rayhuang said:
Can people post up some Stage races that are Amateur friendly in the States? Also-if youve done them, some of your thoughts? I am planning out some of the A races I want to do next summer and one stage race would be awesome!! I did one a long time ago and it was truly a blast.
Ray
How big of a race are you looking for? (What CAT are you - aren't us lower cats restricted to only a few stages? The most I have done as a 4, women's 4 that is, is 4 over 3 days) The Pacific NW has a lot of great stage racing.
Up here in Washington we have Walla Walla, Methow Valley, Wenatchee, Enumclaw, and at least one new one this year. My favorite Washington race this year was Walla Walla.
I also did some racing in Oregon. I know they have more stage races than two, but I did the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic (this is an NRC race, so if you want to rub elbows with the pros you might like this one, but if you don't like fast, hairy descents on tiny roads don't do this one!) and Elkhorn, which was my favorite race last year, but sadly may not be put on this year as the organizer has decided to go on to something else. I'm really hoping someone will pick this one up. It was probably the best race I did all year.
I'm guessing California also has some great stage racing (they certainly have some great racers even in the amateur ranks). I believe even Sea Otter has amateur classifications.
If you are interested in checking out any of the races you can go to:
Washington
http://www.pazzovelo.com/events/ (the calendar will eventually be up on the WSBA's web site, but I think they are leaving the 06 calendar up until cross season is over)
Oregon
http://www.obra.org/schedule/2007/schedlist.html