MUCR Post-Season Executive Meeting

November 25, 2008 , Fox and Hounds Tavern

MINUTES

In attendance: Hal, Colin, Tomek, Ian

Minutes by Ian with contributions by Hal

Last season – All

• 9 events
• Turn out ranged from good to great (Altona and Woodhaven noted as great)
• More women riding
• Some new/first-time riders, including some drawn from Cross Labs
• Fortunate to have good weather for most events
• Double cross good in some ways, but not that many riders did both events. Noted that this could be a simple of fact of people not being available on both days, and the fact that there were 2 races may not have mattered.
• Some environmental guilt expressed by race organizers re: throwing out plastic race tape. Decided to (1) promote Safeway’s plastic recycling program (to do: Ian) and (2) investigate cloth/reusable/biodegradable tape options (to do: Tomek)
• Discussion about starting the season earlier and/or Spring series. General feeling was that the current length of season is good and that Fall is traditional 'cross season. There was interest in maybe adding a couple of races thereby lengthening the season, but the emphasis should be on putting on quality races and not quantity numbers of races. Any additional races should not interfere with Mountain Bike Provincials or the Fall Classic. Also, Spring is very busy with both road and mountain bike races and Spring 'cross races might add too much to the picture.
• Email MCA Road Coordinator to contact Saskatchewan road coordinator to possibly coordinate double cross weekends, leaving weekends open so racers can attend each other's events (to do: Hal)
  

Cross Labs – Hal

• Generally happy with results
• Discussion about focus on quality, not quantity =
• 1 weeknight ride would be sufficient
• End rides when time changes in fall
• Consider partnering with a qualified coach to supplement sport mentorship offered by current MUCR riders
• Discussion about adding value by organizing a one-day CX training camp with sessions on training, stretching, cold weather cycling, CX bike tuning/maintenance, etc. (to do: Cross lab/training camp committee) Could be supported by revenue from a Bingo.
• Discussion about having some labs be short course/time races - maybe on Saturdays
  

Series – Tom and Colin

• Yes, a series would be good.
• Colin agreed to administer (to do: Colin)
• Goal of series would be to promote participation in multiple CX events.
• Riders who complete a certain threshold of races (e.g. 6 of 9 or 5 of 8) would receive a participation prize (e.g. a MUCR beer mug). Could be given out at Belgian Club, if this was one of the last events of the year. Could be supported by Series sponsors, by a contribution from race organizers, or could be subsidized with support from a Bingo.
• For each race a rider completes, their name would be entered once into a season-end draw for a large prize. (to do: MUCR Series committee)

Clothing order – All

• Agreement to pursue a second clothing order on March 15th, 2009.
• Clothing orders could be taken via email, and at the proposed January MUCR meeting (which could include borrowing a Champ Sys sizing kit). (to do: Hal)
• Everyone very happy with clothing.

Website – Hal

• Web site worked well at a basic level.
• Could be made better through multiple/more open contributors
• Use blog and Google calendars more effectively
• New page template suggested (to do: Tomek)
• Encouraging more contributors (to do: Hal)

New Sport Development Ideas – Ian

• Grass track racing – discussed and approved. To be promoted for inclusion on the MCA calendar (to do: Ian)
• New venues – possibility at Fort Whyte. To be investigated and promoted to clubs as an opportunity (to do: Tomek)
• New events – discussion and agreement to leave event organization to clubs.

New Business

• FUCR – discussion of amending jersey somehow for out of province riders. Decided better to leave as is (since people in Ontario seemed willing to wear it).
• Claiming a membership – discussion of importance of being able to count people as members. Agreement to pursue -- proposal: create ‘union cards’. $2 for a lifetime membership. No real benefits for members except a snazzy card. Funding used to support CX development (maybe we could direct to web site hosting?). Design cards (to do: Tomek), look into issues of holding personal information (to do: Ian)
• Outreach to sponsors – Half pints, Mondragon and Belgian Club – agreement we should (in the spring, perhaps) try to meet with all of our supporters on their terms (e.g. show up as an agenda item on their regular meetings (to do: Tom (Mondragon) and Ian (Half Pints and Belgian Club)

Next meeting:

• A meeting open to all interested cyclocross riders/supporters to be held in late January. Location TBD, but could be Mondragon or Belgian Club. (to do: Hal)
• Invite new MCA Road Coordinator to the meeting
  

double cross

saturday - here

sunday - here

this week's races

saturday, oct 25

sunday, oct 26

Cross Labs this Week - Hiatus

In light of the facts (namely that tonight is election night and you should be voting; that tomorrow night is the Bike to the Future fall forum; that it is now dark at about 6:45; and that it's pretty cold and damp out today), cross labs this week are on hiatus. This means ride your bike and stay loose for Southern Cross this weekend, but there won't be organized rides at Omand's Creek Park tonight, tomorrow or Thursday.

Stay tuned for announcement about a Cross Lab wrap up/get together which may involve cross videos (Fraser - I need my DVD back!) and Belgian beer.

In the meantime, vote, participate in the forum and get ready for this weekend's cross-travaganza in Altona.

Turkey Cross Results

Provided by our ace field correspondent Gary:

Chris, Allan, and Gary with some help from Dave, Seema, and Bill set a course which utilized the full range of gears with some long fast straights, flowing single track, high and low speed corners, stairs, and a steep little run-up for good measure. Thanks to everyone, including Seema and Colin for keeping track of us, and Tom for the schwag. We'll do it again next year.

Unofficial results:

Tim T
Allan R
Ian H
Chris A
Gary S
Craig
Dave D
Rod V
Bill A
Dave L
John G
Matt
Tomek

from our friends in saskatoon

HEY!
DIRTY DOUBLE CROSSERS!

Come to Canada’s boom city next weekend for Saskatoon’s Double X

Date: October 18th and 19th.
Location: Diefenbaker Park, Saskatoon
Registration: Saturday Sign on at 3:00 Race at 4:00
Race Type: 35 and 50 minute timed races
Cost: $20/ includes meal
Dinner: at Amigos Cantina 632 10th Street E. after the race, with room booked from 6:30 on
Organizer: the fabulous Bike Doctor bike shop--for more info call Greg at bike doc at 306-664-8555
Registration: 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Race Start: 12:00 PM
Cost: $15
Location: Diefenbaker Park, Saskatoon
Prizes: Cash prizes for each category.
Organizer: Cycledelia bike club
Additional info: Cycledelia

upcoming races

location

location

location

woodhaven 2008

a great weekend weather wise and two cross races to boot. the first race took place at happyland park off of marion and by all accounts it was about as tough as it gets. mostly grass rolling terrain and enough elevation to make it a physical challenge. hopefully some of the racers who were there will fill in some details.

sunday's race was at woodhaven. a few nice changes to the course left out some of the more traditional features that are usually a part of the race and included one new path and some a new course set ups which made for a fast course,

the "b" race saw a whole bunch of new faces. looks like the "no-license needed" system might be attractive enough to bring new racers into the scene. the only downside to this type of insurance policy is that it might mean a whole bunch of additional work for organizers who would need to find companies who would be willing to sponsor the race. whatever the case, it was nice to see new riders out giving cross a try.

the"a" race was well attended and also saw some new faces as some b racers from made the leap up to the "a" category and its world of additional pain.them the opportunity to give cross a try.

here are some pictures from the race, more here.

Saturday race info:

Hey folks –

The race is set to go for Saturday and the weather looks like it will be dandy!

But - just a quick note about this Saturday’s race: despite what seemed a few weeks ago to be a clear guarantee from the City that we would be able to use the change room facilities at Happyland Park, it now seems that additional/multiple approvals are required (from multiple departments, no less).

We’re still trying to sort this out, but at present it is possible (likely, even) that there will not be change rooms or washrooms available at the race site. It should be noted that there are businesses directly across the street from the park that have washrooms, if needed, but planning ahead for your clothes-changing needs is advisable (e.g. wear your riding kit under your clothes or bust out that kilt you’ve been dying to wear).

I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and politely request your cooperation in not exposing yourself to the entire neighbourhood before or after the race (please and thank you) or relieving yourself on neighbourhood lawns, etc., as we’d like to be invited back to St. Boniface.

See you at the race!

saturday and sunday - what else are you going to do

wildwood recap

this weekend saw cross race #2 in the manitoba series. the temps were a little cooler and leaves have started to turn colour so it is definitely starting to feel like cross season. before the formal racing began we started with black tie race in honour of dainel (one of manitoba's stronger racers) and sydney. daniel and sydney showed up at the race for pictures (the ceremony was later in the afternoon) and so that daniel could participate in race which daniel won taking home a tidy sum of money collected from all of those who participated in the race.

gianni

start of the black tie race

following the black tie race it was time for the b race. numbers have picked up from the civic cross and a good group of riders showed up for the b event. the course was fast and and quite the aerobic challenge.

b race start

jonny g

the a race saw one of our larger fields outside of provincials. 45 minute plus 2 was the order of the day and because it was mostly on grass we were all quite out of breath by the end of the race.

a race start

dave d, brian s and tomek

middle of the a pack

gianni

tomek

lindsay

results should be up soon. next week is double cross - stay tuned.

Cross Lab - Sept 23

Another solid skill session at Omand's Creek, this time with a few new faces - great to see. If the skills these cyclocross first-timers showed off at the end of tonight's ride is any indication, folks better look out come race day.

This Thursday's ride, graciously headed up by Coach Dave, will meet at Omand's Creek, but then will likely head off towards Assiniboine Park for some speed work. This means be on time, people (I'm looking at you Tom).

A nice workout on Thursday will get you all set for this Sunday's race, hosted by Woodcock Cycle, at Wildwood Park. If the course is anything like last year, be ready to go fast and really open up your lungs on some long straight stretches, and also be ready to push hard through some tight corners. They say cyclocross is won in the corners, you know. See what you think after Sunday's race.

more photos

Flickr slide show including photos from Gary Sewell

cross #1 - civic park

cross is back, and the first race of the season was well worth the wait. this year's course was about as fast as it's every been for civic park. wherever possible we utilized the gravel paths while still incorporating the hill for a two grueling climbs: one, shouldering the bike; the other a tough cross the face uphill which was definitely a challenge for the single speeders in the group (dave d, alberto, dave l, tomek, and tinker tim). instead of a timed event we went with lap counts: 5 for B and 10 for A (could have added one more lap for B and one less for A).

the B race was won by tim turene. of note, apparently liam tossed his cookies in an effort to lessen his weight for the final lap. i would have had some pictures of the B race, but i did realize that my camera was on movies mode and i managed to take a lot of bad movies rather than good pictures.

the A race saw 13 racers: 10 male and 3 females. not sure how many laps to call for, tom chose 10 over 9 thinking that it would be a good way to start the season - one filled with pain. the race started tight with a solid A train making its way through the first third of the course as a tight knit group - that ended as soon as we hit the first barrier. dave d, phil from out east, don s, and tomek separated themselves and the rest of us were left to try and catch up. we never did manage to catch up but we did enjoy our own race. 10 laps translated into over 50 minutes of racing of pain for the men and well over an hour for the women - perhaps a bit much.

here are some pics from the event with more to follow.

throw down

seems like there was some interest in a throw down event this wednesday (sept. 17) @ omand park. once cross starts there is no holding it back.

final jersey images

here are the final images: skinsuit, long sleeve, short sleeve and shorts

Cross Lab report and getting Psyched Up

Due to work conflicts I was only able to drop by the cross lab for a few minutes last night, but it looked like Coach Dave was working people good (thanks Dave). Some new faces and some nervous-but-excited talk about this weekend...

Which leads me to... race specs for the Sunday cross race are up on the MCA site - Civic Park will let you know how fit you are, that's for sure.

And this Saturday is the Festival of Belgian Sports - a funfilled afternoon of Belgian sports and culture. For anyone interested in trying a cyclocross race - show up at the pole archery grounds (Mission Street just east of Archibald) at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday with $10, your bike, your helmet, and your sense of fun. Should be a blast.

Saturday Cross Lab Report

Worked alone in the lab this morning, while most of the MUCRers wander off to Saskatchewan for what I hope is a great 8-hour MTB race. And everyone else slept in... ? Cross racing starts next week people! It's going to hurt bad enough as it is --- don't you think you ought to get some rides in beforehand!?

This coming Tuesday (and Thursday, I think) will be your last chances to find your cross feet, tune your bike and polish your skills (or learn some new ones, if you're just starting out). Despite what the calendar says, the ride will start at 6:30 p.m. at Omand's Creek (I'll try to fix that...)

This morning's workout was a series of 2 and 3 lap pushes on the Alter Ego Psychocross course. The recent rain (and freshly cut grass) made for some slippery sections.

I wandered by the Belgian Club after the ride to ponder the course over there, and discovered that the City had graded the backlane that has traditionally been part of the circuit -- no more potholes! Awesome timing for the November 2 race, and I'm sure the residents and businesses there are pleased. As a side note to the Belgian Club race, I had a very nice conversation with folks from the Club yesterday about using their sign to promote the 'cross there -- as always, they were generous and supportive and said MUCR can post something the week prior to the event. Hopefully we can get even more community involvement this year as a result. See you there!

these are the daves i know

cross lab achieved season highs with 7 riders showing up for the ride. of the 7, 3 were daves - what are the odds (follow the link on the blog title)? gianni did not ride, claiming that he was giving blood - my suspicion is that if we look in his fridge we'll find bags of blood he is saving just so he can inject them back into his system just prior to provinicals.

cross labs moved

cross labs are now happening on tuesday evenings. this week we will start at 7:00, next week we start at 6:30.

want to look good for the cross season

we're taking orders for these now. don't delay.

cross lab 08/27/08

'cross lab at Omand Park @ 7:00.

We'll also be getting together after to discuss important cross events and happenings for the upcoming year.

Saturday, August 30 Cross Lab Training Session

A Saturday morning workout (more of a workout than a coaching/learning session) will meet at the Belgian Club (407 Provencher) this Saturday at 8 a.m. Get your long weekend started right - join us for some riding on 3 of the race courses being used this fall - Whittier Park, the Belgian Club and (un)Happyland Park.

Also - Giant is now sponsoring the Rabobank cyclocross team?! I can't wait to see the team bikes.

thinking of going to nationals in edmonton?

check out the website for more details

and the technical document for all of the killjoy rules and regulations (guess you have to have them if it is the nationals). and example of a rule you need to know: you have to ride a cyclocross bike for the championships (they don't define this in the document, but i am sure it is around somewhere)

cross lab #1

nice little lab session last night. gianni, the impaler and myself warmed up to the season practicing a few skills. the next lab will be next wednesday; see the calendar (click on link for map). dates and times are subject to change on this so make sure to check the calendar before you leave the house.

cross labs

cross labs start this wednesday at omand's creek park. wednesday labs will be mostly skills oriented and a perfect time for learning and practicing bike handling techniques. saturday mornings is the other lab day, with an emphasis being placed on conditioning. to find the location and time of the labs go to the calendar on mucr race page.

we're back

mucr is back. cyclocross season is around the corner and it is time for mucr to come back to life.

the website will be changing over the next week. the first big change is we now have a calendar, check it out here.

look for more changes soon.