ORBA supports grassroots women's racing

In support of women's cycling, the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) announced a new grassroots women's racing series, the Norman Babcock Category four Women's Series. Named in honor Norman Babock, a strong supporter of women's cycling who recently passed away from cancer, the goal of the series is to draw women cyclists to try racing. In conjunction with the Monday Night Portland International Raceway women's intro clinics and women's clinics throughout the state, the series will provide an opportunity for Cat 4 women to try out their racing skills.

The promoters have agreed to run separate Cat 4 women's fields for the following races, which will culminate in the Eugene Celebration Stage Race: Swan Island Criterium on June 8; Salem Fairview Circuit Race on June 29; High Desert Road Race on August 3; Mary's Peak Hillclimb on August 16; and the Eugene Celebration Stage Race from August 30 to September 1.

"This is a great opportunity to increase grass roots participation in women's racing," says Kenji Sugahara, Executive Director of OBRA. "We are working closely with many sponsors and promoters to create an exciting and supportive environment for women's cycling. For more information contact Kenji Sugahara at kenji@obra.org

(Additional research and assistance provided by Susan Westemeyer).