Thursday, February 18, 2016

Racing...............


I don’t blog quite as often as I use to, but figured I’d blog again today as an issue arose recently….and I wanted to address it. Quite a few other topics came up the last few years too, which I’ll probably be addressing in future blog posts here – most deal with bicycle racing. The following is more of a minor rant or encouragement – whatever you want it to be:

I got an e-mail from a local bike racer recently who asked if I could put on more bicycle races in the coming year, or help put on more races for the local riders. The question itself is not the issue. The issue is the “why” of it all.

Since I was a kid – and a bike racer – I usually looked at results of sporting events – football, tennis, baseball, bike racing, etc. I still do it today – like to get an update on results now and again, see what’s up, especially with bicycle races.  I’ve noticed something a little disturbing(to me) over the last couple of years with regard to bicycle racing and the Northern California & Nevada Cycling Association(NCNCA) racing district. And here it is – where in the world are all the local(Butte County, California) racers in USA Cycling sanctioned races??? I mean, seriously – where are they? We have 3(at least) racing teams just right here in town(Chico, CA), loads of racers who are licensed via USA Cycling, teams who are members of the NCNCA…..and yet, we have only a handful of people(or less) who are racing multiple events in a year in our district. Why??

If you bought a USA Cycling racing license, joined a racing “team”, and spent all the time/money/energy on your racing equipment/clothing/coaching, why not actually race?? I mean…..that’s why you joined up, right? To race? Isn’t that why you got your racing license??
Each week, I check out the NCNCA website to look at the race results – linked to the USA Cycling website. I’m blown away at some of the results I see at sanctioned races that are pretty close to home – Sacramento area and others – with less than 5 local riders in attendance. Some races have only one or two local riders racing – and others, none at all. And yet, there are TONS of riders here locally who hold a racing license, are on a team, have racing bicycles, know how to race, bought the team kit/gear, etc. Where are you all??

I don’t have to tell most of you that the NCNCA NEEDS people to race! Last year alone(2015), I have seen more races being canceled than I think I have seen in years. Why? Because these races – all of them – need racers in order to keep going! Clubs and individual promoters NEED racers in order to keep the events on the calendar year-after-year. Our district’s racing calendar last year was loaded with cancelations. However, we are very lucky in that the NCNCA district has tons of races anyway. But……it won’t remain that way if everyone stays home.

Look, I know what you’re thinking – the races are too far away, it is too expensive, it is too hard, we have rides here, etc. I’m sorry – but isn’t that why you bought a racing license in the first place – to try USA Cycling sanctioned racing, to race, to keep at it and overcome obstacles and hurdles in your way, and experience the racing life? To challenge yourself? To experience some new venues, people, friendships, obstacles, challenges?

When I was a kid(12 to 17 years old) back in the early 1980s, I was lucky living here in Chico because we had quite a few licensed racers here. We had a Tuesday night Criterium at the Chico Airport each week, we had a Thursday night Time Trial out at River Road each week, and we had daily training rides each day of the week – including weekends. However, we ALL looked forward to going to the sanctioned races out-of-town. We wanted to “practice” our racing and technique on Tuesday & Thursday nights here, train during the week…..but race when the races came on the weekends. Not every weekend, but way more than I see people racing now.  We wanted to go and race, have an adventure, race on courses we only get to ride on once per year, ride and race with people we don’t see very often, etc. I use to get so excited about going to races – the trip with friends and teammates, the venues, the warm-ups, the race itself, the story-telling afterwards, seeing the results later – and it was so fun! We didn’t race for a living. We weren’t going to race the Tour de France. We were taking part in a sport unknown to many people, but which was HIGHLY rewarding both physically and mentally to all of us. We didn’t train to “race” the local rides and training races – we wanted to race the “real” races – the ones which were sanctioned, where everyone showed up from all over the district, in a great venue. Nobody cared – or even mentioned - who “won” the Tuesday night criteriums. But, when the topic came up of who won the Camellia Festival Road Race one year, everyone talked about it!(That race is now known as the Bariani Road Race).

Look, I get it – the local “races” are a lot of fun. I get it – I’ve been there as a racer and a promoter. But you got the license and you joined the “team”.  Take what you’ve learned, earned and worked hard for – and go test it out at multiple races each year! Time trials, road races, criteriums, stage races, etc. Go for it!

 “Rodney, you’re an idiot. YOU are the one who started all these local unsanctioned races recently – and now you’re telling us to go race out-of-town sanctioned races!! What gives??!!”

Here is my answer: At one point in time, R.A.C.E. – Rodney’s Amateur Cycling Events – was putting on up to 10 local bicycle races per week!! Per week!! One year, I think we put on 300 races! But, here was the thing – my goal was to put Chico, California on the “racing” map – especially for sanctioned racers from Chico. My thought was, introduce people to “racing” via R.A.C.E…….and get them to the point where they were comfortable enough to get a license and go race a sanctioned event. For the most part, it worked. There were lots of people who wanted to try a sanctioned race – and did! For others, they just used R.A.C.E. as their weekly riding venue. That’s fine and was strongly encouraged too, and many happy riders did just that. But…….watching things now, and watching the slight deterioration of the NCNCA calendar, I’m a bit worried. Most of all, I can’t figure out why people would purchase a racing license, join a racing team, buy the racing team gear…..and then race one time, or not at all….or maybe just a couple races per year.  Yes, I know – the local criteriums are fun, the Fast 50 is fun, the time trials are fun(well, maybe not THAT fun!) – but use all that training and preparation that you now have and go try a sanctioned race! Better yet, try 10 or even 20 or more in a year!! Many will be hooked for life! When I was a promoter, people would tell me that my races were essentially pick-up basketball games – in preparation for the “real” races taking place all over our racing district on the weekends. That’s great – that’s part of why they were there – to practice, train, challenge yourself for other rides & races. When racing, we all used the weekends to either go to a sanctioned race somewhere in the NCNCA district – or, if not racing, we would spend one day doing a long epic memorable weekend ride with our friends and teammates.

The thing is, it’s nice and comfortable to hang out at home, ride with your friends, do a local ride/ race with your buddies week in and week out. I get it…..I’ve been there. But, I would encourage ALL to step out of your comfort zone and head out-of-town and race a USA Cycling sanctioned race this season….and beyond. And I’m not talking about some sanctioned Tuesday night Criteriums – I’m talking about some of the great NCNCA races we have here in northern California! Let’s show Nor Cal who we are here in Chico! I wanna see 20 local racers show up to race the Land Park Criterium , or the Folsom Criterium – or Nevada City! Car pool, go together, teach each other, help each other out, cheer each other on, experience the highs and lows of sanctioned racing together. You have a license and maybe even a team incentive to race – so use it!!! I want to look at the NCNCA results and see a HUGE contingent of Chico/Butte County riders at some or all of these events. I’m talking 10, 20, 30 racers. Can it happen?? I don’t know….at this point, well……I just don’t know. 
         
I’ve been on racing teams in the past where we were obligated to race at least 10 sanctioned races per year – absolute minimum – and they HAD to be sanctioned by USA Cycling. In some cases, they had to be mass-start events only . The more we raced, the more we received from the team(entry fee reimbursement, clothing, equipment, etc.). Some on the team were career Cat. 4 or Cat. 5 racers – and they were probably the happiest people on the team! Racing 10, 20, 30 races per year as a Cat. 4 and/or Masters Cat. 4. No pressure really – no desire really to upgrade – just a desire to race competitively, push themselves, experience the races and other racers….and they were really happy! They trained when they could, they had good equipment – but not great equipment – and they just had a blast racing. They had a camaraderie with their teammates and fellow racers, and they loved the challenge of racing with people they only get to see now and again, racing on a course they might only get to ride once per year. The whole adventure of it all is what kept them at it – it was fun!! Especially after you’ve done your first 10 or 20 races – you gain a little bit of experience, and it can get even more fun! I always told people that very thing out at the R.A.C.E. events – get out there for 20-30 events, learn, develop, train…..and that’s when things really start getting fun!

Look, I know the hardships of racing – I’ve lived it, and I’ve been on both sides – as a promoter(and a ref) and a racer. I know what goes on and what it takes. But if you’re gonna do it, then do it. I know it is crude, but I’m going to say it anyway – shit or get off the pot. You got the license, you joined the team, you bought all the team gear, you have the racing bike, you ride and train…… go for it. Race! And don’t just race one time and call it a day. Give yourself a couple/few years – race 30, 40 races or more over that time – experience racing! If you decide it isn’t for you, just ride for fun and that’s it. Sometimes, your first 5 or 10 races just don’t go as planned. Make adjustments to your training, enjoy the adventure and journey, and try another 10 races and see how it goes. Stick with it. You’ll find that, as time goes on – and the more you ride and the more sanctioned races your enter – the better you tend to get at it…..and the more fun you’ll have. I’ve seen, through the decades, some riders will ride only a couple sanctioned races per year and they can’t understand why they’re not improving. You have to give the races/racing the same effort you give in your training – consistency, lots of riding, taking care of equipment and body. Race 20 sanctioned races in a year if you can and see what happens. My guess is that – and I’ve seen this repeatedly through the decades – you will become more comfortable at sanctioned racing…..which, in turn, improves your racing and overall riding dramatically.

Which brings me back to my point: The NCNCA has a loaded race calendar, even with all the cancelations last year. In our district, we have races almost every weekend – some weekends even have multiple events on the same day! Here in Chico, we have teams, kits, many bike shops – and loads of roads to ride – and tons of licensed racers. Let’s put all this to good use. Look at the NCNCA racing calendar for 2016, and try to pick out a minimum of 10 DIFFERENT races to do(not talking about doing two races in one day at the same venue, although that is loads of fun too). More if you desire. And plan on preparing yourself – mind, body and equipment – to do those events. Give yourself a couple years of racing, preferably more, and challenge yourself to do various races on our NCNCA calendar. Pick a few races which might not be to your strengths – but train your mind and body to do these events. Maybe pick one or two races where you have to travel quite some distance – make a weekend out of it. Just choose your 10(preferably more!) and challenge yourself. I know, I know – bicycle racing is not for everyone. But, you probably wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t at least slightly interested in bicycle racing. In short, there really shouldn’t be that much need for “Rodney, we need more races put on in Chico next year”. No……what we need is to organize some car pools and go TO sanctioned races in northern California and race the races that are already put on every single weekend around our NCNCA district! Imagine showing up to an out-of-town NCNCA race with 20+ local racers! How cool is that?? How many stories will be told from that race?!

I know this sounds like a plea for the district……and, in some ways, it is. But, more importantly, it is a challenge to you, the racer. Pick some races to do, then do them. Want to do Copperopolis, but afraid that you just aren’t the climber that others are?? Well…..do something about it…..work for it. I’m not talking about winning the race – I’m talking about racing a good race, challenge yourself to prepare for it….and enjoy it along the way….then race!! It’s hard work – but nothing worthwhile really comes easy. Before you know it, you may be even winning a race like Copperopolis! Who knows?! Enjoy the adventure, the camaraderie, the whole package that sanctioned bicycle racing has to offer you.

When I raced, I always looked forward to the adventure awaiting me in the sanctioned races in the NCNCA. The venue, the sights and sounds, the hard work that went in to making the event, the event itself, the other racers, just everything about it. Even standing in line at registration and talking to a fellow racer, who was probably just as nervous as I was, provided many memories and lasting friendships. Some of the best memories I’ve ever had are from my own racing experiences – not necessarily winning, but just the whole adventure of racing – the preparation, the travel, coming home totally spent, the break I just missed being in, or the perfectly timed sprint for the win…..the stories go on and on. Time to make some stories of your own!

During the last couple of years, looking at results, we’ve had a few local riders show up to NCNCA races. Hey, I’ve seen it worse(in the 1990s, there would be NO local racers at ANY NCNCA race, week-after-week). At one race last year, a local racer won the event. But…..no teammates were there – not one other racer from Chico…at least, not that I saw from the results. Now…..imagine seeing that win with 10, 20, even 30 teammates/locals there at the event!! How crazy happy would that be for all??!!

Most who know me, know who I am. I’ve put over 2,000 cycling events and over 20,000 volunteer hours in the sport of cycling during my life. I’ve been a racer and a promoter. Of the two, I’d rather be a racer…..especially in our district. You are very lucky to be bicycle racers in the NCNCA – one of the best, if not THE best racing district, in the United States. My message here today, primarily, goes out to those licensed racers – or soon-to-be licensed racers – who are having some apprehension with regard to USA Cycling sanctioned races:  GO RACE!! The clubs and promoters in this district work very hard, and spend loads of time/money/energy to put on races every weekend. Take advantage of it!!! It’s the worst feeling EVER to put on a race and have to cancel it because nobody showed up, or nobody signed up for it. It’s gut-wrenching, I know this personally. You hold a racing license, are on a team, have the kit, have the bike – time to flip the switch and put the hammer down – go race!!!

Don’t get me wrong – I think the riders who ride/race the weekly events here in Chico are great. That’s all they want, that’s all they need. As far as I’m concerned, that’s perfect – as long as it’s perfect for them. You go to the local events, you know most everyone as you ride with them week in and week out….a sense of familiarity makes it a little more comfortable. Plus, no travel, few expenses, maybe zero entry fee(like R.A.C.E. events).

But…..if you purchased a license and joined up with a team…..I have a hunch that maybe you had bigger plans for yourself with regard to your racing career. Maybe it’s time to step out of that comfort zone and put that license, bike, kit and team to good use! You may have even become a regular at some of the local events – well, quite frankly, that’s perfect!! Now you’re more comfortable riding in a pack & paceline, being at a race or group ride, riding fast, cornering, teamwork, etc. – that, alone, will put you far above many other racers. Go for the challenge – pick your sanctioned races this year and commit to it. I’m here too – if you need to talk or just chat about racing – I’m here. You’re going to have so much fun!!

Rodney………….


Monday, May 11, 2015

New Post!


Hoping to post a few more cycling-related items on here in the coming weeks and months. After a brief hiatus from all things 2-wheels, I begin riding again.....and, as usual, fell in love with my bicycle again. Not being a ride director or race director, or being heavily involved in the politics of cycling and all that......but just riding my bike around. When I started out as a young racer at the age of 12, I rode because I loved it.....I loved being on my bike, riding wherever, whenever I could. I loved racing, training, goofing off on my bike - even just spinning around the block. I lost that feeling for a little while along the way(long story, but has many pieces to it).......but it came back watching my kids ride their bikes, and feeling how much I loved riding my bike.

In the coming weeks and months, I hope to post more on here about cycling....and my progress. This blog has thousands upon thousands of views through the years. I'm sorry I let it go for a little while...and while it has been a long time since I've updated it, I hope to get it back-in-action.

Love to all of you out there - and hope to see ya out on the road/trail!

Rodney...............

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

What in the world is going on with R.A.C.E.???



What in the world is going on with R.A.C.E.???

I’ve been asked this question a ton during the last few months. And, for the most part, I’ve kept pretty quiet. Well…..I figured now is as good a time as any to give everyone an update. The following is more of a rambling-thought process than anything, so bear with me.

A number of things have happened since I abruptly canceled the remainder of the R.A.C.E.(Rodney’s Amateur Cycling Events) events for 2012, and heading into 2013. First off, our baby was born on August 19th, and I am really enjoying being a stay-at-home dad at the moment. In fact, I LOVE it….and Baby Heidi is just the best – love her to pieces.

But, in addition to the time it takes to raise our children(Adela and Heidi both), my mom was put on hospice late last year. This definitely took the wind out of my sails, and I find it very difficult to deal with on a day-to-day basis. I love my mom dearly, and I know that the coming months will be a very difficult time in our lives. My mom seems to be doing well right now, but I never know what is coming. Cancer, most definitely, sucks.

I’ve also been riding my bike more often. And, with that, the joy of riding has really made me see why I put on the R.A.C.E. events. I definitely have some new goals I would like to achieve in cycling. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired all of the time, as the cliché goes. So, I changed my diet and started riding daily…..and am finding that this is an absolute necessary ingredient for me to have a good life, at least in my opinion. I had a rider tell me a couple of years ago at one of our Airport Criteriums that I was mentally ill – and that is why I put on free cycling events throughout the year. He said it out of anger, I know…but I still remember it like it was yesterday. Riding again really makes me wonder if he was right in that jab towards me. Maybe so, and maybe that is something I should look at more closely.

The Lance news – and reading the entire USADA report as soon as it came out – didn’t help my motivation much. I put on 220 bicycle races in 2012 in and around Butte County, California. Since its inception, R.A.C.E. has put on over 1,200 free bicycle races – we put on more free grassroots bicycle races than anywhere in the world! But, this Lance thing really got to me – and I started to question why I do what I do with regard to putting on free bicycle racing events for the community – and whether it was really a good idea. I absolutely did NOT want to encourage junior-aged cyclists – or any cyclists, for that matter – to be involved with doping or drugs……or be led into that type of situation.  I don’t know – it just, like I said, took the wind out of my sails. And, I begin to question everything with regard to my promotions of bicycle races.

And, finally, I went through the numbers and attendance at the R.A.C.E. events in 2012, and they just aren’t what they use to be. In fact, the Hill Climb Series in the fall had a record low with regard to attendance – and hardly anyone shows up to the mountain bike races anymore. I mean, even the Criteriums and Thursday night Time Trials were less-attended than they were in previous years. So, I had/have to take that into account as well. I’ve always told the riders, “When the riders stop showing up, that’s when I know I’m done here.” I can’t help but feeling that maybe that is what has happened now – that maybe the riders are trying to tell me something.

So, what am I going to do with regard to R.A.C.E.?? 

Honestly, at this point in time – Jan. 22nd at 1:30pm – I have no idea. Part of me wants to continue with ALL of the events going into 2013. Part of me wants to do only a portion of the calendar. Part of me wants to do only a handful of events . And, quite frankly, part of me wants to stop the whole thing now. I’ve contemplated taking the year off, and allowing time for motivation – by both myself, and the riders – to grow….then start back up in 2014 or 2015. But, I’m just not sure where things stand now. I wanted to sanction at least a half-dozen events in 2013, but the absolutely packed NCNCA calendar made me re-think everything…..although the NCNCA itself has been VERY supportive of R.A.C.E. and my motivation of sanctioning some of the R.A.C.E. events. We are very very lucky to live in this cycling district!

I’ve worked VERY hard to build R.A.C.E. up since 2007 – and have spent thousands of hours on the organization. I lose money every year – I do it out of love for the sport of bicycle racing. Lots of people have told me to charge money for the events, but I have never done it. My feeling was, why charge money for something so fun – so enjoyable – especially when cycling itself already costs an arm and a leg? I’ve seen other cycling organizations rob the riders blind, and I never wanted R.A.C.E. to become something as obnoxious as that – I wanted the organization to be fun and good for cycling/cyclists. I don’t know - I am just evaluating everything.

So, right now……I will be putting on the 2013 Paskenta Ride/Race with all the things I normally do and have – maps, trophy, SAG vehicle, treats and bottled Coca-Cola and food at the end. Past that, though, I am not sure what I may do. I may start doing the weekend events again – and add the Criteriums and Time Trials later. Or, I may just hang up my clipboard and see what the riders want. Just….not sure right now.

Let me know what you all want – or what you want to see. Shoot me an e-mail at:

And, thank you for reading this rambling note – just gotta let everyone know what is going on in my head.

Rodney…………
R.A.C.E. – Rodney’s Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
www.RaceChico.com

Saturday, August 25, 2012


Just a reminder that we have switched over to our new website for all R.A.C.E. Events - www.RaceChico.com.

Rodney............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California


Monday, April 09, 2012

Just a reminder...........

..........in the coming weeks, we will slowly be announcing all of the R.A.C.E. Events and posting ALL of the Results on our new website - www.RaceChico.com.

Take a look and let us know what you think. The R.A.C.E. e-mail list will be active as ever though, so no worries - and the photos and videos will still be on the blog, Flickr, YouTube and Pinterest.

If you'd like to be added to the R.A.C.E. e-mail list, send me an e-mail at ChicoCyclist@gmail.com with the word ADD in the subject line.

Hope to see you out at the R.A.C.E. events this year!!!

Rodney..............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Saturday, April 07, 2012

Results from today's Grainland Road Race - April 7th, 2012............

RESULTS FROM THE GRAINLAND ROAD RACE - April 7th, 2012:
Durham, California
Conditions: Sunny & warm.
4 laps = 42.4 Miles, with 13 on gravel roads.

For some photos of today's Road Race, please visit:

For Category Results of today's Road Race, please visit:

For the Current Overall Standings in the 2012 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series, please visit:


(Results in order of finish)
1. Scott Heather 2:02:25
2. Doug Weseman 2:03:16
3. Kris Blee 2:04:50
4. Rudi Lange 2:07:12
5. Jordan Colby 2:07:12
6. Preben Nielsen 2:07:13
7. Andrew Hunter 2:08:32
8. Phil Weintraub 2:18:29
9. Michael Crumm 2:21:46
10. Sean Fischer 2:21:55
11. Matt Culver 2:31:10
12. Mike Ruffner
13. Gabe Medina
14. Steven Lemos
15. Adam Roth
16. Sandra Barton
17. Bob Jones
18. Lex Parker
19. Nelson Frink

"C" Group Finish:
1. Robert Medina 1:06:30
2. Stephen Work-Montana 1:13:38
3. Laurie Teague

Junior Finish:
1. Josh Diaz 1:34:35

Rodney..........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Results from this morning's Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial - April 7th, 2012............

RESULTS FROM THIS MORNING'S HONEY RUN ROAD UPHILL TIME TRIAL - April 7th, 2012:
Paradise, California
Conditions: Cold, but sunny!
5.5 Miles; 1,500 feet of climbing.

Photos from today's Time Trial can be found here:

Category Results from today's event can be found here:

The Current Overall Standings in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series can be found here:

***A HUGE Thank You to Don Ulen for starting the riders off this morning!!!!

1. Tim Olson 21:25
2. Mike Painter 22:58
3. Brad Foster 24:10
4. Tom Embree 27:00
5. Patrick Clark 27:09
6. Stephanie Berkowitz 27:40
7. Matt Maderos 28:03
8. Matt Roberts 28:22
9. Justin Anderson 28:26
10. Tom Tucker 28:48
11. Sean Fischer 28:57
12. Alex Roberson 29:00
13. Nelson Frink 29:01
14. Cody Anderson 30:06
15. Steve Suihkonen 31:01
16. Josh Diaz 31:49
17. Geno Gruber 33:13
18. Stephen Work-Montana 34:12
19. SanDee Brown 34:32
20. Curt Anderson 34:23
21. Emily Anderson 34:43
22. Chris Lambert 35:57
23. Laura Van Dervoort 36:04
24. CJ Campos 36:13
25. David Anderson 36:20
26. Jim Mensching 36:26
27. Dave Bechtold 38:30
28. Kirk Chambers 39:23
29. Jim Pyle 39:49
30. Dan Andreasen 40:32
31. Kathy Walter 41:59
32. Laurie & Rick Ellison 42:44
33. Doug Conrad 44:29
34. Skip Lees 45:36
35. Rick Carhart 46:24
36. Darlene Henderson 50:02

Rodney.........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Results from tonight's River Road 16-MILE Time Trial - Apr. 5, 2012............

COMBINED RESULTS FROM TONIGHT'S RIVER ROAD 16-MILE TIME TRIAL - April 5th, 2012:
Chico, California
Conditions: Somewhat windy, cool, cloudy.
8-Miles out; 8-Miles back in.

Category Results can be found here:

The Current Overall Standings in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series can be found here:

For some photos from tonight's Time Trial, please visit our Flickr link here:

1. Josh Rowe 39:11
2. Mike Ruffner 40:28
3. Tom Tucker 41:03
4. Jeff Ochs 41:08
5. Luke Wentland 41:31
6. Joanne Gilchrist 41:58
7. Greg Watkins 42:27
8. Shawn Hughes 43:17
9. Rudi Lange 43:33
10. Cody Anderson 44:15
11. Justin Anderson 44:30
12. Jim Mensching 45:03
13. Adam Roth 45:12
14. Brooks Biertuempful 46:58
15. Eric Ayars 47:26
16. Jim Gilchrist 47:33
17. Sean Fischer 47:43
18. Skip Lees 53:23
19. Evan Billman 54:39
20. Erin Edwards 55:38
21. Leslie Clavey 55:53
22. Helen Wheeler 56:30
23. Tammie Watkins 56:56
24. Darlene Henderson 58:43

Rodney...............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

3 R.A.C.E. Events this week...................

Hi Everyone! There are 3 R.A.C.E. Events going on this week - 1 on Thursday night & 2 on Saturday. Hope to see you out there! For photos of some of the past events, please visit the following link:


Thursday, April 5th - The River Road 16-Mile Time Trial - 6:00PM:
Registration will open at 5:30pm, with the first rider going off at 6:01pm. We will go in 1-minute intervals for this 8-miles out, 8-miles back, all-flat Time Trial. Come on out after work and give this one a shot! An extremely rough draft of this course can be found here:


HELD RAIN OR SHINE!
Helmets are mandatory!
(20-point event in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series! If it is raining, "misery points" will also be awarded!)
For the Current Overall Standings in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series, please visit the following link:

The 2012 Honey-Grain Omnium Bicycle Race
2 Races in 1 Day
April 7, 2012
This Omnium will include 2 races in 1 day:
The Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial
And
The Grainland Road Race


Saturday, April 7, 9:00 AM - The Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial - Stage #1 in the 2012 Honey-Grain Omnium:

Registration will open at 8:15AM, with the 1st rider taking off at 9:01AM...and we will go in 1-minute intervals for this 5.5 Mile Uphill Time Trial. Registration will take place across the street from the Honey Run Covered Bridge on Honey Run Road.......right near the intersection with Centerville Road(see map). The finish is at the top of the hill - at the muffler shop, just before The Skyway. For a map of the Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial, please visit the following link:


This is a "Category 1" climb in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - and also Stage #1 in the Honey-Grain Omnium Bicycle Race.
***AND - I still need 1 volunteer to help me start the riders off on Saturday morning. If you can help out, just shoot me an e-mail at ChicoCyclist@gmail.com - you get a 3-point bonus in the Series and my undying gratitude!
Held Rain or Shine.
Helmets are MANDATORY!
(30-point event in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
(30-point event in the 2012 Honey-Grain Omnium Bicycle Race)
Category 1 Climb in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - approximately 5.5 miles & 1,500 feet of climbing.
For the Current Overall Standings in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series, please visit the following link on our website:

And............

Saturday, April 7, 1:00 PM - The Grainland Road Race(in honor of Paris-Roubaix!) - Stage #2 in the 2012 Honey-Grain Omnium:

Registration will open at 12:15pm on Aguas Frias Road - the same start location as the Aguas Frias 10-Mile Time Trial, just south of Chico(see map). This is a flat 10.6 mile loop.......with a 3-mile stretch of gravel/dirt per lap. We've done this race once before - in 2011 - and the riders had a BLAST doing it.......so, it's now on the R.A.C.E. calendar for good! The Start/Finish location is on Aguas Frias Road - right at the 10-Mile Time Trial Start/Finish spot, just south of Dayton 4-corners. This course is approximately 10.6 miles in length, includes about 59 feet of climbing per lap, and has a 3-mile section of dirt/gravel in it......GREAT training for the upcoming Chico Stage Race.

Category "A" & "B" will each do 4 laps of this course - for a total of 42.4 miles. Category "B" will include the Juniors, Women's, Masters 50+ and Category "C" riders.....all scored separately. Category "C" & "Juniors" will do just 2 laps of the course. The course follows a Clockwise direction - south on Aguas Frias, west on Grainland Road(the gravel section), north on 7-Mile Lane, east on Ord Ferry Road.....and then back south again on Aguas Frias Road. The turns will be marked with Route Arrows.

YES - road bikes will work great, but you can also use Cyclocross bicycles...mountain bikes....or whatever you might have lying around(a unicycle?). I will have water at the Start/Finish area.
***The famous - or infamous - Grainland Road Race trophies will be awarded to the winners in each Category. ;)

A map of the Grainland Road Race course can be found here:


HELD RAIN OR SHINE!
Helmets are Mandatory!
(50-Point Event in the 2012 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series)
(50-Point Event in the 2012 Honey Grain Omnium Bicycle Race)
(Trophy Event - Trophies Awarded to winners in each Category)
For the Current Overall Standings in the 2012 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series, please visit the following link on our website:

Rodney...........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Monday, April 02, 2012

The Honey Grain Omnium - Saturday, April 7th - 2 stages in 1 day!

Next Saturday - April 7th - is the Honey Grain Omnium -
2 races in 1 day.....The Honey Run Road Uphill Time
Trial at 9:00am & The Grainland Road Race at 1:00pm!
Hope to see ya out there!! Race information at the link
below:


Rodney..............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
www.RaceChico.com
www.ChicoBike.com
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Friday, March 30, 2012

The Table Mountain Road Race - THIS Sunday, April 1st, 2012.............

No joke - The Table Mountain Road Race is taking place this Sunday, April 1st near Oroville, California! For more information on this Road Race, please visit the R.A.C.E. website at:


Hope to see you there!!!

Rodney..............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Results from tonight's River Road 10-Mile Time Trial - March 29th, 2012.............

RESULTS FROM TONIGHT'S RIVER ROAD 10-MILE TIME TRIAL - March 29th, 2012:
Chico, California
Conditions: Rainy, cloudy, wet.
For photos from tonight's Time Trial, please visit the following website:

For Category Results from tonight's Time Trial, please visit the following link:

For the Current Overall Standings in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series, please visit the following link:

1. Garrett Marking (age 13) 24:45
2. Adam Roth (age 21) 27:12
3. Justin Anderson (age 27) 27:30
4. Jeff Stephens (age 59) 28:00
5. Brennan Percy (age 27) 28:12
6. Chris Marking (age 40) 28:38
7. Jim Mensching (age 65) 28:40
8. Tom Tucker (age 55) 29:12
9. Kirk Chambers (age 45) 29:34
10. Sean Fischer (age 46) 29:46
11. Byron Fountain (age 58) 32:58
12. Deanna Wentland (age 23) 33:28

Rodney...........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Saturday's R.A.C.E. Events postponed..............

Due to the coming storm on Saturday here in Butte County, we are postponing the Oro-Chico Omnium that day. However, The Table Mountain Road Race is still a "Go" for Sunday at 9:00AM - hope to see you there!!


Rodney..............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Monday, March 26, 2012

Just a reminder..............

..........in the coming months, we will slowly be announcing all of the R.A.C.E. Events and posting ALL of the Results on our new website - www.RaceChico.com. Take a look and let us know what you think. The R.A.C.E. e-mail list will be active as ever though, so no worries - and the photos and videos will still be on the blog, Flickr, YouTube and Pinterest. If you'd like to be added to the R.A.C.E. e-mail list, send me an e-mail at ChicoCyclist@gmail.com with the word ADD in the subject line.

The blog will still be going on strong as ever - but will be going back to why I started the blog in the first place.......my silly views and opinions on cycling stuff!!

Hope to see you out at the R.A.C.E. events this year!!!

Rodney..............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Results from tonight's Aguas Frias 10-Mile Time Trial - March 22nd, 2012............

RESULTS FROM TONIGHT'S AGUAS FRIAS 10-MILE TIME TRIAL - March 22nd, 2012:
Durham, California
Conditions: Sun, clouds, strong south wind.
10-Point event in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series
Updated Results can be found here:

1. Garrett Marking 24:26 (New Personal Record)
2. Jeff Ochs 25:29
3. Tom Tucker 25:46
4. Scott Heather 25:49
5. Mike Ruffner 25:50
6. Luke Wentland 26:11
7. Hal Tacker 26:31
8. David Dura 27:24
9. Jim Mensching 28:06
10. Alex Roberson 28:28
11. Matt Roberts 29:01
12. Chris Marking 30:37
13. Kirk Chambers 31:46
14. Deanna Wentland 33:33
15. Jared Kaye 34:51

Rodney...........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Friday, March 16, 2012

3 R.A.C.E. Events this weekend................

Hi Everyone! There are 3 Events going on this weekend(see below). We've had some questions about the rain & snow - yes, the events will still go on - we may shorten the stages if needed, but they are still a "go"! Hope to see you out there for this year's Cottonwood Omnium Bicycle Race!!

2012 COTTONWOOD OMNIUM ROUTE INFORMATION:


Stage #1 - Saturday, March 17th - The Cohasset Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM:
Registration will open at 8:30am, with the 1st rider taking off at 9:01am - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The Start/Registration area is at Nicalog Road & Cohasset Road - there is a dirt parking area there, just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile at the Start line. The finish location is slightly different than in past years - it is just past the Cohasset Store, on Mountain Ranch Road & Cohasset Road. The Cohasset course is approximately 5 miles in length, climbs approximately 1,500 feet, and is considered a Category 1 Climb in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. For a map of the the current Cohasset Time Trial course, please visit:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/48162920/

HELD RAIN OR SHINE!
Helmets are mandatory!
(Event #9 in the 17-Race 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - A Category 1 Climb in the Series!)
(This Event will also be an "Extra Point" Event in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series, offering an additional 3 points in the 2012 Butte Series!)


Stage #2 - March 17th - The Cottonwood Road 9.6-Mile Time Trial - 2:00pm - Also, a 20-point event in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series:

This is a NEW Time Trial being offered this year. This Time Trial is being held on Cottonwood Road - near Oroville, California. Cottonwood Road is in between Table Mountain Boulevard and Highway 99. The course is 4.8 miles out, then 4.8 miles back - going from east to west....then west to east back in. The course is fairly flat, very quiet. Registration will open at 1:30pm near the corner of Cottonwood Road and Table Mountain Boulevard - just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile....as well as the orange cones. The 1st rider will take off at 2:01pm - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The turnaround point is on Cottonwood Road - just before you get to Hwy. 99. For an approximate map of the Cottonwood Time Trial Course, please visit the following link:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/74465474

HELD RAIN OR SHINE!
Helmets are mandatory!
(20-point event in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series)


Stage #3 - Sunday, March 18th - Coal Canyon Circuit Race - 9:00AM:

The Coal Canyon Circuit Race is back for 2012, and is the Final Stage in the 2012 Cottonwood Omnium Bicycle Race! This 5.9 mile long loop goes over rolling terrain and climbs approximately 290 feet per lap. Will suit a variety of riders. Registration will open at 8:30am NEAR the intersection of Coal Canyon Road-Wheelock Road & Hwy. 70. The Category "A" Race will go off at 9:00AM, the Category "B", "C" & "Juniors" Race will go at 9:02AM. Category "A" & "B" Riders will do 6 laps each - for a total of 35.4 Miles and 1,740 feet of total climbing. The Category "C" & Juniors Race will go 3 laps - for a total of 17.7 Miles and 870 feet of total climbing. Masters 50+ & Women's categories will race with the "B" group, but picked separately at the finish for placings. The Start/Finish Line is located on Coal Canyon Road - just up the road from the intersection of Wheelock Road & Hwy. 70. You will travel in a clockwise direction from Coal Canyon Road to Hwy. 70....and back to Coal Canyon Road....for one lap.
***For parking, PLEASE park up near the Start/Finish Line on Coal Canyon Road and not near Hwy. 70(per CHP).....OR, better yet, park at Spring Valley School on Pentz Road and ride on over to the start. For a map of the Coal Canyon Circuit Race course, please visit:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Coal-Canyon-Circuit-Race

I will have some water available at the Start/Finish location, but water bottle hand-ups will be solely dependent upon volunteers! Parking is somewhat available at the Start/Finish area of the course - but the best bet is to park at Spring Valley School and just ride down to the Start Area on Coal Canyon Road........approximately 2.7 miles away from the school(and downhill when heading to Coal Canyon). Most USA Cycling rules apply to these races - you know, WEAR YOUR HELMET, don't ride like a nutcase, and all that good stuff. Sandbaggers are strongly discouraged (a Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider racing a Category "B" or "C" race - must be completely obvious to the Race Director). The Race Director reserves the right to DQ any rider deemed unsafe or unsportsmanlike. A mention about Tri Bars - You can have Tri Bars on your bicycle - BUT, you must NOT use them if you are in a pack or paceline - especially on this course! Normally, in a USA Cycling sanctioned race, you would not be allowed to have them on your bicycle in a mass-start event like this one - but I know many of us like them on our bicycles and use them for training. This isn't the World Championships - we do these Circuit Races for fun, fitness and practice - but please do NOT use your Tri Bars in a pack/paceline situation.
HELD RAIN OR SHINE!
HELMETS ARE MANDATORY!
(40-POINT Event in the 2012 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series - PLUS, we will have 2 KOM/QOM Point Laps - King of the Mountains/Queen of the Mountains!)

Hope to see you out there!!!! :)

Rodney...........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
www.RaceChico.com
www.ChicoBike.com
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Results from tonight's River Road 10-Mile Time Trial - March 15th, 2012..............

RESULTS FROM TONIGHT'S RIVER ROAD 10-MILE TIME TRIAL - March 15th, 2012:
Chico, California
Conditions: Windy, Rainy.
Category Results can be found at:
http://racechico.com/race/river-road-10-mile-tt-2012-03-07
Photos of tonights' Time Trial can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/sets/72157629230066886/

1. Garrett Marking (age 13!) 25:01
2. Scott Heather (age 23) 26:02
3. Jeff Ochs (age 43) 26:23
4. David Dura (age 42) 27:58
5. Tom Tucker (age 55) 28:33
6. Sean Fischer (age 46) 29:01
7. Jim Mensching (age 65) 29:35
8. Chris Marking (age 40) 29:41
9. Byron Fountain (age 58) 31:43
10. Evan Billman (age 40) 34:28
11. Paul Coots (age 57) 34:46

Category Results can be found at:
http://racechico.com/race/river-road-10-mile-tt-2012-03-07


Rodney..............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
www.RaceChico.com
www.ChicoBike.com
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The Cottonwood Omnium Bicycle Race - March 17th & 18th, 2012.................

THE COTTONWOOD OMNIUM BICYCLE RACE
March 17th & 18th, 2012
3 Stages over 2 Days
Cohasset & Oroville, California
www.RaceChico.com
www.ChicoBike.com

Hi Everyone!! The Cottonwood Omnium Bicycle Race is being held on March 17th & 18th, 2012 - this weekend! The format is 3 stages over 2 days - and, again, an Omnium is just a bicycle stage race using points rather than time....and you don't have to do one stage in order to do the next stage.....and can get into the Omnium by completing any of the stages. The 3 stages involved in this weekend's Cottonwood Omnium Bicycle Race include the following:

Stage #1 - Saturday, March 17th - The Cohasset Uphill Time Trial (Also, Event #9 & an Extra Point Event in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series) - 9:00AM

Stage #2 - Saturday, March 17th - The Cottonwood 9.6-Mile Time Trial (A flat Time Trial.......also a 20-point event in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series) - 2:00PM

Stage #3 - Sunday, March 18th - The Coal Canyon Circuit Race (40-point event in the 2012 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series & KOM/QOM Point Laps) - 9:00AM

***See "Route Information" below for details on each of the stages.

CATEGORIES OFFERED:

Category "A"- Advanced & Advanced/Intermediate Riders
Category "B" - Intermediate Riders
Category "C" - Novice Riders & Racers
Women's Category
Men's Masters 50+ Category (in Category "B")
Juniors (Riders 16 & Under)


How does it work??? And what in the world is an "Omnium" bicycle race???
Okay, in this scenario, an Omnium is just a Stage Race bicycle race using points rather than time - and you do not have to complete one stage in order to do the next stage. You garner points for each stage depending upon how you did in the stage.......and, again, in this particular case.........the MOST points wins(many Omniums reverse this and have the least amount of points winning). There will be multiple categories competing in the Cottonwood Omnium(see Categories above). There is NO entry fee for competing in this event, but donations are always extremely appreciated and welcome!! Once entering the Omnium, there will be no downgrades during the event. Categories may be combined, changed or eliminated if not enough folks come out. Most USA Cycling rules will apply to ALL stages - including WEAR YOUR HELMET, don't ride too much like a lunatic, and so on and so forth. Please read the section carefully at the bottom of this e-mail for some of the rules pertaining to the Cottonwood Omnium. And remember - the only reason we're doing this Omnium is for fun & fitness......and maybe a little competitiveness too - but nothing over-the-top please! Ride safe, have fun, try something new and challenge yourself. Anyone doing any of the stages is automatically entered in the Omnium..........but consistency in the events will be key to winning the Overall Title.

Champions will receive the Cottonwood Omnium Champions gold medal, with green ribbon(in honor of St. Patrick's Day). ;)

Results from Saturday's races will be available Saturday night on our website at www.RaceChico.com.


POINT BREAKDOWN PER STAGE:

Stage #1 - Saturday, March 17th - The Cohasset Uphill Time Trial - 9:00am:
1st = 30 points
2nd = 26 points
3rd = 24 points
4th = 22 points
5th = 20 points
6th = 18 points
7th = 16 points
8th = 14 points
9th = 12 points
10th = 10 points
11th = 8 points
12th = 6 points
13th = 4 points
14th = 2 points
Everyone else = 1 point


Stage #2 - Saturday, March 17th - The Cottonwood 9.6-Mile Time Trial - 2:00pm:
1st = 30 points
2nd = 26 points
3rd = 24 points
4th = 22 points
5th = 20 points
6th = 18 points
7th = 16 points
8th = 14 points
9th = 12 points
10th = 10 points
11th = 8 points
12th = 6 points
13th = 4 points
14th = 2 points
Everyone else = 1 point


Stage #3 - Sunday, March 18th - The Coal Canyon Circuit Race - 9:00am:
(King & Queen of the Mountains Points WILL be offered)
1st = 34 points
2nd = 30 points
3rd = 28 points
4th = 26 points
5th = 24 points
6th = 22 points
7th = 20 points
8th = 18 points
9th = 16 points
10th = 14 points
11th = 12 points
12th = 10 points
13th = 8 points
14th = 6 points
15th = 4 points
16th = 2 points
Everyone else = 1 point


RULES:
And Finally - ANY rider participating in ALL 3 Stages receives an additional 10 points.

Do you have to do all the stages in order to compete in the Omnium?? No - you can even do just one event and your points will still be calculated and counted in the overall. And REMEMBER - Safety come before bragging rights, so be careful!!!

As always, the Director reserves the right to disqualify anyone deemed cheating, unsafe or unsportsmanlike(no worries - just be cool like always and all will be good!!). Aero equipment can be used in the 2nd stage. Helmets are mandatory in ALL stages.

Tie-Breaker:
If, by chance, it comes down to a TIE after the last stage of the Omnium, the highest placed finisher(of the tied competitors) in the Cottonwood 9.6-Mile Time Trial will be declared the Overall Winner of the Cottonwood Omnium.


2012 COTTONWOOD OMNIUM ROUTE INFORMATION:


Stage #1 - Saturday, March 17th - The Cohasset Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM:
Registration will open at 8:30am, with the 1st rider taking off at 9:01am - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The Start/Registration area is at Nicalog Road & Cohasset Road - there is a dirt parking area there, just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile at the Start line. The finish location is slightly different than in past years - it is just past the Cohasset Store, on Mountain Ranch Road & Cohasset Road. The Cohasset course is approximately 5 miles in length, climbs approximately 1,500 feet, and is considered a Category 1 Climb in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. For a map of the the current Cohasset Time Trial course, please visit:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/48162920/

***And, I still need 1 volunteer to help me start the riders off on that Saturday morning - If you can help out, just send me an e-mail - you get a 3-point bonus in the Series, you still get to race it(just be the last rider to start), and you will have my undying gratitude!
HELD RAIN OR SHINE!
Helmets are mandatory!
(Event #9 in the 17-Race 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - A Category 1 Climb in the Series!)
(This Event will also be an "Extra Point" Event in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series, offering an additional 3 points in the 2012 Butte Series!)


Stage #2 - March 17th - The Cottonwood Road 9.6-Mile Time Trial - 2:00pm - Also, a 20-point event in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series:
This is a NEW Time Trial being offered this year. This Time Trial is being held on Cottonwood Road - near Oroville, California. Cottonwood Road is in between Table Mountain Boulevard and Highway 99. The course is 4.8 miles out, then 4.8 miles back - going from east to west....then west to east back in. The course is fairly flat, very quiet. Registration will open at 1:30pm near the corner of Cottonwood Road and Table Mountain Boulevard - just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile....as well as the orange cones. The 1st rider will take off at 2:01pm - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The turnaround point is on Cottonwood Road - just before you get to Hwy. 99. For an approximate map of the Cottonwood Time Trial Course, please visit the following link:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/74465474

HELD RAIN OR SHINE!
Helmets are mandatory!
(20-point event in the 2012 Chico Time Trial Series)


Stage #3 - Sunday, March 18th - Coal Canyon Circuit Race - 9:00AM:
The Coal Canyon Circuit Race is back for 2012, and is the Final Stage in the 2012 Cottonwood Omnium Bicycle Race! This 5.9 mile long loop goes over rolling terrain and climbs approximately 290 feet per lap. Will suit a variety of riders. Registration will open at 8:30am NEAR the intersection of Coal Canyon Road-Wheelock Road & Hwy. 70. The Category "A" Race will go off at 9:00AM, the Category "B", "C" & "Juniors" Race will go at 9:02AM. Category "A" & "B" Riders will do 6 laps each - for a total of 35.4 Miles and 1,740 feet of total climbing. The Category "C" & Juniors Race will go 3 laps - for a total of 17.7 Miles and 870 feet of total climbing. Masters 50+ & Women's categories will race with the "B" group, but picked separately at the finish for placings. The Start/Finish Line is located on Coal Canyon Road - just up the road from the intersection of Wheelock Road & Hwy. 70. You will travel in a clockwise direction from Coal Canyon Road to Hwy. 70....and back to Coal Canyon Road....for one lap.
***For parking, PLEASE park up near the Start/Finish Line on Coal Canyon Road and not near Hwy. 70(per CHP).....OR, better yet, park at Spring Valley School on Pentz Road and ride on over to the start. For a map of the Coal Canyon Circuit Race course, please visit:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Coal-Canyon-Circuit-Race

I will have some water available at the Start/Finish location, but water bottle hand-ups will be solely dependent upon volunteers! Parking is somewhat available at the Start/Finish area of the course - but the best bet is to park at Spring Valley School and just ride down to the Start Area on Coal Canyon Road........approximately 2.7 miles away from the school(and downhill when heading to Coal Canyon). Most USA Cycling rules apply to these races - you know, WEAR YOUR HELMET, don't ride like a nutcase, and all that good stuff. Sandbaggers are strongly discouraged (a Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider racing a Category "B" or "C" race - must be completely obvious to the Race Director). The Race Director reserves the right to DQ any rider deemed unsafe or unsportsmanlike. A mention about Tri Bars - You can have Tri Bars on your bicycle - BUT, you must NOT use them if you are in a pack or paceline - especially on this course! Normally, in a USA Cycling sanctioned race, you would not be allowed to have them on your bicycle in a mass-start event like this one - but I know many of us like them on our bicycles and use them for training. This isn't the World Championships - we do these Circuit Races for fun, fitness and practice - but please do NOT use your Tri Bars in a pack/paceline situation.
HELD RAIN OR SHINE!
HELMETS ARE MANDATORY!
(40-POINT Event in the 2012 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series - PLUS, we will have 2 KOM/QOM Point Laps - King of the Mountains/Queen of the Mountains!)

Hope to see you out there!!!! :)


Rodney...........

R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California
www.RaceChico.com
www.ChicoBike.com
~Grassroots Bicycle Racing Events~