Hitchhikers guide to the American Nationals - Washougal
July 25, 2008
Leaving the rain and lightning storms behind them, the teams travel West for nearly 3000 miles to get to the most picturesque track on the tour - Washougal. The first couple of thousand are dull and uninspiring, but once you reach the Rockies, the scenery is just amazing. I'm not sure all the riders and teams appreciate it, but for those nature-lovers - this is the one for you.
In a nutshell:
Set in the hills near Portland, OR the Washougal track weaves in and out of the thousands of pine trees that are native to the area. It is a stunning area to drive around, it's only problem is that it's just sooo far away from all the other tracks. Thankfully if you fly there, it's a breeze due to the close proximity of Portland's Airport.
Location:
40205 NE Borin Rd, Washougal, WA, 98671
Click on picture for interactive map
Viewing Options:
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Horsepower Hill
Due to the vast quantities of trees, viewing at Washougal isn't the best. In saying that, if you climb up the hillside a bit, there are a couple of spots that you can see a good portion of the track from. Most of the spectators hang around the bottom section where the start is, so if you want to get a fenceline spot, again, it's probably best to right up the top of Horsepower Hill. Although be careful, it can get pretty slippy walking up those slopes.
I also like the slow chicane before the rhythm section, as the riders move in and out of the shade. I think it looks cool anyway. Also, I believe they are putting in some grandstand sections around the place so they might be worth checking out. Unless you have to pay for them... which you might.
Josh has flattered to decieve to this year
Rides to watch:
MX Class - Josh Hill #40
After winning a SX round earlier in the year, big results were expected from Josh in the Nationals. They just haven't materialised though as he has really struggled to break into the top 10. However two 4ths and a 6th in his last 4 races have give hope to all his fans. Especially now as he heads to his home track in a class that is running out of fast guys. This could be the week that Hill realises his outdoor potential.
Lites Class - Brett Metcalfe #123
A good start to the year was wasted after a couple of poor rounds at Thunder Valley and Red Bud. The signs weren't good as it seemed his competitors were getting faster as he slowed down. Nothing could be further from the truth now though as those guys have fallen by the wayside and allowed Brett to open a 32 point gap over 4th place. His confidence is high again, and he's back riding the tracks that he performed well at last year.
As the year has wore on, Brett has rediscovered his form from 2007
Accommodation:
Camping is a fairly low-key affair at Washougal due to the alcohol rules (see below). Thankfully Portland is a short drive away so you can easily stay at one of the many hotels and enjoy it's night-life instead.
Weather:
I've heard that weather should be pretty good this weekend (as opposed to Unadilla) with the temperature in the mid to high 20s. The sun is also less of a problem due to the fact that shade is plentiful. This of course is also beneficial should it rain (which it often does).
Alcohol Rules:
Washougal doesn't allow you to bring in ANY alcohol. No plastic bottles, cans or anything. They do allow you to purchase it though from stalls dotted around the place though.
Other things to do:
Not quite as exciting as New York, but Portland still has a decent amount of stuff to do. There are plenty of museums, including one that marks the end of the Oregon Trail (anyone else remember that frustrating computer game where people died from cholera). However if you really want to experience the area, you have to go out of the cities and into the countryside where it is truly beautiful. Not too far away is Mt. St. Helens, which is pretty sweet, seeing as its a VOLCANO!!!
Further afield is Seattle, so you go live out you Tom Hanks/ Meg Ryan fantasies or just a bit further north is Canada and the wonderful city of Vancouver. Personally I recommend you go and see these places as you won't find a better area to drive around in.
One of many spectacular views at Washougal
Overall:
The North-West is a stunning part of a America and the Washougal track certainly doesn't disappoint visually either. I am really glad that they have this race as it is completely different from any other track on the tour. Unfortunately when I did it, it was a few thousand miles out of the way, so I didn't really appreciate it too much, but looking back on it I start to realise how good it really was. Not to mention it was the venue for (in my opinion) Villopoto's best race of 2007 as he came back from a 1st turn crash to finish 3rd. Hopefully there will be something equally significant this year...
David Bulmer
http://www.ayearinmx.com
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