Must be the difference between the West Coast and the Mid-Atlantic/Mid-West where I live. Here the biggest field I have ever been in was 10 or 12 the smallest 3. 95% of which were higher. We have a very hard time getting women's fields to the point that we usually have to go with the guys 4&5.
You almost make me want to move to Washington. Women cyclist are an endagered spieces here.