I did elkhorn as a 4 this past yr, it was my first stage race, but I went with some friends that were 2 and 3s so that helped with the butterflies. I couldnt agree more, those guys put on a great race, I had no complaints. Hell I have more complaints for some local RR that are held for one day and they put on a 3 day flawless race. It is def. made for the breakaway climbers though!
bart

At the suggestion of a well-informed individual on this web site last year, a teammate and I flew out to Fitchburg Mass. for the Fitchburg Longsjo 4-day stage race. IT WAS FANTASTIC!!

Very well run. An exceptional field of Cat.3's, probably because of all the colleges in that area of the country. The weather was humid but not overbearing. The courses were challenging, but not horrifying. All four stages included inclines and hills relative to that day's discipline.

The accomodations at the State College were cheap and functional - $50/night, double occupancy.

It was a GREAT experience.

If you're not a mountain goat and want a great stage racing experience, try it.

- Jess Raphael, the all-new Eagle Racing Team

peterpen wrote:Starting to plan next season and want to do one or two stage races. Either as a 3 or 35+.

Wondering if anyone had comments/feedback about the Oregon ones (Mt. Hood, Elkhorn, and especially Cascade, ) or ones in the Southwest (Bisbee, Gila.)

I've done Hood, Cascade & the Gila (as 3, 35+, 3). The Gila is my all-time favorite, it's total-immersion road racing in a remote setting, and Silver City is a great little town. I found altitude was an issue. Not Into Thin Air kind of stuff, but enough to make a difference. Most of the top riders were from CO. If I go back I'll be more ready for that.

Of the OBRA races Hood is a blast & I think harder than Cascade (in 3 or 35+) it has a tough point to point RR on the final day...big climbs & big descents on forest service roads. The TT settings are great, the crit course is fun, Hood River is an awesome little town, can't say enough good things about this race.

I was a little disappointed in Cascade in 05, but I went in thinking it would be the top-dog stage race. The RR was a little short, the crit for masters was lousy (most of the field was pulled). I like Bend a lot though. And they've changed the RR & crit so maybe it's better.

All three of these are incredibly well run, they really have their acts together. Motos, chase cars, the works.

Hear nothing but good things about Elkhorn, maybe in 07.

-Tad

I rode Elkhorn in Cat 3 this year and I have nothing but praise for the race organizers. Everything ran smoothly, and results were posted quickly.

The crit course was great, on very wide streets.

If you're a climber, you'll love the final stage!

I plan to go back, but maybe not next year since I may do Hood and Cascade instead. I haven't done those and would like to hear what others have to say about them.