Oakridge is one of the more attractive riding destinations in Oregon. With miles of singletrack and home to the Cascade Cream Puff 100, it is always a fun place to compete. This year it was also the finals of the Oregon Classics XC Series. Going into this race, I was in a virtual three-way tie for first place with Erik Tonkin (Kona) and Ben Thompson (Bend Elite). Erik did not attend leaving Ben and I to battle for the series. The race stayed together for most of the start lap and we hit the “wall” as a group of five from each of our two teams. Ben had James Williams and Brig Brandt, and I had Bear Perrin from Capitol Subaru Cycling. The Bend boys knew they had to attack and they did so relentlessly for most of the climb. However, even in my tired state, I found enough strength to counter and open a gap going into the long downhill singletrack. Inspired by my new FRM fork, I made time on the descent and held my lead for the final lap. To the victor go the spoils and I won the day and the series in Oakridge. More importantly, our first year grassroots team, Capitol Subaru Cycling, won the overall team competition as well!

Sorry I haven’t been able to get online and give you all the full run down each evening. Our days have been long with racing, bike repair, ferry transfers and not enough rest.

Stage 2
This stage began with another flatish road section for many miles. It was the longest day and at the first feed zone the group split and a lead bunch with Trek, Rocky and us formed. Hestler slipped on a steep loose climb and we were gapped off. He was able to regain but I was not. Bear waited and collectively we were unable to get back to the front. On the descent to the finish Bear cut a tire and we ended up fixing it twice due to a faulty valve in the replacement tube. We were still able to finish 3rd on the day. I have attached a photo from the awards ceremony!

Stage 3
We began in the rain and immediately soaked our bikes and bodys with mud during a frenetic ride up another rail-trail. Lots of puddles made it easy for gaps to form and made racing difficult. We stayed together but I cut my tire on the descent before the long climb. Then during the climb Bear’s cassette froze. We dissassembled with leatherman, cleaned, and made it through about half the downhill before it siezed again. Bear got his game on and attempted riding fixie through some of the most technical trail system I have ever seen. Of course this was ridiculous and we were lucky to finish in one piece (more or less). Lost a lot of GC time today.

Stage 4
Again in the lead at the start but Bear broke his chain twenty minutes into the race. Likely some residual from yesterday that we didn’t catch. Anyway, we got it together and passed most of the field before taking several wrong turns. This didn’t help us but the sunshine and awesome trails put smiles on our faces for most of the day.

Stage 5
Stayed with the group and dropped the La Ruta team after 15 miles. Trek and Rocky were again driving but Bear and I mixed it up and did our fair share until the second long climb. The trails here on the sunshine coast are simply amazing and worth a trip to ride. Trek dropped us and Rocky stayed between 30 seconds and a minute ahead until about 3 miles to go. Hestler broke his frame and we passed them to finish second on the stage. Another photo attached.

Want to mention that we have great sponsors and without the support of Hammer Nutrition to fuel and recovery with I don’t know how we would do it. Dumonde Tech lubes have literally kept us going as well through mud dust and sweat. Our Rudy Project helmets and glasses have protected us everyday and our clothing from Scott USA and Verge is so comfortable and helps us look great. Capitol Subaru is the hottest thing going in grass roots cycing and we are proud to show your colors.

Check out the Motion Based website for uploads from my Garmin 305. Just search: evanp and you will find them labeled 2007 BC Bike Race Stage

Thanks again and stayed tuned for the wrap up in two days!

Cheers,

Evan Plews
Capitol Subaru Cycling