Anyone heard of "Pole/Peddle/Paddle" in Bend, OR?

[tlippy]

This biggest biking event of the year (well maybe Cycle Oregon is close) is going to be held in Bend, OR on Saturday, May 18. It'll be my first time to witness the happenings and I am anxious to see the bike set-up these guys use. There are 4 bike shops in Bend and you have to stand in line to get waited on because of the people buying parts and just getting their bikes set-up for this one day event.
The guy, just before me in line, had a pair of new wheels in his hand and the register ring was $1050. My whole bike was $1200! There is also "install by appointment only" a gadget that goes on the handle bar that must weigh two #'s that allows the rider to rest his arms on some padded thing and his hands to reach out over the front wheel. Wonder if I need one of those?
The bike of choice is CX for this event - way exceeding MTB's - must be the weight difference? or gearing?
Just thought you might be interested.

[nathank]

so are you competing as a team or solo?

i had planned to do it solo in 1999, but then in April i had my huge MTB bike crash (on the Mission Trail near Hood River). i had to have nose surgery (deviated septum) and the race was only 6 days after the operation and i instructed by the doctor not to do any "strenuous activity" so i couldn't race.

[tlippy]

Nat - not competing. Volunteering to assist at one of the stops - probably giving out water. I don't want to get my new bike dusty! A real woss. Just wanted to get close to the action. Really to see what kind of gear they are using. These folks are hard core!!!!!!!!

[nathank]

yeah, one of my buds in Bend is heading to the Gorge for the weekend b/c he doesn't want to be bothered by all the crowds and traffic and all...

but should be a cool event. i've actually never made it --- been to Bend a lot of course - actually my favorite beer glass is from Hutches Bicycles from the Pickett's Charge race back in 1999.

sometimes i really miss Oregon! (but the Alps are cool too)

[gonesh9]

my friend paul is doing the pole and paddling legs of the race. funny, since he is more of a mountain biker than a kayaker or skier. he did it last year and said it was a blast.

[Mad Dog JR]

Im in Bend aswell, my teachers are forming a team for the event.

Im going to race in the Cascade Chainbreaker coming up this sunday, should be fun to watch if you wanted to check out what people are riding!

-Jonathan

[tlippy]

Mad Dog - I'll be handing out water bottles at the Inn of the 7th Mtn for the PPP. Holler when you pass by.
I had thought about attending the ChainBreaker - might still. Sure hope you have better weather than todays. Drizzly, cold and windy.

[Mad Dog JR]

well IM not doing the PPP, my teachers from school are ;)

Its accualy not to bad when its a little wet out, the trail stays compact and its not dusty (i went out there on tuesday when it was dusty:(), it should be a fun race! you should do it. Its only 11 miles for beginers, 22 for sport and 33 for expert (extra laps are taken).
Im riding in the beginer(15-18) class with some people from school. You should come check it out if anything!

-Jonathan:)