Thanks for coming out whether a racer, volunteer, or as one of the legion of fans that we've attracted over the last few months. I hope I've thanked all the volunteers in the write ups and if I missed you, thanks so much, you are the ones that make it all happen. Thanks to the racers for giving us a reason to come out and thanks for providing the entertainment, inspiring us, and making the series what it is.
I miss it already and I'm already thinking of 2010 so if you have any comments, cricisms, advice, or great new ideas please let me know. I'm always looking for new courses, formats, and ways to improve. Given the strength of the response in the last couple of weeks there has been some discussion about adding two or three weeks to the schedule next year and going through the summer. I think that might just work.
Let me know, either through email or just comment and I certainly appreciate anything you have to offer. See you all at the Crankmasters Awards Night or if you don't make that, see you in 2010.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Final Series Standings
Time to crown the deserving......
The As
All Speed Theory, all the time. Well, just about all the time as Speed Theory riders swept the top five places and were regular atendees each and every week. Counting on solid performances and missing just one race, Rick Courtney is our A champ for 2009. Chasing Rick hard was Darryl Parry who made all ten of the weeks and counted on strong consistent rides to make it just about to the top. Hard charging Trev Williams rounded out the top three including a great final week to vault a couple of guys to get there. Lots of guys just behind them and some really encouraging attendance numbers with 31 total As making it out should set up for a great 2010.
The Bs
Mister consistency Mike Healy (Speed Theory) virtually ran away with this one by making all 10 races as well as finishing near the front each and every week. Super job there to stay out in front in the big finale with Brian Beaulieu and Ron Fiell both of Crankmasters chasing hard and ending up second and third overall respectively. All in all there were 24 Bs out this year and some new faces that I hope to see more of next year. Keep the races close, it makes it interesting just to calculate the points nevermind the drama on the road.
The Cs
How close could we make this. Willy Vansevenant (Highwood) grabbed 16 points in the finale but just failed to overtake Crankmaster's Brad Barron who took 12 points to hold on to the title. Congrats Brad and Willy for making is good and entertaining. Crankmaster Mark Perry finished a solid third and I suspect will make it just as intersting next year. Hugely encouraged to see 24 riders out in the C category this year to bring the total to 79 riders throughout the categories.
***There will of course be a chance to stand up, revel in the glory, and recieve an awesome award at the annual Crankmaster's Awards Night so please plan on coming out. I'll post details in the fall so occasionally watch this space.***
Finally .... Results from the Big Show
It took a while for the auditors and of course the drug testing but we finally have the results in hand for our end of series spectacle. Actually, I was off and without my electronic lifelines so other than a case of the shakes and no clue as to what is happening in the world, it's all good.
First of all, congratulations to everybody that took part in the series this year and I hope you all had a great time. It was another successful season and I can't wait to do it again next year.
In our gruelling and fiercly contested finale we had a full compliment of riders in each of our three categories which made for quite a race. Add to that a beasutiful night and prode on the line brought out the best in everyone. It was also very closely contested almost as if orchestrated or planned out in some way. I'll never say but the times are authentic and audited so great job. The A's went to the final TT to determine it all with Alex Shaw handing Trev Williams a little bit of a beat down in the TTs and gained the win while Darryl Parry and Joel Garalski managed to tie for third after three events and over an hour of racing. Better yet, Darren Nielson and Masa Higouchi tied 9 seconds behind them for fifth. The Bs went the distance as well with Mike Harrington stealing it from the always reliable Mike Healy with Ron Fiell and Brian Beaulieu close behind. Huge props to Willy Vansevenant for laying a beating onthe other guys in C finisheing almost three minutes ahead of the very close race for second which went to Brad Barron over Patrick Brick. Way to represent.
First of all, congratulations to everybody that took part in the series this year and I hope you all had a great time. It was another successful season and I can't wait to do it again next year.
In our gruelling and fiercly contested finale we had a full compliment of riders in each of our three categories which made for quite a race. Add to that a beasutiful night and prode on the line brought out the best in everyone. It was also very closely contested almost as if orchestrated or planned out in some way. I'll never say but the times are authentic and audited so great job. The A's went to the final TT to determine it all with Alex Shaw handing Trev Williams a little bit of a beat down in the TTs and gained the win while Darryl Parry and Joel Garalski managed to tie for third after three events and over an hour of racing. Better yet, Darren Nielson and Masa Higouchi tied 9 seconds behind them for fifth. The Bs went the distance as well with Mike Harrington stealing it from the always reliable Mike Healy with Ron Fiell and Brian Beaulieu close behind. Huge props to Willy Vansevenant for laying a beating onthe other guys in C finisheing almost three minutes ahead of the very close race for second which went to Brad Barron over Patrick Brick. Way to represent.
Of course, huge thanks again to Don Huber, Mike Hoang, and Sandy Torburn for volunteering and making the whole thing possible. Three races in one evening is amazing so hats off and thanks for the help.
Final standings to follow.....
Final standings to follow.....
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Ultimate Showdown...
....well, it all comes down to this. The Amazing spectacle of amazingness that is the WNS mini-micro stage race. That's right, THREE times the racing in ONE evening. This Wednesday the 29th sharp at roughly 6:30ish we'll go forth and ride. Using our numbers, we'll lay siege to the Priddis Meeting spot at the corner of 22 and 22X.
View Larger Map
Once the fleet is assembled, we'll launch the riders on solo sorties commonly known in the cycling world as a prologue. We'll start right near the meeting spot and cover about 2km up the hill towards Calgary along 22X.
View Millarville Prologue in a larger map
Following an easy retreat back to the meeting spot we'll launch in our group squadrons onto the Millarville course for a lap of puttin' the hurt on. Time is the essence of this race and of course beating and shaming your nearest rivals.
View Millarville RR Course in a larger map
Then the deciding race of truth, a 9km individual TT for all the marbles. The TT will start a little south of the RR finish on 22 and run straight north back to the meeting spot and home base.
View Millarville TT in a larger map
After some dutifully applied mathemagics(tm) we'll crown our very own Tour de Millarville Contarmstrongoden. I couldn't fit any Schlecks or Wiggins in there without sounding rude and vaguely pronographic. Results are total time and there are bonus point on the line for finishes in each of the three events. Everything is Merckx again, we don't have time to change bikes around. The weather looks good (furiously knocking on wood here) and we'll need just two or three addtional volunteers although the more the merrier and the better run the event will be. Spectators are highly encourage and keep in mind that we'll only allow a few thousand out for each stage as we like to line the road no more than three deep on each side. Big bonus if you've got a relative or friend that can don a devil costume, chase the riders, and talk backwards.
View Larger Map
Once the fleet is assembled, we'll launch the riders on solo sorties commonly known in the cycling world as a prologue. We'll start right near the meeting spot and cover about 2km up the hill towards Calgary along 22X.
View Millarville Prologue in a larger map
Following an easy retreat back to the meeting spot we'll launch in our group squadrons onto the Millarville course for a lap of puttin' the hurt on. Time is the essence of this race and of course beating and shaming your nearest rivals.
View Millarville RR Course in a larger map
Then the deciding race of truth, a 9km individual TT for all the marbles. The TT will start a little south of the RR finish on 22 and run straight north back to the meeting spot and home base.
View Millarville TT in a larger map
After some dutifully applied mathemagics(tm) we'll crown our very own Tour de Millarville Contarmstrongoden. I couldn't fit any Schlecks or Wiggins in there without sounding rude and vaguely pronographic. Results are total time and there are bonus point on the line for finishes in each of the three events. Everything is Merckx again, we don't have time to change bikes around. The weather looks good (furiously knocking on wood here) and we'll need just two or three addtional volunteers although the more the merrier and the better run the event will be. Spectators are highly encourage and keep in mind that we'll only allow a few thousand out for each stage as we like to line the road no more than three deep on each side. Big bonus if you've got a relative or friend that can don a devil costume, chase the riders, and talk backwards.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Identified Speeding Objects seen at Woodland Road
Wheeeee, that was a quick one. No complaints about sonic booms and it was tough to see the riders for their speed induced blurriness but it was an impressive displace of 'making bike go fast now'. Line honours went to Trev Williams but as he was in full aero gear getting ready for the Calgary 70.3 so I had to consult the Slowtwitch brain trust to properly handicap his time. Consensus was that his aeroness saved him 10minutes and 30sec but the beard lost hime 30sec so I added 10minutes to his time giving the win to Alex Shaw. Everyone was quick though and the results speak to how close you riders are, it was really competitive. Anyway, the results....
Huge props to our glorious volunteers for the evening including Phil and Cindy Grant, Scott Gibson-Craig, Mike Harrington, Sandra Braden, Brad Barron, and Brian Beaulieu. It wouldn't have worked without you.
I've updated the standings going into out last week, next Wednesday, which I have preliminarily titled 'The Amazing Race of Awesomeness' for all the marbles. We'll run our micro stage race with a prologue TT, a Road Race, and finally an ITT. All of it at the Priddis Meeting Spot and hopefully we can start real close to 6:30 so that we can fit it all in. Details to come and remember, there are bonus points on the line for this one. I'll need a few volunteers to run it efficiently so bring a friend or come out yourself and be a part of it. I'm really looking forward to it.
Huge props to our glorious volunteers for the evening including Phil and Cindy Grant, Scott Gibson-Craig, Mike Harrington, Sandra Braden, Brad Barron, and Brian Beaulieu. It wouldn't have worked without you.
I've updated the standings going into out last week, next Wednesday, which I have preliminarily titled 'The Amazing Race of Awesomeness' for all the marbles. We'll run our micro stage race with a prologue TT, a Road Race, and finally an ITT. All of it at the Priddis Meeting Spot and hopefully we can start real close to 6:30 so that we can fit it all in. Details to come and remember, there are bonus points on the line for this one. I'll need a few volunteers to run it efficiently so bring a friend or come out yourself and be a part of it. I'm really looking forward to it.
Length of last night?
Anyone have an accurate distance for last night? I am just trying to figure out what kind of shape I am in.
Thanks,
Trev
Monday, July 20, 2009
Time Trial Redux
Back and bad. The Woodland Merckx TT is back for another bite. This Wednesday at 6:30 at the Woodland Meeting Spot.
The Woodland meeting spot is located at the junction of Woodland road and highway 1A just west of Bearspaw and before Lochend Road. There is a side road there (Twp Rd 255) off of Woodland where we'll set up. Ample parking is available along 255 and on Nagway road just to the east off Bearspaw Road. And of course, you could always ride out to the site from Calgary. Please try and spread the parking out so that everybody isn't all parked at the same spot in order to keep things low key with respect to the local population.
View Directions to Twp Rd 262 in a larger map
Merckx, so leave the fancy schmancy stuff at home and suffer old school style. Course is the same as last time.
The course starts just west of Woodland Road and heads west along 1A towards Cochrane. After a few kilometres and just before you start to head down the hill into Cochrane we turn right on to Big Hill Road, around the corner and straight north on Range Road 40. A short time thereafter another right turn onto Twp Road 262 heads you back eastwards towards the finish about a kilometre before you get to Lochend road. It's a short ride back to the start from there.
View Directions to Twp Rd 262 in a larger map
Big ask on this one but I need an assistant race organizer for this one as I can get things lined up but I need to leave at 7 so I'll need an amazing volunteer to handle the timing and let me know the results. I will also need 2 more volunteers, one to start the riders and 1 for the corner. Easy jobs all of them, so experience required, just the ability to read a clock, write numbers, and look brilliant doing it. Let me know if you can step up for this. Other than that, I'll see you guys Wednesday.
The standing are updated as well as we head into the last couple of weeks. Next week is the big finale with bonus points on the line for our mini stage race.
The Woodland meeting spot is located at the junction of Woodland road and highway 1A just west of Bearspaw and before Lochend Road. There is a side road there (Twp Rd 255) off of Woodland where we'll set up. Ample parking is available along 255 and on Nagway road just to the east off Bearspaw Road. And of course, you could always ride out to the site from Calgary. Please try and spread the parking out so that everybody isn't all parked at the same spot in order to keep things low key with respect to the local population.
View Directions to Twp Rd 262 in a larger map
Merckx, so leave the fancy schmancy stuff at home and suffer old school style. Course is the same as last time.
The course starts just west of Woodland Road and heads west along 1A towards Cochrane. After a few kilometres and just before you start to head down the hill into Cochrane we turn right on to Big Hill Road, around the corner and straight north on Range Road 40. A short time thereafter another right turn onto Twp Road 262 heads you back eastwards towards the finish about a kilometre before you get to Lochend road. It's a short ride back to the start from there.
View Directions to Twp Rd 262 in a larger map
Big ask on this one but I need an assistant race organizer for this one as I can get things lined up but I need to leave at 7 so I'll need an amazing volunteer to handle the timing and let me know the results. I will also need 2 more volunteers, one to start the riders and 1 for the corner. Easy jobs all of them, so experience required, just the ability to read a clock, write numbers, and look brilliant doing it. Let me know if you can step up for this. Other than that, I'll see you guys Wednesday.
The standing are updated as well as we head into the last couple of weeks. Next week is the big finale with bonus points on the line for our mini stage race.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Race Report - Millarville Team RR
We had a great night of team racing this Wednesday.
22 riders toed the start line… and 23 ended up finishing. No, we didn’t clone anyone out on the course. More about that later...
The riders were divided into three teams of seven or eight members with the objective of getting four of their teammates across the line first to claim glory. Team Blue was led by Trev’ Williams, Team Green by Darryl Parry and Team Orange by Rick Courtney.
The teams stayed together for most of the first lap, splitting into two groups on the climbs leading back towards Plummer’s Road.
Group One contained 15 riders, five strategically split from each team. Group Two included several experienced riders including Rick Courtney, Willy Van Sevenant and Lachlan Holmes (rider #23, joined late just as the groups split) who set a sizzling pace for their teammates and still managed to hold everyone together throughout most of the second lap.
At the finish, Team Orange dominated sending a cohesive group of four across the line (Stephen Kenney, Clark Ellis, Rob Lukacs and Joel Souchette). The rest of the field mixed it up and Team Blue got their four guys in next to claim second place.
Congratulations to all. No crashes, flats, mechanicals or other drama and everyone finished both laps.
Huge thanks to volunteers Mark Shand and Don Huber for keeping everyone on course and safe around the corners.
Don has posted some nice photos and cool video of the race on his website. Check it out:
http://jdhuber.shawwebspace.ca
Final Results
Team Orange – First Place
Rick Courtney - ST
Brad Barron - C4
Kailee Boyle - ST
Clark Ellis - ST
Darcy Gullacher - ST
Stephen Kenney - ST
Rob Lukacs - ST
Joel Souchette - ST
Team Blue – Second Place
Trev Williams - ST
Mike Harrington - C4
Mike Healy - ST
Jason Koleba - C4
Andrew Paul - Ind
Darcy Reynard - ERTC
Dan Sigouin - ST
Team Green – Third Place
Darryl Parry - ST
Jeff Bell - HW
Cody Godlonton - HW
Mike Hoang - ST
Kyle Marcotte - ST
Clarence Poon - C4
Willy Vansevenant – HW
22 riders toed the start line… and 23 ended up finishing. No, we didn’t clone anyone out on the course. More about that later...
The riders were divided into three teams of seven or eight members with the objective of getting four of their teammates across the line first to claim glory. Team Blue was led by Trev’ Williams, Team Green by Darryl Parry and Team Orange by Rick Courtney.
The teams stayed together for most of the first lap, splitting into two groups on the climbs leading back towards Plummer’s Road.
Group One contained 15 riders, five strategically split from each team. Group Two included several experienced riders including Rick Courtney, Willy Van Sevenant and Lachlan Holmes (rider #23, joined late just as the groups split) who set a sizzling pace for their teammates and still managed to hold everyone together throughout most of the second lap.
At the finish, Team Orange dominated sending a cohesive group of four across the line (Stephen Kenney, Clark Ellis, Rob Lukacs and Joel Souchette). The rest of the field mixed it up and Team Blue got their four guys in next to claim second place.
Congratulations to all. No crashes, flats, mechanicals or other drama and everyone finished both laps.
Huge thanks to volunteers Mark Shand and Don Huber for keeping everyone on course and safe around the corners.
Don has posted some nice photos and cool video of the race on his website. Check it out:
http://jdhuber.shawwebspace.ca
Final Results
Team Orange – First Place
Rick Courtney - ST
Brad Barron - C4
Kailee Boyle - ST
Clark Ellis - ST
Darcy Gullacher - ST
Stephen Kenney - ST
Rob Lukacs - ST
Joel Souchette - ST
Team Blue – Second Place
Trev Williams - ST
Mike Harrington - C4
Mike Healy - ST
Jason Koleba - C4
Andrew Paul - Ind
Darcy Reynard - ERTC
Dan Sigouin - ST
Team Green – Third Place
Darryl Parry - ST
Jeff Bell - HW
Cody Godlonton - HW
Mike Hoang - ST
Kyle Marcotte - ST
Clarence Poon - C4
Willy Vansevenant – HW
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Volunteers - Millarville RR
The weather looks perfect and we've got an awesome format for our race this Wednesday night!
Depending on how many racers we get out we'll designate the fastest three or four hammerheads as team leaders. The leaders don't count in the results but the next three racers from each team will. Teamwork and strategy will rule the roads.
We could use a couple volunteers to man corners, especially where RR33 joins Plummer's Road so if you're racing and can bring a friend, please do. If you used it all up at the Stampede Road Race on the weekend please consider coming out to cheer or heckle and to help keep everyone safe.
Brian
Depending on how many racers we get out we'll designate the fastest three or four hammerheads as team leaders. The leaders don't count in the results but the next three racers from each team will. Teamwork and strategy will rule the roads.
We could use a couple volunteers to man corners, especially where RR33 joins Plummer's Road so if you're racing and can bring a friend, please do. If you used it all up at the Stampede Road Race on the weekend please consider coming out to cheer or heckle and to help keep everyone safe.
Brian
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Team Racing is back....
...at the Priddis meeting spot, Wednesday, July 15th, 6:30pm. Brian Beaulieu qill be your host for the evening as on the menu is one of our favourite events, the team RR. A chance for the hammerheads to work at protecting and managing your team and a chance for everybody to concentrate on working together. We'll meet at the Priddis meeting spot and utilize our Millarville course for the first time this year. The Priddis meeting spot is at the corner of highways 22 and 22X.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
As for the course, we'll form up at the meeting spot and once started everyone heads south along 22 to the Millarville turnoff (549) where we go west until ***** road. North along Range Road 33 to Plummers road where we turn eastwards, drift north, and finally eastward again to 22 where we start another lap. The race will finish along Plummer's Road just before you get back to 22 the second time. Its a nice easy cool down ride back to the meeting spot.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
Should be fun.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
As for the course, we'll form up at the meeting spot and once started everyone heads south along 22 to the Millarville turnoff (549) where we go west until ***** road. North along Range Road 33 to Plummers road where we turn eastwards, drift north, and finally eastward again to 22 where we start another lap. The race will finish along Plummer's Road just before you get back to 22 the second time. Its a nice easy cool down ride back to the meeting spot.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
Should be fun.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Results from Week 9, ST hosted evening.
Great night for racing. Lots of volunteers. Keith Bayly, Dallas Morris, Mike Healey, Darryl Parry, Mark Perry and Scott all volunteered their evening for 13 racers.
Notable racers: Paul Rosenburg up from Florida got a nice intro to Calgary weather. Andy Hill showed up with his cross bike to volunteer and we convinced him to race! Simon laid down a sweet time considering he was on a road bike.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
July 8th. 16km Technical ITT.
We are going to do a 16km ITT around the route we did the RR on last time we hosted. This is a perfect length to get you ready for Stampede Road Race. It is not too long to blow you out. It is also Jamie's favourite distance since it is 10miles.
Aero gear are game on for this one !
NOTE: We got a complaint last race from a resident on Nagway Road. We DON'T want to screw this course up for the Bear's Paw Open. So PLEASE, keep your eyes open for vehicles and smile and wave.
We WON'T do a mass pre-ride this time... so KNOW THE COURSE!! Either show up early enough to pre-ride yourself, or know it. First racer off at 6:31pm.
Here is the course we will do twice. It is a technical ITT since there are lots and lots of corners and it is very rolly. Pacing will be key so you don't blow up on the second lap:
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Classic Canada Day Classic!
Am I being repetitive? 16 brave souls challenged one of the best rides in the Calgary area as a race and a pursuit race no less. Dividing into three groups with the B having to make up 5 minutes and the As 10 minutes much pain was to be had as the wind compunded the slightly uphill nature of the first part of the course. Which is a fancy way of saying that it was really hilly and everbody suffered a lot as they either tried to chase down or avoid being chased down. The groups did converge and the games began with lots of mixing and matching going on as the course turned North downwind and a somewhat flatter. It was game on and the long gradual slope up to the finish made the selection. Well, almost. Line honours went finally to Rick Courtney by a mere 1 second over Joel Souchette with Clark Ellis 29 seconds in arrears but 2 seconds ahead of the trio of Mike Healy from the B group, Clarence Poon of the C group, and Darren Neilson of the A group. All in all it was great racing and lots of fun to watch. Results were by line honours but I included the net times and the groupings for reference.
Huge props to Darryl Parry for helping out and good luck in Stony Plain this weekend. Regrets to Ryan Barr and Paul Broska who suffered flats, I know you guys would have been in it. It was a good, good time on a great course, we'll do it again next year for sure. Next up is a TT next Wednesday put on by our good friends at Speed Theory. I'm sure it will be something quite interesting and if you're in town this weekend, check out their TT mirroring the Tour prologue which also looks like a great time.
Huge props to Darryl Parry for helping out and good luck in Stony Plain this weekend. Regrets to Ryan Barr and Paul Broska who suffered flats, I know you guys would have been in it. It was a good, good time on a great course, we'll do it again next year for sure. Next up is a TT next Wednesday put on by our good friends at Speed Theory. I'm sure it will be something quite interesting and if you're in town this weekend, check out their TT mirroring the Tour prologue which also looks like a great time.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Canada Day Classic...
On deck for next week is our world famous Red Deer Lake Road Race. So mark your calendars for Wednesday July 1st and check your watches as we're launching this one at 1:00pm. While not actually all that close to Red Deer Lake and not even really within sight of Red Deer Lake we just thought the name sounded cool. This ought to be a good one. We'll meet at the Red Deer Lake School to form the groups up but I would encourage people to park at the Priddis Meeting Spot at 22 and 22X as the race finishes down there. It's a nice easy warmup ride to the school along 22X where we'll start things off. If you're a little late or maybe a little wimpy you could park at 37th st and 22X in between the lanes where guys park their pickup trucks and sell Chilean cherries they bought here in town as authentic Okanagan cherries or hock Mexican corn as Taber corn.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
As for the race itself ... we'll be doing a hill or two on this one and then a good flatter hammer home. We'll start at the Red Deer Lake School parking lot where we'll form into three groups and I'll give the first group a predetermined and completely arbitrary head start. Same for the next group and finally the hammerheads get to chase them all down so its a group pursuit race. First to the line claims honours and the adoration of millions. We'll ride up neautralish from the school to 37th St where we'll turn south on 773 and follow that with its little jog to 549 where we'll trun west. We'll follow 549 to 22 and turn north onto 22 where you can hammer with the wolves nipping at your heels to 22X eastbound with the finish at the top of the hill about a kilometre later. Distance is around 47km and it should be a bit of an exciting hammer. Beginners are more than encouraged and I'm generous with the head starts so don't be intimidated by that. The paving is recent and its generally pretty quiet on the roads out there so I'm looking foward to it.
View Larger Map
We can then regroup at the Priddis Meeting Spot for a bit of a roundup and the sharing of war stories. I need a couple of volunteers for this as there are a couple of turns so bring a friend and as a bonus they'll get to see this race of awesomeness from the front row.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
As for the race itself ... we'll be doing a hill or two on this one and then a good flatter hammer home. We'll start at the Red Deer Lake School parking lot where we'll form into three groups and I'll give the first group a predetermined and completely arbitrary head start. Same for the next group and finally the hammerheads get to chase them all down so its a group pursuit race. First to the line claims honours and the adoration of millions. We'll ride up neautralish from the school to 37th St where we'll turn south on 773 and follow that with its little jog to 549 where we'll trun west. We'll follow 549 to 22 and turn north onto 22 where you can hammer with the wolves nipping at your heels to 22X eastbound with the finish at the top of the hill about a kilometre later. Distance is around 47km and it should be a bit of an exciting hammer. Beginners are more than encouraged and I'm generous with the head starts so don't be intimidated by that. The paving is recent and its generally pretty quiet on the roads out there so I'm looking foward to it.
View Larger Map
We can then regroup at the Priddis Meeting Spot for a bit of a roundup and the sharing of war stories. I need a couple of volunteers for this as there are a couple of turns so bring a friend and as a bonus they'll get to see this race of awesomeness from the front row.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Quick Race Report.....
Most excellent evening and a great course. Challenging to say the least but the flatter parts on the way home provided much excitement indeed. With 17 hardy souls and 4 great volunteers we split the riders into 2 groups, some by choice and some by coersion. We had the A or Big Boy Race that went all the way to the end of the road and totalled 50.5km or so and the Hammerin' B Race that went 43km or so and turned around at the summit of the big climb. I let the As go a couple of minutes ahead of the Bs to keep things interesting. Much suffering was to be had as the climbs took their toll on the groups that had formed but everyone looked impressive as they approached their turnarounds. Line honours went to Norm Smith by the slimmest of margins over Willy Vansevenant and Mike Healy in a closely grouped B race. The As were lead by Simon Williams with Rick Courtney and Cody Godlonton chasing all the way. I'll put full results up later when I get a chance to get them entered. Of course I want to thank the volunteers that make this thing go and tonight were Brett Stamm, Darren Nielson, Mark Perry, and Rob Armstrong. Thanks to all for making the trek out to Bragg Creek and it really is a most excellent course that I'll definitely use again. Next week were lining up the Red Deer Lake Road Race from the Priddis meeting spot at 22 and 22X and since its a holiday, we'll aim for a 1pm start. Details to come in the following days but lets just say that it looks like another fine course and should prove to be a great race.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Bragg Creek gets a second try!
Slight change in schedule but as we've missed two road races so far and I really want to use this course I think we'll give the Bragg Creek RR another try. So this Wednesday the 24th at 6:30 we'll give it another go. Details are the same as before and we'' get going shortly after 6:30 or so to give guys a chance to get out there. I can't promise great weather although it looks good so far and I'll start sacrificing weathermen if it starts to look bad so let's all hope it stays good.
We'll meet where Range Road 51 and Highway 66 meet just west of 22. This is on the back way out of Bragg Creek near the Provincial Park. People can park in Bragg Creek, at the school on 22, or at the Provincial Park and enjoy a nice easy warmup out to the meeting spot.
View Untitled in a larger map
From the meeting spot we'll race westward into the majesty of the mountains and up and down a few hills and all that. We'll arrange turnarounds and race lengths when we get an idea of who is coming out but there will be multiple options so everybody will be able to race. The courses will go straight out and back along 66.
View Larger Map
There is one issue with the course that I do need to mention and that is the 'Texas gates' that are found near the start and the end of the course. I believe there are two heading each way. Now I rode them with no problems on the weekend and I think the soluntion is for everyone to just take their time and neutralize the racing over them. There are also some significant but not insurmountable hills along the way but I want everyone to spread out and take it easy on the descents.
It is a scenic and beautiful course so I am hoping to get a couple of volunteers for the evening to handle the turnarounds. It is a short job, you get to see the race, and a great way to help out.
We'll meet where Range Road 51 and Highway 66 meet just west of 22. This is on the back way out of Bragg Creek near the Provincial Park. People can park in Bragg Creek, at the school on 22, or at the Provincial Park and enjoy a nice easy warmup out to the meeting spot.
View Untitled in a larger map
From the meeting spot we'll race westward into the majesty of the mountains and up and down a few hills and all that. We'll arrange turnarounds and race lengths when we get an idea of who is coming out but there will be multiple options so everybody will be able to race. The courses will go straight out and back along 66.
View Larger Map
There is one issue with the course that I do need to mention and that is the 'Texas gates' that are found near the start and the end of the course. I believe there are two heading each way. Now I rode them with no problems on the weekend and I think the soluntion is for everyone to just take their time and neutralize the racing over them. There are also some significant but not insurmountable hills along the way but I want everyone to spread out and take it easy on the descents.
It is a scenic and beautiful course so I am hoping to get a couple of volunteers for the evening to handle the turnarounds. It is a short job, you get to see the race, and a great way to help out.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Bragg Creek RR - Race Report
Race Report??… well actually a ride report… or perhaps more of a report about standing on the side of the road…
A few hardy souls braved the elements in their pontoon equipped AWD’s and arrived in Bragg Creek Wednesday evening to find partly sunny skies, no wind and mild temperatures.
Despite receiving word via carrier sea gull that the evening’s competition was “washed out”, spirits remained high and bikes were soon unpacked.
Finding no one else on the road except for a few half drowned earthworms and dedicated race volunteer Robert Armstrong, “the peleton” (Norm Smith, Willy Vansevenant, Brian Beaulieu and a visiting cyclist from Edmonton named Terry who just happened to be sleeping in his van at the meet point) set out from Bragg Creek towards Elbow Falls.
Approximately 12km into the ride Norm’s rear tire flatted, likely due to a sliver of roadside debris from a discarded Bicardi Breezer bottle tossed from a pickup truck on it’s way to MacLean Creek OHV Area. The troops rallied and thanks to Willy’s “thumbs of steel” we were quickly on our way.
Less than a kilometer further down the road Norm’s rear tire flatted again. A thorough inspection of the casing and a borrowed spare tube from Willy had us rolling down the road again several minutes later. In retrospect I think Paddy’s Flats recreation area should be renamed Norm’s Flats in honour of the night's events.
As the rider’s crested one of the many spectacular vistas along the course and were nearing the 19km mark Willy’s front tire flatted, likely due to the blistering pace with which he made the ascent.
Again, Willy’s “thumbs of steel” sprung into action and Brian’s spare tube was installed. As Willy pulled the head of the pump from the valve stem, it caught and pulled the valve core out with it…
Off came the tire and in went one of Norm’s punctured tubes with a newly installed patch. No joy…
Off came the tire and in went Terry’s spare tube (the last spare tube in the group). Third time was a charm.
Deciding to forgo the beautiful scenery along the remainder of the route “the peleton” turned around and headed for home. We arrived back at the cars without further incident.
Three flat tires, four spare tubes, and plenty of camaraderie. Much better than an evening spent staring at the TV watching an episode of The Real World.
Brian Beaulieu
Crankmasters
A few hardy souls braved the elements in their pontoon equipped AWD’s and arrived in Bragg Creek Wednesday evening to find partly sunny skies, no wind and mild temperatures.
Despite receiving word via carrier sea gull that the evening’s competition was “washed out”, spirits remained high and bikes were soon unpacked.
Finding no one else on the road except for a few half drowned earthworms and dedicated race volunteer Robert Armstrong, “the peleton” (Norm Smith, Willy Vansevenant, Brian Beaulieu and a visiting cyclist from Edmonton named Terry who just happened to be sleeping in his van at the meet point) set out from Bragg Creek towards Elbow Falls.
Approximately 12km into the ride Norm’s rear tire flatted, likely due to a sliver of roadside debris from a discarded Bicardi Breezer bottle tossed from a pickup truck on it’s way to MacLean Creek OHV Area. The troops rallied and thanks to Willy’s “thumbs of steel” we were quickly on our way.
Less than a kilometer further down the road Norm’s rear tire flatted again. A thorough inspection of the casing and a borrowed spare tube from Willy had us rolling down the road again several minutes later. In retrospect I think Paddy’s Flats recreation area should be renamed Norm’s Flats in honour of the night's events.
As the rider’s crested one of the many spectacular vistas along the course and were nearing the 19km mark Willy’s front tire flatted, likely due to the blistering pace with which he made the ascent.
Again, Willy’s “thumbs of steel” sprung into action and Brian’s spare tube was installed. As Willy pulled the head of the pump from the valve stem, it caught and pulled the valve core out with it…
Off came the tire and in went one of Norm’s punctured tubes with a newly installed patch. No joy…
Off came the tire and in went Terry’s spare tube (the last spare tube in the group). Third time was a charm.
Deciding to forgo the beautiful scenery along the remainder of the route “the peleton” turned around and headed for home. We arrived back at the cars without further incident.
Three flat tires, four spare tubes, and plenty of camaraderie. Much better than an evening spent staring at the TV watching an episode of The Real World.
Brian Beaulieu
Crankmasters
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Unfortunately racing is cancelled tonight.
Due to the inclement weather and dangerous conditions we are going to cancel the racing tonight (June 17th)
The park staff in Elbow Valley have indicated that it is not expected to improve and it is currently much worse in the Elbow Valley than it is in Calgary.
For these reasons unfortunately we have to cancel the race tonight. We will see everyone next week for the TT at Woodland Road.
The park staff in Elbow Valley have indicated that it is not expected to improve and it is currently much worse in the Elbow Valley than it is in Calgary.
For these reasons unfortunately we have to cancel the race tonight. We will see everyone next week for the TT at Woodland Road.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Most Scenic RR I could come up with ....
... will be this Wednesday the 17th at 6:30 just outside of Bragg Creek. We'll meet where Range Road 51 and Highway 66 meet just west of 22. This is on the back way out of Bragg Creek near the Provincial Park. People can park in Bragg Creek, at the school on 22, or at the Provincial Park and enjoy a nice easy warmup out to the meeting spot.
View Untitled in a larger map
From the meeting spot we'll race westward into the majesty of the mountains and up and down a few hills and all that. We'll arrange turnarounds and race lengths when we get an idea of who is coming out but there will be multiple options so everybody will be able to race. The courses will go straight out and back along 66.
View Larger Map
There is one issue with the course that I do need to mention and that is the 'Texas gates' that are found near the start and the end of the course. I believe there are two heading each way. Now I rode them with no problems on the weekend and I think the soluntion is for everyone to just take their time and neutralize the racing over them. There are also some significant but not insurmountable hills along the way but I want everyone to spread out and take it easy on the descents.
It is a scenic and beautiful course so I am hoping to get a couple of volunteers for the evening to handle the turnarounds. It is a short job, you get to see the race, and a great way to help out.
View Untitled in a larger map
From the meeting spot we'll race westward into the majesty of the mountains and up and down a few hills and all that. We'll arrange turnarounds and race lengths when we get an idea of who is coming out but there will be multiple options so everybody will be able to race. The courses will go straight out and back along 66.
View Larger Map
There is one issue with the course that I do need to mention and that is the 'Texas gates' that are found near the start and the end of the course. I believe there are two heading each way. Now I rode them with no problems on the weekend and I think the soluntion is for everyone to just take their time and neutralize the racing over them. There are also some significant but not insurmountable hills along the way but I want everyone to spread out and take it easy on the descents.
It is a scenic and beautiful course so I am hoping to get a couple of volunteers for the evening to handle the turnarounds. It is a short job, you get to see the race, and a great way to help out.
Friday, June 12, 2009
A Good ole evening right in the backyard...
so to speak. We got off our 2up TT in Springbank with no problems which is encouraging. The course was only slightly technical, the weather beautiful, and the times great given the hills and the challenges of the format. On to the good stuff and the results. We had 9 total teams vying for honours with 2 A cat teams, and 3 B cat teams, and 4 C cat teams. Congrats to all that came out and special kudos to the newer riders and those who hadn't been out in a while.
A huge thank you to the volunteers for the evening that really make things go and helped a ton on this course which allowed us to race so close to town without any issues. The heroes for the evening were Darcy Gullacher, Darren Nielson, Mike Healy, and Will Vansevenant who came all the way from Highwood to help out. Thanks guys, it was a great evening.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Next up ... 2up TT!
Quick version ... 2up TT in Springbank at 6:30 this Wednesday the 10th of June. Longer version ... we'll take two of you, make you into friends, and unleash you on this slightly technical and definitely challenging TT course right in our backyard. We'll meet in a corner of the parking lot at the Springbank arena starting at 6pm and get the racing underway right around 6:30.
View Springbank Meeting Spot in a larger map
It's a bit of a challenge fitting a course into a space like this, especially given the road conditions and the need for a good shoulder so it has lead to this kind of configuartion and it takes a bit of explaining and a few good volunteers. The course starts eastbound on Springbank Road heading back towards Calgary. A right turn not that far along onto Range Road 32 takes you due South all the way past Lower Springbank Road to a big turnaround at the end of the road as you approach the river. It's pretty easy to see as beyond that there ain't no road. Back up Range Road 32 to Springbank Road and a right turn taking you east again towards Calgary. You then turn right on Horizon View Road for a quick jaunt to Lower Springbank Road where you turn right and head out west along Lower Springbank. Finally, a turn north on to Range Road 32 again and the finish along 32 a short time later. Lots of twists and turns but these roads should be familiar to almost everybody.
With all the turns and the more developed nature of a lot of these roads I will by trying to round up 5 of 6 volunteers for this so bring out a friend, relative, or relative you are friends with and we'll put them to work. It will be a nice pleasant evening and we're not far from town so I'd really appreciate it if I can get anough hands to make this unique course work. Other than that, it's a standard TT so anything goes and just remember to be like Astar and play safe.
View Springbank Meeting Spot in a larger map
It's a bit of a challenge fitting a course into a space like this, especially given the road conditions and the need for a good shoulder so it has lead to this kind of configuartion and it takes a bit of explaining and a few good volunteers. The course starts eastbound on Springbank Road heading back towards Calgary. A right turn not that far along onto Range Road 32 takes you due South all the way past Lower Springbank Road to a big turnaround at the end of the road as you approach the river. It's pretty easy to see as beyond that there ain't no road. Back up Range Road 32 to Springbank Road and a right turn taking you east again towards Calgary. You then turn right on Horizon View Road for a quick jaunt to Lower Springbank Road where you turn right and head out west along Lower Springbank. Finally, a turn north on to Range Road 32 again and the finish along 32 a short time later. Lots of twists and turns but these roads should be familiar to almost everybody.
With all the turns and the more developed nature of a lot of these roads I will by trying to round up 5 of 6 volunteers for this so bring out a friend, relative, or relative you are friends with and we'll put them to work. It will be a nice pleasant evening and we're not far from town so I'd really appreciate it if I can get anough hands to make this unique course work. Other than that, it's a standard TT so anything goes and just remember to be like Astar and play safe.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Race Report, by B Team 2 Leader Mark Shand
We all knew that it was going to be an intense evening of racing when Simon set a blistering pace (Simon was talking like it was a Sunday ride, while I had to catch my breath between each word) and Lockie laid down an attack on the warm-up lap. After some quick calculations, the race teams were announced based on our blistering TT times (some course records were apparently set). Jared tried to slip into the B event by hoping that Trev would not notice a calculation error, but this was quickly protested.
The B event pitted Team Orange, led by Marilyn, versus Team Purple, led by Mike H and Team Pink led by me (yes, ha ha, team pink ... yes I know ... I am okay with it since I already shave my legs). Props to Rui for attacking on the first hill of the first lap ... not once, but twice. The second lap team lead sprint saw Mike with a huge lead, followed by myself and then Marilyn. On the final lap Marilyn started talking smack (I don't know why???), especially when she gathered up enough riders to lay down the hurt and win the race. I must note that even though team Orange won the event, Team Pink was the first team to have all five racers cross the line (am I grasping at straws here). In the end Team Orange took the evening with 12 points, closely followed by Team Pink and Team Purple, both with 11 points. Thanks to all of my Pink teammates for putting in such a great effort (along with all of the other racers). It was definitely competitive, but a tonne of fun.
Looking forward to hearing a recap of the A event.
Thanks to Trev, Kyle, Mike, Kaille and Thomas for volunteering (sorry if I missed someone). Trev, you put together a killer evening!
P.S. Rui, we both know who has bragging rights at this point ... even if your team won the race. ;)
The B event pitted Team Orange, led by Marilyn, versus Team Purple, led by Mike H and Team Pink led by me (yes, ha ha, team pink ... yes I know ... I am okay with it since I already shave my legs). Props to Rui for attacking on the first hill of the first lap ... not once, but twice. The second lap team lead sprint saw Mike with a huge lead, followed by myself and then Marilyn. On the final lap Marilyn started talking smack (I don't know why???), especially when she gathered up enough riders to lay down the hurt and win the race. I must note that even though team Orange won the event, Team Pink was the first team to have all five racers cross the line (am I grasping at straws here). In the end Team Orange took the evening with 12 points, closely followed by Team Pink and Team Purple, both with 11 points. Thanks to all of my Pink teammates for putting in such a great effort (along with all of the other racers). It was definitely competitive, but a tonne of fun.
Looking forward to hearing a recap of the A event.
Thanks to Trev, Kyle, Mike, Kaille and Thomas for volunteering (sorry if I missed someone). Trev, you put together a killer evening!
P.S. Rui, we both know who has bragging rights at this point ... even if your team won the race. ;)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
June 3rd Race. Hosted by Speed Theorists.
For the first time in the history of C4 action, another club will host the mayhem. Kyle Marcotte, Kaille Boyle, Mike Healy, Thomas Yip,and I will be the volunteers on the night. We will do a practise loop of the course, since it is a new one for everyone and we don't want any mishaps. We will start the warmup loop EXACTLY at 6:30pm. We will then converge on the corner of BearsPaw Road and Nagway Road.
We will go through the rules of the day, depending on who shows up.
The loop is 8km, and very rolly.
Here is the course we will do twice. It is a technical ITT since there are lots and lots of corners and it is very rolly. Pacing will be key so you don't blow up on the second lap:
Friday, May 29, 2009
Back at it...(thanks to the weather gods)...
From all accounts it looked like a great night. While I was away chasing six year olds around a TBall diamond you guys were working hard out there. I know there was a little confusion with the course and it sounds like it was about 13.3km but the time are impressive none the less. So without further adieu the results...
I have also heard that there was a bit of a "wild life" encounter with a local denizen of the prairies and that can't be helped. Happily they wandered on their way and Rob escaped unharmed. Big kudos to the volunteers for the week, Randy Szasz, Mark Perry, Wes Zaniecki, and Rob Onodera. Some of these guys would have ridden if they had the chance so please try and bring out a volunteer if you can so I can let them. Anyway, good job and next week it's Speed Theory's turn to put on a race and I'm quite interested to see what they come up with.
I have also heard that there was a bit of a "wild life" encounter with a local denizen of the prairies and that can't be helped. Happily they wandered on their way and Rob escaped unharmed. Big kudos to the volunteers for the week, Randy Szasz, Mark Perry, Wes Zaniecki, and Rob Onodera. Some of these guys would have ridden if they had the chance so please try and bring out a volunteer if you can so I can let them. Anyway, good job and next week it's Speed Theory's turn to put on a race and I'm quite interested to see what they come up with.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
We're back on the wagon...
...and the crazy bus but that's another sotry. We're back this week with a standard TT at our Dunbow road location. The start area is just east of Deerfoot trail along Dunbow Road and roughly across from Heritage Pointe. In a standard TT you can ride all the TT gear you can afford, steal, or better yet create. You can also ride your road bike.
View Dunbow Meeting Spot (DMS) in a larger map
Please try and spread the parking out or even better ride out to the start as we're trying to minimize the impact on the local population.
The course runs straight east out and back and the road condition is good but there is a bit of gravel on the shoulder as is almost always the case this time of year
View Dunbow Meeting Spot (DMS) in a larger map
Your host for the evening will be Crankmaster el Presidente Randy Szasz. Sign on starts at 6pm with the first racer off sometime about 6:30. Remember to shout your number at the finish as we're terrible guessers and we might just start making things up. We'll also need just 2 additional volunteers this time, one for the turnaround and one for the start or finish. It will be a nice night so I heartily encourage dragging out a freind, neighbour, or helpful hobo. See ya Wednesday.
View Dunbow Meeting Spot (DMS) in a larger map
Please try and spread the parking out or even better ride out to the start as we're trying to minimize the impact on the local population.
The course runs straight east out and back and the road condition is good but there is a bit of gravel on the shoulder as is almost always the case this time of year
View Dunbow Meeting Spot (DMS) in a larger map
Your host for the evening will be Crankmaster el Presidente Randy Szasz. Sign on starts at 6pm with the first racer off sometime about 6:30. Remember to shout your number at the finish as we're terrible guessers and we might just start making things up. We'll also need just 2 additional volunteers this time, one for the turnaround and one for the start or finish. It will be a nice night so I heartily encourage dragging out a freind, neighbour, or helpful hobo. See ya Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
***Tonight's Race is Cancelled***
It is with a heavy heart that I have to cancel the race for tonight. This is the first race that I've had to cancel and although it is suprisingly mediocre weather downtown, I just got a call from a friend that lives in the south and she has reported that the snow is starting to accumulate and that it's windy and 2 degrees. My apologies for the late notice, I had really hoped it would improve enough but it's just not pretty out there. We'll gear back up next week for a regular TT at the Dunbow location and if the weather doesn't improve, I'm moving to somewhere warm like Tuktoyaktuk.
Racing Tonight still on...for now...
...but wear your waterproof woolies. Perhaps just wear a wetsuit. Regardless, the weather lookes fairly dismal for tonight but I don't trust the weather people one bit. I know it's my fault for saying that the weather looked okay and that jinxed it. I searched and searched for a weather forecast that looked promising and only the Latvian National Weather Service offered a good forecast for Calgary tonight and I'm not sure they have a good handle on our weather. As I'm typing this they're reporting hella-heavy snow in High River. I'll post later this afternoon if it looks terrible beyond what an arctic seal could endure.
Monday, May 18, 2009
First Road Race this Wednesday.
Since we use the format of alternating TTs and RRs then it must be time for a Road Race and a Road Race we will have. Starting easy this year we'll be heading back to the Millarville course that we used so effectively last year. The meeting spot is the Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) at the junction of highways 22 and 22X. Racing should commence a little bit after 6:30 so try and be there between 6:00 and about 6:20.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
We will begin to split into three different groups for these races based upon experience and ability so think about what you think would be best for you. I do have an idea from the first TT but have found that TT results are not always an indicator of RR category. We'll give it a try on Wednesday. The race starts at the meeting spot, races south along 22 before turning right on 549 towards Millarville. We then turn North along Range Road 33 and right again on Plummers Road following that back towards 22 where we either turn South for another lap or finish just before we hit 22.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
As usual, I'm looking for at least two volunteers to help with the turns. It's a great way to see the race and a valuable service to keep the series running. I can use anybody, no experience required. I'll keep an eye on the weather but it looks OK at this point and we'll go in anything as long as it's still safe.
See ya Wednesday.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
We will begin to split into three different groups for these races based upon experience and ability so think about what you think would be best for you. I do have an idea from the first TT but have found that TT results are not always an indicator of RR category. We'll give it a try on Wednesday. The race starts at the meeting spot, races south along 22 before turning right on 549 towards Millarville. We then turn North along Range Road 33 and right again on Plummers Road following that back towards 22 where we either turn South for another lap or finish just before we hit 22.
View Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) in a larger map
As usual, I'm looking for at least two volunteers to help with the turns. It's a great way to see the race and a valuable service to keep the series running. I can use anybody, no experience required. I'll keep an eye on the weather but it looks OK at this point and we'll go in anything as long as it's still safe.
See ya Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
First Week Results
Wow, oh wow what a turnout. Dodgy weather, difficult course and still they come. It's great and congrats to all those that showed up as in the end it was a fairly pleasant evening. Anyway, Big thanks to David Morgantini and Wes Zaniecki for leaving their bikes in their cars and helping out. Now to the results and to my suprise the times were really impressive. I'll have to find something harder if you guys keep going so fast.
Great to see the new riders and hope to see you at our next outing next week. We'll meet at the Priddis Meeting Spot (PMS) for a RR around out Millarville course. We'll be putting riders into categories next week to keep things even and I'll recalculate the TT results once I figure out how people will split out. I'll push out the details in a few days. See you next Wednesday.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Merckx Race Tonight
Batter up! We're looking good for tonight and hopefully the weather will cooperate. Please try and arrive by about 6:30 so that we can get the first rider off at 7. Wear your woolies as it will no doubt be a little brisk but you're not made of sugar so let's ride. I will only really cancel it if there is serious snow, lightning, hammering rain, a plague of locusts, or an asteroid strike. Please remember to sign up with Karelo before the race if you can as it facilitates our end of things immensely. I am also still looking for 3 or so volunteers so bring a helper (victim) and I'll put them to use. See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Ready for launch ... May 13th is the day ...
... it all begins.
Welcome back for the 2009 Calgary Crankmasters Wednesday Night Series.
We're locked and loaded with lots of fun, excitement, and oh so sweet pain. It all starts next week, Wednesday May 13th at 6:30pm. The race...a 10 mile (16km) Merckx TT on our brand spanking new course. It all starts from the Woodland Meeting Spot (WMS).
The Woodland meeting spot is located at the junction of Woodland road and highway 1A just west of Bearspaw and before Lochend Road. There is a side road there (Twp Rd 255) off of Woodland where we'll set up. Ample parking is available along 255 and on Nagway road just to the east off Bearspaw Road. And of course, you could always ride out to the site from Calgary. Please try and spread the parking out so that everybody isn't all parked at the same spot in order to keep things low key with respect to the local population.
View Directions to Twp Rd 262 in a larger map
The course starts just west of Woodland Road and heads west along 1A towards Cochrane. After a few kilometres and just before you start to head down the hill into Cochrane we turn right on to Big Hill Road, around the corner and straight north on Range Road 40. A short time thereafter another right turn onto Twp Road 262 heads you back eastwards towards the finish about a kilometre before you get to Lochend road. It's a short ride back to the start from there.
View Directions to Twp Rd 262 in a larger map
A Merckx TT harkens back to the good ole days of box rims, leather helmets, and the great men of cycling history. No aero helmets, bars, wheels, or fancy schmany bikes for this outing. Just a road bike, road bars, and road wheels. It's not like there is any wind out there on that stretch of road.
I'll need at least 3 volunteers for this one so bring a friend and I'll put them to work. It's pretty easy work and nothing beats standing out there in the howling wind watching cyclings grind their way forward. As for the weather, we'll play it by ear and I'll update the blog as we go. Showers don't scare me but driving rain, snow, locusts, and whatever else this province produces does.
We'll see you then.
Welcome back for the 2009 Calgary Crankmasters Wednesday Night Series.
We're locked and loaded with lots of fun, excitement, and oh so sweet pain. It all starts next week, Wednesday May 13th at 6:30pm. The race...a 10 mile (16km) Merckx TT on our brand spanking new course. It all starts from the Woodland Meeting Spot (WMS).
The Woodland meeting spot is located at the junction of Woodland road and highway 1A just west of Bearspaw and before Lochend Road. There is a side road there (Twp Rd 255) off of Woodland where we'll set up. Ample parking is available along 255 and on Nagway road just to the east off Bearspaw Road. And of course, you could always ride out to the site from Calgary. Please try and spread the parking out so that everybody isn't all parked at the same spot in order to keep things low key with respect to the local population.
View Directions to Twp Rd 262 in a larger map
The course starts just west of Woodland Road and heads west along 1A towards Cochrane. After a few kilometres and just before you start to head down the hill into Cochrane we turn right on to Big Hill Road, around the corner and straight north on Range Road 40. A short time thereafter another right turn onto Twp Road 262 heads you back eastwards towards the finish about a kilometre before you get to Lochend road. It's a short ride back to the start from there.
View Directions to Twp Rd 262 in a larger map
A Merckx TT harkens back to the good ole days of box rims, leather helmets, and the great men of cycling history. No aero helmets, bars, wheels, or fancy schmany bikes for this outing. Just a road bike, road bars, and road wheels. It's not like there is any wind out there on that stretch of road.
I'll need at least 3 volunteers for this one so bring a friend and I'll put them to work. It's pretty easy work and nothing beats standing out there in the howling wind watching cyclings grind their way forward. As for the weather, we'll play it by ear and I'll update the blog as we go. Showers don't scare me but driving rain, snow, locusts, and whatever else this province produces does.
We'll see you then.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Introductory Meeting This Wednesday May 6th 6pm, Edworthy Park!!!
That's right, we're almost ready to launch. For those returning to the series and those new to the series we are holding an introductory meeting at Edworthy Park this Wednesday May 6th at 6pm. We'll try and snag picnic area 3 or 4 if available. Since we are utilizing the club race format for the series everbody interested in racing will have to be at least a secondary member of Crankmasters, an option we offer for the low low price of $35 if you are a member of another Alberta club and $70 for primary membership in Crankmasters. For that you get the Wednesday Night Series and all the other club races that Crankmasters has to offer. We are using Karelo this year for sign-up so see http://www.calgarycycling.com/ for details and fancy links to click on and all that. I'll be on hand Wednesday to answer any questions or email me at c4racing@gmail.com for more information.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
We're Back! ... Welcome to the 2009 C4 WNS
That's right, we're back at it again. New courses, old courses, hilly courses, flat courses, same old fun. The schedule at the right has been updated for 2009 and reflects some of the tenative changes that we are making for 2009. The notable additions are the TT courses at Woodland Road in the NW, and at Springbank for the new 2up TT. We're hoping to develop new RR courses near Red Deer Lake school in the South and possibly out Hwy 66 in Kananaskis past Bragg Creek. It has been a challenge to find a new suitable road course and I've spent countless hours warming the planet by driving all over the countryside looking for new courses. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share them but keep in mind that traffic, shoulder, road conditions, and a suitable staging area are prime considerations. Big thanks to Speed Theory for helping out by stepping in and organizing a couple of the races and I would certainly welcome any other clubs that might like to take one on.
Things are still under development and there is much work to do but mark Wednesday May 6th at 6pm on your calendar for an introductory meeting at Edworthy Park. The series will kick off on the 13th of May at the Dunbow location for the first TT, followed by a road race at the Millarville course on the following Wednesday before we turn our attention to the new courses.
I'll keep you all updated as things develop and the start of the series approaches.
Things are still under development and there is much work to do but mark Wednesday May 6th at 6pm on your calendar for an introductory meeting at Edworthy Park. The series will kick off on the 13th of May at the Dunbow location for the first TT, followed by a road race at the Millarville course on the following Wednesday before we turn our attention to the new courses.
I'll keep you all updated as things develop and the start of the series approaches.
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