Set to Go Sunday at Hagg Lake PORTLAND, Ore. The Oregon Bicycle Racing Association's (OBRA) 2006 Banana Belt Road Racing Series completes its ever-popular three-race schedule this Sunday, March 19, at Henry Hagg Lake in Forest Grove, announced Race Director Jeff Mitchem. Round 3 of the 2006 Banana Belt series a two-decade tradition is expected to draw up to 400 of the region's best bicycle road racers to the challenging, roller-coaster roads of Scoggins Valley Park and Henry Hagg Lake. The Hagg Lake circuit is a muscle-and-lung searing 11-mile loop that confronts riders with 750 feet of net elevation gain on each lap. "With the hills and roadsides covered in snow, last week looked like the classic European stage race, Paris-Nice," explained Mitchem. "It was cold early, but the day turned out to be an excellent one for bike racing." Nine classes of competition again will be featured, including Men's Category Pro/1/2, Men's Category 3, Men's Category 4, Men's Category 5, Men's Masters 40-plus, Men's Masters 50-plus, Women's Category 1/2/3, Women's Category 4, and Juniors. And riders will be racing for more than simple recognition and ribbons: $4,400 in gift certificates will be awarded to the top finishers, as well as $500 in cash to the top Pro riders. Racing starts at 9 a.m., with the Pro/1/2 men, followed by Cat 3, and women's classes. At noon, Cat 4 men, Cat 5 men, Masters men, and junior begin. Races range from 33 to 77 miles ( 3 laps to 7) depending on the class. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and is open until 15 minutes prior to a race start time. Entry fees are $5 for juniors and $22 for all other classes, the day of the event. Send entry fee check to Jeff Mitchem, 4814 S.E. Harrison St. Portland, OR 97215. An OBRA licenses will be required, with single-race and yearly OBRA licenses available. The 2006 Banana Belt series wouldn't be possible without the support of the sponsors, including Lakeside Bicycles in Lake Oswego, Bianchi bicycles, the McMenamin's Grand Lodge in Forest Grove (503-992-3444, ask for the Banana Belt room block), Olson's Bicycles in Forest Grove, and Uncle Paul's Produce Market. For complete information on the 2006 Banana Belt Road Racing Series, visit www.obra.org/flyers/2006/banana_belt.html. Learn more about road racing and all types of bicycle racing in Oregon at www.obra.org, site of the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association. |
