2009 OBRA Meet the Team Rides

If you're a newer cyclist wanting to get into racing and looking for a group of riders to train and race with, an unattached racer looking to join a team, or you simply want to find out more about a specific team, here's your chance to ride with Oregon racing teams.

The Meet the Team rides are a perfect opportunity to ride with local teams and find one you'd be a good fit for. There are a variety of both men's and women's teams hosting rides this year, and all of them are looking for new riders heading into the 2010 season. Women, be sure to check out the combined women's team ride on September 26th (details below).

These are social rides at an easy conversational pace lasting approximately 2-2.5 hours. These rides happen rain, wind, or sunshine. Bring a functioning road bike (full fenders are appreciated on damp days), helmet, water, ride food, weather-appropriate clothing, and an extra tube in case you flat.

Portland-area rides that meet at Grand Central Bakery will have free coffee and a small assortment of pastries provided for you by the bakery before the ride. Thank you to Grand Central for generously hosting the rides!

If you have any questions about the rides or would like to know more, please contact an individual ride leader or Meet the Teams organizer Adam Edgerton.

The complete ride schedule and information about each team are listed below.

Portland-area Team Rides

Saturday, September 26th - Women's Combined Teams Ride

Teams: Bridgetown Velo, Gentle Lovers, Sorella Forte, Specialized River City, Therapeutic Associates, Veloforma
Team Contacts:
Bridgetown Velo: Jenn Lovo
Gentle Lovers: Sirikit Valentin
Sorella Forte: Anne Linton
Specialized River City: Eryn Barker
Therapeutic Associates: Karey Miles Veloforma: Mark Duff
Team Details: All women's teams, between 10 and 50 riders on each team, comprised of riders from all racing categories
Disciplines: Road, Track, Cyclocross, Mountain Bike, Recreational
The Ride: Be ready to ride at 9:30AM at Grand Central Bakery (2249 NW York Portland, OR 97210). The ride will be a flat loop out and around Sauvie Island, approximately 35 miles.
About the Teams: These women's teams all share a common objective: to grow women's cycling in Oregon while promote health and fitness through competitive and recreational cycling. Riders from each team will be present at the ride to share more about their team and give you an idea they'd be a good fit for you.

Saturday, September 26th

Team: Hammer Velo
Team Contact/Ride Leader: Jeff Tedder
Team Details: Men, Women & Juniors, Approximately 25 riders, primarily category 3,4,5
Disciplines: Road, Cyclocross
The Ride: Two hour Ride meets at 10:00AM at PACE, 4829 NE MLK, Portland (NW corner of MLK and NE Wygant). Post-ride party at PACE following the ride.
About the Team: Hammer Velo is a team very focused on winter training leading up to spring race season. They hold weekly rides through the winter and have an active group of cyclocross racers in the fall as well as road racing in the spring and summer.

Saturday, October 3rd

Team: Team Oregon
Team Contact/Ride Leader: Jim Anderson
Team Details: Men & Women, Approximately 45 riders, All Categories
Disciplines: Road, Cyclocross, Track
The Ride: Be ready to ride at 9:30AM at Grand Central Bakery (2249 NW York Portland, OR 97210). The ride will be a flat loop out and around Sauvie Island, approximately 35 miles.
About the Team: As one of the largest and oldest amateur teams in Oregon, Team Oregon's mission is to enhance the sport of cycling in Oregon by organizing an accessible team with resources to help all members reach their goals. Team Oregon has sizeable racing teams in all categories, from elite riders to beginning category 4 & 5 racers. The team welcomes riders of all ability levels and has an open membership policy. If you want to race your bike, then you are welcome on our team.

Saturday, October 3rd

Team: Therapeutic Associates, Inc/Genr8
Team Contact/Ride Leader: Casey Deck
Team Details: Women's Team, approximately 5 riders, Category 1-2-3 racers
Disciplines: Primarily Road
The Ride: Be ready to ride at 9:45AM at Grand Central Bakery (2249 NW York Portland, OR 97210). The ride will be a flat loop out and around Sauvie Island, approximately 35 miles.
About the Team: The TAI elite women's team is made up of Category 1-2-3 women from Oregon who are serious amateur cyclists. Team members are asked to commit to OBRA Oregon Cup and State Championship road races, along with select stage races. We also encourage a healthy balance between racing, careers, families, and life beyond cycling. We will continue to build the team with members who are dedicated to racing, have a solid sense of humor, and who know how to have serious fun.  If you're interested in racing for TAI, send your race resume to Casey Deck and join us on our meet the team ride!

Saturday, October 10th

Team: Three Rivers Racing
Team Contact/Ride Leader: Nick Blacklock
Team Details: Men & Women, Approximately 12 riders, Primarily category 3/4 & Masters 3/4
Disciplines: Road, Cyclocross, Mountain Bike
The Ride: Be ready to ride at 9:30AM at Grand Central Bakery (2249 NW York Portland, OR 97210). The ride will be a flat loop out and around Sauvie Island, approximately 35 miles.
About the Team: Three Rivers Racing strives to be competitive and they work hard to get there. The team rides year round and most winter rides are truly epic. The team is a close knit bunch who have logged thousands of miles together... mostly uphill.

Saturday, November 7th

Team: CycleOne A.I.M. Racing
Team Contact/Ride Leader: Mike Manning
Team Details: Men & Women, brand new team with approximately 15 riders, beginner to intermediate racers
Disciplines: Cyclocross, Road, Track
The Ride: The ride will meet at 10:00AM on Nov. 7th at Therapeutic Associates, 4876 NW Central Dr, Portland, OR 97229. The loop heads west to Helvetia and the hills around the west end of Skyline Drive.  The ride is mostly rolling hills, and there are a few good climbs that are about 1.5 to 2 miles in length. The ride should take 2.5 - 3 hours.
About the Team: Cycleone Racing is a new team focused on fun, fitness and camaraderie in a coach-supported environment. The team aims to provide the opportunity for growth and personal development as well as improve physical fitness in a competitive atmosphere.

Saturday, November 14th

Team: Emerald Velo Bicycle Club
Team Contact/Ride Leader: Ivan Meadors
Team Details: Men & Women, Approximately 25 riders, Primarily category 3 & 4 racers
Disciplines: Road, Track, Cyclocross, Mountain Bike
The Ride: Be ready to ride at 9:30AM at Grand Central Bakery (2249 NW York Portland, OR 97210). The ride will be a flat loop out and around Sauvie Island, approximately 35 miles.
About the Team: Emerald Velo Bicycle Club is primarily a racing club. Members are encouraged to race, but racing is not a requirement to be a part of the team. The team hosts several OBRA races each year, including the OBRA Time Trial Championships.