1/3rd of the group, and when the incline picked up it was on. People in front of me started hitting the wall, seemed strange how quickly I passed them. For every few people I passed there would be someone coming from behind, but that only made me push it harder. I was in the drops sprinting up hill, seemed kinda awkward but I was getting more power then if I were on the hoods. The burn was definitely on, but I was able to keep it in check pretty well and didn't let too many people pass me. I've been working on slight uphill sprints, but it's always different when it comes to an actual race. Looking back the only thing I would have done differently would have been to be closer to the front of the pack before the sprint took off, I believe I could have finished quite a bit better then. But alas, I came in 20th out of 75 finishers, so I feel alright about that.

Jon finished right in the middle of the peloton, great job for only his 4th race. Ile also pulled a strong-man move by finishing solo in the wind after finding himself off the group. Sami Fournier also kicked some butt in the women's field. Watch out omnivores!
Yes Yes Yes.

Portland Chapter

Hood River Criterium

JimStuck — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:12:04 -0700

Start: 04/10/2008 - 17:30

4/5 (and women) races at 5:30
3/4 at 6:00
1/2 at 6:45

Come enjoy spring in the Gorge! Westerly winds likely...

Hood River Event Site (I-84 exit 63, turn left)
Questions answered at 541-387-4011.

Portland Chapter

Hood River Criterium

JimStuck — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:12:04 -0700

Start: 04/24/2008 - 17:30

4/5 (and women) races at 5:30
3/4 at 6:00
1/2 at 6:45

Come enjoy spring in the Gorge! Westerly winds likely...

Hood River Event Site (I-84 exit 63, turn left)
Questions answered at 541-387-4011.

Portland Chapter

Hood River Criterium

JimStuck — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:12:04 -0700

Start: 04/17/2008 - 17:30

4/5 (and women) races at 5:30
3/4 at 6:00
1/2 at 6:45

Come enjoy spring in the Gorge! Westerly winds likely...

Hood River Event Site (I-84 exit 63, turn left)
Questions answered at 541-387-4011.

Portland Chapter

ICEBREAKER CRITERIUM

JimStuck — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:03 -0700

Start: 04/13/2008 - 10:00

Sunday, April 13th, Greenhill Technology Park
Eugene, Oregon
4 corner, wide open, 1 Kilometer, fast safe course

Cat 4/5 - 25 laps (10:00am)
Women Cat 4 Beg - 20 laps (10:45am)
Masters 35+ All Cats - 30 laps (11:30am)
Kiddie Kilo (12:30pm)
Women Cat 1/2/3 - 30 laps (12:45pm)
Cat 3 - 40 laps (2:00pm)
Pro 1/2 - 45 laps (3:30pm)
Tandem - 20 laps (5:00pm

Portland Chapter

Horning's Hustle MTB race

CaseyMcDonald — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:50:59 -0700

Spent 2+ hours wondering why in the hell I choose to do this on what could otherwise be a nice lazy Sunday. Pushing it that hard for that long makes you wonder these things. Whereas in a road race you usually have the option of ducking into the group to draft and save some evergy, that is not an option in Oregon MTB races. You climb a miserable yet exhilarating 1000 ft in 4" mud, and finally get a downhill section but it's making your arms sore from trying to hold on through all the jarring. Then you turn a corner and find you have another 500 ft climb, but you haven't had a chance to re-gain the energy to do it. Somehow your legs keep turning, each little peak ahead a focus, a reward to make it that far. Something sadistic about deciding to keep going rather then just stop there and realize this is all so crazy.

I got my second wind 2/3 of the way into it, and started passing some poor suckers who I know were considering quitting, too. I start wondering if the human body is really designed to do this. Strange songs I remembered from middle school start popping into my head, a sort of Vanilla Ice hallucination, very odd. I guess something needs to occupy your mind when you are suffering like this, could have been anything, as long as it eased the pain.

When you put yourself through such a test as a race like this, there's something about finally crossing the line, a sort of pride that is all your own. For the next day or so I'll still be wheezing when I take a deep breath, and it will still hurt walking up the stairs. Still, I just can't think of many feelings much better than this.

On a side note, there seems to be somewhat of a sentiment by a lot of road-only racers that mountain bike racing is somehow second rate, not real racing. To that I say, I dare you to come try it...you'll find out it is very much real.

Yeah good times!

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 05/13/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

REGISTRATION:
From 5:30 to five minutes prior to your start time.
Located near the start/finish area in the middle of the main grand stands.
OBRA membership required: single-day membership for $5 or annual membership for $20.
OBRA categories and rules apply. Helmets required.

FEES:
All Categories - $15.00 Juniors - $5.00
Individual Season Pass - $200.00
Team Passes Available - Contact Promoter for details. jeff.mitchem@gmail.com
Send Season Pass Fee, payable to Jeff Mitchem - 4814 SE Harrison St. Portland, OR 97215

DISTANCES:
CAT 1/2/3: Distance and hot spots vary depending on daylight. Average distance - 40 miles
CAT 3/4: Distance and hot spots vary depending on daylight. Average distance - 30 miles
CAT 4/5: 4 Laps - 8 miles (sometimes a bit longer, depending on daylight)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 07/08/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 05/06/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 07/01/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 08/26/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 06/10/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 04/15/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 08/19/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 06/03/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 06/24/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter

Tuesday PIR

CaseyMcDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:56 -0700

Start: 08/12/2008 - 18:00

The PIR race course is a 1.9 mile flat loop, a perfect course for your weekly training races.

WHERE:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west.
The racetrack is located immediately west of the freeway.

START TIMES:
CAT 4/5: 6:05 pm CAT 3/4: 6:30 pm CAT 1/2/3: 6:45 pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Flat 1.9 mile loop, wide road with excellent pavement, closed to traffic.

PRIZE LIST:
$4,000 Merchandise / $1,000 Cash. Split depends on attendance.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION:
CAT 1/2/3 - 3 Deep: Cash ($20/$15/$10)/Race. 10 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 3/4 - 7 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series
CAT 4/5 - 5 Deep: Gift Certificates/Series

BRING CANNED FOOD AND DISCOUNT YOUR ENTRY FEE!!!
($1.00 discount per can - limit 3 cans/race)
The food will benefit Oregon Food Bank

QUESTIONS:
Jeff Mitchem - jeff.mitchem@gmail.com or call 503.233.3636

Portland Chapter