Forecast calls for dry Banana Belt opener this weekend

Feb 26, 2010 by editor

HENRY HAGG LAKE — Forecasts of mostly clear skies and temps nearing 60 for this weekend’s Banana Belt opener will make the race a bit different from any of last year’s rain-slogged, snow-postponed events.

KOIN 6 meteorologist Bruce Sussman says Friday’s and Saturday’s rains should clear out nicely for Sunday’s romp around Hagg Lake southwest of Forest Grove.

The three-race Banana Belt series is a traditional staple of spring racing in Oregon. The 11-mile loop offers some challenging hills and a fast downhill finish when the course runs clockwise for races #1 and #3. Race #2 is scheduled to run counterclockwise, which adds an uphill finish. The Pro/1/2 men start with 5 laps and add a lap each week. The Cat 3 men start with four laps with an additional lap each week. The Pro/1/2 women race four laps on week one and are joined by the Cat 3 women for an Oregon Cup event. There will be no Cat 1/2 women’s race on weeks two and three.

Free Cat 4 Women’s Post-Race Clinic Each Week
Coaches (and elite racers) Russell Cree and Tina Brubaker from Upper Echelon Fitness will host a free post-race clinic after each Cat 4 women’s race in the Banana Belt series. They’ll observe the race from lead and follow vehicles so that they can offer commentary on what happened and why (or why not) during each race. Interested riders should:

• Listen for Russell Cree’s announcement on the start line
• Make the race exciting and action-packed
• Meet at the Upper Echelon tent 15 minutes after the race finish
• Receive constructive feedback on the race

Parking at the lake is free the first weekend but will cost $5 for the last two races. Parking pass can be purchased at the front gate; arrive early to avoid the line.