Stage #4 - The Table Mountain Road Race - Tomorrow, April 3rd.............

Sunday, April 3rd - Table Mountain Road Race - 9:00AM:
This particular course was first used by the Chico Velo Cycling Club as a United States Cycling Federation Road Race course back in 1984 during the Chico Omnium(which also included the 7-Mile Lane Time Trial and the Chico Downtown Criterium that year). Most groups did 2 laps of this course, but the Cat.1/2 guys did 3 or 4. However, I wouldn't do that to ya - we're only going to do 1 lap in this race - for a total of approximately 25 miles and approximately 2,100 feet of total climbing. The course preview is located on Bikely.com here - and you can see the Course Profile by clicking on "Show" in the top left-hand corner........then clicking on "Elevation Profile":

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Old-Table-Mountain-Road-Race-Course

The Start/Finish Line is located on Table Mountain Boulevard right by Table Mountain Ranch Road(see Bikely Map - this was the Start/Finish Line for the 1984 race as well - I'll be out there early, so look for the registration table). Each Category will do just 1 lap = 25 miles. Registration will open at 8:30AM with Category A going off at 9:00AM........and Category B going at 9:02AM. Women's, Masters, C & Juniors Categories will start with Category "B", but will be scored separately. Parking is available on the unfinished freeway overpass at the Start/Finish Line.

***Now, a word of warning about this Road Race - This course goes in a clockwise direction - meaning that you will be climbing up to Cherokee from Hwy. 70. Although the hill does not seem quite as difficult as from the other side(the Wildflower Century side), the descent off Table Mountain will be quite tricky. Make certain that your bicycle is in good working order and that you are comfortable on technical descents. The Road Race course goes through amazingly diverse sections and is quite scenic - but please look out for one another and for yourselves, especially on the descent and on the Highway. All USA Cycling rules apply, as usual - you know, don't do stupid stuff, wear a helmet, obey the centerline, etc. Route Arrows will mark the course as well. Bottle hand ups and Feed Zones will be solely dependent upon volunteers - Feed Zone is pretty much anywhere on the course. Sag vehicles will be solely dependent upon volunteers as well. I will be sweeping the course at the end as well - so if I don't see you back at the Finish, I'm coming to get you!

HELD RAIN OR SHINE! Helmets are mandatory!
(40-point event in the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series!)

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