to Draw Region's Top Bike Racers to Hagg Lake PORTLAND, Ore. The Oregon Bicycle Racing Association's (OBRA) 2006 road racing continues this Sunday, March 12, at Henry Hagg Lake in Forest Grove, with round two of the three-race Banana Belt Road Racing Series, announced Race Director Jeff Mitchem. Round 2 of the 2006 Banana Belt series a two-decade tradition is expected to draw more than up to 400 of the fastest bicycle road racers from across the Northwest to the rolling, demanding roads of Scoggins Valley Park and Henry Hagg Lake. The Hagg Lake circuit is a challenging, rolling 11-mile loop that throws 750 feet of net elevation gain at the riders each lap. "Last week's first race went perfectly," explained Mitchem, "We had nearly 350 entries, despite a wet weather forecast. But the conditions turned out perfect for racing with just a light mist in the morning. Still, the turnout was impressive, particularly the Men's Category 4/5 race, which drew 112 entries!" Eight classes of competition will be featured, including Men's Category Pro/1/2, Men's Category 3, Men's Category 4/5, 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, the Masters men, Cat 4 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. A series pass can be purchased, in advance, prior to March 1 for $55. 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. |
