Sisters getting set to stampede

With winter just about in the rear-view mirror, cyclists everywhere are starting to think about putting away the skis, and dreaming about spring; checking the tire pressure, lubing the chains, and saddling up for the fourth annual Sisters Stampede to be held in Sisters on Sunday, May 26.

Given its growing popularity, the race is expected to fill up; early registration at http://www.sistersstampede.com is highly recommended.

Now the largest mountain bike race in Central Oregon, the Stampede will again welcome nearly 500 riders anxious to challenge the Peterson Ridge Trail system. A series of rolling singletrack with stunning views of the Three Sisters, Peterson Ridge will test the strength and stamina of riders from a range of skill and age categories.

"I anticipate 500. The race could handle more, but I am only allowed 500," said Stampede Race Director Joel Palanuk. "In years past, there have been 25 different categories, but this year there are more options, as the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) has changed it up a bit. Now there are about 32 categories. All categories are awarded three deep. What I am really excited about is our registration bags will be amazing! Bottles, socks, beer tokens, re-usable tote, and other great items from our amazing sponsors. There will also be two bikes raffled off, as well as free demos on some of the hottest mountain bikes on the market."

Although the brainchild of Palanuk, the race is a uniquely Sisters community event, one also involving not only local sponsors, but sponsors from all over Central Oregon, including Ray's Food Place, Three Creeks Brewing Co., Blazin Saddles, FivePine Lodge, BendBroadband, REI, the U.S. Forest Service, and the ongoing hard work of the Sisters Trails Alliance who helped create the trail system for cyclists, runners, and hikers.

"Its kind of ironic how the Stampede started.

After the expansion of Peterson Ridge, I was really wanting people from Bend to have a reason to see what a fun trail it is.

I thought there would be no better way to do that, than to host a race," said Palanuk.

"I asked the Oregon MTB series director what would be a good weekend to add another event to the series, and he suggested Memorial weekend.

I was on the fence about starting the race until I spoke with the USFS at the Sisters Ranger District.

Once I had their cooperation, then I set out to find sponsors.

My biggest goal early was to make the Stampede as quality an event as possible.

Today, the Stampede is established...

Where in years past it was sometimes difficult to gather sponsors, this year I have an amazing person dealing directly with the foundation of the race: sponsors.

Racers have been a good marketing tool, which has helped also.

If people have not raced it, then they have at least heard about it, and been drawn to experience what a great combination a quality race and Sisters hospitality is all about."

Despite having a solid core group of volunteers helping Palanuk with organizing the race and working to add sponsors, it is a lot of hard work and preparation putting on a race such as the Stampede, and Palanuk was unsure about whether he would continue as race director.

"In years past it has always been me and one or two solid leaders," said Palanuk. "This year, Roy Dean has been a catalyst in driving the Stampede forward. I was really on the fence about doing the Stampede this year until he approached me last fall. He has refined and detailed every process I have had in the past to be much more fluid, as well as added positive energy through the process."

As the Stampede has grown in stature, changes to the course and the event itself have turned the Stampede into a two-day celebration.

"There are no changes in the course design this year.

Last year the course had changed slightly to allow more rider safety, and reduce any bottlenecks.

It was pretty impressive, that in its largest year, we had no rider injuries which speaks volumes to the added passing corridors," Palanuk said.

"Also, Roy and I worked hard to come up with a format to add a Saturday event, that included a beer festival, and bike demos.

We didn't have enough time to get things moving with that, especially in the midst of planning the Stampede.

Later, we realized that Blazin Saddles is having their annual block party on May 25, which will have food, drink, raffle items, as well as bike demos from their product line manufacturers.

So, yes.

Its a two-day event now!"

Although the Stampede made it through last year with no rider injuries, rider safety is always a concern, and this year the Stampede will be adding a little on-course reassurance.

"One change on the course this year will be our amazing volunteer group," said Palanuk. "The Central Oregon Emergency Nurses Association will be looking out for riders on the course, and will be fully equipped to treat any mishaps."