2012 PASKENTA - this Sunday - Feb. 5th at 8:00AM!

Sunday, February 5th, 2012 - PASKENTA - 8:00AM:

Hi Everyone!! Just wanted to let you know that if you're hankering for an unofficial 100-mile Ride/Road Race/Training Ride, the Paskenta Century will be taking place this Sunday, February 5th, 2012 (yes, Super Bowl Sunday) at 8:00am in Chico, California. Although no longer affiliated with the Chico Velo Cycling Club, the ride still does exist and is going stronger and bigger than ever. The Paskenta Trophy will be awarded to the winner.......currently held by northern California cycling professional, Paul Mach - see photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/5424381360/in/set-72157625994523646

The ride is 100+ miles in length, with total climbing nearing 1,700 feet........and the ride has a 4-mile dirt/gravel section in it near the little town of Paskenta, California. If the weather is decent, we usually have about 200-300+ riders for this one - if the weather is a bit "off", we'll still get about 100-200 riders out there. For a map of the Paskenta course, please visit the following link:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Paskenta-Century-Road-Race-Course

This FREE and unsupported "assumed risk" ride kicks off the century season on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb 5th, 2012. Meet at the One Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park in Chico, California before the 8:00AM starting time to get your map (Ride starts precisely at 8:00AM!). Parking & bathrooms at the One Mile Recreation Area. Route heads north to Corning, west to Flournoy & Paskenta, south and east to Newville, Black Butte Lake, Orland, Hamilton City and Chico. Course can be shortened to 80 miles (avoiding the 4 to 5 mile gravel stretch) by taking the Black Butte Cut-Off west of Corning. It can be shortened to 50 miles by returning to Chico from Woodson Bridge-OR-by starting outside of Corning at 9:00AM at the intersection of A-9 and Black Butte Rd, four miles west of Corning. Store MIGHT be open in Flournoy - so stock up before the 30 mile service-free ride to Orland. Support vehicles following the pack are STRONGLY discouraged - but a good place for neutral hand-ups is in Paskenta/nearing Paskenta, prior to the dirt/gravel section. You should be fully self-supported during this ride - bring tubes, patch kit, multi-tool, pump, food, water, cell phone(although coverage is very spotty out that way) and anything else you might need out there!! Helmets are extremely recommended! Hope to see you here! Should finish with plenty of time to watch the game too - the Super Bowl doesn't usually start until 3:30ish.

And some photos from the 2008, 2009 & 2011 event can be found here:

2008 Paskenta photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/sets/72157603849304865/

2009 Paskenta photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/sets/72157613275411470/

2011 Paskenta photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/sets/72157625994523646/

Rodney.........

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

Chico, California

www.RaceChico.com

www.ChicoBike.com

Results from today's Pentz Road Uphill Time Trial - January 28th, 2012.................

Below are the results from today's Pentz Road Uphill Time Trial......along with the Current Overall Standings in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. I would like to give a HUGE Thank You to Don Ulen for volunteering to start the riders off at this Time Trial - thank you, Don!! Today's event was the first Category 2 climb in the Series.....and we will continue with the Category 2 climbs until the end of February. There are still 12 events left in the 17-race 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - still tons of time to get in there and give it a shot. Remember - it's FREE, and low-key - just come on out and give it a shot, go your own pace, and just have fun with it! The next climb in the 2012 Series is not for another 2 weeks(since Paskenta is next Sunday - February 5th):

Saturday, February 11th - The Clark Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM:

Registration will open at 8:30am, with the 1st rider taking off at 9:01am - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The Start/Registration area is on Clark Road - just north from the intersection from Durham-Pentz Road, and across the street from the Butte Campus Drive/Clark Road intersection. Just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile at the Start line. The Clark Road Uphill Time Trial course is approximately 7.5 miles in length, climbs approximately 1,700 feet, and is considered a Category 2 Climb in the Series. For a map of the the Clark Road Time Trial course, please visit:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/54595920

***And, I still need 1 volunteer to help me start the riders off at this event - if you can help out, just send me an e-mail - you get a 3-point bonus in the Series, you still get to race it(just be the last rider to start), and you will have my undying gratitude!!
Held Rain or Shine!
Helmets are mandatory!
(Event #6 in the 17-Race 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - A Category 2 Climb in the Series!)

Current Leaders in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series after 5 of 17 Events:

Category "A": Garrett Marking
Category "B": Matt Roberts
Category "C": Jim Pyle
Women's Category: Stephanie Berkowitz
Masters 50+ Category: Tom Tucker
Juniors Category: Jared Kaye
Tandem Category: Rick & Laurie Ellison
Overall Points Leader: Stephanie Berkowitz with 132 points.

COMBINED RESULTS FROM TODAY'S PENTZ ROAD UPHILL TIME TRIAL - January 28th, 2012:
Paradise, California
Conditions: Cool, sunny...winds picked up a bit.
5.8 Miles; 1,200 feet of climbing - Category 2 climb in the Series.
Photos of today's Time Trial can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/sets/72157629072096941/

1. Jim Roberts (age 49) 22:59
2. Tyler Honeyman (age 33) 23:00
3. Garrett Marking (age 13) 23:18
4. Stephanie Berkowitz (age 37) 24:44
5. Luke Wentland (age 32) 24:51
6. Patrick Clark (age 42) 24:58
7. Shaun Blake (age 26) 25:31
8. Ben Wentland (age 35) 25:48 (Mechanical)
9. Matt Roberts (age 45) 26:17
10. Justin Anderson (age 27) 26:51
11. Steve Suihkonen (age 37) 26:55
12. Hal Tacker (age 57) 27:05
13. John Touchette (age 45) 27:17
14. Tom Tucker (age 54) 27:24
15. Sean Fischer (age 46) 28:00
16. Chris Marking (age 40) 29:14
17. Lau Ackerman (age 47) 29:22
18. Jim Mensching (age 65) 29:35
19. Chris Lambert (age 16) 30:25
20. Stephen Work-Montana (age 42) 30:51
21. SanDee Brown (age 44) 31:06
22. Diann Harger (age 42) 31:32
23. Gary Witteman (age 56) 31:47
24. Laura Van Dervoort (age 45) 32:44
25. David Anderson (age 55) 33:38
26. Byron Fountain (age 58) 34:17
27. Neal Bordenave (age 51) 34:30
28. Kathy Walter (age 51) 38:54
29. Skip Lees (age 67) 39:31
30. Jared Kaye (age 13) 39:54

CATEGORY RESULTS FROM THE PENTZ ROAD UPHILL TIME TRIAL - January 28th, 2012:

Category "A" Results:
1. Jim Roberts (age 49) 22:59 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Tyler Honeyman (age 33) 23:00 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Garrett Marking (age 13) 23:18 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
4. Luke Wentland (age 32) 24:51 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)
5. Patrick Clark (age 42) 24:58 (14 points + 3 = 17 points)
6. Shaun Blake (age 26) 25:31 (12 points + 3 = 15 points)
7. Ben Wentland (age 35) 25:48 (10 points + 3 = 13 points)

Category "B" Results:
1. Matt Roberts (age 45) 26:17 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Justin Anderson (age 27) 26:51 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Steve Suihkonen (age 37) 26:55 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
4 John Touchette (age 45) 27:17 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)
5. Sean Fischer (age 46) 28:00 (14 points + 3 = 17 points)
6. Chris Marking (age 40) 29:14 (12 points + 3 = 15 points)
7. Lau Ackerman (age 47) 29:22 (10 points + 3 = 13 points)
8. Chris Lambert (age 16) 30:25 (8 points + 3 = 11 points)
9. Stephen Work-Montana (age 42) 30:51 (6 points + 3 = 9 points)

Category "C" Results:
1. Skip Lees (age 67) 39:31 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)

Women's Category Results:
1. Stephanie Berkowitz (age 37) 24:44 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. SanDee Brown (age 44) 31:06 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Diann Harger (age 42) 31:32 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
4. Laura Van Dervoort (age 45) 32:44 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)
5. Kathy Walter (age 51) 38:54 (14 points + 3 = 17 points)

Masters 50+ Category Results:
1. Hal Tacker (age 57) 27:05 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Tom Tucker (age 54) 27:24 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Jim Mensching (age 65) 29:35 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
4. Gary Witteman (age 56) 31:47 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)
5. David Anderson (age 55) 33:38 (14 points + 3 = 17 points)
6. Byron Fountain (age 58) 34:17 (12 points + 3 = 15 points)
7. Neal Bordenave (age 51) 34:30 (10 points + 3 = 13 points)

Junior Category Results:
1. Jared Kaye (age 13) 39:54 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)

CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE 2012 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES AFTER 5 OF 17 EVENTS:

Category "A" Overall Standings:
1. Garrett Marking 94 points
2. Patrick Clark 84 points
3. Kris Blee 78 points
4. Luke Wentland 72 points
5. Ben Wentland 57 points
6. Daniel Green 49 points
7. Josh Rowe 37 points
8. Michael Lee 34 points
9. Jim Roberts 27 points
10. Tyler Honeyman 23 points
11. Manny Mejia 17 points
12. Shaun Blake 15 points
12. Adam Roth 15 points
14. Shawn Hughes 10 points
15. Mr. Boswell 10 points

Category "B" Overall Standings:
1. Matt Roberts 99 points
2. John Touchette 86 points
3. Tom Embree 72 points
4. Stephen Work-Montana 68 points
5. Justin Anderson 61 points
6. Sean Fischer 57 points
7. Chris Lambert 54 points
8. Steve Suihkonen 45 points
9. Chris Marking 38 points
9. Tim Mallen 38 points
11. Lau Ackerman 31 points
12. Alex Roberson 17 points
13. David Dura 16 points
14. Fernando Wolford 15 points
14. Colin Moakley 15 points
16. Jorge Ramirez 11 points
17. Andy Grayson 8 points
18. Mark Wade 5 points
19. Todd Swagerty 4 points
20. Joe Crackel 4 points
21. Anonymous Guy 4 points

Category "C" Overall Standings:
1. Jim Pyle 76 points
2. Rick Carhart 60 points
3. Skip Lees 47 points
4. Scott Davis 23 points
5. Jay Berkowitz 19 points
5. Steve Suihkonen 19 points
5. Doug Conrad 19 points
8. Ryan Boner 17 points

Women's Category Overall Standings:
1. Stephanie Berkowitz 132 points
2. Diann Harger 75 points
3. Kathy Walter 74 points
4. SanDee Brown 62 points
5. Laura Van Dervoort 19 points
5. Lisa Hulse 19 points
7. Noelle Mascarenas 13 points
8. Alexandra Blee 10 points

Masters 50+ Category Overall Standings:
1. Tom Tucker 120 points
2. Jim Mensching 86 points
3. Hal Tacker 58 points
4. Neal Bordenave 55 points
5. Gary Witteman 52 points
5. Byron Fountain 52 points
7. Michael Wood 37 points
8. Monte Wolford 34 points
9. Phil Weintraub 26 points
10. Matt Maderos 23 points
11. Jay Rawlins 22 points
12. Charlie Pelton 19 points
13. David Anderson 17 points
14. Gary Fowler 15 points
15. Ryan Hiner 13 points
16. Greg Kallio 11 points
17. Rick Ellison 10 points
18. Dan Trevithick 4 points
19. Keith Lickey 4 points

Juniors Category Overall Standings:
1. Jared Kaye 73 points
2. Joseph Wolford 19 points

Tandem Category Results:
1. Rick & Laurie Ellison 46 points

THE 2012 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES INFORMATION:

Hi Everyone! So, we are starting up the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series again on Sunday, January 1st with the Humboldt Hill Climb Time Trial! The Series will visit various climbs around Butte County(see events and tentative 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. So, we decided to revive the old Hill Climb Series.......with a few additions and route changes. Below is a list of the very tentative events with dates. It should be mentioned that these dates could change. Rain will NOT cancel the races - but heavy snow and ice will.

17 events - 144 miles - 33,000+ feet of total climbing - held over a 5-month period from January through the first weekend of June 2012! Bound to be a very challenging, epic and memorable Series. Sure - there will be some pain and suffering - but it's the good kind! :)

Note: The Chico Hill Climb Time Trial Series will be back in September 2012 - starting with The Cohasset Hill Climb Time Trial!

How does it work???
Below is a list of the 17 Events in the 2012 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 3 being.......let's not say easiest.......let's say........not quite as hard as Category 1! Points will be awarded to the participant 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. The Butte Series will go from January 1st, 2012 through the first weekend of June 2012. This Series follows a progression over 5 months - starting with the "easier" Category 3 climbs early in the year to get your legs ready and all warmed-up.....building up to the Category 2 climbs....then Category 1....and ending with the biggest Hors Category climbs (Hors Category = Beyond Category). The FINAL Time Trial in the Series - the brutal Jonesville Time Trial/Road Race is the ONLY "Double" Hors Category climb in the Series and will be held the first weekend in June.....with the Series Awards Ceremony the following day. This entire Series should help you take advantage of those springtime miles - and get you ready for those hilly spring and summer Centuries, rides and races. 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! There are ALL levels of riders out there when we do these Hill Series Events - from Pros, to guys like me who take 2 days to climb Humboldt Road, and everyone in-between.......so, just come on out and test yourself, and go your own pace! The events are FREE to enter - and all are welcome - just come on out and give it a shot! You can do one event - a few events - or all 17 - totally up to you. Use the Series for training, racing, a little competitiveness, to test your fitness from month-to-month, to have fun & meet other riders....whatever you would like to do out there! Don't be intimidated - the Time Trials are very welcoming to new riders....and the riders themselves who take part are just the best folks out there!

REGISTRATION: Starting times for the events are normally consistent - 8:30AM registration opens, 1st rider takes off at 9:01AM - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. So, rider #1 takes off at 9:01am....rider #2 at 9:02am.....rider #3 at 9:03am....and so on and so forth. The "Starter" at each Time Trial will start you off, and I will be at the finish of the Time Trial to record your time and finish photo/video. I usually set up registration by 8:30am at the Start location of the Time Trial - you just need to check in with me, sign in on the "Start" sheet at the time/place you would like to start - and that's it! Donations are always very welcome and appreciated in order to keep the events going, but are never necessary to race in these events. I will call out the starting order at the beginning of the Time Trial - and the Starter will set you off on the Time Trial, one-by-one, in 1-minute intervals. If you miss your start - or are late - don't worry - you will just be placed as the last rider to start, so don't panic - you will, essentially, get a re-start. However, the Starter MUST be present during your re-start.

RESULTS: I will try my best to have results & photos out from each Time Trial within a 24-hour period, as well as the Updated Overall Standings in the 2012 Series after each event. Sometimes life gets in the way, but I don't foresee that happening this next year. The results will be posted at www.ChicoBike.com, Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Photos and videos will be posted on Flickr, Google+, Facebook and YouTube.

EVERY competitor who starts and finishes an event receives an additonal 3 points PER event. It should also be noted - there may be additional points awarded for "adverse conditions" - known as "misery points". One year, we had an absolute freezing cold downpour of rain at the Centerville Time Trial and I awarded everyone 3 extra points for "adverse conditions"........but, again, this is a big "might" and the conditions would have to be atrocious. I follow a basic rule-of-thumb - if I am miserable...we're awarding extra points. ;) ANY person who helps me start the riders off at the events receives an additional 3 points(minimum) for volunteering - I usually only need 1 or 2 people, and can 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!

PARTICIPANT CATEGORIES: The following categories will be offered for the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. The winner in each category will receive the 2012 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. Not sure what Category you should enter?? Not a problem - just come on out and we'll talk about it. In fact, many riders see how their first Time Trial goes before deciding what Category they should/could enter(with approval from the Race Director). So, no worries:

Category "A" - Advanced & Intermediate

Category "B" - Intermediate & Novice

Category "C" - Beginners, Clydesdales & Slower climbers(like me)

Women's Category

Masters 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 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 - must be totally obvious to the Race Director). The Race Director has the right to reclassify you at any time, with reason. Also, if there are 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(these could include a Tandem Category, a Mountain Bike Category, a Fixed Gear Category, various Age Categories, etc.). At the end of the Series, we will have an Awards Ceremony at a local establishment or at another R.A.C.E. event to honor the participants and winners/placers in the Series. I hope to have some 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series T-shirts & Posters to give out as well to the top placers/participants, but will be dependent upon my extremely limited budget.

The Point Breakdown for placings is as follows:

Hors Category(Beyond Category) Climb = 40-36-34-32-30-28-26-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (In other words, 1st place in an Hors Category Time Trial gets 40 points, 2nd place gets 36 points and on down the line - every person who competes and finishes in the event gets at least 1 point).

Category 1 Climb = 30-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 1 Time Trial gets 30 points, 2nd place gets 26 points and on down the line - every person who competes and finishes in the event gets at least 1 point)

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

Category 3 Climb = 20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1

THE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL COURSES:
Below is a list of the Time Trial courses, the very tentative dates, and their listed difficulty category. Reasons for a change in dates include heavy 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. Many of the climbs are held on Saturdays - but they could very very easily be switched to Sundays if there needs to be a change. The distances and elevation gains on each of the listed climbs are approximations only:

Sunday, January 1st - Humboldt Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 3.4 miles & 700 feet of climbing - COMPLETED!


Saturday, January 7th - Centerville Time Trial (From Covered Bridge to the gravel) - Cat. 3 - approximately 6.6 miles & 1,300 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!


Sunday, January 15th - Cherokee Time Trial - Cat. 3 - (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 21st - Neal Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 8.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!


Saturday, January 28th - Pentz Road Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 5.8 miles & 1,200 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!


Saturday, February 11th - Clark Road Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 7.7 miles & 1,700 feet of climbing.


Saturday, February 18th - Coutolenc Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (Just stay on Coutolenc) - approximately 6.8 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, February 25th - Lunt Road Time Trial(From Coal Canyon Road) - Cat. 2 - approximately 8.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, March 17th - Cohasset-to-Store Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 5.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, April 7th - Honey Run Road Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, April 14th - Dark Canyon Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 4 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, April 21st - Table Mountain Time Trial (Wildflower Century Side) - Cat. 1 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, May 5th - Lomo-to-Jonesville Time Trial - Cat. 1 - (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 12th - Vilas Road Time Trial - Hors Category - (From Nicalog to the end of Vilas) - approximately 7 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.


Saturday, May 19th - Lovelock-to-Inskip Time Trial - Hors Category - approximately 10.4 miles & 2,800 feet of climbing.


Saturday, May 26th - Cohasset-to-Gravel Time Trial (from Nicalog to the end of Cohasset Road) - Hors Category - approximately 9.4 miles & 2,900 feet of climbing.


Saturday, June 2nd - The Jonesville Time Trial/Road Race (a Mass Start event) - "Double" Hors Category - approximately 35.5 miles & 6,200 feet of climbing.


17 Events
144 Miles
33,000+ feet of climbing
Held over a 5-month period from January 1st, 2012 through the first weekend of June 2012.

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 Wildflower Century, the Death Ride and some spring/summer races!!

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 at all events!

This Series is FREE to enter - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Time Trials this Spring 2012! 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 fun! 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
www.RaceChico.com
www.ChicoBike.com
~Grassroots bicycle racing events~

Want to be added to the R.A.C.E. E-mail list??

Hi Everyone!! Well, we are on our way to a GREAT season of cycling here in the area - 2012 is looking to be epic in terms of cycling events in and around Butte County! R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events - is planning events from road to mountain bike to cyclocross to Junior races to Alleycats and more!! There will be a "Series" for Hill Climb Time Trials, Flat Time Trials, Criteriums, Road Races, Mountain Bike Races, Junior Races, etc. Also, the infamous "Omniums" and "Rodneyums" will be back this year, as well as the morning Humboldt races and - new this year - USA Cycling Sanctioned events! AND - the weekend "Juniors Only" Humboldt Road Races & Short-Track Mountain Bike Races will be back too!

If you'd like to stay up-to-date on the local bicycling events(Chico, Paradise, Cohasset, Oroville, Red Bluff, Gridley, Durham, Magalia, etc.), please shoot me an e-mail and I will add you to the R.A.C.E. e-mail list.

To be added, just send me an e-mail with "ADD" in the Subject Line - and send to ChicoCyclist@gmail.com. E-mails are never shared, and will never be shared - ever. And, if you'd like to get off of the e-mail lists, just let me know!!

Thanks everyone - and looking forward to a FANTASTIC new year of cycling in 2012 - we are gonna have a BLAST!!!!!! :)

About R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events

R.A.C.E. is an all-inclusive, always free, almost daily bike racing organization located in Chico, California.

Interested in bicycle racing? We have multiple options for everyone. Our races come in many flavors for different levels of intensity & different types of riders. If you are brand-new to racing, you might want to try the "C" group race. Intermediate to advanced riders normally race in the "B" group. If you are a veteran racer, Category 1 or Pro, then you should definitely join our "A" group at the races. We also have Junior racing for kids 15 and younger.

Our races come in different types. Group-start races include the Criteriums, Mountain Bike Races and the Road Races. Our solo-start races are the Flat Time Trials and the Hill Climb Time Trials. Occasionally there will be races that don't fall into either category, these are fun and challenging races created by the Race Director (Rodney Cox).

Points are awarded for almost all the races. These points will be calculated and displayed on our website. Your racing profile will keep track of your racing history. Visit our website after a race and see how you did - www.RaceChico.com!

For racers who come on a regular-basis, the points that are awarded will also go towards total points in a series. A series is any collection of races. Each series will have an overall winner in each rider category. Come to as many races as you can and you may find yourself the overall winner!

Welcome to R.A.C.E. - we hope to see you out there. Stay safe and ride!

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

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

Chico, CA

www.RaceChico.com

www.ChicoBike.com

ChicoCyclist@gmail.com

~Grassroots bicycle racing events~

Pentz Road Uphill Time Trial - Tomorrow at 9:00AM..........

Saturday, January 28th - The Pentz Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM:

Registration will open at 8:30am at Spring Valley School on Pentz Road(this is the lunch stop for the Chico Velo Wildflower Century - near Hwy. 70 and Pentz Road. Look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile in the school parking lot). The first rider will take off at 9:01am and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The Pentz Road climb is considered a Category 2 climb in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - it climbs approximately 1,200 feet over 5.8 miles - with a real kicker towards the start! For a map of the Pentz Road Uphill Time Trial course, please visit the following link:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/52873092

***And, I still need 1 volunteer to help me start the riders off at this event - if you can help out, just send me an e-mail - you get a 3-point bonus in the Series, you still get to race it(just be the last rider to start), and you will have my undying gratitude!!
Held Rain or Shine!
Helmets are mandatory!
(Event #5 in the 17-Race 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - A Category 2 Climb in the Series!)

CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE 2012 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES AFTER 4 OF 17 EVENTS:

Category "A" Overall Standings:
1. Kris Blee 78 points
2. Garrett Marking 73 points
3. Patrick Clark 67 points
4. Luke Wentland 53 points
5. Daniel Green 49 points
6. Ben Wentland 44 points
7. Josh Rowe 37 points
8. Michael Lee 34 points
9. Manny Mejia 17 points
10. Adam Roth 15 points
11. Shawn Hughes 10 points
11. Mr. Boswell 10 points

Category "B" Overall Standings:
1. Tom Embree 72 points
1. Matt Roberts 72 points
3. John Touchette 67 points
4. Stephen Work-Montana 59 points
5. Chris Lambert 43 points
6. Sean Fischer 40 points
7. Justin Anderson 38 points
7. Tim Mallen 38 points
9. Steve Suihkonen 24 points
10. Chris Marking 23 points
11. Lau Ackerman 18 points
12. Alex Roberson 17 points
13. David Dura 16 points
14. Fernando Wolford 15 points
14. Colin Moakley 15 points
16. Jorge Ramirez 11 points
17. Andy Grayson 8 points
18. Mark Wade 5 points
19. Todd Swagerty 4 points
20. Joe Crackel 4 points
21. Anonymous Guy 4 points

Category "C" Overall Standings:
1. Jim Pyle 76 points
2. Rick Carhart 60 points
3. Scott Davis 23 points
4. Skip Lees 20 points
5. Jay Berkowitz 19 points
5. Steve Suihkonen 19 points
5. Doug Conrad 19 points
8. Ryan Boner 17 points

Women's Category Overall Standings:
1. Stephanie Berkowitz 105 points
2. Kathy Walter 57 points
3. Diann Harger 54 points
4. SanDee Brown 39 points
5. Lisa Hulse 19 points
6. Noelle Mascarenas 13 points
7. Alexandra Blee 10 points

Masters 50+ Category Overall Standings:
1. Tom Tucker 97 points
2. Jim Mensching 65 points
3. Neal Bordenave 42 points
4. Byron Fountain 37 points
4. Michael Wood 37 points
6. Monte Wolford 34 points
7. Gary Witteman 33 points
8. Hal Tacker 29 points
9. Phil Weintraub 26 points
10. Matt Maderos 23 points
11. Jay Rawlins 22 points
12. Charlie Pelton 19 points
13. Gary Fowler 15 points
14. Ryan Hiner 13 points
15. Greg Kallio 11 points
16. Rick Ellison 10 points
17. Dan Trevithick 4 points
18. Keith Lickey 4 points

Juniors Category Overall Standings:
1. Jared Kaye 46 points
2. Joseph Wolford 19 points

Tandem Category Results:
1. Rick & Laurie Ellison 46 points

THE 2012 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES INFORMATION:

Hi Everyone! So, we are starting up the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series again on Sunday, January 1st with the Humboldt Hill Climb Time Trial! The Series will visit various climbs around Butte County(see events and tentative 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. So, we decided to revive the old Hill Climb Series.......with a few additions and route changes. Below is a list of the very tentative events with dates. It should be mentioned that these dates could change. Rain will NOT cancel the races - but heavy snow and ice will.

17 events - 144 miles - 33,000+ feet of total climbing - held over a 5-month period from January through the first weekend of June 2012! Bound to be a very challenging, epic and memorable Series. Sure - there will be some pain and suffering - but it's the good kind! :)

Note: The Chico Hill Climb Time Trial Series will be back in September 2012 - starting with The Cohasset Hill Climb Time Trial!

How does it work???
Below is a list of the 17 Events in the 2012 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 3 being.......let's not say easiest.......let's say........not quite as hard as Category 1! Points will be awarded to the participant 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. The Butte Series will go from January 1st, 2012 through the first weekend of June 2012. This Series follows a progression over 5 months - starting with the "easier" Category 3 climbs early in the year to get your legs ready and all warmed-up.....building up to the Category 2 climbs....then Category 1....and ending with the biggest Hors Category climbs (Hors Category = Beyond Category). The FINAL Time Trial in the Series - the brutal Jonesville Time Trial/Road Race is the ONLY "Double" Hors Category climb in the Series and will be held the first weekend in June.....with the Series Awards Ceremony the following day. This entire Series should help you take advantage of those springtime miles - and get you ready for those hilly spring and summer Centuries, rides and races. 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! There are ALL levels of riders out there when we do these Hill Series Events - from Pros, to guys like me who take 2 days to climb Humboldt Road, and everyone in-between.......so, just come on out and test yourself, and go your own pace! The events are FREE to enter - and all are welcome - just come on out and give it a shot! You can do one event - a few events - or all 17 - totally up to you. Use the Series for training, racing, a little competitiveness, to test your fitness from month-to-month, to have fun & meet other riders....whatever you would like to do out there! Don't be intimidated - the Time Trials are very welcoming to new riders....and the riders themselves who take part are just the best folks out there!

REGISTRATION: Starting times for the events are normally consistent - 8:30AM registration opens, 1st rider takes off at 9:01AM - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. So, rider #1 takes off at 9:01am....rider #2 at 9:02am.....rider #3 at 9:03am....and so on and so forth. The "Starter" at each Time Trial will start you off, and I will be at the finish of the Time Trial to record your time and finish photo/video. I usually set up registration by 8:30am at the Start location of the Time Trial - you just need to check in with me, sign in on the "Start" sheet at the time/place you would like to start - and that's it! Donations are always very welcome and appreciated in order to keep the events going, but are never necessary to race in these events. I will call out the starting order at the beginning of the Time Trial - and the Starter will set you off on the Time Trial, one-by-one, in 1-minute intervals. If you miss your start - or are late - don't worry - you will just be placed as the last rider to start, so don't panic - you will, essentially, get a re-start. However, the Starter MUST be present during your re-start.

RESULTS: I will try my best to have results & photos out from each Time Trial within a 24-hour period, as well as the Updated Overall Standings in the 2012 Series after each event. Sometimes life gets in the way, but I don't foresee that happening this next year. The results will be posted at www.ChicoBike.com, Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Photos and videos will be posted on Flickr, Google+, Facebook and YouTube.

EVERY competitor who starts and finishes an event receives an additonal 3 points PER event. It should also be noted - there may be additional points awarded for "adverse conditions" - known as "misery points". One year, we had an absolute freezing cold downpour of rain at the Centerville Time Trial and I awarded everyone 3 extra points for "adverse conditions"........but, again, this is a big "might" and the conditions would have to be atrocious. I follow a basic rule-of-thumb - if I am miserable...we're awarding extra points. ;) ANY person who helps me start the riders off at the events receives an additional 3 points(minimum) for volunteering - I usually only need 1 or 2 people, and can 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!

PARTICIPANT CATEGORIES: The following categories will be offered for the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. The winner in each category will receive the 2012 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. Not sure what Category you should enter?? Not a problem - just come on out and we'll talk about it. In fact, many riders see how their first Time Trial goes before deciding what Category they should/could enter(with approval from the Race Director). So, no worries:

Category "A" - Advanced & Intermediate

Category "B" - Intermediate & Novice

Category "C" - Beginners, Clydesdales & Slower climbers(like me)

Women's Category

Masters 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 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 - must be totally obvious to the Race Director). The Race Director has the right to reclassify you at any time, with reason. Also, if there are 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(these could include a Tandem Category, a Mountain Bike Category, a Fixed Gear Category, various Age Categories, etc.). At the end of the Series, we will have an Awards Ceremony at a local establishment or at another R.A.C.E. event to honor the participants and winners/placers in the Series. I hope to have some 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series T-shirts & Posters to give out as well to the top placers/participants, but will be dependent upon my extremely limited budget.

The Point Breakdown for placings is as follows:

Hors Category(Beyond Category) Climb = 40-36-34-32-30-28-26-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (In other words, 1st place in an Hors Category Time Trial gets 40 points, 2nd place gets 36 points and on down the line - every person who competes and finishes in the event gets at least 1 point).

Category 1 Climb = 30-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 1 Time Trial gets 30 points, 2nd place gets 26 points and on down the line - every person who competes and finishes in the event gets at least 1 point)

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

Category 3 Climb = 20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1

THE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL COURSES:
Below is a list of the Time Trial courses, the very tentative dates, and their listed difficulty category. Reasons for a change in dates include heavy 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. Many of the climbs are held on Saturdays - but they could very very easily be switched to Sundays if there needs to be a change. The distances and elevation gains on each of the listed climbs are approximations only:

Sunday, January 1st - Humboldt Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 3.4 miles & 700 feet of climbing - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 7th - Centerville Time Trial (From Covered Bridge to the gravel) - Cat. 3 - approximately 6.6 miles & 1,300 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Sunday, January 15th - Cherokee Time Trial - Cat. 3 - (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 21st - Neal Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 8.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!


Saturday, January 28th - Pentz Road Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 5.8 miles & 1,200 feet of climbing.


Saturday, February 11th - Clark Road Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 7.7 miles & 1,700 feet of climbing.


Saturday, February 18th - Coutolenc Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (Just stay on Coutolenc) - approximately 6.8 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, February 25th - Lunt Road Time Trial(From Coal Canyon Road) - Cat. 2 - approximately 8.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, March 17th - Cohasset-to-Store Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 5.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, April 7th - Honey Run Road Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, April 14th - Dark Canyon Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 4 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, April 21st - Table Mountain Time Trial (Wildflower Century Side) - Cat. 1 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, May 5th - Lomo-to-Jonesville Time Trial - Cat. 1 - (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 12th - Vilas Road Time Trial - Hors Category - (From Nicalog to the end of Vilas) - approximately 7 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.


Saturday, May 19th - Lovelock-to-Inskip Time Trial - Hors Category - approximately 10.4 miles & 2,800 feet of climbing.


Saturday, May 26th - Cohasset-to-Gravel Time Trial (from Nicalog to the end of Cohasset Road) - Hors Category - approximately 9.4 miles & 2,900 feet of climbing.


Saturday, June 2nd - The Jonesville Time Trial/Road Race (a Mass Start event) - "Double" Hors Category - approximately 35.5 miles & 6,200 feet of climbing.


17 Events
144 Miles
33,000+ feet of climbing
Held over a 5-month period from January 1st, 2012 through the first weekend of June 2012.

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 Wildflower Century, the Death Ride and some spring/summer races!!

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 at all events!

This Series is FREE to enter - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Time Trials this Spring 2012! 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 fun! 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
www.RaceChico.com
www.ChicoBike.com
~Grassroots bicycle racing events~

PASKENTA - 8:00AM, February 5th, 2012..................

Sunday, February 5th, 2012 - PASKENTA - 8:00AM:

Hi Everyone!! Just wanted to let you know that if you're hankering for an unofficial 100-mile Ride/Road Race/Training Ride, the Paskenta Century will be taking place on Sunday, February 5th, 2012 (yes, Super Bowl Sunday) at 8:00am in Chico, California. Although no longer affiliated with the Chico Velo Cycling Club, the ride still does exist and is going stronger and bigger than ever. The Paskenta Trophy will be awarded to the winner.......currently held by northern California cycling professional, Paul Mach - see photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/5424381360/in/set-72157625994523646

The ride is 100+ miles in length, with total climbing nearing 1,700 feet........and the ride has a 4-mile dirt/gravel section in it near the little town of Paskenta, California. If the weather is decent, we usually have about 200-300+ riders for this one - if the weather is a bit "off", we'll still get about 100-200 riders out there. For a map of the Paskenta course, please visit the following link:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Paskenta-Century-Road-Race-Course

This FREE and unsupported "assumed risk" ride kicks off the century season on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb 5th, 2012. Meet at the One Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park in Chico, California before the 8:00AM starting time to get your map (Ride starts precisely at 8:00AM!). Parking & bathrooms at the One Mile Recreation Area. Route heads north to Corning, west to Flournoy & Paskenta, south and east to Newville, Black Butte Lake, Orland, Hamilton City and Chico. Course can be shortened to 80 miles (avoiding the 4 to 5 mile gravel stretch) by taking the Black Butte Cut-Off west of Corning. It can be shortened to 50 miles by returning to Chico from Woodson Bridge-OR-by starting outside of Corning at 9:00AM at the intersection of A-9 and Black Butte Rd, four miles west of Corning. Store MIGHT be open in Flournoy - so stock up before the 30 mile service-free ride to Orland. Support vehicles following the pack are STRONGLY discouraged - but a good place for neutral hand-ups is in Paskenta/nearing Paskenta, prior to the dirt/gravel section. You should be fully self-supported during this ride - bring tubes, patch kit, multi-tool, pump, food, water, cell phone(although coverage is very spotty out that way) and anything else you might need out there!! Helmets are extremely recommended! Hope to see you here! Should finish with plenty of time to watch the game too - the Super Bowl doesn't usually start until 3:30ish.

And some photos from the 2008, 2009 & 2011 event can be found here:

2008 Paskenta photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/sets/72157603849304865/

2009 Paskenta photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/sets/72157613275411470/

2011 Paskenta photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/sets/72157625994523646/

Rodney.........

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

Chico, California

www.RaceChico.com

www.ChicoBike.com

Results from today's Neal Road Uphill Time Trial - Jan. 21st, 2012.............

Below are the results from today's Neal Road Uphill Time Trial......along with the Current Overall Standings in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. I would like to give a HUGE Thank You to Jim Mensching for volunteering to start the riders off at this Time Trial - thank you, Jim!! Today's event was the last Category 3 climb in the Series......next week starts up the Category 2 climbs!:

Saturday, January 28th - The Pentz Road Uphill Time Trial - 9:00AM:

Registration will open at 8:30am at Spring Valley School on Pentz Road(this is the lunch stop for the Chico Velo Wildflower Century - near Hwy. 70 and Pentz Road. Look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile in the school parking lot). The first rider will take off at 9:01am and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The Pentz Road climb is considered a Category 2 climb in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - it climbs approximately 1,200 feet over 5.8 miles - with a real kicker towards the start! For a map of the Pentz Road Uphill Time Trial course, please visit the following link:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/52873092

***And, I still need 1 volunteer to help me start the riders off at this event - if you can help out, just send me an e-mail - you get a 3-point bonus in the Series, you still get to race it(just be the last rider to start), and you will have my undying gratitude!!
Held Rain or Shine!
Helmets are mandatory!
(Event #5 in the 17-Race 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series - A Category 2 Climb in the Series!)

Current Leaders in the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series after 4 of 17 Events:

Category "A": Kris Blee
Category "B": Tom Embree and Matt Roberts - TIE
Category "C": Jim Pyle
Women's Category: Stephanie Berkowitz
Masters 50+ Category: Tom Tucker
Juniors Category: Jared Kaye
Tandem Category: Rick & Laurie Ellison
Overall Points Leader: Stephanie Berkowitz with 105 points.

COMBINED RESULTS FROM TODAY'S NEAL ROAD UPHILL TIME TRIAL - Jan. 21st, 2012:
Paradise, California
Conditions: Cloudy, Cool...freezing rain at finish.
8.1 Miles; 1,300 feet of climbing; Category 3 Climb in the Series
ADDED: 3 Misery Points
Photos from this morning's Neal Road Uphill Time Trial:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo/sets/72157628970979091/

1. Daniel Green (age 27) 31:00
2. Kris Blee (age 49) 33:13
3. Garrett Marking (age 13) 33:18
4. Josh Rowe (age 32) 34:17 (Flatted)
5. Luke Wentland (age 32) 34:40
6. Patrick Clark (age 42) 35:30
7. Stephanie Berkowitz (age 37) 35:55
8. Tom Embree (age 42) 36:17
9. Matt Roberts (age 45) 36:31
10. Ben Wentland (age 35) 36:43
11. Shawn Hughes (age 43) 38:27
12. John Touchette (age 45) 38:37
13. Phil Weintraub (age 61) 39:08
14. Chris Lambert (age 16) 39:20
15. Tom Tucker (age 54) 40:25
16. Stephen Work-Montana (age 42) 41:10
17. Justin Anderson (age 27) 41:15
18. Sean Fischer (age 46) 41:34
19. SanDee Brown (age 44) 42:20
20. Jim Mensching (age 65) 42:46
21. Diann Harger (age 42) 43:45
22. Lau Ackerman (age 47) 43:47
23. Gary Witteman (age 56) 44:01
24. Andy Grayson (age 40) 46:14 (Flatted)
25. Michael Wood (age 64) 47:48
26. Neal Bordenave (age 51) 48:10
27. Jim Pyle (age 48) 48:36
28. Steve Suihkonen (age 37) 50:16 (Flatted)
29. Byron Fountain (age 58) 52:21
30. Rick Carhart (age 41) 57:05
31. Skip Lees (age 67) 58:21

CATEGORY RESULTS FROM THE NEAL ROAD UPHILL TIME TRIAL - January 21st, 2012:
3 additional "Misery Points" Awarded today.

Category "A" Results:
1. Daniel Green (age 27) 31:00 (20 points + 3 + 3 = 26 points)
2. Kris Blee (age 49) 33:13 (16 points + 3 + 3 = 22 points)
3. Garrett Marking (age 13) 33:18 (14 points + 3 + 3 = 20 points)
4. Josh Rowe (age 32) 34:17 (12 points + 3 + 3 = 18 points)
5. Luke Wentland (age 32) 34:40 (10 points + 3 + 3 = 16 points)
6. Patrick Clark (age 42) 35:30 (8 points + 3 + 3 = 14 points)
7. Ben Wentland (age 35) 36:43 (6 points + 3 + 3 = 12 points)
8. Shawn Hughes (age 43) 38:27 (4 points + 3 + 3 = 10 points)

Category "B" Results:
1. Tom Embree (age 42) 36:17 (20 points + 3 + 3 = 26 points)
2. Matt Roberts (age 45) 36:31 (16 points + 3 + 3 = 22 points)
3. John Touchette (age 45) 38:37 (14 points + 3 + 3 = 20 points)
4. Chris Lambert (age 16) 39:20 (12 points + 3 + 3 = 18 points)
5. Stephen Work-Montana (age 42) 41:10 (10 points + 3 + 3 = 16 points)
6. Justin Anderson (age 27) 41:15 (8 points + 3 + 3 = 14 points)
7. Sean Fischer (age 46) 41:34 (6 points + 3 + 3 = 12 points)
8. Lau Ackerman (age 47) 43:47 (4 points + 3 + 3 = 10 points)
9. Andy Grayson (age 40) 46:14 (2 points + 3 + 3 = 8 points)
10. Steve Suihkonen (age 37) 50:16 (1 point + 3 + 3 = 7 points)

Category "C" Results:
1. Jim Pyle (age 48) 48:36 (20 points + 3 + 3 = 26 points)
2. Rick Carhart (age 41) 57:05 (16 points + 3 + 3 = 22 points)
3. Skip Lees (age 67) 58:21 (14 points + 3 + 3 = 20 points)

Women's Category Results:
1. Stephanie Berkowitz (age 37) 35:55 (20 points + 3 + 3 = 26 points)
2. SanDee Brown (age 44) 42:20 (16 points + 3 + 3 = 22 points)
3. Diann Harger (age 42) 43:45 (14 points + 3 + 3 = 20 points)

Masters 50+ Category Results:
1. Phil Weintraub (age 61) 39:08 (20 points + 3 + 3 = 26 points)
2. Tom Tucker (age 54) 40:25 (16 points + 3 + 3 = 22 points)
3. Jim Mensching (age 65) 42:46 (14 points + 3 "Volunteer Points" + 3 + 3 = 23 points)
4. Gary Witteman (age 56) 44:01 (12 points + 3 + 3 = 18 points)
5. Michael Wood (age 64) 47:48 (10 points + 3 + 3 = 16 points)
6. Neal Bordenave (age 51) 48:10 (8 points + 3 + 3 = 14 points)
7. Byron Fountain (age 58) 52:21 (6 points + 3 + 3 = 12 points)

CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE 2012 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES AFTER 4 OF 17 EVENTS:

Category "A" Overall Standings:
1. Kris Blee 78 points
2. Garrett Marking 73 points
3. Patrick Clark 67 points
4. Luke Wentland 53 points
5. Daniel Green 49 points
6. Ben Wentland 44 points
7. Josh Rowe 37 points
8. Michael Lee 34 points
9. Manny Mejia 17 points
10. Adam Roth 15 points
11. Shawn Hughes 10 points
11. Mr. Boswell 10 points

Category "B" Overall Standings:
1. Tom Embree 72 points
1. Matt Roberts 72 points
3. John Touchette 67 points
4. Stephen Work-Montana 59 points
5. Chris Lambert 43 points
6. Sean Fischer 40 points
7. Justin Anderson 38 points
7. Tim Mallen 38 points
9. Steve Suihkonen 24 points
10. Chris Marking 23 points
11. Lau Ackerman 18 points
12. Alex Roberson 17 points
13. David Dura 16 points
14. Fernando Wolford 15 points
14. Colin Moakley 15 points
16. Jorge Ramirez 11 points
17. Andy Grayson 8 points
18. Mark Wade 5 points
19. Todd Swagerty 4 points
20. Joe Crackel 4 points
21. Anonymous Guy 4 points

Category "C" Overall Standings:
1. Jim Pyle 76 points
2. Rick Carhart 60 points
3. Scott Davis 23 points
4. Skip Lees 20 points
5. Jay Berkowitz 19 points
5. Steve Suihkonen 19 points
5. Doug Conrad 19 points
8. Ryan Boner 17 points

Women's Category Overall Standings:
1. Stephanie Berkowitz 105 points
2. Kathy Walter 57 points
3. Diann Harger 54 points
4. SanDee Brown 39 points
5. Lisa Hulse 19 points
6. Noelle Mascarenas 13 points
7. Alexandra Blee 10 points

Masters 50+ Category Overall Standings:
1. Tom Tucker 97 points
2. Jim Mensching 65 points
3. Neal Bordenave 42 points
4. Byron Fountain 37 points
4. Michael Wood 37 points
6. Monte Wolford 34 points
7. Gary Witteman 33 points
8. Hal Tacker 29 points
9. Phil Weintraub 26 points
10. Matt Maderos 23 points
11. Jay Rawlins 22 points
12. Charlie Pelton 19 points
13. Gary Fowler 15 points
14. Ryan Hiner 13 points
15. Greg Kallio 11 points
16. Rick Ellison 10 points
17. Dan Trevithick 4 points
18. Keith Lickey 4 points

Juniors Category Overall Standings:
1. Jared Kaye 46 points
2. Joseph Wolford 19 points

Tandem Category Results:
1. Rick & Laurie Ellison 46 points

THE 2012 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES INFORMATION:

Hi Everyone! So, we are starting up the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series again on Sunday, January 1st with the Humboldt Hill Climb Time Trial! The Series will visit various climbs around Butte County(see events and tentative 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. So, we decided to revive the old Hill Climb Series.......with a few additions and route changes. Below is a list of the very tentative events with dates. It should be mentioned that these dates could change. Rain will NOT cancel the races - but heavy snow and ice will.

17 events - 144 miles - 33,000+ feet of total climbing - held over a 5-month period from January through the first weekend of June 2012! Bound to be a very challenging, epic and memorable Series. Sure - there will be some pain and suffering - but it's the good kind! :)

Note: The Chico Hill Climb Time Trial Series will be back in September 2012 - starting with The Cohasset Hill Climb Time Trial!

How does it work???
Below is a list of the 17 Events in the 2012 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 3 being.......let's not say easiest.......let's say........not quite as hard as Category 1! Points will be awarded to the participant 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. The Butte Series will go from January 1st, 2012 through the first weekend of June 2012. This Series follows a progression over 5 months - starting with the "easier" Category 3 climbs early in the year to get your legs ready and all warmed-up.....building up to the Category 2 climbs....then Category 1....and ending with the biggest Hors Category climbs (Hors Category = Beyond Category). The FINAL Time Trial in the Series - the brutal Jonesville Time Trial/Road Race is the ONLY "Double" Hors Category climb in the Series and will be held the first weekend in June.....with the Series Awards Ceremony the following day. This entire Series should help you take advantage of those springtime miles - and get you ready for those hilly spring and summer Centuries, rides and races. 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! There are ALL levels of riders out there when we do these Hill Series Events - from Pros, to guys like me who take 2 days to climb Humboldt Road, and everyone in-between.......so, just come on out and test yourself, and go your own pace! The events are FREE to enter - and all are welcome - just come on out and give it a shot! You can do one event - a few events - or all 17 - totally up to you. Use the Series for training, racing, a little competitiveness, to test your fitness from month-to-month, to have fun & meet other riders....whatever you would like to do out there! Don't be intimidated - the Time Trials are very welcoming to new riders....and the riders themselves who take part are just the best folks out there!

REGISTRATION: Starting times for the events are normally consistent - 8:30AM registration opens, 1st rider takes off at 9:01AM - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. So, rider #1 takes off at 9:01am....rider #2 at 9:02am.....rider #3 at 9:03am....and so on and so forth. The "Starter" at each Time Trial will start you off, and I will be at the finish of the Time Trial to record your time and finish photo/video. I usually set up registration by 8:30am at the Start location of the Time Trial - you just need to check in with me, sign in on the "Start" sheet at the time/place you would like to start - and that's it! Donations are always very welcome and appreciated in order to keep the events going, but are never necessary to race in these events. I will call out the starting order at the beginning of the Time Trial - and the Starter will set you off on the Time Trial, one-by-one, in 1-minute intervals. If you miss your start - or are late - don't worry - you will just be placed as the last rider to start, so don't panic - you will, essentially, get a re-start. However, the Starter MUST be present during your re-start.

RESULTS: I will try my best to have results & photos out from each Time Trial within a 24-hour period, as well as the Updated Overall Standings in the 2012 Series after each event. Sometimes life gets in the way, but I don't foresee that happening this next year. The results will be posted at www.ChicoBike.com, Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Photos and videos will be posted on Flickr, Google+, Facebook and YouTube.

EVERY competitor who starts and finishes an event receives an additonal 3 points PER event. It should also be noted - there may be additional points awarded for "adverse conditions" - known as "misery points". One year, we had an absolute freezing cold downpour of rain at the Centerville Time Trial and I awarded everyone 3 extra points for "adverse conditions"........but, again, this is a big "might" and the conditions would have to be atrocious. I follow a basic rule-of-thumb - if I am miserable...we're awarding extra points. ;) ANY person who helps me start the riders off at the events receives an additional 3 points(minimum) for volunteering - I usually only need 1 or 2 people, and can 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!

PARTICIPANT CATEGORIES: The following categories will be offered for the 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. The winner in each category will receive the 2012 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. Not sure what Category you should enter?? Not a problem - just come on out and we'll talk about it. In fact, many riders see how their first Time Trial goes before deciding what Category they should/could enter(with approval from the Race Director). So, no worries:

Category "A" - Advanced & Intermediate

Category "B" - Intermediate & Novice

Category "C" - Beginners, Clydesdales & Slower climbers(like me)

Women's Category

Masters 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 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 - must be totally obvious to the Race Director). The Race Director has the right to reclassify you at any time, with reason. Also, if there are 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(these could include a Tandem Category, a Mountain Bike Category, a Fixed Gear Category, various Age Categories, etc.). At the end of the Series, we will have an Awards Ceremony at a local establishment or at another R.A.C.E. event to honor the participants and winners/placers in the Series. I hope to have some 2012 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series T-shirts & Posters to give out as well to the top placers/participants, but will be dependent upon my extremely limited budget.

The Point Breakdown for placings is as follows:

Hors Category(Beyond Category) Climb = 40-36-34-32-30-28-26-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (In other words, 1st place in an Hors Category Time Trial gets 40 points, 2nd place gets 36 points and on down the line - every person who competes and finishes in the event gets at least 1 point).

Category 1 Climb = 30-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 1 Time Trial gets 30 points, 2nd place gets 26 points and on down the line - every person who competes and finishes in the event gets at least 1 point)

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

Category 3 Climb = 20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1

THE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL COURSES:
Below is a list of the Time Trial courses, the very tentative dates, and their listed difficulty category. Reasons for a change in dates include heavy 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. Many of the climbs are held on Saturdays - but they could very very easily be switched to Sundays if there needs to be a change. The distances and elevation gains on each of the listed climbs are approximations only:

Sunday, January 1st - Humboldt Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 3.4 miles & 700 feet of climbing - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 7th - Centerville Time Trial (From Covered Bridge to the gravel) - Cat. 3 - approximately 6.6 miles & 1,300 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Sunday, January 15th - Cherokee Time Trial - Cat. 3 - (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 21st - Neal Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 8.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!


Saturday, January 28th - Pentz Road Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 5.8 miles & 1,200 feet of climbing.


Saturday, February 11th - Clark Road Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 7.7 miles & 1,700 feet of climbing.


Saturday, February 18th - Coutolenc Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (Just stay on Coutolenc) - approximately 6.8 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, February 25th - Lunt Road Time Trial(From Coal Canyon Road) - Cat. 2 - approximately 8.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, March 17th - Cohasset-to-Store Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 5.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, April 7th - Honey Run Road Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, April 14th - Dark Canyon Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 4 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, April 21st - Table Mountain Time Trial (Wildflower Century Side) - Cat. 1 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.


Saturday, May 5th - Lomo-to-Jonesville Time Trial - Cat. 1 - (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 12th - Vilas Road Time Trial - Hors Category - (From Nicalog to the end of Vilas) - approximately 7 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.


Saturday, May 19th - Lovelock-to-Inskip Time Trial - Hors Category - approximately 10.4 miles & 2,800 feet of climbing.


Saturday, May 26th - Cohasset-to-Gravel Time Trial (from Nicalog to the end of Cohasset Road) - Hors Category - approximately 9.4 miles & 2,900 feet of climbing.


Saturday, June 2nd - The Jonesville Time Trial/Road Race (a Mass Start event) - "Double" Hors Category - approximately 35.5 miles & 6,200 feet of climbing.


17 Events
144 Miles
33,000+ feet of climbing
Held over a 5-month period from January 1st, 2012 through the first weekend of June 2012.


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 Wildflower Century, the Death Ride and some spring/summer races!!


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 at all events!

This Series is FREE to enter - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Time Trials this Spring 2012! 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 fun! 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
www.RaceChico.com
www.ChicoBike.com
~Grassroots bicycle racing events~