The OBRA chat list has recently been inundated with posts about the fate of women’s racing in Oregon. Apparently the numbers of racers has dropped significantly in the last year or two, which could adversely effect the number of races women compete in, particularly PIR.
From http://tinyurl.com/2jyhf4
“At the Monday Night Racing Series held at Portland International Raceway (PIR), the number of women in the novice fields has been on a steady decline.
Jim Anderson, the man behind the PIR series, worries that the novice field will no longer be part of the series if more women do not come out to race. As this is one of the few true “novice” races for women in the Portland area, it would be a great loss for the racing community.”
There’s an online survey to fill out for women in the cycling community, racers and non-racers, in an attempt to discern the cause of this decline.
Personally, I have to say that at just about every race, I’ve felt the love. I think there’s a real comradery among women in cycling, if nothing else because there are so few of us. Bike racing can be incredibly intimidating, even to those of us who have some experience. The first time you show up to a race, you see everyone in their full kits and their $2000+ bikes all gathered together with their teams. You have no idea what’s going on, where to put your number, why you aren’t on a team, how the hell these people get on teams in the first place (they must be WAY better then you if they got on a team, right?). You’re worried about crashing, about coming in last, about going the wrong way…and there’s not really anyone to help you out if you don’t know anyone. It’s very unnerving the first time.
Thankfully, the women (at least) are awesome. I was suprised at first how often I hear “great job” or “good race” or “keep it up” when I pass people. When you come across the finish line, everyone is supportive, no matter if you’re first or last. It’s pretty easy to meet people, especially since the fields are so small, you see the same few people at every event.
In the fall a few of the local teams are going to have “meet the team” rides so that solo riders can find out what being on a team really means. Personally, although I am part of the Portland Velo club, and I ride as a Portland Velo team member at races, I do not ride and train with the team. Because they are way too fast, and yes, all men. Perhaps I’m short changing myself, perhaps I really could keep up if I start with them in the fall with the newer riders, but it’s scary to find yourself in a group of guys when the testosterone starts kicking in (not that it doesn’t kick in for me too). I would love to get actual race training with a team, and I’m hoping to get the PV women out there.
