[Check out the Monday Night Racing photo gallery.]
Last night I rolled over to Portland International Raceway (PIR) to take in some race action compliments of the Monday Night Bike Race Series. PIR is a real gem for the Portland race scene. The expansive area, serpentine roads, and good pavement make it a perfect venue for road and cyclocross racing and it’s just a few miles from downtown Portland.
A stiff breeze and bright sun made for a challenging yet beautiful night of racing. The fields were large and I was impressed by the supportive and enthusiastic field of women racers.
One of these women was Kronda, who was racing for the first time. She’s been reading the email list of her team, Sorella Forte, for “about two years”. She finally bought the team uniform and figured it was time to give it a try. From the looks of it, she had a great time. I snapped this photo of her right at the finish line and I have a hunch she’ll be back for more.
Speaking of women’s racing, former U.S. cycling great Kendra Wenzel was on hand. Kendra is now an author and established coach. She was at the race to watch one of her athletes (Melissa Sanborn) and promote her upcoming Women’s Bike Racing 101 Clinic.
I miss racing so it felt good to be out there and feel the rhythm of the pack…even if it was from behind a lens instead of behind a wheel.
Check out the rest of the photos in my Monday Night Racing gallery.