Chicago Bike Racing: Wednesday notebook

Wednesday notebook

Jan 20
2010

Filed in: Links, Race news

Comments (7)

» Wisconsin Cycling Association’s 2010 schedule is out, and it looks rather familiar, which is great: No sense messing with a great thing. For road race lovers, the Spring Prairie state championships will again be the first Sunday of June, and in May we return to two hilly courses about an hour north of Madison: Circuit of Sauk on May 1 and La Rue-Denzer-La Rue on May 15. (I considered L-D-L an instant classic when it made its debut in 2009.) I’m also happy to see that the Whitnall Park Spring Classic, a very fun and hilly criterium near Milwaukee, is back after a one-year hiatus.
» Burnham Racing released its flier for March 27’s Spring Super Criterium, the kick-off of the 2010 Illinois Cup campaign. The boys also announced new shop and bike sponsors, not to mention some nice roster pick-ups.
» Our first chance to race outdoors will once again be in Kenosha, Wis. ABR’s Kenosha Velosport Spring Criterium Series starts Sunday, March 14, weather permitting, and continues the following two Sundays. (Raise your hand if you still miss Parkside.)
» Yet another new team to look for in 2010: W2 Racing of Arlington Heights is made up of beginning masters racers and triathletes.
» The South Chicago Wheelmen are having an open house for juniors Tuesday, Jan. 26, in Homewood.
» Doing well at Hillsboro-Roubaix can once again secure a spot at the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Last year Chris Winn (RMCEF) drove 31 hours from Colorado for a shot at qualifying -- and succeeded.
» Why I wear a helmet. (Also, why I don’t care for cats.)

Comments

1.

Jan 21
2010

7:00 am

(xXx Racing Athletico)

Sheesh. Poor Kessler. Best to just hit em straight on. And wear a helmet!

2.

Jan 22
2010

11:42 pm

Seth Meyer (ReCycling)

Anyone remember that much more badass Kessler crash in the ‘04 Tour? He got spun around a full 180 degrees by hitting some fence post in the chest in the Massif Central. It looked wild! And he was wearing a helmet so it was extra cool.

3.

Jan 22
2010

11:44 pm

Seth Meyer (ReCycling)

Not the one I was talking about, but this one was wild too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzF6P597Bc0

5.

Jan 26
2010

9:52 pm

Rooster (Chicago Cuttin' Crew)

Quick question for the bikereg liaisons…

Do you guys know if we need to have an already renewed license for the Hillsboro signup on bikereg?

In other words, bikereg does not have a problem with an expired license (that will inevitably be renewed, of course). It is just the promoter that will concern themselves with that, Right?

And, assuming it is solely the promoter’s discretion, they will probably be verifying fields (especially full fields) well before the race but not immediately. Correct?

Some people have some conflicts with the good ol’ perfect storm every team gets this time of year. Fees, fees, fees. USAC license, team kits, maybe dues, and hillsboro reg fee… Well, that and rent. Just making sure so everyone can juggle all these things with the right paycheck.

Thanks in advance.

6.

Jan 28
2010

10:13 am

Rooster,

BikeReg’s system will validate a rider’s annual license even if it has not been renewed. The license # just has to be the correct license for the rider in the USAC database (current and historical). I attempt to help early season race promoters validate pre-reg’d riders’ licenses, but this can be difficult since some riders don’t renew their licenses until the night before a race. So please renew your license and update your BikeReg rider profile as soon as possible!!!

However, it is ultimately the rider’s responsibility to know the rules, in this case registering and racing in the correct race with a valid license. The actual/final validation of an annual license will always be done at registration/number pickup by the race promoter.

That’s a long drawn-out way of saying, Yes, you can pre-reg for HBR, the SSC, or any other race before you actually renew your USAC license. Keep in mind though that riders found actually racing on an expired license can be suspended and/or fined.

We understand the financial restrictions many riders feel at this time since we have them ourselves (apparently fancy carbon fiber doesn’t pay for itself?!?) and especially in this economy. But no rider is allowed or should try to game the system. As I said here on CBR last year around this time, if you can’t afford to race, go do a training ride and come back next weekend stronger.

Let me know if you have questions or need help.
jasonK.

7.

Jan 28
2010

6:53 pm

Rooster (Chicago Cuttin' Crew)

I appreciate the explanation. That definitely makes sense.

The early registration system has most certainly proven it’s worth and provided the tools that keep escalating the game. The successes of the system through day 1 to the fin of the ‘cross cup alone have definitely shown that. Of course the system isn’t much without the people who evolve, tweak and use it to it’s full potential. The credit is well deserved for how far you’ve developed it.

As with everything there are always trade offs, large or small, and I just wanted to get some clarity for this odd case in the early months of the year. If I knew I didn’t have the money this weekend for a race this weekend or next weekend I know I would be fine with having to take a pass and go on a training ride (heh, or work). The specific trade off here is that 2 month discrepancy. We all know there’s love for the HR and the SSC so some people are just trying to get in how they can so they aren’t bummed about a race they could have otherwise afforded come late March.

No worries for me though! I’ve luckily got a sugar daddy on our team named Avi that is going to be sitting at the comp 8 AM sharp(!), hopefully ready to register me (ha! he totally thinks he’s getting paid back, shhhhh)…

Thanks again for your help.