Tag: Robin Cummings

  • 2026 Junior Cyclocross Series Kicks Off on September 19

    Featuring six races this fall, the OBRA Junior Cyclocross Series (JCS) kicks off on Saturday, September 19, at Cyclocross Crusade in Cascade Locks. The fifth race in the series, CX Bike Indy, will also serve as the 2026 OBRA Junior Cyclocross Championships.

    “I’m excited to build on the established success of the Junior Cyclocross Series this year with a focus on fun and growing participation,” said Robin Cummings, the JCS Director. “Our podium finishers will win MapleXO medals and prizes, and there will be a raffle for all JCS contestants. This year, we’ll also be doing a first-lap prime at each race with merch provided by Yakima. And, because our juniors appreciated giving and receiving hand-ups of sweet treats last season, we’re partnering with local bakeries to ensure everyone gets a proper sugar fix.”

    To help young racers and parents register for all OBRA cyclocross races—including those in the Junior Cyclocross Series—all juniors will race in age-group categories instead of ability-class categories. This streamlined approach aligns with junior cross racing at non-OBRA events, including national championships. Visit our JCS page for detailed information on junior racing categories for cyclocross.

    In each of the JCS races, juniors receive points for their placing in that race. At the end of the series, the best four results count toward the hotly-contested individual competition. Castelli is providing custom-designed JCS leader jerseys, and in addition to medals and jerseys, the top three finishers in each category will receive prizes including gift cards from BikeTiresDirect and Sellwood Cycle Repair.

    The series also tracks team results in each of the six races and the winning team will be crowned as the JCS team champions.

    “Some of our parents have offered to help with on-the-ground scoring this year,” said Robin. “This will help us update our series standings as quickly as possible after each race. Once again, we’ll again have talented photographers donating their time to capture as many moments as possible.”

    No bike? No problem. The PDX-based Fast Fun Nice racing team has a fleet of loaner bikes—including many with 24-inch wheels—ready for your cyclocross-curious junior.

    2026 Junior Cyclocross Series Schedule

    Saturday, September 19Cyclocross Crusade Cascade Locks
    Sunday, September 27Heiser Farms CX
    Sunday, October 4Willamette Superchamps CX
    Sunday, October 18Cyclocross Crusade Heron Lakes
    Saturday, October 24CX Bike Indy / OBRA CX Championships
    Saturday, October 31Cyclocross Crusade Edgefield

    As for the ultimate race in the series on Halloween at McMenamins Edgefield?

    “I’m excited to see how everybody balances a fun costume with one that doesn’t impede racing too much!” said Robin.

    Visit the JCS page for more resources including:

    • Junior Racing Categories for Cyclocross
    • JCS Individual + Team Scoring
    • Series Standings
    • Robin’s Race Recaps
    • Swag + Prizes from Our Generous Sponsors

  • OBRA Board of Directors Welcomes Three New Members

    OBRA Board of Directors Welcomes Three New Members

    Because of their generous volunteer service and expertise in various areas, the OBRA Board of Directors is vital to the governance of our non-profit organization. Board members serve three-year terms and may serve two terms consecutively.

    Two of our board members recently completed six years of service on the OBRA Board of Directors. We are deeply grateful to both Christy Hawkins and Stacy Westbrook for their dedication to the mission and vision of OBRA. Christy and Stacy joined the board in 2020 and helped OBRA navigate the pandemic lockdown and the post-pandemic recovery of our organization.

    This year, the Board of Directors and the OBRA staff are thrilled to welcome three new board members who are each beginning three-year terms. Robin Cummings is filling a board-appointed, at-large seat, and Colin Dunlap and Saachi Murthy are filling the two recently-vacated, elected seats. A vote held at the OBRA Annual Meeting on February 28, 2026, confirmed the appointments of Colin and Saachi.

    Please join us in congratulating and welcoming our three new board members!

    Robin Cummings

    A proud OBRA member since moving to Portland in 2016, Robin is avid racer in multiple disciplines, and has also served as an OBRA official. Most recently, Robin ran the OBRA Junior Cyclocross Series this past fall.

    “My love for the sport of cycling—and the community who makes it possible—has only grown,” said Robin. “As an elite transgender athlete, I feel I have a uniquely important perspective on inclusivity, which cannot be taken for granted. Joining the OBRA board is an exciting next step for me, and I want to make sure future generations of cyclists are able to enjoy the sport I adore.”

    Colin Dunlap

    Originally from Bend, Colin began racing as a junior in 2008. His first race was in the 10-18 category of the Portland Cup USGP cyclocross in 2008, and he continued to be a fixture in OBRA junior races in multiple disciplines. He’s also competed in races sanctioned by USA Cycling outside of Oregon, which has given him a broad perspective on the sport and its communities around the country.

    “I’m passionate about giving back to the sport of cycling,” said Colin. “I’m excited to contribute my experience to help OBRA continue to grow and be the best it can be.”

    Saachi Murthy

    An immigrant from India, Saachi has lived in Oregon for 20 years and over the last decade has raced everything from PIR laps to muddy ‘cross courses and even sprints around the Alpenrose Velodrome. His 2024 Oregon Gravel Grinder finish was a huge milestone for Saachi—it was his first major race as a proud new citizen of the US.

    “I’ve seen the incredible grit it takes to keep our cycling scene alive,” said Saachi. “But nothing brings it home quite like seeing my toddler son watch a race and grab his balance bike to ‘go fast.’ I want to make sure Oregon bike racing is still thriving when he’s ready for the start line.”