Fast 50 & Airport Criterium Update...........

Hi Everyone! Okay, right now we are planning on holding the Airport Practice Criterium on Saturday(February 28th) at 8:30am, if it doesn't rain. Registration will open at the usual spot on Convair Avenue at 8:15am. The Category "A" group will go 45 minutes PLUS 3 laps. The Category "B" group will go 40 minutes PLUS 3 laps. I promise to have a Cowbell out there this time - I know last time you couldn't hear my keys jingling for the Prime laps! Speaking of Prime laps - we will probably do a few of those during the event, but just for practice......and to get use to the feel of them. Again this is just a practice event, so no big whoop. RAIN or WET PAVEMENT cancels.

The Tuesday Night Airport Criterium Series is scheduled to begin again on Tuesday, March 10th at about 6pmish. The Time Change happens on Sunday, March 8th - Spring forward One Hour - so hoping to have just enough daylight out there to run the Crits. I will have more information as we get closer to the event.

The map of the Airport Criterium short-course is here(we'll also be running the long-course Crits on selected Tuesday night and Saturday/Sunday Criterium races):

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Corsa-Crit-practice

FAST 50 UPDATE:
With the time change happening on Sunday, March 8th, the official start of the long-running "Fast 50" Wednesday night rides will be happening on March 11th! The starting spot for this ride is in the parking lot of Rosedale Elementary School located at 100 Oak Street here in Chico. The ride leaves promptly at 6:00pm from the parking lot area. A map of the course can be found here:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Fast-50255824

Hope to see you out there!!

Rodney.......
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Airport Practice Criterium this Saturday.........

Hi Everyone! Okay, right now we are planning on holding the Airport Practice Criterium on Saturday(February 28th) at 8:30am, if it doesn't rain. Registration will open at the usual spot on Convair Avenue at 8:15am. The Category "A" group will go 45 minutes PLUS 3 laps. The Category "B" group will go 40 minutes PLUS 3 laps. I promise to have a Cowbell out there this time - I know last time you couldn't hear my keys jingling for the Prime laps! Speaking of Prime laps - we will probably do a few of those during the event, but just for practice......and to get use to the feel of them. Again this is just a practice event, so no big whoop. RAIN or WET PAVEMENT cancels!(If it is wet, we may switch this one and do the Troxel Circuit Race instead - http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Troxel-Circuit-Race ).

The Tuesday Night Airport Criterium Series is scheduled to begin again on Tuesday, March 10th at about 6pmish. The Time Change happens on Sunday, March 8th - Spring forward One Hour - so hoping to have just enough daylight out there to run the Crits. I will have more information as we get closer to the event.

The map of the Airport Criterium short-course is here:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Corsa-Crit-practice

Hope to see you out there!!

Rodney.......
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Results from this morning's Messilla Valley Circuit Race..........

WOW - what a day out there this morning! Yesterday, it was beautiful and sunny........today, it was beautiful.....but it was also pouring down rain with strong winds!!! It made for some epic conditions out there at this morning's 6-lap Messilla Valley Circuit Race.........and 12 riders were brave enough to come out to take part in the event!! My hat goes off to all of you - that was amazing......to watch!!

Let me first give a GINORMOUS Thank You to Christa Ritchey and Forough Molina for bringing out birthday cake for the riders and myself - I can't tell you how much I appreciate it - thank you so so much!!! That was totally cool - and very unexpected - and very appreciated! Thank you!!! And a HUGE thank you to Rich Thurman for driving the Sag vehicle at this morning's event - and keeping the riders safe!!

For some pictures and very shaky videos from this morning's Circuit Race, please visit this website:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/

And here are the results from this morning's Messilla Valley Circuit Race - in the pouring down rain:

Women's Category:
1. Kim Agur
2. Renee Fiack

Men's Category "B":
1. Brian Strukan
2. Jeff Ochs

Men's Category "A":
1. Kevin Speacht
2. Jeff Galland
3. Sean Dugan
4. Jesse Rushing
5. Mike Painter
6. Mike Castaldo
7. Rob Bishop
8. Mike Trowbridge

The next Messilla Valley Circuit Race is scheduled for Saturday, April 4th - Hope to see you there!!

Rodney........
Team Chico & R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Updated Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series Overall Standings.........

Hi Y'all!! Okay, below are the Category Results from this morning's Category 3 Cherokee Time Trial - the 3rd race in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series.........followed by the Updated Current Overall Standings in the Series. We have some changes in the Overall Standings after this morning's event, but we still have 7 events left to ride......with the climbs getting increasingly more difficult. It's going to be a great spring for climbing!!

Some silly photos of this morning's event can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/

The next Time Trial in the Butte Series will be the Category 2 climb of the always-popular Cohasset Time Trial on Saturday, March 7th! Registration for the Cohasset Time Trial will open at 8:15am at Nicalog Road & Cohasset Road - first rider off at 9:01am. Finish for this one is at the Cohasset Store. This event will go on rain or shine. This one climbs approximately 5.1 miles and contains about 1660 feet of elevation gain. A Bikely.com map of the course can be found here:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Cohasset-TT

Hope to see you there!!

Category Standings for this morning's Cherokee Time Trial:

MEN'S CATEGORY "A":
1. Rich Thurman 15:48 = 20 + 3 = 23 points
2. Greg Golet 16:48 = 16 + 3 = 19 points
3. David Albrecht 16:57 = 14 + 3 = 17 points
4. Jesse Rushing 17:03 = 12 + 3 = 15 points
5. Mike Smith 17:17 = 10 + 3 = 13 points
6. Mike Cordova 17:21 = 8 + 3 = 11 points
7. Jim Roberts 17:38 = 6 + 3 = 9 points
8. James Plummer 17:49 = 4 + 3 = 7 points
9. Nathan Younie 19:17 = 2 + 3 = 5 points
10. Greg Watkins 20:25 = 1 + 3 = 4 points

WOMEN'S CATEGORY:
1. Margaret Jones 22:31 = 20 + 3 = 23 points
2. Reene Fiack 23:28 = 16 + 3 = 19 points
3. Caryn Jones 25:07 = 14 + 3 = 17 points
4. Tammy Watkins 25:20 = 12 + 3 = 15 points
5. Diann Harger 25:51 = 10 + 3 = 13 points

WOMEN'S MASTERS 50+ CATEGORY:
1. Jeanne O'Regan 21:25 = 20 + 3 = 23 points
2. Elizabeth Brent 22:12 = 16 + 3 = 19 points

MEN'S CATEGORY "B":
1. Jim Greenlee 19:39 = 20 + 3 = 23 points
2. John Touchette 21:04 = 16 + 3 = 19 points
3. Samuel Bransky 21:36 (1st Place in Junior Men's Category) = 14 + 3 = 17 points
4. David Dura 22:25 = 12 + 3 = 15 points
5. Jeff Davis 22:28 = 10 + 3 = 13 points
6. Ray Bransky 23:02 = 8 + 3 = 11 points
7. Brian Oppy 23:28 = 6 + 3 = 9 points
8. Jeff Nye 24:09 = 4 + 3 = 7 points
9. Andy Merchant 24:42 = 2 + 3 = 5 points
10. David Watkins 29:43 = 1 + 3 = 4 points

MEN'S MASTERS 50+ CATEGORY:
1. Mike Crumm 21:24 = 20 + 3 = 23 points
2. Bill Brent 21:30 = 16 + 3 = 19 points
3. Gary Fowler 21:52 = 14 + 3 + 5 Volunteer bonus = 22 points
4. John D'Ewart 24:06 = 12 + 3 = 15 points

MEN'S MASTERS 60+ CATEGORY:
1. Walt Schafer 20:50 = 20 + 3 = 23 points
2. Jay Rawlins 21:53 = 16 + 3 = 19 points
3. Jim Mensching 24:57 = 14 + 3 = 17 points
4. Skip Lees 26:51 = 12 + 3 = 15 points

CLYDESDALE CATEGORY:
1. Tom Embree 20:37 = 20 + 3 = 23 points
2. Colin Moakley 25:47 = 16 + 3 = 19 points
3. David Miller 26:34 = 14 + 3 = 17 points


AND........THE CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES AFTER 3 EVENTS:


MEN'S CATEGORY "A":
1. Rich Thurman 19 points + 17 points + 23 points = 59 points
2. Greg Golet 17 points + 15 points + 19 points = 51 points
3. Jim Roberts 15 points + 13 points + 9 points = 37 points
4. Aren Timmel 13 points + 23 points = 36 points
5. Jesse Rushing 19 points + 15 points = 34 points
6. Tim Olson 23 points
7. Brad Foster 11 points + 11 points = 22 points
8. Mike Smith 7 points + 13 points = 20 points
9. David Albrecht 17 points
10. Nathan Younie 7 points + 4 points + 5 points = 16 points
11. Greg Watkins 4 points + 4 points + 4 points = 12 points
12. Mike Cordova 11 points
13. Sean Dugan 9 points
13. Jeff Galland 9 points
15. James Plummer 7 points
16. Joe Shelburne 5 points
16. Eric Ayars 5 points

WOMEN'S CATEGORY:
1. Margaret Jones 19 points + 19 points + 23 points = 61 points (1st Place in Junior Women's Division too)
2. Diann Harger 17 points + 17 points + 13 points = 47 points
3. Christine Roberts 23 points + 23 points = 46 points
4. Renee Fiack 19 points
5. Caryn Jones 17 points
6. Tammy Watkins 15 points

WOMEN'S MASTERS 50+ CATEGORY:
1. Jeanne O'Regan 23 points + 23 points = 46 points
2. Elizabeth Brent 19 points


MEN'S CATEGORY "B":
1. Jim Greenlee 23 points + 23 points + 23 points = 69 points
2. John Touchette 15 points + 17 points + 19 points = 51 points
3. Clay Johnson 19 points + 19 points = 38 points
4. Jeff Davis 9 points + 9 points + 13 points = 31 points
5. Brian Oppy 5 points + 13 points + 9 points = 27 points
6. Charlie Pelton 11 points + 15 points = 26 points
7. David Dura 7 points + 15 points = 22 points
8. Ray Bransky 7 points + 11 points = 18 points
8. Jeff Nye 11 points + 7 points = 18 points
10. Samuel Bransky 17 points
10. Andy Grayson 17points
12. Andrew Merchant 4 points + 5 points + 5 points = 14 points
13. Alex Roberson 13 points
14. David Watkins 4 points + 4 points + 4 points = 12 points
15. Matt Itamura 4 points
15. Dennis Schmidt 4 points


MEN'S MASTERS 50+ CATEGORY:
1. Mike Crumm 23 points + 23 points + 23 points = 69 points
2. John D'ewart 13 points + 19 points + 15 points = 47 points
3. Gary Fowler 11 points + 22 points = 33 points
4. Steve O'Bryan 9 points + 17 points = 26 points
5. Bill Brent 19 points
5. Lee Altier 19 points
7. Greg Kallio 17 points
8. Dan Dominguez 15 points


MEN'S MASTERS 60+ CATEGORY:
1. Walt Schafer 19 points + 23 points + 23 points = 65 points
2. Jay Rawlins 23 points + 19 points + 19 points = 61 points
3. Jim Mensching 17 points + 17 points + 17 points = 51 points
4. Skip Lees 15 points

CLYDESDALE CATEGORY:
1. Tom Embree 23 points + 23 points + 23 points = 69 points
2. Colin Moakley 15 points + 19 points + 19 points = 53 points
3. Lau Ackerman 19 points
4. David Miller 17 points
4. Tony Mainz 17 points
6. Brian Teal 13 points


AND - THE BUTTE SERIES HILL CLIMB INFORMATION IS BELOW:

Hi Everyone! So, we are starting a NEW Hill Climb Series this next Spring - The Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series in Spring 2009 will visit various parts of Butte County, with the climbs and dates below. There was a similar Series done years ago here in Chico - 1981 or 1982 - by Tom Devol and Jeff Smith, who owned Cyclesport bike shop at the time. And, of course, now there is that almost-famous Low Key Hillclimb Series in the Bay Area every fall. In any case, we decided to have our own and revive the old Hill Climb Series.......with a few route changes. Below is a list of the tentative events with dates. It should be mentioned that these dates could change depending upon other events going on. And, of course......the weather! Rain will NOT cancel - but snow and ice will.

Note: The Chico Hill Climb Time Trial Series will be back in the Fall/Winter of 2009 - starting in September! The Butte Series will go from January 1st, 2009 to May 31st, 2009. This Series follows a slow progression over 5 months - starting with the Category 3 climbs early to get your legs ready........and ending with the Category 1 climbs in May. This should help you take advantage of those springtime miles!! And, yes.....there will be a Summer Series as well.

How does it work??? Below are each of the 10 Hillclimbs in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. Each climb has been given a rank based upon feedback from some well-known riders in the area (and climbers in particular - yes, I know - everyone is different, but this is just a low-key have-fun series, so no big whoop). Category 1 climbs are the hardest, with Category 3 being.......let's not say easiest.......let's say........not quite as hard as Category 1! Points will be awarded to the top finishers in each Hill Climb TT - the folks with the most points at the end of the Series, wins the overall title in their respective categories........along with the coveted Butte County Hill Climb Champion Trophy.

EVERY competitor who starts and finishes an event receives an additonal 3 points PER event.

The Point Breakdown for placings is as follows:

Cat. 1 Climb = 30-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (In other words, 1st place in a Cat. 1 TT gets 30 points, 2nd place gets 26 and on down the line - every person who competes in the event gets at least 1 point).
Cat. 2 Climb = 24-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1(The winner of a Cat. 2 climb gets 24 points, 2nd place gets 20 points and on and on.)
Cat. 3 Climb = 20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1

And here are the Time Trial courses, the tentative dates, and their listed difficulty category:

Humboldt Road Time Trial - Jan. 1st - Cat. 3 - Definitely on January 1st. - COMPLETED!
Centerville to the Gravel - January 11 - Cat. 3 - COMPLETED!
Cherokee Time Trial - February 21 - Cat. 3 (Start at Coal Canyon Road @ Wheelock Rd. and go up 70, turn at Cherokee) - COMPLETED!
Cohasset to the Store - March 7 - Cat. 2
Pentz Road - March 14 - Cat. 2
Coutelenc TT - April 5 - Cat. 2 (Just stay on Coutelenc)
Vilas Road Time Trial - April 18 - Cat. 1 (From Nicalog to the end of Vilas)
Honey Run Road - May 10 - Cat. 1
Forest Ranch to Lomo - May 16 - Cat. 1(starts at Forest Ranch Store; ends at entrance to Butte Meadows)
Lomo to Jonesville TT - May 31 - Cat. 1 (starts at Hwy. 32 at entrance to Butte Meadows; ends at the snowmobile parking lot)
(Yes, I have a Summer Series planned too!)

10 Climbs, approximately 18,000 feet of climbing in total, held over a 5-month period from January through May 2009. Consistency will be key in winning the Overall Series.

Participant Categories - the following categories will be offered for the Series event(see below) The winner in each category will receive the Butte Hill Climb Champion Trophy, along with Bragging Rights.........as well as any stuff we can get to give away as prizes:

Category "A" Men
Category "B" Men
Women's Category
Womens 50+ Category
Clydesdale Men (No no, I'm not gonna weigh you - just show up and tell me and I will give you a yes or no answer.....however, I'm looking for about 200 pound body weight or more)
Mens 50+ Category
Mens 60+ Category

As usual, sandbaggers are strongly discouraged ( A Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider entering a Category "B" event). Also, if there's a lot of folks in one particular category, we may split those up into sub-categories, if needed. In turn, if nobody - or very few folks are in one category, we may eliminate it and add an additional category where the numbers allow it.

Although donations to put on these events are always very appreciated and accepted, this Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Time Trials in Spring 2009! Hope to see you out there - and I will have more details, maps and information as we get closer to the events.

Rodney........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Today's Chico Airport Practice Criterium Results - Feb. 21st............

We were quite lucky in that the rains held off this afternoon while we did the Airport Practice Criterium today, making for a much drier event! We may not be quite so lucky at tomorrow's Messilla Valley Circuit Race.......but we'll still be having it......it may be shortened if it's raining too hard (to 6 laps from the proposed 10 laps).

Okay, we had 14 riders taking part in the Criterium this afternoon - and some great racing action! After placing 5th in the Cherokee Uphill Time Trial this morning, Mike Smith came out to the afternoon Criterium to take the win in a classic solo breakaway! He was followed closely by Ryan Olson and a hard-charging Evan Carroll! Mike Painter, Janeen Thorpe and Ben Bryant were close to follow. During the race, Ryan Olson took the first two Prime laps, while Mike Smith took the 3rd one.

We will be back out at the Chico Airport for one more Practice Criterium next Saturday morning - Feb. 28th. Registration will open at 8:00AM - Racing action will start at 8:30AM.


Preliminary Results from Feb. 21st Airport Criterium:
1. Mike Smith
2. Ryan Olson
3. Evan Carroll
4. Mike Painter
5. Janeen Thorpe
6. Ben Bryant
7. Frank Marinello
8. Colin Moakley (Also raced the Hill Climb this morning!!)
9. Kathie Thornton
10. JJ Besio
DNP: Tim Creswell, David Klein, Tom(didn't catch the last name), Christopher Cook(flatted),

Rodney
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Cherokee Uphill Time Trial Results...........

Hi Everyone!! Wow - what an amazing day outside today! We had great temperatures, little wind and plenty of sunshine for this morning's Cherokee Uphill Time Trial - the 3rd race in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series! In all, we had 38 riders take part in this morning's event - and it looks like the weather may even hold out for this afternoon's Airport Practice Criterium!

Okay, below are the Combined Results from this morning's Cherokee Time Trial. I will have the updated standings in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series later this evening. Thank you ALL for coming out to the Time Trial this morning - it was GREAT seeing you all out there giving this hill your best shot! And, we'll be doing this hill again in the upcoming Table Mountain Road Race on May 2nd.

CHEROKEE UPHILL TIME TRIAL:
1. Rich Thurman 15:48 (1st Place in Men's Category A)
2. Greg Golet 16:48
3. David Albrecht 16:57
4. Jesse Rushing 17:03
5. Mike Smith 17:17
6. Mike Cordova 17:21
7. Jim Roberts 17:38
8. James Plummer 17:49
9. Nathan Younie 19:17
10. Jim Greenlee 19:39 (1st Place in Men's Category B)
11. Greg Watkins 20:25
12. Tom Embree 20:37 (1st Place in Clydesdale Category)
13. Walt Schafer 20:50 (1st Place in Men's Masters 60+ Category)
14. John Touchette 21:04
15. Mike Crumm 21:24
16. Jeanne O'Regan 21:25 (1st Place Woman and Masters 50+ Women's Category)
17. Bill Brent 21:30
18. Samuel Bransky 21:36(1st Place Junior Men)
19. Gary Fowler 21:52
20. Jay Rawlins 21:53
21. Elizabeth Brent 22:12
22. David Dura 22:25
23. Jeff Davis 22:28
24. Maggie Jones 22:31 (1st Place Junior Women)
25. Ray Bransky 23:02
26. Brian Oppy 23:28
27. Reene Fiack 23:28
28. John D'Ewart 24:06
29. Jeff Nye 24:09
30. Andy Merchant 24:42
31. Jim Mensching 24:57
32. Caryn Jones 25:07
33. Tammy Watkins 25:20
34. Colin Moakley 25:47
35. Diann Harger 25:51
36. David Miller 26:34
37. Skip Lees 26:51
38. David Watkins 29:43

Rodney......
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Still Tentative R.A.C.E. Schedule.......and still working on the MTB calendar..........

Tentative schedule for some of the local competitive(and a few non-competitive) cycling events through May 28th, 2009:

FEBRUARY 2009:
Saturday, Feb. 21st - Cherokee Time Trial (3rd Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, Feb. 22nd - Messilla Valley Circuit Race (1st one of the year!!!)
Saturday, Feb. 28th - Daytime Airport Criterium (Saturday morning Criterium PRACTICE)


MARCH 2009:
Sunday, Mar. 1st - Tour of the Unknown Valley South (Chico Velo event)
Tuesday, Mar. 3rd - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, Mar. 4th - Fast 50
Saturday, Mar. 7th - Cohasset To The Store Time Trial (4th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, Mar. 8th - Tour de Ed (Chico Cyclists Care Fund event)
Tuesday, Mar. 10th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, Mar. 11th - Fast 50
Thursday, Mar. 12th - Thursday Night River Road 10-Mile Time Trial (1st one of the year!!)
Saturday, Mar. 14th - Pentz Road Time Trial (5th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, Mar. 15th - Aguas Frias Road Race (A flat one, to start the year off right)(Italian Triple is going on too!)
Tuesday, Mar. 17th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, Mar. 18th - Fast 50
Thursday, Mar. 19th - Aguas Frias 10-Mile Time Trial
Saturday, Mar. 21st - Land Park Criterium in Sacramento (I'll be in Sac.)
Sunday, Mar. 22nd - Bariani Road Race (I'll be in Zamora, CA)
Tuesday, Mar. 24th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium (Stage 1 of the March "Rodneyum"!)
Wednesday, Mar. 25th - Fast 50 (Stage 2 of the March "Rodneyum"!)
Thursday, Mar. 26th - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial (Final Stage of the March "Rodneyum!")
Saturday, Mar. 28th - Daytime Airport Criterium (Look for an 8am start for this one!)
Sunday, Mar. 29th - Tour of the Unknown Valley North (Chico Velo event)
Tuesday, Mar. 31st - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium


APRIL 2009:
Wednesday, April 1st - Fast 50(But on this one, you'll have to sprint for every Speed Limit sign, as well as all Stop Ahead signs and all Stop Signs!!).....note the date ;)
Thursday, April 2nd - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial
Saturday, April 4th - Messilla Valley Circuit Race (Very tentative at this point)
Sunday, April 5th - Coutelenc Time Trial (6th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Tuesday, April 7th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium(Stage 1 of the April Rodneyum!)
Wednesday, April 8th - Fast 50 (Stage 2 of the April Rodneyum!)
Thursday, April 9th - Aguas Frias 10-Mile Time Trial (Final Stage of the April Rodneyum!)
Saturday, April 11th - Grainland Road Race (Stay tuned for details - think Paris-Roubaix)
Sunday, April 12th - Field of Dreams Time Trial (a new flat/rolling course for Easter!)
Tuesday, April 14th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, April 15th - Fast 50
Thursday, April 16th - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial
Friday, April 17th - Humboldt Road Race - a new short Friday evening event!
Saturday, April 18th - Vilas Road Time Trial (7th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, April 19th - Airport LONG-course Criterium(using the 1-Mile course for this daytime Criterium)
Tuesday, April 21st - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium - Devil Takes The Hindmost on this one!!
Wednesday, April 22nd - Fast 50
Thursday, April 23rd - Aguas Frias 25-MILE Time Trial (RACE #1 in the 2009 Chico 25-Mile Time Trial Series)
Saturday, April 25th - Um......I'm kinda busy this day and the next.
Sunday, April 26th - Wildflower Century (Chico Velo event)
Tuesday, April 28th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, April 29th - Fast 50
Thursday, April 30th - Meridian Road 10-Mile Time Trial (a new course!)


MAY 2009:
Friday, May 1st - Friday Night Fights - Sprint Competition (Details out soon - but look for about a 45-minute sprint workout!)
Saturday, May 2nd - Table Mountain Road Race
Sunday, May 3rd - Butte City Road Race (Bringing back the old classic!!!)
Sunday, May 3rd - Afternoon Airport Criterium
Tuesday, May 5th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, May 6th - Fast 50
Thursday, May 7th - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial
Friday, May 8th - Friday Night Fights - Sprint Competition
Saturday, May 9th - 7-Mile Lane 25-MILE Time Trial (Stage 1 of the Devil's Kick Omnium) (RACE #2 in the 2009 Chico 25-Mile Time Trial Series)
Saturday, May 9th - Saturday Evening Airport Criterium (Stage 2 of the Devil's Kick Omnium)
Sunday, May 10th - Honey Run Road Time Trial (Final Stage in the Devil's Kick Omnium.....and 8th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Tuesday, May 12th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium - GOING Long-Course on this one!
Wednesday, May 13th - Fast 50
Thursday, May 14th - Aguas Frias 10-Mile Time Trial
Friday, May 15th - Friday Night Fights - Sprint Competition
Saturday, May 16th - Forest Ranch To Lomo Time Trial (9th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, May 17th - Messilla Valley Circuit Race
Tuesday, May 19th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium (Stage 1 of the May Rodneyum)
Wednesday, May 20th - Fast 50 (Stage 2 of the May Rodneyum)
Thursday, May 21st - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial (Final Stage in the May Rodneyum)(I will be starting these in the EARLY morning hours as well!)
Friday, May 22nd - Friday Night Fights - Sprint Competition
Saturday, May 23rd - Nimshew Road Race (Bring sturdy tires for this one!)
Sunday, May 24th - Coal Canyon Circuit Race (A new Circuit Race!)
Tuesday, May 26th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, May 27th - Fast 50
Thursday, May 28th - Aguas Frias 25-MILE Time Trial (RACE #3 in the 2009 Chico 25-Mile Time Trial Series)
Last weekend of May - STAY TUNED!!

The Summer 2009 Schedule is still being pondered over, analyzed, studied and re-pondered.

Some other possible events coming up in 2009:

Chico Uphill TT Series - Fall/Winter 2009

Nutcracker Omnium - Early September 2009

Dog Days Omnium - August 2009

Rumpstomper Omnium - June 2009

Honey Run Omnium - This one has a surprise twist for the "last" stage! - October 2009

Cornucopia Omnium - MTB, Cyclocross & Road - October/November 2009

Butt Butt'r Omnium - 100 Mile RR & 35-mile TT - July 2009

Chico Pursuit Championships - July 2009

Leesville Gap Road Race - Practice race before the Velo Promo event. - June 2009

Dunnigan Hills Road Race - Practice race before the Velo Promo event. - July 2009

Team Chico Cutty Series - December 2009

Black Butte Road Race - August 2009

Chico Road Race Championships - July 2009

2009 Winter Racing Series - 6-race series next winter - Starts October 2009 through Jan. 2010.

Table Mountain Road Races - probably monthly - February through September 2009.

Wheelock Road Race - April 2009

Field of Dreams Time Trial - April 2009

Field of Dreams Stage Race - April 2009

Paskenta Hills Road Race - June 2009

Nelson Road Race - July 2009

North Rim Circuit Race - MTB

The Most Insane Road Race Ever Road Race - bring life support for this one - July 2009.

Forest Ranch TT - the "Case of Sierra Nevada" Challenge! - September 2009.

Jonesville Road Race - June 2009

Jonesville Time Trial - June 2009

Vilas TT - Part of the Butte Hill Climb TT Series.

Sterling City TT - Part of the Summer Hill Climb TT Series.

666 Time Trial Series(I'll change the name - it is basically a 6-mile flat time trial series)
Keefer Loop TT - Starts January 2009 and throughout the year.

Keefer Road TT - Starts Feburary 2009 and goes throughout the year.

Durham-Ruubay Road Race(think Paris-Roubaix)

Butte City Road Race

Honey Run Road Race - October 2009.

Nimshew Road Race(part gravel)

The T-Shirt Road Race

Cassandra Road Race

Coal Canyon Circuit Race

Rose Avenue Circuit Race

7-Mile Lane Time Trial

50-Mile Airport Twilight Criterium - June 2009

Rodney..........
Team Chico & R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Messilla Valley Circuit Race - Sunday, Feb. 22nd........

Hi Everyone! Yes, it is back on the schedule - the monthly(or almost-monthly) Messilla Valley Circuit Race will be held for the 1st time in 2009 on Sunday, February 22nd. This is the day after the Cherokee Time Trial(Race #3 in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series).

Again, there is NO entry fee to participate in this Circuit Race. However, donations are always very welcome - but most definitely NOT mandatory, required or expected!

The announcement for the race is listed below. Also, there are 2 sets of mini-trophies for the winners - the Womens winner in the "A" Category, the Mens winner in the "A" category, the Womens winner in the "B" Category and the Mens winner in the "B" Category. If there are no Womens A riders, we will award the trophy to the Mens Masters 45+ winner in the A Category. So, come on out to participate or to watch - or both! And remember - we're just out there to ride, train, have fun, get a little exercise - and get you out there on your bicycles!!

Okay, here is the race announcement:

We will be having the Messilla Valley Circuit Race on Sunday, February 22nd - at 9:00am. Registration will open at 8:30AM at the top of the hill of Messilla Valley Road - just near the intersection with Pentz Road. The "A" Category will be starting their event at 9:00AM, and the "B" Category going at 9:01AM. The number of laps will remain the same as last year - 10 laps for each Category(sorry - I know, I'm the devil!).

Again, sandbagging will not be allowed!

The Messilla Valley Course is approximately 3.5 miles in length with about 300+feet of climbing per lap. 10 laps = 35 miles and 3,000+ feet of climbing. We will have one or two water containers at the Start/Finish Line.

For a map of the course,please click on the link below: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Messilla-Valley-Circuit-Race

Again, most USCF rules apply to these races - you know, wear a helmet, don't be stupid, ride correctly and all that good stuff. 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! Normally, in a USCF race, you would not be allowed to have them on your bicycle - 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 be very very reluctant in using the Tri Bars in a pack/paceline situation.

For those of you driving to the course, Spring Valley School is approximately1-mile from the Start/Finish.......or you can park at Butte College and ride tothe start(great warm-up and cool-down, with a store along the way). Parking on the course is strongly discouraged.

Helmets are mandatory!!

Water bottle hand-ups will be solely dependent on volunteers, BUT I will be bringing a small ice chest with some water bottles again(ice water only).

Hope to see you out there!!

Rodney.........
Team Chico & R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Cherokee Uphill Time Trial - Sat., Feb. 21st............

Hi Everyone!! Yes, that Tour of California thingy and the Lance Show are all going on this weekend and next week, but we are also smack dab in the beginning of the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series as well!! The next event in this Series will take place on Saturday, February 21st - the Cherokee Time Trial! The Category 3 climb of the Cherokee Time Trial is approximately 4.8 miles in length and climbs approximately 1,200 feet.......from Coal Canyon Road to the little town of Cherokee - click on the link below to see the map of the course:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Cherokee-Time-Trial

Registration will open at 8:15am at the corner of Hwy. 70 and Coal Canyon Road(ACROSS FROM WHEELOCK ROAD!), and the first rider will go off at 9:01am.....and, as usual, we will go in 1-minute intervals.

AND - the Messilla Valley Circuit Race takes place the very next day(Sunday, February 22nd) for some added pain......er.....uh.......fun!!!


AND........THE CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES AFTER 2 EVENTS:


MEN'S CATEGORY "A":
1. Rich Thurman 19 points + 17 points = 36 points
1. Aren Timmel 13 points + 23 points = 36 points
3. Greg Golet 17 points + 15 points = 32 points
4. Jim Roberts 15 points + 13 points = 28 points
5. Tim Olson 23 points
6. Brad Foster 11 points + 11 points = 22 points
7. Jesse Rushing 19 points
8. Nathan Younie 7 points + 4 points = 11 points
9. Sean Dugan 9 points
9. Jeff Galland 9 points
11. Greg Watkins 4 points + 4 points = 8 points
12. Mike Smith 7 points
13. Joe Shelburne 5 points
13. Eric Ayars 5 points

WOMEN'S CATEGORY:
1. Christine Roberts 23 points + 23 points = 46 points
2. Magaret Jones 19 points + 19 points = 38 points (1st Place in Junior Women's Division)
3. Diann Harger 17 points + 17 points = 34 points

WOMEN'S MASTERS 50+ CATEGORY:
1. Jeanne O'Regan 23 points


MEN'S CATEGORY "B":
1. Jim Greenlee 23 points + 23 points = 46 points
2. Clay Johnson 19 points + 19 points = 38 points
3. John Touchette 15 points + 17 points = 32 points
4. Charlie Pelton 11 points + 15 points = 26 points
5. Brian Oppy 5 points + 13 points = 18 points
7. Andy Grayson 17points
8. Alex Roberson 13 points
9. Jeff Nye 11 points
10. Andrew Merchant 4 points + 5 points = 9 points
11. David Watkins 4 points + 4 points = 8 points (1st Place in Junior Men's Division)
12. David Dura 7 points
12. Ray Bransky 7 points
14. Matt Itamura 4 points
14. Dennis Schmidt 4 points


MEN'S MASTERS 50+ CATEGORY:
1. Mike Crumm 23 points + 23 points = 46 points
2. John D'ewart 13 points + 19 points = 32 points
3. Steve O'Bryan 9 points + 17 points = 26 points
4. Lee Altier 19 points
5. Greg Kallio 17 points
6. Dan Dominguez 15 points
7. Gary Fowler 11 points


MEN'S MASTERS 60+ CATEGORY:
1. Jay Rawlins 23 points + 19 points = 42 points
1. Walt Schafer 19 points + 23 points = 42 points
3. Jim Mensching 17 points + 17 points = 34 points

CLYDESDALE CATEGORY:
1. Tom Embree 23 points + 23 points = 46 points
2. Colin Moakley 15 points + 19 points = 34 points
3. Lau Ackerman 19 points
4. Tony Mainz 17 points
5. Brian Teal 13 points


AND - THE BUTTE SERIES HILL CLIMB INFORMATION IS BELOW:

Hi Everyone! So, we are starting a NEW Hill Climb Series this next Spring - The Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series in Spring 2009 will visit various parts of Butte County, with the climbs and dates below. There was a similar Series done years ago here in Chico - 1981 or 1982 - by Tom Devol and Jeff Smith, who owned Cyclesport bike shop at the time. And, of course, now there is that almost-famous Low Key Hillclimb Series in the Bay Area every fall. In any case, we decided to have our own and revive the old Hill Climb Series.......with a few route changes. Below is a list of the tentative events with dates. It should be mentioned that these dates could change depending upon other events going on. And, of course......the weather! Rain will NOT cancel - but snow and ice will.

Note: The Chico Hill Climb Time Trial Series will be back in the Fall/Winter of 2009 - starting in September! The Butte Series will go from January 1st, 2009 to May 31st, 2009. This Series follows a slow progression over 5 months - starting with the Category 3 climbs early to get your legs ready........and ending with the Category 1 climbs in May. This should help you take advantage of those springtime miles!! And, yes.....there will be a Summer Series as well.

How does it work??? Below are each of the 10 Hillclimbs in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. Each climb has been given a rank based upon feedback from some well-known riders in the area (and climbers in particular - yes, I know - everyone is different, but this is just a low-key have-fun series, so no big whoop). Category 1 climbs are the hardest, with Category 3 being.......let's not say easiest.......let's say........not quite as hard as Category 1! Points will be awarded to the top finishers in each Hill Climb TT - the folks with the most points at the end of the Series, wins the overall title in their respective categories........along with the coveted Butte County Hill Climb Champion Trophy.

EVERY competitor who starts and finishes an event receives an additonal 3 points PER event.

The Point Breakdown for placings is as follows:

Cat. 1 Climb = 30-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (In other words, 1st place in a Cat. 1 TT gets 30 points, 2nd place gets 26 and on down the line - every person who competes in the event gets at least 1 point).
Cat. 2 Climb = 24-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1(The winner of a Cat. 2 climb gets 24 points, 2nd place gets 20 points and on and on.)
Cat. 3 Climb = 20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1

And here are the Time Trial courses, the tentative dates, and their listed difficulty category:

Humboldt Road Time Trial - Jan. 1st - Cat. 3 - Definitely on January 1st. - COMPLETED!
Centerville to the Gravel - January 11 - Cat. 3 - COMPLETED!
Cherokee Time Trial - February 21 - Cat. 3 (Start at Coal Canyon Road and go up 70, turn at Cherokee)
Cohasset to the Store - March 7 - Cat. 2
Pentz Road - March 14 - Cat. 2
Coutelenc TT - April 5 - Cat. 2 (Just stay on Coutelenc)
Vilas Road Time Trial - April 18 - Cat. 1 (From Nicalog to the end of Vilas)
Honey Run Road - May 10 - Cat. 1
Forest Ranch to Lomo - May 16 - Cat. 1(starts at Forest Ranch Store; ends at entrance to Butte Meadows)
Lomo to Jonesville TT - May 31 - Cat. 1 (starts at Hwy. 32 at entrance to Butte Meadows; ends at the snowmobile parking lot)
(Yes, I have a Summer Series planned too!)

10 Climbs, approximately 18,000 feet of climbing in total, held over a 5-month period from January through May 2009. Consistency will be key in winning the Overall Series.

Participant Categories - the following categories will be offered for the Series event(see below) The winner in each category will receive the Butte Hill Climb Champion Trophy, along with Bragging Rights.........as well as any stuff we can get to give away as prizes:

Category "A" Men
Category "B" Men
Women's Category
Womens 50+ Category
Clydesdale Men (No no, I'm not gonna weigh you - just show up and tell me and I will give you a yes or no answer.....however, I'm looking for about 200 pound body weight or more)
Mens 50+ Category
Mens 60+ Category

As usual, sandbaggers are strongly discouraged ( A Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider entering a Category "B" event). Also, if there's a lot of folks in one particular category, we may split those up into sub-categories, if needed. In turn, if nobody - or very few folks are in one category, we may eliminate it and add an additional category where the numbers allow it.

Although donations to put on these events are always very appreciated and accepted, this Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Time Trials in Spring 2009! Hope to see you out there - and I will have more details, maps and information as we get closer to the events.

Rodney........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Tentative R.A.C.E. Schedule..............

Pic above is from last Sunday's Paskenta Road Race here in Chico, CA. This is the first section of the 4 mile gravel road.

Hi Everyone!! So, after trying to figure out schedules and more schedules, I came up with a few very tentative dates for some of the local competitive(and a few non-competitive) cycling events for the next few months. Again, these are tentative for now, so the dates and events might change. As we start getting closer to some of them, I will put out more details to the e-mail lists, blog, Facebook, etc.

Tentative schedule for some of the local competitive(and a few non-competitive) cycling events through May 28th, 2009:

FEBRUARY 2009:
Sunday, Feb. 8th - Rice Valley Tandem Rally (Chico Velo event)
Saturday, Feb. 14th - Tour of California(I'll be in Sac. - Sorry)
Sunday, Feb. 15th - Tour of California (I'll be in Santa Rosa)
Saturday, Feb. 21st - Cherokee Time Trial (3rd Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, Feb. 22nd - Messilla Valley Circuit Race (1st one of the year!!!)
Saturday, Feb. 28th - Daytime Airport Criterium (Saturday morning Criterium PRACTICE)


MARCH 2009:
Sunday, Mar. 1st - Tour of the Unknown Valley South (Chico Velo event)
Tuesday, Mar. 3rd - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, Mar. 4th - Fast 50
Saturday, Mar. 7th - Cohasset To The Store Time Trial (4th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, Mar. 8th - Tour de Ed (Chico Cyclists Care Fund event)
Tuesday, Mar. 10th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, Mar. 11th - Fast 50
Thursday, Mar. 12th - Thursday Night River Road 10-Mile Time Trial (1st one of the year!!)
Saturday, Mar. 14th - Pentz Road Time Trial (5th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, Mar. 15th - Aguas Frias Road Race (A flat one, to start the year off right)(May replace with the Italian Triple!)
Tuesday, Mar. 17th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, Mar. 18th - Fast 50
Thursday, Mar. 19th - Aguas Frias 10-Mile Time Trial
Saturday, Mar. 21st - Land Park Criterium in Sacramento (I'll be in Sac.)
Sunday, Mar. 22nd - Zamora Road Race(Bariani) (I'll be in Zamora)
Tuesday, Mar. 24th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium (Stage 1 of the March "Rodneyum"!)
Wednesday, Mar. 25th - Fast 50 (Stage 2 of the March "Rodneyum"!)
Thursday, Mar. 26th - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial (Final Stage of the March "Rodneyum!")
Saturday, Mar. 28th - Daytime Airport Criterium (Look for an 8am start for this one)
Sunday, Mar. 29th - Tour of the Unknown Valley North (Chico Velo event)
Tuesday, Mar. 31st - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium


APRIL 2009:
Wednesday, April 1st - Fast 50(But on this one, you'll have to sprint for every Speed Limit sign, as well as all Stop Ahead signs and all Stop Signs!!).....note the date ;)
Thursday, April 2nd - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial
Saturday, April 4th - Messilla Valley Circuit Race
Sunday, April 5th - Coutelenc Time Trial (6th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Tuesday, April 7th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium(Stage 1 of the April Rodneyum!)
Wednesday, April 8th - Fast 50 (Stage 2 of the April Rodneyum!)
Thursday, April 9th - Aguas Frias 10-Mile Time Trial (Final Stage of the April Rodneyum!)
Saturday, April 11th - Grainland Road Race (Stay tuned for details - think Paris-Roubaix)
Sunday, April 12th - Field of Dreams Time Trial (a new flat/rolling course for Easter!)
Tuesday, April 14th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, April 15th - Fast 50
Thursday, April 16th - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial
Saturday, April 18th - Vilas Road Time Trial (7th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, April 19th - Airport LONG-course Criterium(using the 1-Mile course for this daytime Criterium)
Tuesday, April 21st - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium - Devil Takes The Hindmost on this one!!
Wednesday, April 22nd - Fast 50
Thursday, April 23rd - Aguas Frias 25-MILE Time Trial (RACE #1 in the 2009 Chico 25-Mile Time Trial Series)
Saturday, April 25th - Um......I'm kinda busy this day and the next.
Sunday, April 26th - Wildflower Century (Chico Velo event)
Tuesday, April 28th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, April 29th - Fast 50
Thursday, April 30th - Meridian Road 10-Mile Time Trial (a new course!)


MAY 2009:
Friday, May 1st - Friday Night Fights - Sprint Competition (Details out soon - but look for about a 45-minute sprint workout!)
Saturday, May 2nd - Table Mountain Road Race
Sunday, May 3rd - Butte City Road Race (Bringing back the old classic!!!)
Sunday, May 3rd - Afternoon Airport Criterium
Tuesday, May 5th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, May 6th - Fast 50
Thursday, May 7th - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial
Friday, May 8th - Friday Night Fights - Sprint Competition
Saturday, May 9th - 7-Mile Lane 25-MILE Time Trial (Stage 1 of the Devil's Kick Omnium) (RACE #2 in the 2009 Chico 25-Mile Time Trial Series)
Saturday, May 9th - Saturday Evening Airport Criterium (Stage 2 of the Devil's Kick Omnium)
Sunday, May 10th - Honey Run Road Time Trial (Final Stage in the Devil's Kick Omnium.....and 8th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Tuesday, May 12th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium - GOING Long-Course on this one!
Wednesday, May 13th - Fast 50
Thursday, May 14th - Aguas Frias 10-Mile Time Trial
Friday, May 15th - Friday Night Fights - Sprint Competition
Saturday, May 16th - Forest Ranch To Lomo Time Trial (9th Event in the Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series)
Sunday, May 17th - Messilla Valley Circuit Race
Tuesday, May 19th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium (Stage 1 of the May Rodneyum)
Wednesday, May 20th - Fast 50 (Stage 2 of the May Rodneyum)
Thursday, May 21st - River Road 10-Mile Time Trial (Final Stage in the May Rodneyum)(I will be starting these in the EARLY morning hours as well!)
Friday, May 22nd - Friday Night Fights - Sprint Competition
Saturday, May 23rd - Nimshew Road Race (Bring sturdy tires for this one!)
Sunday, May 24th - Coal Canyon Circuit Race (A new Circuit Race!)
Tuesday, May 26th - Tuesday Night Airport Criterium
Wednesday, May 27th - Fast 50
Thursday, May 28th - Aguas Frias 25-MILE Time Trial (RACE #3 in the 2009 Chico 25-Mile Time Trial Series)
Last weekend of May - STAY TUNED!!

The Summer 2009 Schedule is still being pondered over, analyzed, studied and re-pondered.

Rodney..........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Annoying Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Paskenta 2009 pics............

Hi Everyone! What a day out there yesterday for Paskenta!! It was awesome seeing all the riders out there - looks like we had around 250 to 300 riders, and more already out on the road. A HUGE thank you goes out to Darren Reichel and the Chico Police Department for the police escort all the way down the Esplanade yesterday morning - that was GREATLY appreciated!!! And also, I would like to thank Geno Gruber and David Kyle for all of their help with food, mechanicals and keeping me sane - I really appreciate all of your help!!

For the "race" portion of the ride, it was Cal Giant's Jesse Moore taking the win for the men and PowerBar's Michelle Beltran taking the victory for the women! Some photos and videos of that part of the event can be found here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/

All-in-all, a good event - very windy though!!!

Hope to see you all out there for Paskenta in 2010!!

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