Thoughts...

....on XC and Marathon Nationals.
If you haven't heard, there are new venues for both. Marathon nats are now in Bend,OR which is half the elevation of the previous venue of Breckenridge,CO. XC nats are now in Sun Valley,ID which 4,000ft lower then the previous venue of Granby,CO.
I mention the elevations for the simple fact that a lot of people are still pissed that nats are being held at "elevation". I for one know well the effects of trying to "give 'er" when the air is rare. Breck was not kind to my lungs whatsoever.
My thought is this: If I understand correctly, USA cycling has to get bids from various venues willing to hold nationals during the required date of July 14-17.Why this date I am not sure, but many venues are automatically taken out of the mix because of heat issues. Couple that with actually getting bids from suitable venues willing to host such a large event, well, I'm sure the list is short(though I would like to see who did put their bids in).
I'm in no way an up and coming jr. or a pro racer, but I am encouraged by having both venues drop down a bit from rarified air. Are they ideal locations? For those of us at close to sea level, no. But it is better than the alternative, sucking air at 10,000ft while hauling my bike box into the hotel room.
Am I considering hauling my singlespeed and girlish figure over to Idaho or Oregon next summer? You bet! It's only a 21hr drive from KC and 5hrs from home in Cali.
Now I just need to qualify......