Name? Mielle Blomberg
Location? Portland, OR
What team do you race for? Team S&M
What is the first OBRA race you participated in? Hood River Double Cross 9/19/2009 (beginner men because I thought all beginners raced together).
What do you enjoy about racing in OBRA? I enjoy the community support aspect of OBRA. You can participate at any level and find support. When I started racing road bikes at PIR, I was terrified because I didn’t know what I didn’t know. The senior women were so helpful and supportive in trying to teach me and help me have a great experience. There is a genuine desire to pass on knowledge to help new racers feel comfortable so they keep coming back. OBRA members also give back to the community with events like Pay It Forward to benefit families of Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and Food Deliveries by Bike coordinated by Community Cycling Center to support families in need during the pandemic.
What is your favorite OBRA race? Favorite race? Can I pick two? For mountain bike racing, 6 Hours of Hood. It was my first real mountain bike race in 2010. For cyclocross (know how hard it is for me to pick one), I would have to go with Cyclocross Crusade Halloween Weekend. Both events have outstanding social elements that I have been missing so much.
What would you tell people who are thinking about racing for the first time? For the bike race curious, I would ask them what kind of racing they are interested in. Normally I would recommend a beginner-friendly race based on their interest and bike experience, suggest they join a group ride to gain pack riding experience or sign up for a beginner clinic. Clinics are a great way to get a feel for the genre of racing and meet other beginners. Large group rides are not happening currently due to Covid-19 restrictions, but eventually, we will be able to ride shoulder to shoulder again. Another recommendation, for cyclocross especially, ride the mountain bike or cyclocross commuter you already have. No need to invest in a new bike until you decide if racing is for you.
What new races would you like to try in the future? I would love to do Shasta Gravel Hugger in California. The route and views would be well worth the trip when I can travel with a group.
