We recognize there is a lot of uncertainty around cycling organizations and cycling events within the entire PNW thus we wanted to take a minute to give a brief update on the status of the WSBA and how we’re trying to plan for the ever changing landscape in our region.

The WSBA is on sound financial footing. Over the last 4 years we’ve been able to manage the organization in a way that has created a cash reserve that insures our viability while allowing us to have options to address some of the ramifications of this pandemic on the sport.
We are still hoping that the PNW cycling community will have an opportunity to compete and participate in cycling events this summer through the end of the year.

However, we are also cognizant that the decision of whether and where events can be safely held will be determined by the cities, counties, and state decision makers. We also recognize that the lengthy planning lead time for certain events may result in their cancellation due to the general uncertainty of venue availability and the loosening of existing government restrictions.

The WSBA board is evaluating options to address your 2020 WSBA membership under varying scenarios of how much racing does or does not occur. We are also in the process of exploring ways to support numerous PNW competitive cycling events in 2021 that have been or will be cancelled for 2020.
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As the landscape is still in flux we are not yet at a point to know which of the scenarios to pursue that best support the sport and you our members but please be assured the WSBA is laying the groundwork to support the PNW cycling world as the existing regulations and restrictions loosen.  

 With the continuing national emergency, USA Cycling will extend its suspension of all issued permits for sanctioned events – including USA Cycling races, rides, camps, and clinics – through May 31, 2020.

USA Cycling is currently working with our stakeholders, event organizers, and medical experts to develop guidelines and best practices to assist in keeping participants, event staff, volunteers, and the communities where we hold our events as safe as possible once riding and racing resumes.

We continue to call on all event directors, clubs, coaches, athletes, and members to follow the guidelines and regulations issued by national, state, and local authorities on social distancing and prohibited activities. This includes forgoing gatherings such as group rides and any other group or team activities where people assemble.

For those that have opted out of communication from USAC this update has hit the inbox. This does not affect non USAC events but it seems logical that those events may likely follow suit.
Based on the current status of the national emergency, USA Cycling will extend its suspension of all issued permits for sanctioned events - including USA Cycling races, rides, camps, and clinics - through May 3, 2020. We will continue to work with our event directors on contingency plans and alternative dates for impacted events.
We are calling on all event directors, clubs, coaches, athletes, and members to follow the guidelines and regulations issued by national, state and local authorities. This includes foregoing gatherings such as group rides, in-person team meetings, and any other group or team activities where people assemble.
USA Cycling will continue to monitor the situation and meet with our partners and stakeholders to assess the state of this national emergency and its impact on the cycling community. We are taking measures within our control to protect our community so we can get back to riding and racing with everyone in good health as soon as possible.
We have brought on medical expert Dr. Michael Roshon to provide an informational video and follow-up webinar for our community around the base causes of COVID-19, how it's transmitted, and all the precautions the cycling community should take to avoid transmission. You can view the video here, the webinar here, and find additional updates from Dr. Roshon on USA Cycling’s website and social media.

Two primary questions are being asked regarding the USAC statement published last night in regards to Covid19 and the resulting guidance to avoid group interactions. 
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What defines a group?
Obviously, this is an area where we all have a perspective and opinions on what makes a ‘group’. We also know there’s a varying level of comfort by individuals on who they’re comfortable being around in these strange times.
At this point the WSBA and USAC would suggest a group is defined by the individuals you have daily contact with (akak your inner circle) as to help keep exposure opportunities minimized.   
What about National Championship events?
USAC is working based on the calendar flow. Next up on the championship calendar is collegiate & para championships in May. 
USAC is evaluating Collegiate qualification standards as most Collegiate racing across the country is on hold.    
USAC recognizes there are many moving parts for athletes to attend National Championships and are working to keep everyone informed as decisions are made. 

From the ToWW Promoters:

​To all the cyclists preparing for the Tour of Walla Walla:
We know there has recently been speculation and concern about whether the TOFWW would take place this year. With much regret, we have had to cancel the 2020 TOFWW. The Governor of Washington announced Friday afternoon that all events with 250 or more people in attendance will not be allowed for the next 6 wks. We were anticipating that this would happen and had been considering that move given the current state of uncertainty, but we were still holding out hope that the race would take place, unfortunately this is not the case.
It was shaping up to be a fantastic year for the Tour and we were looking forward to a great event along with the Tour of Washington. This will be only the second time in 23 years that this spring classic has not taken place. As before the race will be missed and we will miss seeing the racers.
Looking ahead to May 21-23, 2021 we will be ready for the return of stage racing in Walla Walla. Remember, we are changing dates next year! All riders that are registered for this year’s race will have their registration transferred to the 2021 race. Please contact us if other arrangements need to be made.
We wish you good health and hope that you support later season races and events that are rescheduled. Be sure to come and see us in September for the Walla Walla Grit gravel event/race – registration will open soon on BikeReg.
Until next year!
Michael and Kathryn Austin – TOFWW Race Directors.

Based on guidance from the cities & jurisdictions in Southern WA & Oregon the following events are being postponed with dates TBD as details are being worked through.

• Dirty Circles RR - 3/15
• Piece of Cake RR – 3/21
• Yamhill Gran Fondo 4/18

The promoter is working through refund/credit and reschedule detail and will be in contact with those of you who preregistered as soon as they can.

Events that have been rescheduled include:
May 30, 2020 - NW TT Series #1
May 31, 2020 – Independence Valley Road Race
June 13, 2020 – Vance Creek Road Race
June 14, 2020 – NW TT Series #3

Please have patience will the promoters and us here at the WSBA as we are all focused on doing what is best for the community & sport while also trying to juggle our real ‘lives – work & family’ that are also being thrown into disarray by this situation.
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We will be continuing to monitor the situation and post updates as information becomes available.

Please subscribe to our FB page or  the WSBA Google Group list for push notifications.
 
 
 
 
 

​None of us like to see events cancelled or postponed but as state, county & city guidelines are constantly being updated the situation remains extremely fluid and in flux as to how these guidelines will affect the road racing season.

To that end Tour De Dung #2 is indefinitely postponed.

Current guidelines issued by the State & King County can be found here:
https://www.geekwire.com/2020/washington-state-bans-large-events-three-counties-slow-spread-covid-19-governor-calls-pandemic-extremely-dangerous/

We are in touch with USAC and promoters trying to look at alternative dates with the hope that our region will resume some normalcy before too long and the promoters are able to secure the venues to hold their events at later date.

We will continue to publish updates as we receive relevant information.

Gina Kavesh
WSBA President