9.15.2008
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.
9.12.2008
9.10.2008
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.
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.
9.06.2008
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!
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!
9.03.2008
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.
9.01.2008
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.
8.28.2008
8.27.2008
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.
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.
Also - Giant is now sponsoring the Rabobank cyclocross team?! I can't wait to see the team bikes.
8.21.2008
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)
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.
8.19.2008
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.
8.17.2008
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.
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.
10.05.2007
new location for 10/06/07 cross-lab
cross lab will be at cmu (500 shaftesbury) on saturday, october 6th @8:00.
see you there.
see you there.
9.27.2007
cross-labs
if you are wondering about cross-labs and exactly what they are - well, they're a chance for new riders and experienced riders to get together to learn and hone their cyclocross riding skills. we meet on wednesday evenings (will now start at 6:00
because of fading light) and saturday mornings. wednesday evening rides alternate between omand's creek park and the forks (meet at the skating rink beside the main building). saturday's start at 8:00 and we alternate between whittier park and the forks. there is no cross-lab this saturday, september 30th, because of the civic park cross race, but we will continue the following week, october 7th at the forks. attendance at the labs has been growing, starting with 2 hardy riders for the first lab (okay, we started at 7:30 in the morning on that one - i don't know what we were thinking when we initially picked that time), to 10 riders last night with 4 first timers. after the labs we get together for a coffee (allan r. set the
highwater mark for this with coffee and croissants at his place - this level might not be ever achieved again) or a drink, its a great way to get to know some of your fellow cyclocross riders.
9.24.2007
week of september 24 - 30
wednesday cross-lab: omand's creek park @ 6:30
staurday cross-lab: no. race @civic park
sunday race: wildwood park (new venue)
staurday cross-lab: no. race @civic park
sunday race: wildwood park (new venue)
9.18.2007
week of september 17-23
wedensday cross-lab: 6:30 @ the forks
saturday cross-lab: 8:00 @ whittier park
sunday race: woodhaven
saturday cross-lab: 8:00 @ whittier park
sunday race: woodhaven
9.14.2007
mucr website is now live
finally found enough time to create a basic website for mucr. please let me know if you see any mistakes, etc. over time the website will change, but we do have something up for now.
go to mucr site now
go to mucr site now
9.08.2007
September Meeting Minutes
MUCR Planning Meeting
Tuesday, September 4th, 2007
Belgian Club
In attendance: Jamie Dyker, Alan Robertson, Hal Loewen, Tomek Jasiakiewicz, Chris Huebner, Deanna Wiebe, Scott Wiebe, Ian Hall
1. Cross Lab Schedule
a. Saturday skills clinics will start September 15th, and will alternate between Whittier Park and the Forks (skating rink). Meet at 7 a.m. September 15th ride is at Whittier Park.
b. Wednesday morning training rides (no coaching/mentoring) will start September 12th, at Omand’s Creek (Halter) Park, alternating with the Forks (skating rink).
c. Schedule for Cross Lab rides to be on poster, and posted on web site.
2. Season overview and discussion
a. Tom to follow up with Arlene Woodcock about commissaire’s preference for numbers (response: either pinned road number or mountain bike plate is fine. If you have multiple bikes, must use road number)
b. Altona race scheduling change: move form 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
c. Deanna and Scott offered to provide a special prize of a custom wool jersey (handmade by Deanna) to one randomly drawn woman and man at the November 18th race. To be eligible, riders must have completed four other cross events and be in attendance at the 11/18 race.
d. Scott to investigate timing of Minnesota state championships (possible conflict with 11/18 race, which may lead to consideration of changing date of his race).
3. Communications
a. Cowbells – MUCR has access to some cowbells which may be sold as a fundraiser to support the operations of the club, especially as they relate to outreach to kids and to current and potential cross racers. Bells are to be stickered (Tom will have stickers before 9/23) and sold for $10 each. Scott volunteered to serve as seller and treasurer. All organizers in attendance agreed this was a good idea and had no problem with having MUCR bells sold at their events.
b. T-shirts – Tom is working on a “more cowbell” t-shirt design.
c. Web Site – Hal has made contact with a web designer willing to develop 3 pages (splash, links, blog-fed news page) for MUCR, and will be registering for a Flickr account. ETA: soon.
d. Poster: Tom to email to Ian for printing. (Update: Done, printed 50 copies, of which about 40 were delivered to Olympia for distribution)
e. Banner – Tom to measure barrier dimensions, send to Ian who will get quotes.
f. Press release – discussion of need to watch for interesting news angles and promote to press.
4. Other new business
a. Tom to inquire with MCA/Jon Benson re: possibilities for short-term licensing for visiting US riders (Update: at least 3 riders from MN and possibly 2 from ND are planning on attending Manitoba cross races, most like double cross or Provincial Championships)
5. Skinsuits, jerseys, etc.
a. PSA: Fort Garry bike club is planning to do a bulk order of “Nordic Cross” long sleeve wool jerseys. Contact Chris, Hal, or Matt Handscombe (hope I spelling that right) for details.
b. PSA: Another part of FGBC is planning to order longsleeve argyle skinsuits. Contact Chris for details.
Next meeting at the call of the chair.
In keeping with the new policy of a rotating meeting chair, the next chairperson will be Hal Loewen.
Adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 4th, 2007
Belgian Club
In attendance: Jamie Dyker, Alan Robertson, Hal Loewen, Tomek Jasiakiewicz, Chris Huebner, Deanna Wiebe, Scott Wiebe, Ian Hall
1. Cross Lab Schedule
a. Saturday skills clinics will start September 15th, and will alternate between Whittier Park and the Forks (skating rink). Meet at 7 a.m. September 15th ride is at Whittier Park.
b. Wednesday morning training rides (no coaching/mentoring) will start September 12th, at Omand’s Creek (Halter) Park, alternating with the Forks (skating rink).
c. Schedule for Cross Lab rides to be on poster, and posted on web site.
2. Season overview and discussion
a. Tom to follow up with Arlene Woodcock about commissaire’s preference for numbers (response: either pinned road number or mountain bike plate is fine. If you have multiple bikes, must use road number)
b. Altona race scheduling change: move form 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
c. Deanna and Scott offered to provide a special prize of a custom wool jersey (handmade by Deanna) to one randomly drawn woman and man at the November 18th race. To be eligible, riders must have completed four other cross events and be in attendance at the 11/18 race.
d. Scott to investigate timing of Minnesota state championships (possible conflict with 11/18 race, which may lead to consideration of changing date of his race).
3. Communications
a. Cowbells – MUCR has access to some cowbells which may be sold as a fundraiser to support the operations of the club, especially as they relate to outreach to kids and to current and potential cross racers. Bells are to be stickered (Tom will have stickers before 9/23) and sold for $10 each. Scott volunteered to serve as seller and treasurer. All organizers in attendance agreed this was a good idea and had no problem with having MUCR bells sold at their events.
b. T-shirts – Tom is working on a “more cowbell” t-shirt design.
c. Web Site – Hal has made contact with a web designer willing to develop 3 pages (splash, links, blog-fed news page) for MUCR, and will be registering for a Flickr account. ETA: soon.
d. Poster: Tom to email to Ian for printing. (Update: Done, printed 50 copies, of which about 40 were delivered to Olympia for distribution)
e. Banner – Tom to measure barrier dimensions, send to Ian who will get quotes.
f. Press release – discussion of need to watch for interesting news angles and promote to press.
4. Other new business
a. Tom to inquire with MCA/Jon Benson re: possibilities for short-term licensing for visiting US riders (Update: at least 3 riders from MN and possibly 2 from ND are planning on attending Manitoba cross races, most like double cross or Provincial Championships)
5. Skinsuits, jerseys, etc.
a. PSA: Fort Garry bike club is planning to do a bulk order of “Nordic Cross” long sleeve wool jerseys. Contact Chris, Hal, or Matt Handscombe (hope I spelling that right) for details.
b. PSA: Another part of FGBC is planning to order longsleeve argyle skinsuits. Contact Chris for details.
Next meeting at the call of the chair.
In keeping with the new policy of a rotating meeting chair, the next chairperson will be Hal Loewen.
Adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
8.13.2007
Long Overdue Update
Wow. All of a sudden it's mid-August. So much has happened in the last while:
- more Kids of Cross clinics (and more impressive riding from the KoM crews)
- new portable barriers built for the Cross Lab training rides coming this fall
- a MUCR-supported cyclocross display at the Belgian Pavilion during folklorama
- a first-ever Belgian Triathlon coming up August 25th (details at www.cycling.mb.ca), including a cross race -- everyone welcome, no MCA license necessary.
- a new mucr.ca domain registered with a web page on the way soon.
- and cross season planning is under way.... first race is less than a month away!
About this last point, I keep getting asked about course design for cyclocross. For the record, here’s a summary of the main course design rules:
-Minimum 2.5km lap (max 3.5km), of which 90% is rideable
-Whole course shall be a minimum of 3 metres wide
-Bridges should be 4m wide, have non-slip surfaces and have protective barriers on both sides
-Starting stretch shall be 300m long and 6m wide, and as straight as possible, with no downhills
-First corner shall be less than 90 degrees
-Finishing stretch shall be 200m long, straight and flat or uphill
-Maximum 4 obstacles, each no longer than 80m
-Only one of these obstacles is to be artificial, which shall be 2 wooden planks 4m apart and 40cm high (recommended that elite women and junior men bypass this obstacle)
Source: http://www.uci.ch/english/about/rules/ch05_cyclox.pdf
In Manitoba, where we typically get 40-60 riders out for a cross race, some of these rules are not quite as relevent. Nonetheless, as an organizer, I always strive to meet the intent of the rules (which I could summarize as (1) that the race is fast, (2) that you can pass anywhere on the lap, and (3) most of all, that the course is safe).
Another guideline for Manitoba cross courses, especially for events in late October and into November is that it's advisable to have some place to keep warm and dry off - for riders pre/post event, for race officials, and for spectators. Frostbite is a drag.
What do you think?
- more Kids of Cross clinics (and more impressive riding from the KoM crews)
- new portable barriers built for the Cross Lab training rides coming this fall
- a MUCR-supported cyclocross display at the Belgian Pavilion during folklorama
- a first-ever Belgian Triathlon coming up August 25th (details at www.cycling.mb.ca), including a cross race -- everyone welcome, no MCA license necessary.
- a new mucr.ca domain registered with a web page on the way soon.
- and cross season planning is under way.... first race is less than a month away!
About this last point, I keep getting asked about course design for cyclocross. For the record, here’s a summary of the main course design rules:
-Minimum 2.5km lap (max 3.5km), of which 90% is rideable
-Whole course shall be a minimum of 3 metres wide
-Bridges should be 4m wide, have non-slip surfaces and have protective barriers on both sides
-Starting stretch shall be 300m long and 6m wide, and as straight as possible, with no downhills
-First corner shall be less than 90 degrees
-Finishing stretch shall be 200m long, straight and flat or uphill
-Maximum 4 obstacles, each no longer than 80m
-Only one of these obstacles is to be artificial, which shall be 2 wooden planks 4m apart and 40cm high (recommended that elite women and junior men bypass this obstacle)
Source: http://www.uci.ch/english/about/rules/ch05_cyclox.pdf
In Manitoba, where we typically get 40-60 riders out for a cross race, some of these rules are not quite as relevent. Nonetheless, as an organizer, I always strive to meet the intent of the rules (which I could summarize as (1) that the race is fast, (2) that you can pass anywhere on the lap, and (3) most of all, that the course is safe).
Another guideline for Manitoba cross courses, especially for events in late October and into November is that it's advisable to have some place to keep warm and dry off - for riders pre/post event, for race officials, and for spectators. Frostbite is a drag.
What do you think?
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