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