USA Race & Events Announcements
Moab Skinny Tire Festival LAF Fundraiser, McLane Pacific, Willamette Valley Classic Stage Race Returns, and Redlands Bicycle Classic schedules. OBRA Oregon Banana Belt Series Opener

Moab Skinny Tire Festival March 3 through 6th
Meet Bob Roll, Chris Carmichael, Lance Armstrong Foundation Executive Staff

If you’re thinking that Moab, Utah is probably immune to the Lance Effect, which has inspired a minor road bike craze, that the rugged town would react to road cycling’s smooth civility like a trucker faced with a demitasse of espresso, then you’ve never attended the Moab Skinny Tire Festival, which will run March 3 to March 6.

 It’s easy to overlook Moab’s road history. After all, it’s no coincidence that the town’s most recent boom, tourism, has paralleled mountain biking’s similar trend.
So much emphasis is placed on Moab as Mecca for mountain bikers that few remember the town’s first bike shop, Rim Cyclery, was founded by a roadie (that would be Bill Groff, whose current road bike says “Harley Davidson” on the tank).

Un-crowded roads and the spectacular scenery of Utah what could be better.

Fewer still know that the first American to ride in the Tour de France, well-known to French fans as “Jacques Boy-ay” was raised Moab, as Jonathan Boyer. It’s also not common knowledge that Lance even raced here as a junior—that he went out hard, blew up early, and did not finish might contribute to the fact’s obscurity.

What all these people have known is the same secret mountain bikers discovered decades ago; this is a remarkable, uplifting landscape to flow through on a bicycle, no matter its tire width. Consider that nearly ten times the number of people to ride the Slickrock Trail will visit Arches National Park this year.

Most people are here just to view the scenery, but many cheat themselves by blocking the view with windshields and door pillars. Not only do road cyclists get to enjoy an unobstructed view, they can revel in the musk warming sage, or float through the aroma therapy of the cliff rose’s perfume. The pure desert air is as invigorating as the scenery, and a bicycle allows you to engage all your senses. Of course, all this is no secret to anyone who’s ridden here.

A duo ride through Arches National Monument
at the Skinny Tire Festival

That would include the inimitable Bob Roll, whose off-beat character was infamous in cycling circles long before he brought his insight and perspective to the color commentator’s seat on Outdoor Life Network for the Tour de France. Roll has raced and ridden for decades in Moab, both on and off-road. This year he’ll join the Moab Skinny Tire Festival , bringing to the event, well, himself. He’ll be joined by the equally luminary cycling personality, trainer Chris Carmichael. While Roll will draw you into the inner sanctum, making you really feel a part of cycling, Carmichael might actually make you faster.

The four-day festival is built around daily bicycle tours leaving from Moab, with associated events in the evening and throughout each day. The supported group rides, complete with snacks, mechanics, and sag vehicles, meander through landscape so dramatic it’s featured in everything from Sierra Club calendars to Hollywood films.

Riders will also be able to see the latest in road gear from a number of vendors. Trek Bicycles, who provide Armstrong with his carbon-fiber race bikes, will be bringing a truckload of demo bikes, and high-end manufacturers Moots and Serrotta will also be on hand.

Registration for the festival is flexible; riders can sign up for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (Monday’s Arches National Park ride is already filled). There is a registration fee and a base-level donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
The Moab Skinny Tire Festival is almost entirely volunteer; all of the donations go directly to the LAF. You can register online, or download a registration form, at www.skinnytirefestival.com, or you can call (435)259-2698 for more information. All photos courtesy of Skinny Tire Festival.

McLane Pacific Cycling Classic March 4-5
Breakaway Zone and Bike Safety Rodeo return to Educate and Entertain Children at the McLane Pacific Cycling Classic, March 4-5th. Amidst the sensational speed of the professional competition of the 13th Annual McLane Pacific Cycling Classic, they "break" for kids.
Saturday, March 4th is Family Fun Day at McLane Pacific. This year's festivities will be the biggest yet in the history of the race weekend, featuring the Educational Employees Credit Union Breakaway Zone, Kiwanis Youth Bike Safety Rodeo, and Merced Sun-Star Pee Wee Classic Parade.

There will also be an opportunity to Meet and Greet the Pro Cyclist at the Merced Mall on Friday, March 3, 2006 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Registration for both the Bike Rodeo and the Pee Wee Parade will be available at that time as well.

The EECU Breakaway Zone is a free non-stop fun stop for children to enjoy while attending McLane Pacific. There will be a giant slide, and obstacle course, and multiple bounce houses set up in Courthouse Park between 11am-4pm.
The Kiwanis Club of Merced, in partnership with the Merced Mall, is bringing the Bicycle Safety Rodeo back by popular demand. An obstacle course will teach the children maneuvering skills and safety laws, and a Safety City with buildings, signs, cars and other structures add to the hands-on learning experience.
Stefani Hager and the Kiwanis Club of Merced are once again organizing the popular Youth Bike Safety Rodeo. Hager, a former trauma nurse, has seen first-hand the dangerous consequences of unsafe riding.
Ironically, the safety advocate had boxes of helmets to give away at the bike rodeo in her garage the day her teenage son got ticketed and fined for not wearing his helmet while riding. Police are cracking down on bike safety, and she thinks with good reason.
Parents are required to register children, and are encouraged to accompany them so they can advocate and reinforce safe use of bikes, trikes, scooters, and skateboards.
The Kiwanis Bike Rodeo is for children ages three to fourteen. All participants must have a permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian in order to participate. Permission slips are available at the customer service desk at The Merced Mall (until March 3rd.), and registration table in front of the Courthouse Museum on the day of theevent. The Rodeo will be located in front of the Courthouse Museum near 21st and "N" St.; registration table will be open at 10:30 am and the event will take place from 11am to 2pm.
Registered riders will receive goody bags, refreshments courtesy of Hometown Buffet, and will automatically be entered into a raffle drawing for a new bicycle and a pair of flex tickets to the Merced Playhouse, among other prizes. "McGruff," the law enforcement dog, will be on hand, and the "Skywalkers" will be on stilts to entertain all cycling fans, big and small.
For more information you may contact Stefani Hager at 723-7700.
The Merced Sun-Star Pee Wee Classic Parade lines up at 2:30 pm at the Courthouse Park for kids ages 3-10. Each child will feel like a pro for the day-- just bring helmets and your best wheels! All registered participants
will receive a free t-shirt, a jersey number to wear, McLane Pacific goodie bag, and a raffle ticket for a Limited Edition Colavita Pro Cycling Team Kids Bike. Registration begins at noon on the steps of the Courthouse the
day of the event.
Families with more advanced cyclists need to check out the Summerton Homes Foothill Century Ride. Three different course lengths and conditions are provided for this recreational ride a 100 Mile, a 60 Mile, and a 9 Mile route that is a family favorite. Summerton Homes as well as sponsors MercoCredit Union, US Army Recruiting of Merced, Riverside Motorsports, and Rotary will enable numerous rest stops and bounty of refreshments along the beautiful trails, in addition to roadside assistance. Both beginners and breakneck speeders can savor the completion of a good ride and a delicious meal, grilled on site by the Firehouse Brew Pub, in the heart of the
downtown racing events.
Family Fun Day rallies for the kids, while adults witness awe-inspiring professional racing power from some of the finest athletes in the world. The Downtown Grand Prix will be a rare opportunity to be up-close with local and internationally acclaimed cyclists. Races will be going on all morning long and spectator admission is free.
Break away from your routine Saturday and enjoy free family fun, food, live music, and world-class cycling right here in Merced.
For more information, please visit www.mclanepacificcyclingclassic.com

Oregon Bicycle Racing Association Road Race Season
Revs up with Banana Belt Series Starts Sunday March 5
The Oregon Bicycle Racing Association’s (OBRA) 2006 road racing begins in earnest this Sunday, March 5, at Henry Hagg Lake in Forest Grove, with round one of the three-race Banana Belt Road Racing Series, announced Race Director Jeff Mitchem.

The Banana Belt series a two-decade tradition is expected to draw more than 400 of the fastest Northwest cyclists to the hilly roads of Scoggins Valley Park and Henry Hagg Lake for three consecutive Sundays March 5, 12, and 19. The Henry Hagg Lake course is a challenging, rolling 11-mile loop that throws 750 feet of net elevation gain at the riders each lap.

“Last year’s series was a huge success,” explained Mitchem, “We had 410 entries for the first race, and this year looks even better. Pre-entries are coming in fast, and some classes may even fill up. This speaks to the growing popularity of bike racing in Oregon and the efforts of the Oregon Bicycle Racing Assocation.”

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.
Media Contact: Gary Medley, 704 NE 43rd Portland, Oregon 97213 USA
garymedley@comcast.net

The Willamette Valley Classic Stage Race Returns
April 21-23
Sweet Sports is proud to bring Stage Racing back to the Willamette Valley of Oregon, USA. The Willamette Valley Classic Stage Race, a 3 day/ 4 event bicycle race will take place on April 21st-23rd of 2006. Located in the vicinity of Eugene, Oregon, the event will feature traditional and new courses throughout the Willamette Valley and surrounding mountains. Often compared to racing in Europe, the Willamette Valley offers a multitude of courses with single lane paved forest roads winding for miles through lush green forest.

The event will consist of 4 races throughout the 3 days including 2 circuit races (1 long & 1 short course), an 17 miles time trial, and the Queen stage covering no less than 5 epic climbs. Designed to keep the action close until the end of the last stage, sprinters, time trial specialists and climbers alike will have to be at their sharpest to not loose time. In an effort to support a wide range of categories from Junior to Master racers we have separated women’s categories into Pro/1/2, 3 & 4 fields, men’s Cat 4/5 fields, Masters 1/2/3 40+ & 3/4/5 40+ and included Junior 15-18 race, as well as Pro ½ & Cat 3 Men. Courses and distances will be tailored to each class so beginning women, juniors, and Cat 5 men don’t have to race the same longer distances as the pro 1/2 men.

Space is limited and fields are filling fast, pre-registration deadline is March 15th. Visit our website for up to date information at www.willamettevalleyclassic.com, along with registration, course information, lodging information, and much more.
We look forward to seeing you in April of 2006 and providing you with the race of a lifetime.

Redlands Bicycle Classic
Dates and Schedule announced for 2006
The Redlands Bicycle Classic announces dates for the 22nd annual event. March 24 through 26 will see racing by professional cyclists from around the world. Following is an abbreviated schedule of events:

Friday, March 24
Stage 1, The 1st Centennial Bank Time Trial – Racing on an exciting new course in Redlands starting on Highland Avenue at Redlands Boulevard in Redlands. One rider leaves every 30 seconds in a race against the clock. The course is 3.2 miles from Highland Avenue to the top of Sunset Drive through the steep rolling hills of South Redlands. Best spectator viewing is on the Start Line on Highland Avenue, along with the steep climbs of Wabash Street and Sunset Drive.
Saturday, March 25
Stage 2, The Beaver Medical Group Criterium – a 1.0-mile course in downtown Redlands with the Start/Finish Line on Citrus Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets. Women compete in a 60-minute timed run while men ride for 90 minutes. The course is almost flat with nine turns at all different angles including two corners in one intersection. Best Spectator Viewing is on the Start/Finish Line, the corner of Citrus and Olive avenues, and the corner of Cajon and Vine streets.

IEHP Public Races featuring Shimano Youth Series & Events
Start/Finish Line on Citrus Avenue in downtown Redlands. Local riders from toddlers to seniors participate in sprints and criteriums.
Expo Experience - Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, located atop the parking structure at Citrus Avenue/Sixth Street and the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot. Experience fantastic cuisine brought to the event by local churches, service clubs and nonprofit organizations. Visit with Redlands Bicycle Classic sponsors and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the racing and the Start/Finish Line. Participate in climbing walls, product demonstrations and test ride bikes and scooters.
Kiwanis Club of Redlands Pancake Breakfast - Returns once again on Saturday and Sunday morning from 7 to 11:30 a.m. in the Expo area on the upper deck of the parking structure at Citrus Avenue/Sixth Street. Only $5 per person to partake in this tradition. Pay at the breakfast, or for advance tickets call (909) 793-7236
Redlands Bicycle Classic Rotary Ride - This public recreational ride (formerly known as the “Tour of the Canyons”) offers a variety of fun, scenic and challenging tours for every level of rider. Choose from Simple to Scenic to Savage rides. Held rain or shine, each participant will receive a free T-Shirt and gift bag. All proceeds to benefit local charities supported by the Rotary Club of Redlands.
Finish Line Party at the Boiler Room www.theboileroom.com
Outdoor Finish Line Festival hosted at the Boiler Room, 345 N. Fifth St., Redlands, 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Entertainment provided by a lineup of top bands along with Wine Tasting, Microbrew Beer Garden, Martini Tasting and Tropical Drinks.

Sunday, March 26
Stage 3, The Sun Sunset Road Race – Riders start and finish at Citrus for the last race of this event. After a fast start downtown in Redlands, the course twists and climbs on a 6.2-mile loop that climbs 500 feet each lap on the south side of Redlands overlooking the city. The race then descends back downtown for five criterium laps to decide the champion. Women ride eight laps for a total of 62 miles, and Men race 11 laps for a total of 88 miles. Best spectator viewing is on the Start/Finish Line on Citrus for both ends of the race and at Simonds Parkway for the Sunset Loop as well as along the entire loop.

Criteriums for USCF Categories - Start/Finish Line on Citrus Avenue in downtown Redlands. An opportunity for non-pro, licensed riders to compete on the same closed-course as the Pros.
About the Redlands Bicycle Classic: The Redlands Bicycle Classic is an all-volunteer organization, including the Directors. The 22nd Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic is scheduled for March 24-26. The event was founded in 1985 by a community group chaired by then-Mayor Carole Beswick to promote awareness of downtown Redlands. Since that time, professional cyclists from around the world have been racing in this event centered around the city of Redlands, California. The Redlands Bicycle Classic is on the United States Cycling Federation (USCF) National Racing Calendar (NRC).
For event registration or for more information, please visit our website at www.redlandsclassic.co.
To participate in the Expo, please contact Alison Moore, amoore@redlandsclassic.com.
For sponsorship opportunities or information, please contact Maryann Stanson, mastanson@redlandsclassic.com.
Key Personnel Changes for 2006 Redlands Bicycle Classic
The Redlands Bicycle Classic announces changes in key personnel for 2006. Bob Peppler, the 2005 Corporate President and Race Director, stepped down after accepting a position with the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.
Brian King, former Assistant Race Director and a ten-year member of the organizing committee, will replace Peppler as Race Director.
Dick Nance, a five-year member of the organizing committee, will now serve as Corporate President and Assistant Race Director.
Ed McCormick has returned to the Classic committee. He was a 12-year member from 1987 to 1998 and was Corporate President for several years. He will take over as Director of Event Operations, responsible for overseeing non-technical events including the Expo Experience.
The remainder of the key positions have stayed intact, however there are approximately twenty new members on the event’s organizing committee, many of which are also members of the Redlands Water Bottle Transit Co. bicycle club.
About the Redlands Bicycle Classic: The Redlands Bicycle Classic is an all-volunteer organization, including the Directors. The 22nd Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic is scheduled for March 24-26. The event was founded in 1985 by a community group chaired by then-Mayor Carole Beswick to promote awareness of downtown Redlands. Since that time, professional cyclists from around the world have been racing in this event centered around the city of Redlands, California. The Redlands Bicycle Classic is on the United States Cycling Federation (USCF) National Racing Calendar (NRC).
About the Redlands Water Bottle Transit Company: The Redlands Water Bottle Transit Company is a recreational bicycling club devoted to the promotion of cycling in Redlands California. Located in the heart of the Inland Empire, Redlands offers superb cycling with mountain passes over 8,000' to the North, desert scenery to the East and rolling hills to the South and West. For more information www.rwbtc.org.

16th Annual Sea Otter Classic
Some work, all play in "The Schoolyard" at the Sea Otter Classic
Napa Sheriff's Activities League to bring back Kids' Bike Rodeo and debut "The Schoolyard" for Sea Otter's Sweet 16 Celebration of Cycling

Starting Thursday, April 6, "The Schoolyard," presented by the Napa Sheriff's Activities League at this year's Sea Otter Classic, the world's largest cycling festival, will help all ages of cyclists patch punctures, demystify derailleurs, and generally tweak, tighten and teach bicycle owners how to repair and care for their bikes. Hosted by Team NSO/DEVO, "The Schoolyard" will feature repair stations, a tool-loan kiosk and a chance to attend repair/maintenance clinics taught by professional mechanics.

"Team NSO/DEVO is honored to be part of the Sea Otter Team," said Captain John Robertson of the Napa Sheriff's Department. "We appreciate the chance to work with the kids and possibly one of tomorrow's cycling stars. It is also important for Team NSO/DEVO to give back to the community and industry that have given us so much."

Also, in response to the awesome success of its Kids' Bike Rodeo, the NSAL will bring back the Rodeo for its seventh edition. This time the Rodeo will take place on both Saturday and Sunday, instead of just one day, like in years past. Located on an enclosed venue and out of harm's way, young hucksters can get comfortable jumping, balancing, hopping and navigating course obstacles by sharpening existing skills and gaining new ones along the way. Once again members of Team NSO/DEVO will be on hand to help guide and grow the next generation of cycling enthusiasts.

"Team DEVO let me race bikes and have a good time with it as a junior and aspiring elite," said Adam Craig, former DEVO racer who currently races as a pro for Team Giant. "John Kemp created a perfectly balanced, nurturing, no-pressureenvironment that emphasizes having fun racing while still learning valuable lessons and gaining priceless experience."

The NSAL's dedication to fostering legions of positive, goal-oriented youth through activities like the Kids' Bike Rodeo and The Schoolyard will likely impact the culture of cycling for years to come. Better bikers yield a more conscientious citizenry, whether they're on their bikes or off and that leads to improved cultural, social, and physical fitness.
P.S. No bullies allowed in "The Schoolyard."
About Napa Sheriff's Activities League: The Napa Sheriff's Activities League is a non-profit athletic program that is dedicated to providing athletic, character building, and recreational opportunities to youth, ages 8-18. This youth oriented athletic program supports a state-of-the-art conditioning center, personal training and nutritional guidance. The NSAL program gives law enforcement officers a chance to work side by side with youth in a positive, goal-oriented environment. NSAL activities include: boxing, wrestling, judo, soccer, cycling, cardiovascular and strength training. There is no cost to the participant. There are currently over 600 youth taking advantage of this positive athletic program.
About Sea Otter Classic LLC: The 16th Annual Sea Otter Classic will be held April 6 - 9, 2006 at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, California, USA. The four-day 'Celebration of Cycling' is considered the world's largest cycling festival, hosting nearly 10,000 professional and amateur athletes and 50,000 fans. The Cypress Youth Fund is the Sea Otter Classic's philanthropic arm. The Fund provides funding to organizations that benefit their communities in the areas of youth, sport, education, and environment. More information can be found at www.seaotterclassic.com or by calling 800-218-8411.