To highlight some of our race promoters across the state, new for 2021 we will spotlight a different promoter each month. We will start with Brian Cimmiyotti from Umatilla, OR. Enjoy!
Name? Brian Cimmiyotti
Location? Umatilla, Oregon
What race(s) do you put on? Echo Red to Red and the Baker City Cycling Classic.
What made you start promoting bike races? I started promoting local group rides out of my family’s bike shop, Scott’s Cycle and Sports, and organizing club rides and training events with the Local Chinook Cycling Club. One thing led to another we built some trails, got a racecourse mapped out, and started talking with OBRA about putting on a race out here in Eastern Oregon.
What would you like the OBRA membership to know about your races? First, Echo Red to Red is a great kick-off to cross country mountain bike racing in the NW. We attract a large number of racers because of our location and top riders from Idaho and Eastern Washington. As time has gone on Echo Red to Red has attracted some of the best XC riders in the NW. The course is unique with 80% dessert singletrack and finishes in Historic Echo Oregon. Second, Baker City Cycling Classic was started by former Baker City resident Nathan Hobson, then Brian and Corrine Vegter, and now myself. BCCC is one of the best Stage Racing events on the west coast. Attracting teams and riders from around the NW and as far as Colorado, California, Utah, and Montana consistently over its nearly two-decade-long history. Baker City Cycling Classic is important for many riders and teams. The courses and stages are epic with long stages and huge climbs including climbs like Anthony Lakes Resort and Dooley Mountain. BCCC also has an excellent downtown criterium and a TT stage. BCCC is a place that riders and teams can really test their limits and has been a launching pad for up-and-coming pros. For example, Colorado junior rider Sepp Kuss raced well at BCCC and now races in the European pro peloton.
What is your favorite thing about promoting bike races? My favorite thing about promoting races is sharing our backyard here in Eastern Oregon. It is really worthwhile to see people come here from the west side of the state or from all around the NW and really enjoy the experience of riding and racing our roads and trails and having a memorable time.
What advice would you give to any team or individual that is considering putting on a race? My advice for new promoters would be that the race is always about the course. If you have a unique and memorable course then you can have a race that will attract racers. Once you are able to attract racers it’s your responsibility to put your event on safely and run it in an organized way. Putting on a race is a team effort getting a great group of people motivated to make your event a success is key.
What is the greatest challenge you face in promoting your race(s)? You can control almost all things when it comes to your race. Worst-case scenarios like racer crashes and the weather are uncontrollable. I have had snow, flooding, extreme wind, etc.. at my races and that has definitely been the hardest obstacle. Lately, the thing that has been sticking in my mind for dealing with racing during current covid situations is how similar it is to deal with the weather. As far as contingencies from a promoter’s point of view Covid is like the weather. It is like the weather in that it travels through the air and causes dramatic destruction to racers and the community. After canceling last year’s event and now coming out with a modified 2021 event. I want people to know like usual we are dealing with the weather in the smartest and most optimum way.