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This recurring discussion bums me out every time it resurfaces. With the Skibowl announcement I’m
compelled to add my perspective (sport-class woman) to the discussion. I’ve tried my hand at a few
of the cycling disciplines in the last two years, and hands-down xc is the most fun. But having
tried other disciplines I do see that xc could benefit from some additions.
Cross
Pros: A big competitive women’s field, introductory clinics, supportive “heckling”, unique
courses and staggered fields that allow me and my husband to swap watching our son for each other’s
races. Heck, my son is old enough to watch by himself at this point. It’s fun and easy to fit into a
Sunday.
Cons: Sometimes it feels too short to justify the weekly commute from Hood River. (Yeah, get a
single-speed and race twice. Duly noted). But, I guess this falls in the “Pros” category, because of
the bigger fields, we have a lot of carpooling opportunities.
* I disagree that xc is losing racers because people are focusing on ‘cross training. If
anything, my early ‘cross season suffers from my inability to NOT ride hard the Saturday before. How
can you pass up Knebel Springs or Lewis River in the Fall?
Road
Cons: True confessions. I’ve only raced Cherry Pie and didn’t enjoy it all that much. I only felt
safe tooling along in the back after seeing two crashes, watching wheels cross, braking go uncalled
and being pushed to the center line. (Yeah, I need to get over my fear of pavement, race more and
learn tactics).
Pros: The cat 4 series and women’s clinics have made me reassess giving it another shot.
Short Track
Pros/cons: See ‘cross above
XC
Pros: Sure the swag and points are incentives, but I race for the course; Picketts (fast and
buff), Bear Springs (the technical variety), Skibowl (just damn brutal fun), 12 hour Willamette Pass
(that sh*t-eating-grin-single track at the top of every lap), TOE (ok, not enough single-track, but
still epic). 30 seconds after EVERY race I want to go again.
Cons: Small women’s field. The commute and time commitment required. Most times it’s not just a
Sunday, it’s a whole weekend. Also I can’t swap kid-watching duty with my husband who is racing at
the same time. And unlike cross/short track I’m not comfortable leaving my 10 year old alone for
almost 2 hours.
Still, does any of this explain why is xc dying? Mountain bike sales are good I presume. And the
Dirt Series is doing banner business. I’m baffled too. Clinics similar to the ones held for ‘cross
and women’s road races may help attract new riders. Also, “family-friendly” efforts (as corny as it
sounds) that allow parents to pull together for group day care may help.
But, that doesn’t solve the other inherent xc limitations due to seasonal trail closings, permit
issues, etc. (And THANK YOU promoters for your efforts despite these challenges).
I don’t have the answer. Honestly, xc will always require more sacrifice in terms of time, travel,
and training and you’re either going to love it or not. But personally, I think more who taste it
(however we attract them) the more who will love it. Now where’s that survey? I’m ready to cast my
vote! :-)
- patty
Ps -
(Disclaimer. You may ask, “Nice tirade, but where were you all summer?” Ironically, I was prepared
to race most of the xc courses – got the daycare figure out, printed off the schedule, started
building miles in Feb – and then promptly injured my knee at TOE. It’s still healing and can only
handle short efforts. Chronic knee pain and no Skibowl next year; can this get any worse!)
------- Original Message -------
From : Randy Dreiling[mailto:raggy23@yahoo.com]
Sent : 7/22/2008 1:55:19 PM
To : shane.young@comcast.net; obra@list.obra.org
Cc :
Subject : RE: Re: [OBRA Chat] Why weren't you at SkiBowl today to race?
Happened to me years ago...fire danger shut the race down with one weeks notice
Randy Dreiling
----- Original Message ----
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