Classic Bicycle Road Racing to Willamette Valley KINGS VALLEY, Ore. The racers know it simply as Kings Valley. The Oregon Bicycle Racing Association and race director Scott Goldstein call it "la doyenne." Regardless of what moniker you use, the Kings Valley Road Race will bring classic, European-style bike racing to the Willamette Valley this Saturday, April 8. The race is being sponsored by Peer Technologies. More than 400 of the best bike racers in the Pacific Northwest are expected to descend on the small community of Kings Valley, between Dallas and Philomath, Ore. Riders will take up the challenge of perhaps the season's most grueling road race, a rolling 19.5-mile loop with 900 feet of elevation gain each lap. Racers, depending on the class, will ride three or four laps, 56 and 75 miles, respectively. The classes of competition include Pro 1/2, Men's Category 3, Men's Category 4/5, Masters Men 40+ and 50+, and Women's classes. Racing starts at 10 a.m. Riders will be competing for more than pride, as more than $1,600 in price money will be awarded. Registration is $25; OBRA membership is required. Day-of-race licenses will be available for $5. Registration opens 8:30 a.m. and closes 10 minutes before a rider's event. To get to the race from Salem, take Hwy. 22 west to Dallas. Turn left on Hwy. 223 (Kings Valley Hwy.) continue south for 20 miles to Kings Valley and follow signs to parking; from Corvallis, take Hwy. 20 West through Philomath, 3.5 miles west of Philomath turn North on Hwy. 223 (Kings Valley Hwy.) and continue 8 miles to Kings Valley and follow signs to the spacious parking area. For more information, contact Scott Goldstein (541) 343-4833 or email scott.goldstein@summitbankonline.com. The race is being organized by Classic Events, 2290 Corinthian Ct., Eugene, OR 97405. To learn more about all types of bicycle racing in Oregon visit www.obra.org, site of the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association. |
