USAC would bring very little to OBRA and it would not outweigh the cost to
the riders and the promoters.

OBRA upgrades are matched by USA cycling. Don't worry about your upgrade
points, because they will work for USAC. The national amateur rankings mean
very little.

Riders only travel around the nation for NRC events. And guess what? OBRA's
two biggest events, Mt Hood and Cascade, are NRC events already. If you're
in town and want to race and don't have a license then buy an OBRA license.
They are only 20 dollars compared to USAC which is $60.

Oregon riders get plenty of respect. My team takes Oregon riders each year
to travel the NRC circuit and we have NO problem getting respect with OBRA
riders. I think most people know there is a strong cycling scene in Oregon
and the competition is good. We've had no problem getting respect for guys
like Doug Ollerenshaw, Evan Elken, Omer Kem, Carl Decker, David Robinson,
and other riders at the national events.

Also, consider the cost of race promotion. OBRA races are much easier to
promote and less costly to the promoter. Perhaps this is the reason there
are more races in Oregon than any other state?? There are a lot more races
in Oregon than Washington and they have much better attendance. I wish we
had an organization like OBRA here in Washington.

Basically, the grass is not greener. OBRA is unmatched across the nation.
I've raced and taken teams to all regions. Is OBRA perfect? Nothing is, but
it's the best thing going and getting better each and every year. Joining
with USAC would be a step back, not a step forward.

Russell

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Russell Cree, DPT, CSCS
www.herriottsportsperformance.com
www.hagensbermancycling.com
206.306.5899