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A couple of updates regarding Elkhorn 08.
First - All Full: as expected, we are pleased to announce that the Men's
4/5 field has filled and is closed! I've had several emails asking if
there will be a chance to still get in - and the answer is, we have
started a waiting list and we will see (see below).
Second - Getting Full: a reminder that the Men's Pro/1/2 and Men's Cat 3
fields are limited to 100 riders, that they too have traditionally
filled, and as such registration has picked up for them since the 4/5
field filled. So if you were undecided, sign up now and grab your
training gear!
Third - Women racers: As many will remember last year the women's race
was in danger of being completely cancelled due to lack of turnout.
Thanks to last minute responses, that was avoided and we had an awesome
time. To help our '08 ladies, local Baker City business owners led by
Bella's coordinated to offer free host housing, additional GC payout
help, and special criterium primes and payouts. Thanks to that effort
and women's signups already, there will certainly be a 2008 women's
field. An interesting note though is that the women's field is almost
entirely made up of Women Cat 3/4 racers. The women's turn out for OBRA
racing has been very strong for 2008 and we'd like to see that continued
commitment at Elkhorn, so as noted above, if you were undecided, sign
up, and come on out!
NOTE: I am hoping to meet with team representatives during and after
Elkhorn on the pros and cons of various aspects of women's racing as it
relates to Elkhorn in 2009, but hopefully beyond just that.
Fourth - Masters: We had considered the possibility that the Men's 4/5
would fill quickly and already have looked into what we can do to help
out our fellow racers. Based on emails, conversations, and reviewing
some details we are pleased to announce that for 2008 we will be running
ONE Men's Masters 40+ peleton, but scoring TWO groups as Masters 1/2/3's
and Masters 4/5's. Because of this change, the Mens Masters 40+ field is
limited to a combined total of 75 riders in the interest of scoring and
safety. The current Masters and Cat 4/5 men have already been notified
and we are updating the registration (please be patient). Should
openings in the Cat 4/5's occur, we will contact riders on the waiting
list and adjust things accordingly. Registration is currently open for
either of the Masters choices.
Side bar to answer a common question: A reminder that you can transfer
your entry to a teammate or OBRA member in the event of a last minute
change. Same category changes are fine, cross category changes will
require verification that the new field is still open or requirements
met.
Fifth - Volunteers: If you are racing and wondering about family and
friends, bring them along. Baker County has a ton to offer not just
racers, but the whole family as well. While the local Baker City
community helps make Elkhorn possible, we can always use some extra
hands on the Friday and Sunday stages which leaves all day Saturday open
for tours, travel, the Leo Adler Day's parade, sleeping, eating,
beverages, and of course making some noise at the downtown Gold Rush
Criterium.
Sixth - Renaming the Finish Festival: While the term "memorial" can mean
'a way to pay respect for the huge amount of work by a person or family
or because he is a swell guy' it appears there were enough queries about
the health and status of the Elkhorn Classic race founder Nathan Hobson
(he and the family are and always were - healthy and awesome), that we'd
like to note the Dooley Mountain Finish Festival will provide some
snacks and water during the awards presentation and is meant to honor
Nathan and the entire Hobson family for creating an amazing and
wonderful event. Apologies for the confusion...
Seventh - Yes, that is the number of years for Elkhorn.
Finally - As always, ride safe, and thanks for racing!
Ernie.
Ernie Conway | Race Director | Elkhorn Classic Stage Race | June 20-22,
2008 | Baker City, OR | www.ElkhornClassicStageRace.com
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