Here is a Little note I sent to Velo News......

Just a quick note about your article regarding the struggles of the NORBA series and Cross Country Mountain Bike racing. There’s a little thing called WORS (the Wisconsin Off Road Series) established in 1992 it has grown into one of America’s largest mountain bike racing series with over a thousand participants on a given weekend. Over this past weekend the 12th race of the 2005 series was held. A little thing called the Wigwam/Ultimax Mountain Bike Challenge, hosted by the Sheboygan FAT KATS on October 9th (XC) in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. For 2005, sponsors have delivered a total cash and merchandise purse greater than $30,000! The Pro purse was over $5,000 in cash in addition to lap and hill climb primes. A car was given away and other fun things like Mountain Bikes, Car Bike Rack and alike. There’s also a small weekend race called Chequamegon cross-country with just a scant 2500 plus participants. I think if NORBA wants to survive they should look to the Midwest for a few pointers on how to build a GREAT mountain bike racing series. It sounds funny but the Mecca of mountain bike racing is becoming the Midwest. If you don’t believe me check out one of their races next year! I did and looking forward to the next.
Mitchell Hyra
Glenwood Springs CO