Elkhorn Results Posted
6.23.2008
Results were posted Monday for the Elkhorn Classic. Top finishers for Oregon
Trail Racing on the Dooley Mountain final stage included Zach Heath in 13th place
(Category 4), Matt Allen in 3rd (Masters 4), and Eric Ziegler in 20th (Category
3). Heath's strong finish moved him up to 16th on the General Classification just
above teammate Whit Hartz in 17th. Elkhorn was Heath's second bicycle race.
Ziegler also moved up in the GC, to 23rd. Allen finished in 6th despite riding
most of the first day's stage solo after crashing. The following are Oregon Trail
Racing members in the results: Elijah Romer and Brian Sather (Pro1-2); Eric
Ziegler (Cat 3); Zachary Heath, Whitfield Hartz, & Brian Vegter (Cat 4-5); Matt
Allen (Masters 4/5); and Corrine Vegter (Women 4).

The racers would like to thank the following people who provided support: Jeanna
Romer, the Gersts, Shaun Cain, Tim Maguire, and other family and friends who came
to the races.
>> see Results :: Photos

Elkhorn Stage 4: Hartz Suffers on Dooley
6.22.2008
Dooley Mountain was one pass too many for Whit Hartz in his attempt to defend the Category 4 leader's jersey of the final day at the Elkhorn Classic. Hartz rode in the main group over the first 3 passes while managing his bruises and wounds from the previous day's crash, which included a nasty hip contusion. At the base of Dooley, he could not find the energy to climb with the group and lost several minutes up the 8 mile climb to the finish. His Oregon Trail Racing teammate Zach Heath finished the climb strong with a high placing on the day that improved his position on the final general classification.

In other categories, Eric Ziegler (Category 3) and Matt Allen (Masters 4/5) put in fast climbs on Dooley to also finish high on the stage. Eli Romer and Brian Sather arrived at the base of Dooley with the Pro1-2 main group and tailed off the pace on the climb but moved up some positions on the general classification.
>> Results will be posted later

Elkhorn Stage 2 & 3: Hartz Time Trials Into 1st
6.21.2008
Whit Hartz used the 10 mile time trial of Stage 2 of the Elkhorn Classic to charge into top position on the Category 4 general classification. Holding onto first proved to be a challenge in the Stage 3 criterium later in the day. A thunderstorm poured rain on the course shortly before the race, making the streets of downtown Baker City glacial. Oregon Trail Racing teammate Brian Vegter crashed during warm-up and then others fell on the same corner, some requiring serious medical attention. The race still started as scheduled and riders continued to crash on just about every lap. OT Racing was bitten once again when Zachary Heath was taken down by riders who crashed in front of him, leaving him with an ill-fated chase for most of the remainder. Heath's crash was followed up by Hartz crashing when his back wheel slid out on the following corner. This nearly took him out of the race, but a quick visit to the mechanical support pit got him back in the race under the free lap rule. Hartz survived the rest of the race by riding conservatively at the back of the pack and benefiting from the quickly drying pavement.

The Masters race was completed with dry pavement, and Matt Allen stayed in the peleton for a same time finish while trying to overcome his soreness from the previous day's crash. The women's criterium, with Corrine Vegter of OT Racing, also started under good conditions. Later in the race a slight drizzle immediately caused a bad crash that brought out the ambulance and ended the race. The Category 3 race was cut short due to rain and eventually the Pro1-2 race was canceled altogether.

Hartz will seek to defend his position on Sunday's final stage, a 100 mile race over 3 summits and then a finish on top of the Dooley Mountain climb.

Elkhorn Stage 1: Hartz Gets Big Result
6.20.2008
On a very hot day of racing in Baker City, Whit Hartz sprinted to a 4th place finish for Oregon Trail Racing in the Elkhorn Classic Stage Race. His Category 4 lead group had diminished to about 15 riders from the hard climbs the preceded the finish. Teammate Zach Heath tailed off from the lead group on the final climb, but only lost about a minute. Official results are not provided yet.

Matt Allen continued his streak of bad luck so far this race season by going down hard in a crash around Haines, shortly into the Masters 40+ race. He did finish the stage, but with a hurt shoulder, some scrapes, and a badly damaged helmet. Eli Romer had a solid performance in the Pro1-2 field, keeping with the peleton until the final climb of the day where he lost about 2-3 minutes from there to the finish. Teammates Brian Sather (Pro1-2) and Eric Ziegler (Category 3) fell victim to the pace up the biggest climb to Catherine Summit. Brian Vegter and Corrine Vegter also lost several minutes on the day.

Racing continues Saturday with Stage 2 time trials in the morning and Stage 3 criteriums in the afternoon.

3 Rivers Race Raises Over $17,000
6.8.2008
by Mary Ellen LaBerge
The 7th Annual 3 Rivers Race was not only a huge success but was greatly enjoyed by all. 116 riders participated in this event that traveled around the Grande Ronde Valley. By comparison, the 2006 race was enjoyed by 60 riders. Some rode/ran 66 miles, some biked a 100 mile course, some ran a half marathon and others ran a full marathon. All were out to enjoy the exercise, the challenge, the social company as well as raise money for Shelter From the Storm, Safe Harbors (Enterprise) and Mayday (Baker) and create awareness about problems of domestic and sexual violence. A record amount was brought in - over $17,000. The event was finished off with a picnic at Riverside Park with music and drawings for our many prizes, awards for race winners and awards for money raised were donated by La Grande business owners. The organizers want to thank all who participated – you helped achieve a wonderful goal – moving us one step closer to ending domestic violence.

Results:

Individual that raised the most money – Donna Betts - $751
Team that raised the most money – Just for the Health of It (Grand Ronde Hospital)- $2096
Most Inspirational team (,most money raised per person) – Easy Riders ($365/person)
Individuals raising over $500 – Donna Betts, Mary Lewis, Gail Gorrell, Mary Rose Nichols, Sharon Evoy, Mark Karl, Larry Loftus, Jeremy Morris and MaryEllen LaBerge
Individuals raising over $250 – George Gallagher, KJ Edmunds and Rebecca Piedra
Half Marathon – Female: Tina Seavert (1:28); Ally Ducker (2:03); Male: Michael Wanta (1:26); Jim Grammel (1:53)
Marathon: Eric Jensen (3:25); Zach Ducker (4:30)
Fastest 65 miler – Female – Donna Betts (6:41); Male – Brian Vegter (3:43); Toby Chamberlain
Fastest 80 Miler- Korrie Dubray (6:15)
Fastest 100 miler –
Fastest Mixed team – 65 miles - Run Kathy Run – 6:11
Fastest Team – Grand Ronde Hospital – 4:07
Most Inspiring Individual – Toby Chamberlain – on very short notice, Toby rode 65 miles in the place of Larry Loftus (who raised $500 to ride), but became ill. Toby did great on his borrowed bike!!
>> see Detailed Results

3 Rivers Charity Ride/Run This Saturday
6.5.2008
The 3 Rivers Race is planned for June 7 in La Grande, Oregon. The festivities start and end in Riverside Park. Many participation options are provided for this charity event to raise money to fight domestic violence. Teams or individuals can ride a 70 or 100 mile course or run a 10k, half marathon, or marathon.
>> see Event Website :: Bike Map :: Run Map

Werst Race, Silverton: A Weekend of Climbing
6.3.2008
The rain broke long enough for near perfect conditions for The Werst Race last Saturday morning. Cyclists and runners lined up around 9 am on the 2nd and B Street intersection in La Grande to go head to head up Morgan Lake Road. Other than some washboards on the gravel, the rains had firmed up the road surface to provide good traction and limited dust. Jason Werst raced the event this year and finished right behind the winning runner Tim Vandervlugt. The cyclists once again defended as king of the mountain in this 2nd edition of the race, as Brian Sather turned in a 19:30.

The climb quickly strung out the participants into a long procession of slowness up the 25+ percent gradients. Eli Romer and Whit Hartz, sporting butterfly wings and a dress respectively, were matching Sather's pace until passing Glass Hill Road. There, the climb gets really steep and a significant gap opened up. Last year's 2nd place finisher Matt Allen began making a late charge on the steepest sections and climbed up to Romer to finish in 3rd, completing the podium. Korrie Dubray was the top place female finisher.

The following day, 5 racers from Oregon Trail Racing took part in the Silverton Road Race. Zach Heath traded in his running shoes for a bike, and competed in his first bicycle race notching a 19th place finish in the Category 4-5 race. The onslaught of climbs was playing havoc with riders on the 17 mile circuit. Sather and Romer stayed in the main field in the Pro1-2 race that was relegated to a hopeless chase of a strong breakaway. Sather used a strong finish for a 15th place. Romer fell off the pace during a climb on the fourth and final lap, but had a respectable first Pro1-2 race. Hartz blew a tire in the Category 4-5 race and rode his bike into the ditch. He never caught back on. Rick Fredricksen finished 36th in the same race.
>> see Werst Race Results :: Werst Race Pictures :: Silverton Results

Racing Action Heating Up for Triathletes, Cyclists
5.29.2008
Local racers were all over the Northwest competing last weekend. This coming weekend will feature a local race on Saturday, the second edition of The Werst Race up Morgan Lake Road (see information below). The race is a benefit for Jason Werst to help in his struggle with leukemia.

Last Saturday, Eli Romer challenged the Category 3 field for the Oregon state championship road race in Rainier, Oregon. He was active throughout the race which ended up in a sprint finish, where he placed 13th. Staying up front kept him out of a serious crash that sent a couple riders away in an ambulance. Thankfully, both are out of the hospital now. Romer's luck was not so good during a criterium race the following day in Albany. He was forced off the course by a crash in the final lap and wasn't able to contend the finish. Romer will be upgrading to Category 2, where he will compete with Brian Sather in Sunday's Silverton Road Race.

The Onionman Triathlon was held in Walla Walla last Sunday. Shaun Cain had a strong swim (67th of 210) and solid bike leg (126th) to finish 6th in the clydesdale division. The Tovar family team also competed and reports here:

The Onion Man is an Olympic distance triathlon – 0.93 mile swim, 24.9 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run, located in Walla Walla, Wa. I thought it would be fun to be part of a family team. My son Sylvan, 15, just completed his second year on the La Grande High School swim team and was responsible for the swim portion. Though Sylvan is a very good swimmer, he insisted on playing “Fugitive” (cars chasing people) until after midnight. His time was was 30:44, good for 78^th out of 210. My 11 year old son Dale did the run. Dale loves triathlon, is disciplined, and basically a nut about training. He is one of the few kids who can say “I'm going to be an ironman some day” and you actually believe him. He did a sprint triathlon last year at the age of 10, (http://youtube.com/watch?v=bq756KNj5Z8) so he was the only one with triathlon experience in the group. His time was 1:01:20, good for 160^th out of 204. Read More . . .

In mountain bike racing, Korrie Dubray competed in a 4 person all-female team in the 24 Hour Round and Round race in Spokane, WA. Their team competed in the men's division placing 7th of the 19 teams.

Matt Allen and Sather participated in the Treasure Valley Stage Race in Boise, ID. Sather sliced a tire open on a rock about 25 miles into the 100 mile first day and could not catch on to the main group. He completed the race, the time trial in the afternoon, and the criterium the next day to end up 11th of the 22 starters in the Pro1-2 general classification. Allen, recovering a prolonged sickness, raced in all the races but is not shown in results due to a timing chip mishap.
>> see Rehearsal Road Race Results :: Onionman Triathlon Results :: TVSR Results

MTBers in Recent Races, Romer at Hood
5.17.2008
Over the last few weekends, local mountain bikers raced. Bill Gerst of La Grande won the Sport 50-59 category at the May 4 Coyote Classic in Eagle, Idaho. Matt Allen was 12th in the Expert 40-49 category of the same race. Allen raced again the following weekend to 13th in the Chainbreaker in Bend, Oregon.

In the renown Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, Eli Romer lost some time during the first day of the Category 2-3 road race. Still struggling to overcome a prolonged sickness, he could not keep with the pace on the final climb. On Friday's Scenic Gorge Time Trial, he finished a respectable 33rd place. He will race in Saturday and Sunday's races, hoping to improve his 23rd position on the General Classification.
>> see Coyote Classic Results :: Chainbreaker Results :: Mt Hood Results

Final Day at Walla Walla: Romer 12th in Crit
4.20.2008
Eli Romer successfully defended his 7th place overall result (Category 3) in Sunday's final-day criterium of the Tour of Walla Walla. He finished 12th in the sprint finish. Whit Hartz finished in the pack of the Category 4 race and moved up to 12th in the General Classification.
>> see Race Website :: Results :: 3rd Party Photos 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

Hartz & Romer Climb Into High Positions on Saturday at Tour of Walla Walla
4.19.2008
Oregon Trail Racing had 2 riders with Top 10 results in today's Tour of Walla Walla. In the morning time trial, Whit Hartz placed 10th (Category 4). Eli Romer placed 16 in the time trial and used the hilltop finish in the afternoon road race to jump into 7th place (Category 3) on the General Classification, also placing 7th on the stage. Hartz was 19th in the road race and stands in 14th on the GC.

The day was cold and windy, albeit not as ferocious as the previous day. The morning's time trial included an uphill out into a crosswind and a screaming fast downhill back to the finish, all in 7 miles. The afternoon road races included rollers and 2 sustained climbs, one before Waitsburg and one after. The final climb was a steep 3 kilometer grade up to the finish line. Groups did long and short circuits that all included the main climbs twice. The climbs were raced up 4 times by the Pro1-2 field in their 95 mile race, 3 times by Cat. 3 in 75 miles of racing, and 3 times by Category 4 in 59 miles.

In Pro1-2, Brian Sather's time was in the top half of the field for the stage and he moved up some positions on the GC. For the road race, he survived with the main field until popping off on the penultimate attempt of the finishing climb, joining a chase group and ending up 71st on the day and moving up to 67th on the GC. Jody Prummer flatted twice in the Category 4 race and did not finish.

Sunday concludes the Tour with a criterium in downtown Walla Walla. Sather has abandoned the race to return home.

The Tour of Walla Walla is one of the premiere stage races in the Northwest, and draws top riders from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Canada.
>> see Race Website :: Results

4th Place Finish for Romer Kellog Hallow Road Race
4.18.2008
Friday's Cat 3 prequel to the Tour of Walla Walla served up high winds and a dust storm. Eli Romer rode into a lead group of 6 that stomped the field, and resulted in a 4th place finish. The course offered up no flat sections and lots of exposure to the wind that was raging ahead of an impending storm. This race did not count for the General Classification, which will be part of the Saturday and Sunday races for category 3.

Brian Sather made his debut in the Pro-1-2 race, which did count on the General Classification for the Tour of Walla Walla. He ended up back in a chase group when the race split apart on the second of two laps and lost about 10 minutes.

Saturday includes a time trial and a road race. Category 4 racers Whit Hartz and Jody Prummer will be racing too. Sunday is a criterium.
>> see Race Website

Larvik 8th at Rage in the Sage Duathlon
4.16.2008
Some local mountain bikers & runners competed the the Rage in the Sage off road duathlon in Tri-Cities, Washington. Cory Larvik of La Grande finished 8th overall for men. Todd Whitacre of La Grande, and Glen and Carol Scheele of Cove also participated.
>> see Results

Lauritzen Storms to 2nd Place at King Valley
4.13.2008
Zach Lauritzen (OregonTrailRacing.com) avenged his crash-filled Tour of Willamette with a 2nd place finish at the Category 4 Kings Valley Road Race this weekend. In mountain bike racing, Baker City's Eric Ziegler finished first of the 74 riders in the Sport Class of Barking Spider (Boise, ID). Many local road bike racers will be in action at next weekend's Tour of Walla Walla.
>> see Kings Valley Results :: Barking Spider Results

Rematch Set for Runners vs Cyclists in Werst Race 2008
4.12.2008
May 31 will mark the date when runners and cyclists race up the steep incline of Morgan Lake Road south of La Grande. This second edition of the race will be slightly modified from the inaugural version. Racers will start on B Ave. at the 2nd Street intersection and finish where the climb tops out (the "2" mile marker). After the start line, there are only a few hundred feet of flat pavement before the road turns up for 1,395 feet of climbing with no reprieve and gradients as high as 28 percent. The total length of the race is 2.35 miles of mostly gravel climbing. This is a mass start event where cyclists should ride into a short lead before the steepness of the climb negates the advantage of riding a bicycle.

In the 2007 edition, only 3 cyclists held off fast charging runners. Defending champion David Monnig is scheduled to return to La Grande for the race. Jason Werst himself (see event name) will race his bike this year to celebrate his recovery from leukemia, a condition that prompted this unique charity event one year ago.
>> see race website :: race map :: registration form :: staging at Birney Park

Day 3 Road Race: Romer Moves Up To 4th on GC
4.6.2008
On a tough final stage of the Willamette Stage Race, Eli Romer (Category 3) finished in a select group of riders and moved into 4th on the General Classification (GC). For the stage, Romer finished 6th on the 1 kilometer climb to the finish at the scenic King's Estate winery south of Eugene. The 84 mile stage included two ascents up the challenging Wolf Creek climb, which diminished the lead group significantly each time.

Zach Lauritzen (Cat. 4) crashed for his second straight day, but recovered to maintain a good position on the GC. The Category 3 race also included a number of crashes on the wet, gravel strewn descents off the climbs. Matt Allen (Masters) suffered a flat on the descent the climb and was left by the lead group of riders.

Brian Sather's (Cat. 3) solo breakaway attempt in the last 20 kilometers of the race ended up failing and he finished at the tail of the lead group in 17th place, also earning a 17th place on the GC.
>> see results later at Race Website :: OBRA Results :: Photos

Day 2 Crit: Lauritzen Crashes, Romer Stays High on GC
4.5.2008
Rain fell again on the racers for the second day of the Willamette Stage Race. The challenge of the day was a treacherous criterium course near downtown Eugene. Oregon Trail Racing's Eli Romer raced well in the Category 3 field, staying in the lead chase group in a race that was completely shattered apart by the end of the race. Zach Lauritzen (Cat. 4) had a strong race also, positioning himself near the front most of the race and taking a few primes for the day. As he moved up into good position for the sprint on the final lap, a braking rider caused him to go into a curb and crash. He got on his bike to finish the stage and will race again tomorrow. Matt Allen (Masters) and Brian Sather (Cat 3) raced uninspired races and they were yanked partway through, and will lose places on the General Classification.
>> see results later at Race Website

Willamette SR Day 1: Finishing Climb Nets High Positions for OT Racing
4.4.2008
Oregon Trail bike racers rode well in a down pour that greeted the riders on the first day of the Willamette Stage Race. Brian Sather and Eli Romer placed 5th and 7th in the mountain top finish of the in the Category 3 race. The lead group failed to chase down final surviving rider of an early breakaway, who kept about a minute advantage at the end of the day. In the Masters race, Matt Allen recovered after crashing on the first climb to come back up to the lead group and finish 8th on the final climb. Zach Lauritzen turned in an impressive result in his first Category 4 stage race, netting 7th place.

The race started under partly cloudy skies and wet roads in Alpine, Oregon. As the groups entered the mountains, the skies opened and drenched the everything. The course was a 42 mile loop with a hard climb in the middle that broke apart most groups. The final climb of the day was a long grind in even more miserable conditions.

Saturday's racing will include a criterium in downtown Eugene and Sunday will conclude the results with a road race that includes a menacing elevation profile.
>> see full results later at OBRA.org :: Race Website

Two 2nd Place Slammer Finishes in Boise
3.30.2008
by Jeanna Romer & Elijah Romer
Oregon Trail boys slammed Boise riders at the Slammer Road Race. Early morning chill and frigid winds didn't deter the OTR team from having three riders finish in the top five. With the usual finesse of the Boise Spring Series, the Cat 3 men were mixed with the "wise men" (aka Masters), and the Pro 1-2-3 (the kind missing the Y chromosome). This unique mixing pot contributed to a SLIGHT amount of utter confusion. A wreck early on in the race left a small group of six off the front. The peloton was neutralized by a large group of George's riders, who conveniently, and unknown to others in the pack, had three team mates in the break. The gap quickly grew to 3:30. After closing the break down to 1:30, all ambition was lost to reel them in any closer. It was at this moment Brian Sather decided to show off gains made during his recent visit to secret California training camp. He soloed the last 12 miles to unknowingly finish in 2nd place in his respective category. Eli Romer sat in and watched his teammate ride off into the sunset, coming across the line with a 5th place sprint finish for the Cat 3's.

There must have been something in the air in Boise. Whitfield Hartz (or Martz if you're from USA cycling) and teammate Jody Prummer were seen riding miraculously in the middle of the peloton. They both quickly learned the effect of drafting and the reason people have loved riding behind them in previous races. With this new found store of energy, Hartz was able to power through to a photo-finish 2nd place. Prummer was less than two seconds behind his team mate, finishing the day with an admirable 18th.

All fields were cheered on throughout the day by a young lady who apparently forgot her bike and was probably running the course backwards to find it.
>> see full results at Spondoro.com

New Time Trial Course Set for Saturday

3.27.2008
Installment #3 of Oregon Trail Racing's 4-part time trial series will be held March 29 at 11 am in the La Grande area. The new Grande Ronde Time Trial is a 10-mile out and back course on Market Lane (also Lower Cove Rd.). This is an unsanctioned self-timed event. The final time trial in the series will be May 3. The courses are described here.

Place: Alicel, Oregon
Length: 10.0 miles (16.1 km)
Start Timer: Grey painted marks on road (on Market Lane about 0.4 mi east of Highway 82).
Turn Around: Two "curve in road" caution signs that flank the road after the second bridge, just before the road begins to climb.
Stop Timer: Same as start.
Map : : Results
Description: Very fast, very straight. This course is sure to accommodate a top speed performance. The timer starts on the west end of Market Lane and travels about 4 miles to a bend in the road that takes riders past the historic Lower Cove School location and then across a bridge over the Grande Ronde River. The turnaround is at warning signs that flank the road. The east/west nature of the road helps negate the effects of the notorious south and north winds of the Grande Ronde Valley.
Directions: From La Grande at I-84 Exit 261, travel east on Highway 82-Elgin (Island Avenue). In Island City turn left staying on Wallowa Lake Highway 82 toward Elgin. Travel 4.5 miles and look for the turnout for Market Lane on the right. Travel 0.4 miles east on Highway 82 to start marks on the road.

Riding Out the Great Winter of 08
3.18.2008
by Brian Sather
Originally published in Oregon Cycling Magazine, March 2008, vol. 17, no.1.

This winter in the La Grande area of Oregon, we had lots of snow. There was a seemingly endless cycle of snow and wind. Many of our roads and highways, including I-84, were closed numerous times from heavy snowfall and drifting. People who live in frequent snow areas like ours know the extra work that each storm brings. It really wore down the morale of the locals, but not those of us who were on our bikes.

Needless to say, we did not see much dry pavement or dirt for months. In early November, I got in 2 road rides followed by 5 in December. On January 18, I barely squeezed in a 95 miler between storms for my only road ride that month. I averaged about 5 days of riding per week, so the balance of the rides from Nov-Jan were not on pavement. I managed to accomplish all of my planned base miles for the OBRA road race season without spending any time on a trainer. This was not a one man crusade either, as many of our local and regional riders were also out in the mix having fun. Read More. .

Banana Belt 3: Lauritzen Sprints to Breakaway Win
3.16.2008
by Tim Maguire
A full house of racers from both La Grande and Hermiston, raced on the tarmac of the final race of the Banana Belt series, in Hagg Lake. The day started cloudy and a little damp, dried up for the morning races, then rained on the afternoon competition.

Zach Lauritzen shook up the Category 5 field with a 1st place finish following a three man break. Brian Sather, Eli Romer, and Brian Cimmiyoti placed strategic attacks in the Category 3's. Whit Hartz finished 9th in the field sprint for Category 4.

Date: Sunday, March 16
Place: Hagg Lake, Gaston, Oregon, USA
Scheduled Racers: Cat 3 (9:05 am, 6 laps, 66 mi) Brian Sather, Eli Romer, Brian Cimmiyotti. Cat 4 (4 laps, 44 mi) Whit Hartz. Cat 5 (12:15 pm, 3 laps, 33 mi) Zachary Lauritzen.
>> see full results later at OBRA.org :: live feed

Banana Belt 2: Monnig Solos to Cat 4 Win
3.9.2008
by Tim Maguire
Racing under cold, near foggy conditions, three La Grande riders finished the second race of the Banana Belt trilogy. The course had touches of damp pavement in the morning. Category 3 suffered a hard crash on the last lap, but Brian Sather and Eli Romer were able to avoid it. Unofficial results showed Sather in 17th and Romer in 33rd. Two racers survived a breakaway that began the first lap of five.

In Category 4 a former La Grande resident David Monning, shattered the field with a breakaway. He held over a minute lead from laps 2 to his fantastic, solo finish. Zach Lauritzen showed good form for his Category 5 race with an unofficial 7th place sprint to the line.
Date: Sunday, March 9
Place: Hagg Lake, Gaston, Oregon, USA
Riders: Cat 3 (9:05 am, 5 laps, 55 mi) Brian Sather, Eli Romer. Cat 5 (12:15 pm, 3 laps, 33 mi) Zachary Lauritzen.
>> see full results later at OBRA.org :: live feed

Off-Road Triathlon Clinic This Thursday in La Grande
3.4.2008
Thursday, Mar 6 at 6 pm, The Mountain Works in La Grande, OR
This is a clinic to introduce people to off-road triathlons and the Xterra Point Series. Solstice Triathlon champion Korrie Dubray will give tips on how to train and prepare for such an event. Suggestions will be given for nutrition and equipment. Cost is free. Everyone from novices to veterans is welcome.
>> see flyer

Banana Belt 1: Pack Finishes
3.2.2008
by Tim Maguire
Four members of Oregon Trail Racing, took on the first stage of the Banana Belt. The race in Hillsboro, Oregon was a sketchy race of hills and fast descents around Hagg Lake. The start times of all categories were delayed by 30 minutes due to ice on the circuit. Categories 3 and 4 both had pack finishes.

In Category 3, Eli Romer demonstrated cycling strength through his attacks, while Brian Sather created strategy, breaking away solo from the peleton in the last half of the final lap. Whit Hartz and Jodi Prummer held strong positions in the Category 4. They faced a difficult finish as they overtook the women's category near the finish line.
>> see full results later at OBRA.org :: pictures

OT Racing Trio Rides Jack Frost TT
2.24.2008
by Tim Maguire
Three racers from La Grande--Brian Sather, Matt Allen, and Tim Maguire--took to Vancouver, Washington for OBRA's first time trial. The conditions for Jack Frost were optimal for the day's event: temperatures in the 50's, sunny, low wind, and a smooth tarmac. But the turn around for the out-and-back route was graced by a Doritos chip bag--not an orange cone. By the afternoon, the later riders had a mild headwind for their return. Unofficial times were: Brian Sather--27:54 (just under 26mph), Matt Allen--29:14, and Tim Maguire--36:06. Sather placed 3rd in Category 3.
>> see full results later at OBRA.org :: unofficial results :: pictures

Official Results Posted for Cherry Pie
2.19.2008
Brian Bartel moved up one position to 6th place in Category 4 when the official results were posted for the Cherry Pie Road Race from February 17. Whit Hartz finished in 12th. The results also show Eli Romer's strong finish place in his first Category 3 race with 24th. Tim Maguire improved his time from last year, finishing 40th in the Category 5 race. Zach Lauritzen pulled out a 22nd place Category 5 road race debut. Rick Fredricksen accomplished his goals in his first race and finishing 45th. Local racers are scheduled to participate in this weekend's Jack Frost Time Trial and the Banana Belt series the following weeks.
>> see results

Oregon Trail Racing Debut Yields 3 Top 10 Finishes
2.17.2008
by Tim Maguire
On Sunday, Oregon Trail Racing took eight racers--separated through three categories--to the Cherry Pie Road Race in Adair Village. They demonstrated a strong form with three top ten finishes. For the Category 3 race, Brian Sather placed 8th thanks to a solid effort by Eli Romer. In Category 4, Brian Bartel placed 7th, with Whit Hartz hot on Bartel's back wheel for 10th. Former La Grande racer David Monnig took a podium finish in 3rd.

Mishaps abounded in the races. Sather barely missed a crash on the last lap, and Hartz's finishing was climb disrupted by a crash.

Other participants included Zach Lauritzen, Tim Maguire, and Rick Fredericksen with strong showings in the Category 5. Jodi Prummer suffered a mechanical after the first draft and did not finish the Category 4 race.
>> see full results later at OBRA.org :: pictures

Feb, Mar Events Scheduled in NE Oregon
2.8.2008
A series of clinics will be hosted by Oregon Trail Racing in February and March. For more details as the events near, see the team calendar at OregonTrailRacing.com

Road Race Strategy
Wednesday Feb 13 at 6 pm, Human Performance Lab, Eastern Oregon University
This is a race team session in preparation for the OBRA road bike races this spring. Topics will include the following and more: team goals, a system of communication during races, discussion of the races, racer expectations, and general strategy. The meeting will be held in the Eastern Oregon University Human Performance Laboratory in La Grande, Oregon. This is on the first floor of Zabel Hall (see campus map), at the north end (room 103). Parking is available south of the building, and permits are not required after 5 pm.

Social & Movie Night at Flagstaff Sports
Tuesday Feb 26 at 7 pm, Flagstaff Sports, Baker City, OR
Come enjoy a cycling movie and munchies hosted by Flagstaff Sports and Oregon Trail Racing. Everyone is welcome to attend. This will be a celebration of the end of winter and the beginning of bike riding in Baker City.

Off-Road Triathlon Clinic
Thursday, Mar 6 at 6 pm, The Mountain Works in La Grande, OR
This is a clinic to introduce people to off-road triathlons and the Xterra Point Series. Solstice Triathlon champion Korrie Dubray will give tips on how to train and prepare for such an event. Suggestions will be given for nutrition and equipment. Cost is free. Everyone from novices to veterans is welcome.
>> see flyer

Echo 10 Time Trial Description
2.4.2008
Place: Echo, Oregon
Length: 10.0 miles (16.1 km)
Start Timer: "Umatilla River" sign on west side of bridge.
Stop: Same as start.
Map : : Results
Description: A challenging out and back course that begins with a subtle, abusive hill. The course starts and finishes on the west end of the bridge over the Umatilla River, just outside the town of Echo. The road is wide open and the pavement is fast on the Oregon Trail Highway. If the prevailing southwest winds are blowing, expect a headwind out and a very fast return. A key feature is the proximity of the start/finish to The Red Express cafe, a convenient place for post ride recovery drinks and reflections.
Directions: Take I 84 to Exit 188 and go south to the town of Echo. Take a right onto Dupont St., over railroad tracks. Take a right at Main St. (Main St is also HW 320...the intersections signs read "Main St/HW 320"). Take Main St/HW 320 across Umatilla River and find a parking area to the left.

Feb 9 Road Time Trial, MTB Event Scheduled in Echo
1.31.2008
Oregon Trail Racing will be starting off their season by hosting a new 10 mile road time trial course in Echo, Oregon on Saturday, February 9. This event will be combined with trail maintenance and a mountain bike ride on the nearby trails at Echo West Vineyard. Everyone is welcome to participate in any or all of these events.

Road time trialing will commence at 11 am just outside of town on Main St. where a bridge crosses the Umatilla River. Participants will meet at the Red Express cafe near the finish for lunch. Around 1:30, trail work will commence on the mountain bike trails. A mountain bike ride will follow.

Oregon Trail Racing's 4-part time trial series will include the following events, which are described here:

Feb 9: Echo 10 Time Trial in Echo, Oregon
March 1: Echo 10 Time Trial in Echo, Oregon
March 29: Grande Ronde 10 Time Trial in Alicel, Oregon
May 3: Oregon Trail Time Trial in La Grande, Oregon

Other events and time trial information is presented on the team calendar at OregonTrailRacing.com

Directions to Echo and the mountain bike trails:
Take I 84 to Exit 188 and go south to the town of Echo. Take a right onto Dupont St., over railroad tracks. Take a right at Main St. (Main St is also HW 320...the intersections signs read "Main St/HW 320"). Take Main St/HW 320 across Umatilla River. Just out of town take a left on Snow Road. Travel on Snow Road 3/4 mile past crop duster landing strip. Take a left when you see an old windmill. Follow road past rock pit that is on the right. Shortly after the road dips at the bottom of the dip there is a gate on the right which reads “private hunting reserve” in yellow. Keep the gate closed and you can park on the inside.

On Becoming An Expert Cyclist
1.30.2008
by Brian Sather
Originally published in Oregon Cycling Magazine, Winter 2008, vol. 17, no.1.

Many believe natural ability is the principal factor for becoming an elite cyclist. They accept that people who happen to have genetic talent and happen to pursue cycling are the fortunate ones to rise to the top in the sport. Conversely, some potentially great cyclists are sitting around on their couches wasting away their VO2max potential, unaware of their special gift. For much of my life, I believed great athletes were the result of hard work coupled with favorable genetic endowments. More recently, the latter notion became increasingly disconcerting to me. I could not accept that our human existence is relegated to mere chance, as if born into a caste system of athletic potential.

Now my paradigm has shifted to a wholehearted belief in self-determination. Fortunately, there is good empirical support for this. My growing concern over athletic predetermination finally found authoritative agreement when I read a comprehensive study by Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Romer (1993). They thoroughly examined previous research—and also included two of their own research reports—to come to the conclusion that expert performance is the result of a decade or more of maximal effort in “deliberate practice.” They found no compelling genetic predisposition that contributed to expert performance, other than height. For example, having tall parents would give you an advantage in basketball. However, they noted that even height has some environmental influence and an imperfect correlation with success. Read More. .

Time Trial Video Analysis Clinic Scheduled in La Grande
1.23.2008
Oregon Trail Racing will host a Time Trial Video Analysis Clinic on Monday, January 28 at 6 pm. Cyclists are invited to bring their bikes with time trial or triathlon set-ups to video their positioning using Dartfish software. Regular road bike or mountain bike set-ups are also welcome. The purpose is to provide visual feedback to aid in optimizing positioning. This effort is provided in anticipation of the club-hosted first time trial of the year on February 9 in Echo, Oregon. Sample video is provided at http://www.oregontrailracing.com/lab.html

Everyone is welcome, whether they participate in the analysis or not. Participants should bring their bikes and cycling clothes to change into before their session. Email info@oregontrailracing.com to get on the participation list.

The meeting will be held in the Eastern Oregon University Human Performance Laboratory. This is on the first floor of Zabel Hall, at the north end (room 103). Parking is available south of the building, and permits are not required after 5 pm. A campus map is located at http://www.eou.edu/visitor/documents/documents/campusmap-2006.pdf

Oregon Trail Racing Announces Preliminary 2008 Roster
1.21.2008
Oregon Trail Racing has released a preliminary 18 member race team roster. Comprised mostly of cyclists and triathletes from Northeast Oregon, the squad will focus mainly on OBRA sponsored races in Oregon. The team is dedicated to participation in and hosting regional events in 2008. Oregon Trail Racing will continue to conduct winter clinics and and introduce an informal spring time trial series. The organization continues to enroll members from Northeast Oregon and surrounding areas. Events and information are included on the team website at OregonTrailRacing.com
>> see The Roster

The Matrix
12.13.2007
by Brian Sather
Originally published in Oregon Cycling Magazine, Autumn 2007, vol. 16, no.9, p. 17.

When I set up my LaGrandeRide.com site a couple years ago, one of the first things I created was a clothing-temperature matrix. Since then, it has been one the most popular downloads on my site. Here in Northeast Oregon, is seems like the seasons change overnight. You could be riding in shorts one day, and experience snow the next. Consequently, it is difficult to remember what you wore 7 months ago after a sudden 40 degree temperature drop. So, the matrix was created out of personal necessity.

I have a number of caveats that precede the matrix, which are very important prerequisites for examining the guidelines. My other disclaimer is that it takes quite a bit of time and money to build up sufficient wardrobe of winter clothing. A bicycle trainer is much cheaper. My first few years of bike training were spent indoors. I gradually bought clothing and learned what worked so that I am now to the point I rarely ride inside. Every day is a nice day to ride, if you have on the right clothes!
>> see The Matrix Here

Oregon Trail Racing Presents 2008 Uniform Design
12.3.2007
Yellow over black is the color scheme for Oregon Trail Racing's new uniform. The jersey features a brown line representing the actual route of the Oregon Trail from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon. Brown and gray rings accent the collar and sleeves. The jersey back displays the main sponsors of the team, bike shops from three major cities in Northeast Oregon: The Mountain Works (La Grande), Flagstaff Sports (Baker City), and Scott's Cycle & Sports (Hermiston). The tops are designed to be worn with black shorts and accessories, although custom accessories are available. Cycling and triathlon apparel may now be ordered.
>> see ordering information

Cyclesports to Close Doors Friday
11.27.2007
A long standing bicycle retail business in La Grande closes for good this Friday, November 30. Mark and Barb Larson bought the shop over six years ago and later moved the location from downtown to Island Avenue. About two years ago they purchased Flagstaff Sports in Baker City, which is a bicycle, clothing, and sporting goods retail business. The Larsons have decided to focus their attention on the Baker City store, and enjoy more leisure and family time in the La Grande area. Another La Grande bicycle shop, Oregon Trail Bikes also closed about three years ago. This leaves La Grande with one bicycle shop, The Mountain Works on Adams Avenue.

OT Racing Maintenance Clinic Schedule for Tuesday
11.26.2007
Oregon Trail Racing will be hosting a clinic at 6 pm Tuesday, Nov 27 at The Mountain Works in La Grande. Whit Hartz will cover essential maintenance such as flat repairs, pre-ride inspection, and adjustments on the go. Sizing samples will be available and uniform orders will be taken during the meeting. Everyone is welcome.
>> see location

More Fall MTB, Cyclocross Racing for Locals
11.25.2007
Three area mountain bike racers competed in the Horn Rapids Race in Tri-Cities on November 18. Eli Romer and Whit Hartz rode the Expert Class and Logan Patterson the Sport. Romer also competed a week later in the a Eugene cyclocross race, the Psycho Cross Series #2 on November 24th.
>> see Horn Rapid MTB Results (XLS) :: Psycho Cross Results

Duo of NE Ore. Mountain Bikers Race La Ruta
11.19.2007
A pair of Hermiston mountain bikers competed at the reputed La Ruta, a four day stage race in Costa Rica. Brian Cimmiyotti was impressive against a world class field, finishing 21st overall. Shayne Myers finished a very respectable 111th. Both riders ride the for Scott's bike shop.
>> see Results

Weekly Road Rides to Start Saturday
11.6.2007
From Oregon Trail Racing:

    We've been busy getting some details ironed out for the race team. Uniform orders will be taken soon. More information will be shared later.
    As requested at our meeting, we're starting up a weekly ride that will continue indefinitely. In other words, the ride will take place Saturday's at 9 am each week, regardless of whether anyone shows up or not. Knowing our riders here, there will be at least one person there regardless of the weather.
    Details will be listed on the race team calendar. We'll start with 1 hour for the "short" group and 2 hours for the "long" group. The long group rides will be increasing in length over the winter, soon reaching 3-4 hours.
>> see Ride Guidelines

Echo Hills MTB Race Results & Photos
11.4.2007
>> see Results :: Photos

Dubray Races Xterra World Championship
10.30.2007
La Grande triathlete Korrie Dubray competed in the Xterra World Championship last Sunday in Wailea Maui, Hawaii. She finished in 4:03:11, placing her 6th in the Women 35-39 age group. and overall 55th for females (30th among amateurs).
>> see Results

OT Racing at Cyclocross Race in Walla Walla
10.27.2007
Three local racers drove over the mountains today to dabble in cyclocross racing in Walla Walla. The riders were met by perfect crisp fall weather and a beautiful venue. Organizers had set up a creative course that included sections through tall grass, a pyramid shaped overpass, a slalom course through a barn on sawdust, and plenty of bumping through a plowed field of dirt. Matt Allen scored the best result of the local trio with a 4th place finish in the Masters group. Brian Sather and Cory Larvik finished near the bottom of the Men A and Men B categories. All three had fun.
>> see Results (Race #4) :: Photos

For Local Enthusiasts, Oregon Trail Racing Becomes Reality
by Tim Maguire
10.26.2007
On Thursday, a group of cyclists and triathletes convened on EOU’s Zabel Hall, to usher in a concept of bringing local enthusiasts together. Brian Sather, a professor from the University, led the meeting, presenting Oregon Trail Racing’s new website and gathering ideas to help form OTR’s direction.

A lot was discussed that included topics from weekly training rides to the development and education of the sport. The ideas came from a broad range of cyclists—from mountain and road bike racers, triathletes, to those just interested in the health of it all. Fitness testing immediately followed the meeting.

First Meeting Schedule for Oregon Trail Racing
10.17.2007
From Oregon Trail Racing:

On Thursday, Oct. 25 at 6 pm, we have our first meeting scheduled for our new racing team. We encourage anyone with interest to attend. In this meeting, we'll get to work right away with goal setting, race calendar discussions, and fitness testing. The meeting will be held in the Eastern Oregon University Human Performance Laboratory. This is on the first floor of Zabel Hall, at the north end. Parking is available south of the building, and permits are not required after 5 pm. A campus map is located at http://www.eou.edu/visitor/documents/documents/campusmap-2006.pdf

We have some basic fitness tests scheduled so you can build a personal fitness profile: body fat assessment, lower back flexibility, and other anthropometric measurements. This testing is optional, but recommended for providing you with some feedback on your pre-season fitness. The body fat assessment will be a skinfold test, so please wear a T-shirt and shorts if you would like to participate in this. There is a place to change if you want to bring a change of clothes. Future meetings will provide opportunities for clinics on bike maintenance, bike setup, and more advanced performance testing.

If you haven't already, please fill out the membership form on our website at http://www.OregonTrailRacing.com . We need to make a jersey order soon, and this will give us an idea of how many we will be ordering. Plus, we would like confirmation that you are interested and what you are interested in.

MTB Racers Enjoy Perfect Conditions at Owsley
10.6.2007
A fast group of Northeast Oregon racers converged at the Owsley Canyon trail head for a mountain bike race hosted by the Blue Mountain Singletrack Trail Club on October 6. After a week of rain showers, the skies cleared for a crisp autumn day of MTB racing. Club director and resident trail builder Bart Barlow had the course in magnificent condition.

Whit Hartz overcame a late-race mundane crash in the rock garden to stretch out a massive advantage the entire field of racers, finishing at 11:17 AM (averaging over 10 mph). Brian Sather came in at approximately 11:22, and Cory Larvik at 11:23 to round out the podium. La Grande based Xterra triathlon specialist Korrie Dubray coughed here way to a top finish among females.

The race started with a short uphill to the first section of singletrack. This created a frenzy for a "holeshot" position. Hartz of The Mountain Works took control of the race from the start, leading through the singletrack section. Meanwhile, the rest of the group was sorting out on the singletrack. By the time the trail popped up to the road by some cows, Hartz had a gap large enough time to open the gate for the rest of the riders and still continue on in the lead.

Hartz was soon joined by Sather of Summerville and the duo started the long climb. As the climb leveled out at the top, Eric Ziegler of Baker City integrated. The trio separated some on the long downhill. At one point, Ziegler passed Hartz by the rock quarry but it was short lived because of some trail confusion. The 3 leaders maintained fairly consistent gaps in the Fast Twitch section. Unfortunately, Ziegler took a wrong turn above the S-curves, and continued on for a premature arrival at the wrong side of the finish line.

Evan MacKenzie, also of Baker City, suffered a wrong turn that took himself out of his leapfrog battle with La Grandians Larvik and Eli Romer. Farther back, Brian Bartel was bent over on the trail with stomach ailments, likely from the rugged nature of trail riding compared to the road. Mark Larson, owner of of Cyclesports and Flagstaff Sports, volunteered at the start to ride the sweep for the race. . .a position he defended valiantly. Shayne Myers, who came from Hermiston, enacted some Good Samaritan support for a competitor with a flat midway through the race.

The hotly contested mountain bike race was followed by a kids MTB event that saw 5 kids ripping up the trails. Everyone enjoyed barbecued burgers by racer/chef Greg Howard along with a presentation of some awards and prizes.
>> see results :: photos

Oregon Trail Racing is Born
10.5.2007
A bicycle racing team is forming in Northeast Oregon. Oregon Trail Racing (www.OregonTrailRacing.com) is currently recruiting members for the 2008 racing season. The organization is open to various racing endeavors, but the initial focus will be on bicycle racing and triathlon. The "race" team will compete in events in the Northwest, especially bicycle racing in Oregon (OBRA). A "club" aspect will focus on enjoying fitness activities such as cycling, running, and swimming.

The formation of the organization has been spearheaded by three La Grande area residents who are providing financial backing and administrative support. Bike shop sponsors include The Mountain Works in La Grande and Flagstaff Sports in Baker City.

A future meeting and uniform order scheduled. See the team website for more information.

2008 News Archive :: Site updated August 19, 2008 10:38:46 PM

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