The "Aliya" Omnium Bicycle Race - March 5th &6th, 2011

THE "ALIYA" OMNIUM BICYCLE RACE - aka, THE ALIYAMNIUM!!
March 5th & 6th, 2011
3 Stages over 2 days!
Prizes & Medals to top 3 in each Category!!

Hi Everyone!! This year, our 13-year-old local cycling phenom - Aliya Traficante - is trying her best to get to the Junior National Cycling Championships in Augusta, Georgia this June. But, in order to get to Georgia, she requires some badly needed funding. So, R.A.C.E. is having a fundraiser Omnium to help her get there!! We are asking for donations of $25 to enter the entire Omnium......or donations of $10 per event. Every little bit helps, so come on out to challenge yourself at this upcoming bicycle event - and help out one of our up-and-coming Junior riders at the same time!! For more information on Aliya - and to keep up-to-date with Aliya's cycling - please visit her blog at:

http://aliyatraficante.blogspot.com/

A HUGE and TREMENDOUS thank you to our sponsors for this year's Aliya Omnium:

***Modern Building***
***Foster Chiropractic Clinic***
***Sierra Nevada Brewery***
***North Rim Adventure Sports***
***The Bicyle Shop***

Stages of the 2011 Aliya Omnium:

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM - 1st Stage of the Aliyamnium(Rain or shine event!). (Also, Event #9 in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series!)

Saturday, March 5th - The Kaleb Kriterium(Chico Airport Criterium course) - 2:00PM - 2nd Stage of the Aliyamnium(Rain or wet pavement will cancel this event!)..............sooooo,
if it is wet or raining, we will be doing the River Road 10-Mile Time Trial as the 2nd stage instead!!

Sunday, March 6th - The Messilla Valley Circuit Race - 9:00AM - 3rd and Final Stage of the Aliyamnium(Rain or shine event!) (Also counts as a 30-point event in the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series!)

***PLEASE see "Route Details" below for more information on the stages.

How does it work??? And what in the world is an "Omnium" bicycle race???
Okay, in this scenario, an Omnium(or, in this case, The Aliyamnium!) is just a Stage 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 Aliyamnium(see Categories below). 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 all the rules pertaining to the Aliyamnium. And remember - the only reasons we're doing this Omnium is for fun, fitness, fundraising for a great cause......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. We will have prizes and medals to the Top 3 in EACH Category - as well as an Awards Ceremony on Sunday afternoon after the Circuit Race.

The following Categories will be offered in the Aliyamnium:

Category "A" - Advanced riders.
Category "B" - Intermediate riders.
Category "C" - Novice riders.
Women's Category
Men's Masters 50+ Category in Cat. B
Junior Category(riders under the age of 16).

The Point Breakdown for EACH stage:

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00am - See Route Details below:
1st = 24 points
2nd = 20 points
3rd = 18 points
4th = 16 points
5th = 14 points
6th = 12 points
7th = 10 points
8th = 8 points
9th = 6 points
10th = 4 points
11th = 2 points
Everyone else = 1 point

Saturday, March 5th - The Kaleb Kriterium(Chico Airport Criterium course) - 2:00pm & 3:00pm - See Route Details below - OR, if raining, the River Road 10-mile Time Trial instead:
(Yes, Prime points will count towards the Omnium!)
1st = 24 points
2nd = 20 points
3rd = 18 points
4th = 16 points
5th = 14 points
6th = 12 points
7th = 10 points
8th = 8 points
9th = 6 points
10th = 4 points
11th = 2 points
Everyone else = 1 point

Sunday, March 6th - The Messilla Valley Circuit Race - 9:00am - See Route Details below:
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

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 if the 2nd Stage turns out to be the River Road 10-mile Time Trial. Helmets are mandatory.

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 Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial will be declared the Overall Winner of the "Aliya" Omnium.

ROUTE DETAILS:

Stage #1 - Saturday, March 5th - The Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM - This one will be held rain or shine. This is considered a Category 3 climb in the 2011 25-race Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - and is the 1st Category 3 climb in that Series. 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 across the street from the Honey Run Covered Bridge on Honey Run Road(right next to Centerville Road) - just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile at the start location. The Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial course is approximately 5.3 miles in length and climbs approximately 1,900 feet. The course starts at the the bridge over Butte Creek - and finishes just before you get to the Muffler Shop at the top of the hill in Paradise. For a map of the the Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial course, please visit:

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

***And, I still need 1 volunteer to help me start the riders off next 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. PLUS, you will get a 3-point BONUS in the Omnium for helping out!
(Event #9 in the 25-Race 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series) HELD RAIN OR SHINE! Helmets are mandatory! - Stage #1 in the 2011 Aliya Omnium.

Stage #2 - Saturday, March 5th - The Kaleb Kriterium(held at the standard Chico Airport Criterium Course) - 2:00PM (As & Bs) & 3:00PM (Cs and Kids Races) - In honor of birthday boy, Kaleb Traficante(who is also Aliya's brother!) - who turns 10-years old today!! Kaleb, during the past couple of seasons, has been one of our most consistent riders(Junior or Adult) at the Airport Criteriums!! Registration opens at 1:30pm on Convair Avenue at the Chico Airport - with the event starting promptly at 2:00pm. We will be using our standard Airport Criterium course starting/finishing on Convair Avenue. Category "A"(Advanced riders), "B"(Intermediate riders) and Women's Category riders will go for 45 Minutes PLUS 3 laps - Women's Category picked separately. Multiple 1-point Primes will be offered during all races - the points count towards the Aliya Omnium Overall Standings. Must sign in and wear a helmet in order to take part. - Stage #2 in the 2011 Aliya Omnium.

RAIN OR WET PAVEMENT WILL CANCEL THIS EVENT - BUT - IF IT IS RAINING OR WET OUT AT THE CRITERIUM COURSE, WE WILL USE THE RIVER ROAD 10-MILE TIME TRIAL AS THE 2ND STAGE INSTEAD. HELMETS ARE MANDATORY!

For a map of the Chico Airport Criterum course, please visit the following link:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Tuesday-Night-Airport-Criteriums

Category "C" and Junior Criterium - March 5th - 3:00PM - The Category "C"(Novice riders) and Junior race(essentially, folks under 16.) will be 20 minutes + 3 laps. If you are intimidated by the Criterium and/or the speeds out there, this is the Category to get a feel for what's going on without the crazy speeds. No other Category races will be on the course - just Category "C" and the Juniors - so you can get used to the course, etc. The event MAY be mentored as well, depending upon whether ANY Category "A" or highly-skilled Category "B" riders are available to mentor. A mentor basically sits in with your group during the race, giving you basic pointers and helpful advice to keep you safe, skilled and sound during the event - and for future events. Mentors must meet with me prior to the event - so, if you would like to volunteer to be a Criterium Mentor, see me at the race or e-mail me prior to the Event. RAIN OR WET PAVEMENT WILL CANCEL THIS EVENT, AND WE WILL USE THE RIVER ROAD 10-MILE TIME TRIAL INSTEAD. HELMETS ARE MANDATORY! Stage #2 in the 2011 Aliya Omnium.

Stage #3 - Sunday, March 6th - The Messilla Valley Circuit Race - 9:00AM - The final and very challenging stage of the 2011 Aliya Omnium! 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 9:02AM, and if there are enough riders, the Junior and Category C event will start at 9:03AM(Category C and Juniors Event will be 5-laps, totaling 17.5 miles and 1500 feet of total climbing). The number of laps for Category A & B will remain the same as last year - 10 laps for each Category. Women's & Masters Categories picked separately. If you drive, please park at Spring Valley School, which is only 1-mile away from the Start/Finish Line - or at Butte College and ride in. There's not much parking at the Start/Finish area. 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. ALSO - There will be 2 King of the Mountains/Queen of the Mountains/Junior of the Mountains laps at this race - points count towards the Omnium & the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series) I will have one water container at the Start/Finish Line, but water bottle hand-ups will be SOLELY dependent upon Volunteers - so if you have a volunteer, bring 'em with you! For a map of the course, please click on this link:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Messilla-Valley-Circuit-Race

(30-point event in the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series). HELD RAIN OR SHINE! Helmets are mandatory! Stage #3 in the Aliya Omnium.

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

Tomorrow morning's Dogtown Uphill Time Trial has been postponed. :(

Tomorrow's(Sunday) Dogtown Uphill Time Trial has been postponed. :(

Hi Everyone! Well, it is with much regret that we must postpone tomorrow morning's Dogtown Uphill Time Trial in Magalia due to the tremendous snow & ice on the road/course due to yesterday's storm. I am sorry....again. We will reschedule this one for a later - and hopefully much warmer - date!


Sunday, Feb. 27th - The Dogtown Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM - This one will be held rain or shine - but if there is snow & ice on the road, we will postpone this event. This is considered a Category 4 climb in this Series. 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 the corner of Skyway & Dogtown Road up in Magalia - just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile at the start location. The Dogtown Road Uphill Time Trial course is approximately 7.3 miles in length and climbs approximately 1,400 feet. The course starts at the corner of Dogtown Road & The Skyway - travels up Dogtown Road......and keeps going up The Skyway until you get to Lovelock. The Finish is at the corner of Skyway & Coutelenc Road in Lovelock, CA. For a map of the the Dogtown Uphill Time Trial course, please visit:

http://classic.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/-magalia/678129831921418725

CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE 2011 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES AFTER 8 EVENTS:

Category "A" Overall Standings:
1. David Albrecht 173 points
2. Ben Wentland 103 points
3. Kris Blee 94 points
4. Tim Olson 80 points
5. Jim Roberts 76 points
5. Rich Thurman 76 points
7. Luke Wentland 72 points
8. Mark Wolford 66 points
9. Brad Foster 55 points
10. Gary Towne 34 points
11. Ian Boswell 27 points
12. Steve Wright 24 points
13. Jeff Galland 23 points
14. Lowell Moural, Jr. 17 points
14. Aren Timmel 17 points
16. Josh Bullock 15 points
16. Tyler Honeyman 15 points
18. Anthony Ferretti 11 points
19. Sean Dugan 5 points

Category "B" Overall Standings:
1. Patrick Clark 176 points
2. Jay Coughlin 137 points
3. Randy Will 106 points
4. John Touchette 105 points
5. Alex Roberson 87 points
6. Rudi Lange 81 points
7. David Dura 60 points
8. Chris Marking 58 points
9. Chris Devine 42 points
10. Daniel Law 17 points
11. Steve Chollet 15 points
12. Boyd Sears 9 points
13. Don Curtis 7 points

Category "C" Overall Standings:
1. Rick Carhart 126 points
2. Skip Lees 100 points
3. Russ Fortier 50 points
4. Ryan Laine 22 points
5. John Harris 21 points
6. Greg Hollis 19 points

Women's Category Overall Standings:
1. Caryn Jones 71 points
2. Diann Harger 69 points
3. Teresa Kludt 46 points
4. Mindy McPherson 27 points
4. Janine Rood 27 points
4. Maggie Jones 27 points
7. Deanna Wentland 23 points

Mens 50+ Category Overall Standings:
1. Mike Ruffner 190 points
2. Ryan Hiner 120 points
3. Gary Fowler 103 points
4. Byron Fountain 87 points
5. Phil Weintraub 55 points
6. Mike Trowbridge 38 points
7. Jim Mensching 36 points
8. Mike Watson 27 points
9. Doug Weseman 23 points
10. Jack Coots 19 points
11. Steve Chamberlain 17 points

Juniors Category Overall Standings:
1. Aliya Traficante 161 points
2. Garrett Marking 123 points
3. Chris Lambert 78 points
4. Davis Foster 23 points

2011 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES INFORMATION:

Hi Everyone! It's that time of year again - The 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series bicycling event will start up on Saturday, January 1st with the Humboldt Hill Climb Time Trial!! This Series 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 bicycle shop at the time. And, of course, there is now 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 COULD cancel the events. This is a FREE Series, so just come on out and take advantage of these great climbs and gain some good fitness(and fun!) for the upcoming cycling season!!

25 events - 260 Miles & 62,000 feet of total climbing - held over a 6-month period from January through June 2011!! Bound to be a very challenging and memorable Series. Sure - there will be pain and suffering - but it's the good kind!!

Note: The Chico Hill Climb Time Trial Series will be back in the Fall/Winter of 2011 - starting the first weekend in September with the Cohasset Hill Climb TT!

Build-up: The Butte Series will go from January 1st, 2011 through June 2011. This Series follows a progression over 6 months - starting with the "easier" Category 5 climbs early in the year to get your legs ready and all warmed-up.....building up to Category 4 climbs....then Category 3....then Category 2.....then Category 1.....and ending with the biggest Hors Category climbs in June. This should help you take advantage of those springtime miles - and get you ready for those hilly summertime Centuries, rides and races!!! It should also be noted that we are using a NEW Point Categorization for the Butte Hill Series(see below).

How does it work??? Below are each of the 25 Events in the 2011 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). Hors Category and Category 1 climbs are the hardest, with Category 5 being.......let's not say easiest.......let's say........not quite as hard as Category 1! Points will be awarded to the finishers in each Hill Climb Time Trial - 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 Hill Climb Champion Trophy. Never done a Time Trial before?? No problem - it's just you against the clock.....go your own pace and just do what you can out there!!! Remember - I have all types of riders out there........from people who can climb Humboldt Road in 13 minutes(record pace!)......to me(I take 41 minutes to climb Humboldt)......and everyone in between, with all kinds of different bicycles out there!! This is a no-big-whoop Series - just go out, have fun, test yourself a bit on your bicycles, explore some new roads and climbs in the area.......and just do what you can out there!!! We are just out there to have fun, and gain some good fitness!! All are welcome to come on out!!

RESULTS: I will try my best to have results out from each Time Trial within a 24-hour period, as well as the Updated Overall Standings after each event. The results will be posted to the e-mail group, on Facebook, on Twitter and at ChicoBikedotcom.

EVERY competitor who starts and finishes an event receives an additonal 3 points PER event. It should also be noted - there may be an additional points awarded for "adverse conditons" - known as "misery points". One year, we had an absolute freezing cold downpour of rain at the Centerville Time Trial and I awarded everyone 2 extra points for "adverse conditions"........but, again, this is a big "might" and the conditions would have to be atrocious. ANY person who helps me start the riders off at the events receives an additional 3 points for volunteering - I usually only need 1 or 2 people, and can almost always use the help.....and you can still race the event - just be the last one out of the starting gate and you'll be good-to-go!!

The Point Breakdown for placings is as follows:

Hors Category Climb = 60-54-52-50-48-46-44-42-40-38-36-34-32-30-28-26-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (In other words, 1st place in an Hors Category Time Trial gets 60 points, 2nd place gets 54, 3rd place gets 52, and on down the line - every person who competes in the event gets at least 1 point....and it is like that for each of the Time Trials).

Cat. 1 Climb = 44-38-36-32-30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 1 Time Trial gets 42 points, 2nd place gets 38 points and on down the line).

Cat. 2 Climb = 36-32-30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 2 Time Trial gets 36 points, 2nd place gets 32 points and on down the line).

Cat. 3 Climb = 30-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Cat. 3 Time Trial gets 30 points, 2nd place gets 26 and on down the line).

Cat. 4 Climb = 24-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1(The winner of a Cat. 4 climb gets 24 points, 2nd place gets 20 points and on and on.)

Cat. 5 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. Starting times for the events are normally consistent - 8:30am registration opens, 1st rider off at 9:01am. **PLEASE NOTE - These dates are extremely tentative, and most of them fall on Saturdays. However, that does NOT mean that they will stay there - any sort of scheduling change for an event could put it on a Sunday(very easily) and dates may be switched around or pushed until June or even July 2011. Reasons for a change in dates include snow and ice on the climbs, a change in the R.A.C.E. calendar or Rodney being ill or out-of-town, etc. So, take the dates with a grain of salt....for now:

Saturday, January 1st - Humboldt Road Time Trial - Cat. 5 - approximately 3.4 miles & 700 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Sunday, January 2nd - Centerville Time Trial (From Covered Bridge to the gravel) - Cat. 5 - approximately 6.6 miles & 1,300 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 8th - Cherokee Time Trial - Cat. 5 - (Start at Coal Canyon Road - across from Wheelock Road - and go up Hwy. 70, turn right at Cherokee Road) - approximately 4.8 miles; 1,100 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 15th - Neal Road Time Trial - Cat. 5 - approximately 8.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 22nd - The Lime Saddle Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 4.7 miles & 1,100 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 29th - Cohasset-to-Store Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 5.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, February 5th - Pentz Road Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 5.8 miles & 1,200 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, February 12th - Clark Road Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 7.7 miles & 1,700 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Sunday, February 27th - The Dogtown Time Trial - Cat. 4 - 7.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing. - POSTPONED!

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,900 feet of climbing. - Part of the 2011 Aliyamnium Omnium!

Saturday, March 12th - Vilas Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - (From Nicalog to the end of Vilas) - approximately 7 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Sunday, March 13th - Coutelenc Time Trial - Cat. 3 - (Just stay on Coutelenc) - approximately 6.8 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 19th - Dark Canyon Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 4 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 26th - Lunt Road Time Trial(From Coal Canyon Road) - Cat. 3 - approximately 8.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 2nd - Table Mountain Time Trial (Wildflower Century Side) - Cat. 3 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 9th - Forest Ranch-to-Lomo Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (starts at Forest Ranch Store; ends at entrance to Butte Meadows) - approximately 13.2 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 23rd - Lomo-to-Jonesville Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (starts at Hwy. 32 at entrance to Butte Meadows - ends at parking lot in Jonesville) - approximately 10.2 miles & 2,100 feet of climbing

Saturday, May 7th - Lovelock-to-Inskip Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 10.4 miles & 2,800 feet of climbing.

Sunday, May 15th - Cohasset-to-Gravel Time Trial (from Nicalog to the end of Cohasset Road) - Cat. 2 - approximately 9.4 miles & 2,900 feet of climbing.

Sunday, May 22nd - Garland Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 16.5 miles & 3,500 feet of climbing

Saturday, May 28th - The Pulga Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 17 miles & 4,500 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 4th - The Hwy. 171 Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 18.1 miles & 3,100 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 11th - The Oro-Quincy Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 21.8 miles & 5,900 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 18th - Toomes Camp Uphill Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 17.5 miles & 5,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 25th - Jonesville Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 35.5 miles & 6,200 feet of climbing.

25 Climbs, approximately 260 total miles, and about 62,000 feet of total climbing, held over a 6-month period from January through June 2011(if dates need to be changed, we could go into July 2011). Consistency will be key to winning the Overall Series. This should provide you with plenty of good climbing and get you ready for some great Century riding, the Death Ride and some spring/summer races!!

PARTICIPANT CATEGORIES: The following categories will be offered for the Series(see below). The winner in each category will receive the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Champion Trophy, along with Bragging Rights.........as well as any stuff we can get to give away as prizes. The Top 3 in each category will receive trophies:

Category "A" - Advanced.
Category "B" - Intermediate.
Category "C" - Novice, and slower climbers(like myself!)
Women's Category
Mens 50+ Category
Juniors (Looking at 10 to 16 years of age for this particular Category, but may be changed depending upon who shows up!).

***In addition - The rider who has the MOST points in the Series at the end will receive the "Grand Champion's" Plaque as well.


As usual, sandbaggers are strongly discouraged (A Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider entering a Category "B" event). Also, if there are a lot of folks in one particular category, we may split those up into sub-categories, if needed. However, please note - if nobody, or very few folks are in one category, we may eliminate that category. and add an additional category where the numbers allow it(these COULD include tandem categories, fixed gear category, Clydesdale category, or any other age Categories). At the end of the Series, we will have an Awards Ceremony at an establishment that would have us invade with cycling trophies/awards!! Hope to have some 2011 Butte Hill Series T-shirts to give out as well, but will be dependent upon my extremely limited budget.

One note - Any rider caught giving grief to the Promoter, the Timers or the Starters of these events will be automatically disqualified from - not only the event - but the entire Series. So, do what ya always do, and just have fun with the Series - it's no big whoop, we're just out there having fun and getting some good fitness!!! (No no - we've never ever had a problem with getting grief - just wanted to state it so it will continue to just be a fun event for everyone involved!!). AND - Helmets are MANDATORY!

This Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Time Trials in Spring 2011! Although donations are always extremely appreciated, they are NEVER necessary to enter these events - I just want y'all out there testing yourselves on your bicycles and having a good time!!! Also, this Series and ALL of the R.A.C.E. events are not associated with any cycling clubs, so you don't have to be a member of any club to take part in any of these events!!(Sorry - get asked that question all the time). 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 Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, California

New Notes about this weekend's cycling events!!!

Some NEW notes about this weekend's cycling events here in Chico:

Saturday, Feb. 26th - The Team Chico Cutty Adventure Ride(Mountain Bike/Cyclocross; 3-person teams!!) - 9:00AM - Held Rain or Shine!

Sunday, Feb. 27th - The Dogtown Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM (Race #9 in 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series) - Held Rain or Shine!

*** NOTES - Due to current storm: The route for Saturday's Cutty Ride COULD be changed due to heavy snow up in the Paradise/Magalia area. Aren will have more route details available tonight. BE sure to get an updated route map at - or before - the start!

ALSO - Sunday's Dogtown Uphill Time Trial COULD be postponed if there is too much snow - and any ice - on either Dogtown Road or The Skyway on Sunday morning.

Saturday, Feb. 26th - The Team Chico Cutty Adventure Ride(MTB/Cyclocross) - 9:00AM - 3 person teams!! This one will be held rain or shine and is a Mountain Bike/Cyclocross event put on by Aren Timmel & Team Chico! Pull out your mountain bikes and round up your teams!! Team Chico has an all new Cutty for your riding pleasure. This adventure will take us up the hill and on to the dirt roads and smooth trails between Forest Ranch and Magalia, a scenic trip down the Feather River Flumes and a mad dash across Paradise for a finish down Honey Run to the Covered Bridge. Best part, it will be up to you and your team to find your way, ride fast and enjoy the adventure!! Route: Meet at One Mile by 9:00am; Humboldt Road; Hwy 32; Schott Road; Doe Mill; DeSabla Rsvr.; POA; Doughnut Stop!!; Flumes; Pearson; Honey Road! Rules: -Fun ride. Ride your own ride and take responsibility for yourselves! Submit your teams for detailed maps. KNOW the route! Maps will be made available beforehand and will be the key to a successful ride. Stay with your team at all times! Stop at the checkpoints. People have donated their time to help you. Donate $5 for food, water, maps and volunteer's gas. Check in after 8:30AM to go over course. Captains: submit your teams to arentimmel@sbcglobal.net for detailed maps and route description. Please sign in with Rodney at the One Mile and at any checkpoints along the course. Hope to have some food and hang out at Covered Bridge after ride. Be there!!

Sunday, Feb. 27th - The Dogtown Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM - This one will be held rain or shine - but if there is snow & ice on the road, we will postpone this event. This is considered a Category 4 climb in this Series. 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 the corner of Skyway & Dogtown Road up in Magalia - just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile at the start location. The Dogtown Road Uphill Time Trial course is approximately 7.3 miles in length and climbs approximately 1,400 feet. The course starts at the corner of Dogtown Road & The Skyway - travels up Dogtown Road......and keeps going up The Skyway until you get to Lovelock. The Finish is at the corner of Skyway & Coutelenc Road in Lovelock, CA. For a map of the the Dogtown Uphill Time Trial course, please visit:

http://classic.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/-magalia/678129831921418725

***And, I still need 1 volunteer to help me start the riders off next Sunday 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. (Event #9 in the 25-Race 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series) HELD RAIN OR SHINE! Helmets are mandatory!

Other Upcoming Events:

THE "ALIYA" OMNIUM - aka, THE ALIYAMNIUM!!
March 5th & 6th, 2011
3 Stages over 2 days!
Prizes & Medals to top 3 in each Category!

Hi Everyone!! This year, our 13-year-old local cycling phenom - Aliya Traficante - is trying her best to get to the Junior National Cycling Championships in Augusta, Georgia this June. But, in order to get to Georgia, she requires some badly needed funding. So, R.A.C.E. is having a fundraiser Omnium to help her get there!! We are asking for donations of $25 to enter the entire Omnium......or donations of $10 per event. Every little bit helps, so come on out to challenge yourself at this upcoming bicycle event - and help out one of our up-and-coming Junior riders at the same time!!

Stages of the 2011 Aliyamnium:

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM - 1st Stage of the Aliyamnium(Rain or shine event!).

Saturday, March 5th - The Kaleb Kriterium(Chico Airport Criterium course) - 2:00PM - 2nd Stage of the Aliyamnium(Rain or wet pavement will cancel this event!).

Sunday, March 6th - The Messilla Valley Circuit Race - 9:00AM - 3rd and Final Stage of the Aliyamnium(Rain or shine event!)

How does it work???
Okay, in this scenario, an Omnium(or, in this case, The Aliyamnium!) is just a Stage 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 Aliyamnium(see Categories below). 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 all the rules pertaining to the Aliyamnium. And remember - the only reasons we're doing this Omnium is for fun, fitness, fundraising for a great cause......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. We will have prizes and medals to the Top 3 in EACH Category - as well as an Awards Ceremony on Sunday afternoon after the Circuit Race.

The following Categories will be offered in the Aliyamnium:

Category "A" - Advanced riders.
Category "B" - Intermediate riders.
Category "C" - Novice riders.
Women's Category
Men's Masters 50+ Category in Cat. B
Junior Category(riders under the age of 16).

The Point Breakdown for EACH stage:

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00am:
1st = 24 points
2nd = 20 points
3rd = 18 points
4th = 16 points
5th = 14 points
6th = 12 points
7th = 10 points
8th = 8 points
9th = 6 points
10th = 4 points
11th = 2 points
Everyone else = 1 point

Saturday, March 5th - The Kaleb Kriterium(Chico Airport Crit course) - 2:00pm:
(Yes, Prime points will count towards the Omnium!)
1st = 24 points
2nd = 20 points
3rd = 18 points
4th = 16 points
5th = 14 points
6th = 12 points
7th = 10 points
8th = 8 points
9th = 6 points
10th = 4 points
11th = 2 points
Everyone else = 1 point

Sunday, March 6th - The Messilla Valley Circuit Race - 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

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 DQ anyone deemed cheating, unsafe or unsportsmanlike(no worries - just be cool like always and all will be good!!).

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 Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial will be declared the Overall Winner of the "Aliya" Omnium.

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

The 2011 Chico Airport Criterium Series................

2011 CHICO AIRPORT CRITERIUM SERIES INFORMATION:

After the great turnout at last year's Tuesday & Friday Night Chico Airport Criterium Bicycle Racing Series, we're going to do them again for 2011! For those curious, the definition of a "Criterium" bicycle race is here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criterium

The 2011 Chico Airport Criterium Series - March 15th through September 30th, 2011:

This 1st Official Airport Criterium Event for the 2011 Chico Airport Criterium Series starts up Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 and ends on Friday, September 30th, 2011. Registration normally starts at 5:40pm - with the Category A & B events starting PROMPTLY at 6:00pm......and the Category C & Junior event starting at 7:00pm. The Awards Ceremony at the end of the Series will be held in October 2011 at a location to be determined. This will be a pretty long season of Criteriums, but will most definitely help to improve your riding, speed, skill, strength, stamina and smarts out there on the bicycle. They're a GREAT workout, and lots of fun - so come on out and give 'em a shot! RAIN AND WET PAVEMENT WILL ALWAYS CANCEL THE CRITERIUMS!

How does it work?

1. There will be 2 distinct racing times this year at each event, as we had last year - 6pm & 7pm. 6:00pm is the Category "A"(Advanced riders) & Category "B"(Intermediate riders) races..........while 7:00pm is Category "C"(Novice Riders) & Junior races(normally under the age of 16 - last year, we had kids ranging in age from 3 to 15 - and at times during the summer months, the kids outnumbered the Cat. A & B groups!). Mentors/adults may also ride in the Junior races in order to help teach them....and keep an eye on these young up & coming riders/racers. All racers MUST sign in at the registration table prior to the start of their event.

2. We will be using 1 primary course for the Criteriums this year, our standard Tuesday/Friday Night Criterium course starting/finishing at Convair Avenue:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Chico-Airport-Tuesday-Night-Crit-Course

There MAY be some days where we'll use the longer 1-Mile Criterium Course on the north end of the Chico Airport......but those will be few and far between. It is somewhat unlikely that we will be holding Criteriums on the weekends this year. In addition, there MIGHT be Criteriums held on other or new courses in the area. AND - It's almost a certainty that we will be holding Women's Only & Juniors Only Criteriums this year at some point........in addition to a Night-time Criterium. Many of the Criteriums will be part of this year's Omniums as well(Rodneyums, Nutcracker, Dog Days, Rumpstomper, Knockoffer, Bilirubin and others). An "Omnium" is just a stage 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, in the R.A.C.E. Omniums, the MOST points wins(many Omniums reverse this and have the least amount of points winning).

3. NEW THIS YEAR - The Criterium course will normally be set up at 5:30pm on Tuesdays & Fridays for warm-ups. However, at some - or most - of the Criteriums, we will have some mentoring sessions out there for the Criterium riders from 5:30pm to 6:00pm with Criterium-experienced riders. If you would like to be a mentor, please e-mail me at ChicoCyclist@gmail.com.

4. ALL riders must sign-in - There will be a small table on the sidewalk at the Start/Finish location on Convair Avenue - just sign in at the table and you are good-to-go! No entry fee and no racing license required......although donations & sponsorships are always extremely appreciated! Sign-ins start at 5:40pm - the racing action starts at 6:00pm for As & Bs, and 7:00pm for Category "C" and Juniors. Category "A"(Advanced riders) normally starts....then, 30 seconds later, the Category "B"(Intermediate riders) race starts up. We usually end Category A & B events by 6:55pm.....and end the Junior Races by 7:30pm. RAIN AND WET PAVEMENT WILL ALWAYS CANCEL THE CRITERIUMS! In addition, in 2008, we had some tremendous smoke from the Humboldt Fire in this area......which would also cancel the Criteriums due to hazardous air quality. And, finally, the Race Director plans to go on vacation this summer at some point, so no Criteriums will be held during vacation days(sorry). And, obviously, if I'm sick I probably will not be able to be there either(will try not to get sick!).

5. The Category "B" races normally go for 45 minutes PLUS 3 laps.........while the Category "A" races normally go for 50 minutes PLUS 3 laps. In the case of the two Categories being combined(for instance, if only a few riders show up, and we combine the A & B fields), the race will be 48 minutes PLUS 3 laps. Category "C" & Junior Races usually go for 20 to 25 Minutes PLUS 3 laps, if daylight allows. There can be anywhere from 1 to 15+ Primes in the Airport Criteriums......just depends on the mood of the Dictator.....er......I mean, Director. ;) The new Cowbell will be utilized to announce Primes - along with me screaming at you, as usual. :)
---So, after 45 minutes in the Category "B" race, I will call out "3 laps to go!", then 2, then 1 to go. Category B Riders - Remember, once you finish your race, you MUST vacate the course immediately - the Category A Riders are still out there racing for another 5 minutes, and we must have the course cleared. Any rider NOT clearing the course in a timely manner will be DQ'd. Also, no warming up/cooling down on the course while a race is in progress. We want y'all to have a safe and fun time out there, so please do your best to be careful, aware and looking out for your fellow riders!

AND - New this year - We will have either lap cards out there.......or a Dry Erase Board with the Lap Numbers on them........in case you can't hear me screaming at you! I will try to give you the 5-to-go mark, and so on.

AND, finally - Category "A" & "B" riders MUST clear the course entirely for the Junior & Category "C" riders - please reciprocate the respect they have for y'all out there!!

6. NEW THIS YEAR - Any rider who is very late to the Criteriums, or any rider who has been lapped, will NOT be eligible for Primes this year. Sorry - I had too many complaints last year about this issue, so we'll be racing a little bit more like a "real" race this year. So, just try your best! If you get dropped, no worries - just soft-pedal and keep the legs loose - when the pack comes back around, just latch back on! You will still be counted in the finish - you will never be pulled for just racing - you just won't be eligible for Primes at that point. BUT - as usual in all R.A.C.E. events, there could be exceptions to this rule(for instance, chase packs could have chase pack Primes offered, etc.).

7. Helmets are absolutely MANDATORY! So, please....please.....wear your helmet! No helmet = no race.

8. All are welcome - you don't have to do the Series - just come on out and give this Criterium training/riding a shot! It's amazing what kind of workout you can get in during a 45 to 60 minute practice event. Or just come out to watch - we had lots of spectators out there last year. This will be our 4th year out there(not counting the 80s & 90s Series!), and it has been an absolute blast! Hope you can join us!

9. Points are used to calculate the Overall Standings in the 2011 Chico Airport Criterium Series. The point breakdown for each Criterium has changed this year, and will be as follows:

20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1, with an additional 3 points being given to each participant at each event(must race though).

So, 20 points goes to the winner, 16 points goes to 2nd place, 14 points goes to 3rd place and so on.........in addition to 3 more points for finishing the event.

The rider with the MOST points at the end of the Series in their respective Category wins the Overall Series Title - and the 2011 Chico Airport Criterium Series Championship Trophy, plus whatever goodies we can give you.

Also, Prime Points will be given out during each of the Crits - these are just lap prizes......but in this case, the prizes are points. We will also have some product Primes out there this year as well! Primes are normally worth anywhere between 1 point and 6 points.......and everything in between. There may also be Multi-PLACE Primes: If I call a 3-Place Prime, the Prime Points go 3-deep........say, 6 points for 1st, 4 points for 2nd and 2 points for 3rd. If I call a 6-point 3-Place Prime, the previous example may be the formula used(6 for 1st, 4 for 2nd, 2 for 3rd).

ALSO - Some races will be classified as DOUBLE-POINT races(in particular, some Friday night races), and a couple of races may be TRIPLE-POINT races(especially Omnium Criteriums).......which means, the finishing points(and Prime Points) are doubled and tripled, respectively.

AND - due to the new format of the R.A.C.E. events, there will be quite a bit more Primes called during Criteriums this year compared to last year........just wanted to warn ya! ;)

NEW this year too - Riders in Solo or small-group breakaways will be awarded accordingly, in order to promote aggressive racing. So, if a rider - or riders - takes off on a breakaway and stays out there for a good portion of the race, you can be sure that I will make it worth it for that rider(s) via Prime Points/Aggressive Racing Points awarded. Aggressive Racing Points are an additional award given during the race for aggressive type racing(no no - not knocking others off their bikes and wrestling, etc.!) - basically, launching attacks to try to breakaway, or coordinating launches - or tremendous chases - during the race.

10. We may use different formats for some of the Criteriums......Devil Takes The Hindmost(aka - Miss And Out) & Points Races are likely events to be used off and on during the season:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Points_race

and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_and_Out

In addition, aspects of EACH of these track racing events MAY appear at any Criterium(at some point during the race, the Devil may make an appearance......same with Points Races). You can be certain that there will be AT LEAST two events that have Prime Points every single lap this coming year. ;) With regard to the Devil Takes The Hindmost races - the race will go for 30-35 minutes before riders will start being pulled....that way, you can race a bunch first....then sprint to stay in the race each lap. I know.....I'm really evil......sorry. ;)

11. Free lap rule is in effect - within reason. So, if you have a flat tire or mechanical, you'll have one or two laps to get it fixed and back in the race without penalty.......within reason. Bringing extra wheels for the "Pit Area" is quite acceptable, and encouraged. The Pit Area is at the Start/Finish location of the Crit. Remember though - I will be viewing the Free Lap rule as I would as an USA Cycling Official....somewhat.

12. Please, no inter-mixing of groups during the Category "A" & Category "B" races.......in other words, just race in your own Category and don't use the other Category to help your placing, pacing, racing, etc. Also, PLEASE listen carefully to pre-race instructions at the Start Line - the instructions could change from week-to-week.....and I want you to be aware of any course hazards or rule changes before your race.

13. Last year, we had just two categories during the 6pm races - Category "A"(Advanced riders) and Category "B"(Intermediate riders) - and two categories for the 7pm races - Category "C"(Novice riders) & Juniors(riders under the age of 16). However, the Series itself has even more Trophy Categories, including:

Category "A"
Category "B"
Category "C"
Women's Category
Juniors "A" Category(Riders ages 11-15)
Juniors "B" Category(Riders ages 10 & under)
Men's Masters 50+ Category in the "B" race

***In addition - The rider who has the MOST points in the entire Series at the end will receive the "Grand Champion's" Plaque as well.

These are the Categories which all qualify for a Series Championship Trophy. If nobody - or very few folks are in one category - we may eliminate it and add an additional category where the numbers allow it. If weeks go by and nobody enters a particular category, it's a certainty that it will be eliminated as a category. On the other hand, if suddenly we have a slew of 8-year olds racing the Junior Races, you can be fairly certain that an "8-year-old Junior Category" will be added! As usual, sandbaggers are strongly discouraged (A Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider entering a Category "B" event). Results for each of the Criterium events will be sent out within 24 hours after completion, as well as the updated Overall Standings in the 2011 Chico Airport Criterium Series - and e-mailed to the R.A.C.E. list, as well as posted on Facebook, Twitter and Chico Bike dot com. Video and photos of the event are usually posted at www.Flickr.com & www.YouTube.com within 24 hours after the completion of the event. In addition, there will be a 24-hour protest period to verify and update the results, if needed.

NOTE - The Race Director reserves the right to upgrade you at any time if he sees fit - must be very obvious though(for instance, if you are just demolishing the field in the Category "B" races, it's a pretty sure bet that I will re-classify you as an "A" Category rider this year).

14. Although donations to put on these events are always very very appreciated and accepted, this Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Criteriums in 2011! Also, ANY and ALL sponsorships for these events are extremely appreciated and welcome - so, if you'd like to sponsor the R.A.C.E. events, just let me know! We accept pretty much any types of Primes - from services to goods, to whatever you may have to offer......a link to your business website/e-mail will go on the R.A.C.E. e-mails, Facebook, Twitter, ChicoBikedotcom and so forth.

15. The Race Director reserves the right to disqualify (DQ) any rider for unsafe riding or unsportsmanlike conduct at ANY time. Also, PLEASE - NO colorful language will be used out there - especially with the little kids around watching the races(we have kids out there ranging in age from 2 to 12 watching the racing action - including my 6-year-old Co-R.A.C.E. Director)! ANY rider breaking these rules can be subject to Disqualification from - not only the race - but from the entire Series. So, please - just do what ya always do and just be cool.

16. Finally, remember - these Criterium events are essentially for practice and exercise - we have fun out there and get a great little workout in, and we get to work on some quality cycling skills. But, overall, they're no big whoop....no World Championship/Olympic medals or million dollar contracts on the line. So, with that in mind, just treat 'em as such - a good training event to try some new things, gain some good fitness, get some experience.....and maybe even get into a "real" sanctioned Criterium at some point in time(they are held ALL over northern California every season). Or not. Just have fun with it! We'll have trophies and hopefully some prizes for the Series winners & placers - and definitely loads of fun....and pain and suffering. ;) But remember - it's all in good fun!

This Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Criteriums in 2011! Although donations are always extremely appreciated, they are NEVER necessary to enter these events - I just want y'all out there testing yourselves on your bicycles and having a good time! Also, this Series is not associated with any cycling clubs, so you don't have to be a member of any club to take part in any of these events.(Sorry - get asked that question all the time).

Hope to see you out there!

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

Today's Humboldt Road Bicycle Race Results..........

"COMBINED" RESULTS FROM HUMBOLDT ROAD BICYCLE RACE - Feb. 23rd, 2011:
1. Doug Adams 18:09
2. Boyd Sears 19:46
3. Caryn Jones 20:29
4. Monty Sears 22:26
5. Skip Lees 25:48

"CATEGORY" RESULTS FROM HUMBOLDT ROAD BICYCLE RACE - Feb. 23rd, 2011:

Category "A" Results:
No competitors.

Category "B" Results:
1. Doug Adams 18:09 (5 points)
2. Boyd Sears 19:46 (4 points)

Category "C" Results:
1. Skip Lees 25:48 (5 points)

Women's Category Results:
1. Caryn Jones 20:29 (5 points)

Men's Masters 50+ Category Results:
1. Monty Sears 22:26 (5 points)

Juniors Category:
No competitors.

CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE 2011 BUTTE ROAD R.A.C.E. SERIES AS OF 2-23-2011:

Category "A" Overall Standings:
1. Brad Foster 55 points
2. Kevin Speacht 36 points
3. Brian Rouse 27 points
3. Mark Wolford 27 points
5. Corey Duren 25 points
5. Rich Thurman 25 points
7. Kris Blee 23 points
7. Aren Timmel 23 points
9. Mike Castaldo 21 points
10. Nicholas Louis 17 points
11. Doug Weseman 15 points
12. Matthew Carlson 13 points
13. Randy Moon 11 points

Category "B" Overall Standings:
1. Barry DeWitt 50 points
2. Doug Adams 39 points
3. Rudi Lange 33 points
3. Matthew Carlson 33 points
5. Leif Peterson 27 points
6. David Palmeri 25 points
6. Russ Fowler 25 points
8. Chris Marking 23 points
9. Greg Watkins 21 points
9. Rick Carhart 21 points
11. Dave Hernandez 19 points
12. Ferdinand Batatan 17 points
13. Jerry Rempel 13 points
14. Boyd Sears 4 points

Category "C" Overall Standings:
1. Skip Lees 38 points

Women's Category Overall Standings:
1. Caryn Jones 59 points
2. Diann Harger 33 points
2. Forough Molina 33 points
4. Nicole Bateman 25 points
5. Lorna Andreatta 23 points

Men's Masters 50+ Category Overall Standings:
1. Ryan Hiner 50 points
2. Phil Weintraub 46 points
3. Kurt Haskins 33 points
3. Bret DeWitt 33 points
3. Denny McKenney 33 points
6. Mike Ruffner 23 points
7. Nelson Frink 21 points
8. Roy Holley 17 points
9. Byron Fountain 15 points
10. Monty Sears 5 points

Juniors Category Overall Standings:
1. Owen Thomas 33 points
1. Aliya Traficante 33 points
2. David Watkins 27 points
2. Garrett Marking 27 points

2011 BUTTE ROAD R.A.C.E. SERIES INFORMATION:

Hi Everyone! After the great turn-out at last year's Butte County-area Road Races, we're going to be doing them again for the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series! This Series will go from January 2011 through September 2011. Most of the races will be starting at either 8:00AM or 9:00AM on the weekends - but some could be as early as 7:00AM.......and others starting as late as 10:00AM on some weekends. A list of various races that could(and probably will) be a part of the 2011 Series:

Messilla Valley Circuit Race
Table Mountain Road Race
Butte City Road Race
The Field of Dreams Road Race
Aguas Frias Road Race
Jonesville Road Race
Toomes Camp Road Race
The Oro-Quincy Road Race
Cohasset-to-Gravel Road Race
Coal Canyon Circuit Race
The Vilas Road Race
The Forest Ranch Road Race
Honey Run Road Race
The Nimshew Race
Wheelock Circuit Race
Grainland Road Race
Lunt Road Race
Troxel Circuit Race
Lomo Road Race
Ord Bend Road Race
The Belden Road Race
The Midway Road Race
Stirling City Road Race
The Bloom Circuit Race
Pinkston Canyon Circuit Race
The Chico Road Race
The Mini-Road Races, like Cohasset, Honey Run & Humboldt
and many others.

In addition, the Road R.A.C.E.s could be part of the various Omniums going on in 2011(Nutcracker, Rumpstomper, Devil's Kick, Rodneyums, Knockoffer, Bilirubin, among others.......think Friday Night Crit, Saturday Hill Climb or Flat TT and Sunday Road Race, etc.).

Why have this event?
Looking at cycling from an international view, "road racing" is one of the most prestigious aspects of bicycle racing. The greatest racing champions in the history of our great sport - Eddy Merckx, Lance Armstrong, Bernard Hinault, Jeanne Longo, Connie Carpenter, Fausto Coppi, Greg LeMond, Miguel Indurain, Gino Bartali - the list goes on and on and on. These riders were great "road racing" champions. The road race itself requires great stamina, strength, speed, skill and sense to win - or to place. To win a road race - or place highly in a road race consistently - is the epitome of a great cycle racing champion. This contest will track the most consistent riders in the area for road racing. The winner of this event will have a great opportunity for bragging rights - plus, they'll win the Series Championship Trophy, and whatever goodies we can give away! Not to mention......it's just fun - and a GREAT workout!

How does it work?
Okay, here are a few notes for the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series:

1. We will be using a variety of courses for this Series - including some flat courses, very hilly courses, somewhat hilly courses, some long courses, some short courses, circuit race courses(no Crits), some point-to-point courses, and so forth. The idea is to get a variety of course profiles going for the Series to test riders a bit. The Series starts in January 2011 and goes through September 2011. We will have the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series Awards Ceremony in October 2011 at a location to be determined.

2. ALL riders MUST sign in at the start of EACH event - There will be a small table at the Start/Finish location - just sign in at the table and you are good-to-go! Sign-ins normally start 30 minutes before the event takes place and closes about 1-2 minutes before the event starts. Rain or wet weather will normally not cancel the events. However, a couple of years ago we had some tremendous smoke from the Humboldt Fire in this area......which, in turn, may cancel some of the Road Races due to hazardous air quality. Also, quite a few USA Cycling rules apply to these races.....but we're not going to go rule-crazy out there......just ride safe, look out for your fellow rider and have a good time.....that's why we do these!

3. There will normally be 3 Categories racing at the Road Races - the Category "A" Event(Advanced riders), the Category "B" Event(Intermediate riders), and the combined Category "C"(Novice riders) & Junior Event(normally, riders under the age of 16). However, EACH Series Category will be picked separately(Women's, Masters, etc.). Category "A" races will normally start first, with the Category "B" races starting a couple of minutes later, and then the Category "C" & Junior races a couple minutes after the Bs. If you are not sure what Category you should enter, just talk to me at the Start and we'll get it all figured out.

4. Helmets are MANDATORY! So, please....please.....wear your helmet.

5. Volunteers - Water bottle hand-ups will be almost solely dependent upon volunteers at these events.......so bring a volunteer with ya!

6. All are welcome - you don't have to do the Series - just come on out and give this Road Race training/riding a shot! They're a GREAT workout! No license required, no entry fee - just sign in and RACE - and have fun!

7. Points are used to calculate the Overall Standings in the Series. The point breakdown is as follows:

30-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1, with an additional 3 points being given to each participant finishing each event.

So, 30 points goes to the winner, 24 points goes to 2nd place, 22 points goes to 3rd place and so on.........in addition to 3 more points just for doing the event. The rider with the MOST points at the end of the Series in their respective Category wins the Overall Title - and the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series Championship Trophy, plus whatever goodies we can give you. ALSO - There MAY be some additional points awarded in the Series for KOM/QOM - King & Queen of the Mountains......will be announced before each race. Also, many of the Road R.A.C.E.s in 2011 will be used in the various Omniums going on locally - An "Omnium" is just a stage 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, in the R.A.C.E. Omniums, the MOST points wins(many Omniums reverse this and have the least amount of points winning). Chico-area Omniums this year include: The Nutcracker, Devil's Kick, The Rumpstomper, multiple Rodneyums, Knockoffer and Field of Dreams.

If weather conditions are particularly harsh - or if a Road R.A.C.E. course is particularly harsh - we will add "misery" points to the totals. So, if it is pouring down rain at the Jonesville Road Race, we may add an additional 10 points for the "misery" involved in that race! In addition, most of the Mini-Road-Races held during the week(Humboldt Road Race, Cohasset Road Race, Troxel Race) will probably be counted towards the Overall Series, but with fewer points awarded(5 to the winner, 4 to 2nd, 3 to 3rd, 2 to 4th and everybody else gets 1 point).

Mini-Road Races: These are usually held during the weekdays.....either early in the morning or on some evenings.......and include a shorter distance "road race" event.....something like, the Chico Airport to the Cohasset Narrows, or Humboldt Road from bottom to top. For instance, we had the Wednesday Morning Humboldt Road Races at 6:00AM a couple of years ago and quite a few riders use to come out for those each week. In addition, we use to hold the Friday Night Cohasset Road Races at 6:00pm and lots of riders came out for those too! The idea is to get in a quick workout either before work in the AM - or a quick workout right after work in the PM, etc. Very minimal points awarded at the Mini-Road Races, but a great little workout - and a good way to gain a few additional points in the Overall Series. Remember - the key to winning the Series will be consistency - it's amazing what can happen by just showing up to race!

8. Although the races are advertised as having 3 Categories out on the course - Category A, Category B and Category C/Juniors - the Series itself has even more Championship Trophy Categories, including:

Category "A" - Advanced
Category "B" - Intermediate
Category "C" - Novice
Women's Category
Men's Masters 50+ Category(in Category B)
Juniors Category (essentially, riders under 16 years of age)

***In addition - The rider who has the MOST points in the entire Series at the end will receive the "Grand Champion's" Plaque as well.

These are the Categories which all qualify for a Series Championship Trophy - as of NOW. We could add Categories if enough riders show up out there - so tell your friends! If nobody - or very few folks are in one category - we may eliminate it and add an additional category where the numbers allow it. As usual, sandbaggers are strongly discouraged (A Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider entering a Category "B" event - this would have to be completely obvious to the Race Director).

NOTE - The R.A.C.E. Director reserves the right to re-classify you at any time(within reason and with plenty of notice). So, if you are just demolishing the field at the Category "B" races, it is a sure bet that I will upgrade you to Category "A".

In addition, winners medals or mini-trophies may be given out at some of the Road Race events for the winners in various categories............depending upon the very limited budget of the Race Director. I will try my best to have the Road Race Results out - as well as the Current Overall Series Standings - within 24 hours from the completion of the event. Results will be posted to the R.A.C.E. e-mail list, Facebook, Twitter and my blog. If you would like to be added to the R.A.C.E. e-mail list, just send me an e-mail with the word "ADD" in the subject line and send to ChicoCyclist@gmail.com.

9. Although donations to put on these events are always very very appreciated and accepted, this Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Road R.A.C.E.s in 2011! Although donations are always extremely appreciated, they are NEVER necessary to enter these events - I just want y'all out there testing yourselves on your bicycles and having a good time! Also, ANY and ALL sponsorships for these events are highly welcome - so, if you'd like to sponsor the R.A.C.E. events, just let me know! Finally, this Series is not associated with any cycling clubs, so you don't have to be a member of any club to take part in any of these events(Sorry - get asked that question all the time).

10. The Race Director reserves the right to disqualify(DQ) any rider for unsafe riding or unsportsmanlike conduct at ANY time. Also, PLEASE - try not to use colorful language out there - especially with the little kids around watching the race at the finish line and so forth. ANY rider breaking these rules can be subject to disqualification from - not only the race - but from the entire Series. So, please - just do what ya always do and just be cool!

11. Finally, remember - these Road Race events are essentially for practice and exercise - we have fun out there and get a great little workout in, and we get to work on some quality cycling skills. But, overall, they're no big whoop....no World Championship/Olympic medals or million dollar contracts on the line. So, with that in mind, just treat 'em as such - a good training event to try some new things, gain some good fitness, meet some new people, try some new roads & courses.....and maybe even get into a sanctioned Road Race at some point in time. Or not. Just have fun with it! We'll have trophies and hopefully some prizes & event T-shirts for the Series winners and placers - and definitely loads of fun....and pain and suffering. ;) But remember - it's all in good fun and will prove to be memorable!

Hope to see you out there!

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

The "Aliya" Omnium Bicycle Race - March 5th & 6th, 2011!!!!

THE "ALIYA" OMNIUM BICYCLE RACE - aka, THE ALIYAMNIUM!!
March 5th & 6th, 2011
3 Stages over 2 days!
Prizes & Medals to top 3 in each Category!

Hi Everyone!! This year, our 13-year-old local cycling phenom - Aliya Traficante - is trying her best to get to the Junior National Cycling Championships in Augusta, Georgia this June. But, in order to get to Georgia, she requires some badly needed funding. So, R.A.C.E. is having a fundraiser Omnium to help her get there!! We are asking for donations of $25 to enter the entire Omnium......or donations of $10 per event. Every little bit helps, so come on out to challenge yourself at this upcoming bicycle event - and help out one of our up-and-coming Junior riders at the same time!! For more information on Aliya - and to keep up-to-date with Aliya's cycling - please visit her blog at:

http://aliyatraficante.blogspot.com/

Stages of the 2011 Aliyamnium:

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM - 1st Stage of the Aliyamnium(Rain or shine event!).

Saturday, March 5th - The Kaleb Kriterium(Chico Airport Criterium course) - 2:00PM - 2nd Stage of the Aliyamnium(Rain or wet pavement will cancel this event!).

Sunday, March 6th - The Messilla Valley Circuit Race - 9:00AM - 3rd and Final Stage of the Aliyamnium(Rain or shine event!)


How does it work???
Okay, in this scenario, an Omnium(or, in this case, The Aliyamnium!) is just a Stage 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 Aliyamnium(see Categories below). 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 all the rules pertaining to the Aliyamnium. And remember - the only reasons we're doing this Omnium is for fun, fitness, fundraising for a great cause......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. We will have prizes and medals to the Top 3 in EACH Category - as well as an Awards Ceremony on Sunday afternoon after the Circuit Race.

The following Categories will be offered in the Aliyamnium:

Category "A" - Advanced riders.
Category "B" - Intermediate riders.
Category "C" - Novice riders.
Women's Category
Men's Masters 50+ Category in Cat. B
Junior Category(riders under the age of 16).

The Point Breakdown for EACH stage:

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00am:
1st = 24 points
2nd = 20 points
3rd = 18 points
4th = 16 points
5th = 14 points
6th = 12 points
7th = 10 points
8th = 8 points
9th = 6 points
10th = 4 points
11th = 2 points
Everyone else = 1 point


Saturday, March 5th - The Kaleb Kriterium(Chico Airport Criterium course) - 2:00pm:
(Yes, Prime points will count towards the Omnium!)
1st = 24 points
2nd = 20 points
3rd = 18 points
4th = 16 points
5th = 14 points
6th = 12 points
7th = 10 points
8th = 8 points
9th = 6 points
10th = 4 points
11th = 2 points
Everyone else = 1 point


Sunday, March 6th - The Messilla Valley Circuit Race - 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


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 DQ anyone deemed cheating, unsafe or unsportsmanlike(no worries - just be cool like always and all will be good!!).

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 Honey Run Road Uphill Time Trial will be declared the Overall Winner of the "Aliya" Omnium.

Rodney.............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, CA
www.ChicoBike.com