Monday, August 25, 2014

Sprints - Updated

So our launch pad in Lower Springbank is literally covered in mud from the home construction out there so we need an alternative venue for the sprints. For a while now I have been considering the quiet roads within Curry Barracks for some racing and one of the roads there is good for the sprints. Hochwald Avenue, as shown on the map, is deserted in the evenings, except of course for the odd visit by the security guards that patrol the barracks. I propose we go ahead and have a low key evening of sprints in the barracks.

The Wild Rose Brewery is literally 3 blocks away and it is probably one of the good places to park. The less attention we draw the better so please park there or at least not within the Barracks, maybe use the near by housing development as well for parking, or just ride!

Let's start promptly at 6:30 PM so show up good and early so we can get fair pairings drawn up for the sprints. Ernie is working on a template for us. You will not be eliminated in the first sprint, you will have a few chances to advance.

I believe there is a section of the Wild Rose Brewery reserved for us and remember, don't drink, ride or drive. Any combination of those activities would not be good for you.

The pavement is a bit rough, the sprint stretch is on a decent little up-hill and we will have enough volunteers to make sure any stray cars are stopped for you. The only thing I can't predict is what the security guy will do.

Here is the map:


Sunday, August 10, 2014

Up next - 40 k TT - August 13th

Lots of racing left this season. Coming up is a 40 k ITT in Springbank. It is on a 20 km loop that the A and B cats will do twice, the C's will do once. Each loop has 7 safe right turns and then one u turn then go out and repeat the first loop. Clockwise of course except the u turn will put you in a time warp black hole spiral for about 4 seconds. Let me know if it felt like an eternity.

Extra points for any A under 60 minutes, and any B under 65 minutes. The women can elect to do 20 k or 40 k.

As usual we need some volunteers, a few people have already offered, thank you very much. Racing will get underway as close to 6:30 PM as possible. Sign on will be at the finish line, which is on Township 245 by the little industrial park/crit course near Callaway Park. There is lots of parking in that area. I will be bringing everyone south from the finish line about 800 m to near the Springbank Park for all Seasons to start the race so that the course measures 40 k. Also note that the course takes in Huggard Road, we will try to have volunteers on most of the corners but you need to know the route for yourself. I'm in cat B and did the 40 k in 1:14 a few weeks ago, not too hard for the other B's to beat.
 

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Wednesday Aug 6, Brown Lowery Loop

Yea we are going deep south this coming Wednesday and a return to some hills. A 30 km road race is in store, around Plummers Road and Brown Lowery Park. Everyone will do one loop this time, save the legs a bit for the J Lap weekend. You will find me wearing a mosquito net at the little parking lot at Brown Lowery. I don't think we will all fit there for parking so please park somewhere else along the way. If we have time I will start you down at the 762 so you get an additional hill in, but lets meet and sign up at the park.

Race starts at 6:45, try to be there at 6:15 so I can sign you up. Last week was great for volunteers, hope we get a similar turnout this week.

We actually have 2 racers following on Twitter. If the race is threatened by weather or something else you will know right away if you follow @WNSrace


Saturday, July 26, 2014

Springbank Circuit Race July 30


Let's get the third series started with a 5 k circuit race out in Springbank. The A and B cats can do 8 loops and the C can do 6. Or we can switch it up a bit depending on how many show up. May be good warm up for Tour de Bowness, maybe not. Anyway please show up around 6 pm to 6:20 pm in the parking lot of the Springbank Rec centre on Springbank Road and Range Road 33 for sign on. The circuit, shown on the map below is right across the road. The start/finish is on Range Road 34. We will try to start by 6:40 pm.

It's a gently rolling course on mostly quiet rural roads. I was out there today and there is only one corner that needs a bit of sweeping and I will try to do that on Wednesday before the race. However if any of you are bored, please go out there to the turn onto Range Road 34 from Springbank Road and sweep. Yea right!

There will be a couple of rules enforced, one is that while on Springbank Road heading west on the circuit for one mile, SINGLE FILE, NO PASSING. Rule 2 is that anyone using the entire road and more than one lane while making any of the turns will also be DQ. The 4 corners are safe as long as you exercise a bit of care.

I will need 3 volunteers


https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=z1cY7FE23v9U.kmCwSYEPq6As


Friday, July 25, 2014

Series 3 starts July 30

Follow WNS on Twitter @WNSrace

Here is a preview of the 3rd series. Not totally hill free but it will be completely Thomas Voeckler free, that's a promise. Three weeks of gratuitous Thomas Voeckler sightings every July makes me really look forward to August.

I'll get some maps and stuff up in a few days. July 30 race will be right by the Springbank Park for All Seasons, so that can be your destination for sign on and parking. Maybe you can come out and volunteer if you are not racing, as you well know, our volunteers are key to a safe racing series. I'm always open to suggestions and improvements so feel free to comment if you like.

Date                    Race                       Location           Volunteers
July 30                 8 laps X 5k               Springbank          3
Aug 6                  30k road race           Millarville           4
Aug 13                40k TT                    Springbank          4
Aug 20                TBA                        Crowchild/NW
Aug 27                Prolog & RR            Priddis                4

Thomas Voeckler just got a flat tire.


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Series 2 / Stage 5 - July 23, 2014: Elbow Falls 28km ITT & TT

This Wednesday marks the fifth and final stage of Series #2, so naturally we want to make it a bit more special…

I know many of you have been itching to bust out those superhero-esque skin suits and stomp around on TT bikes like cyclists possessed…well speed freaks, the wait is over! Tomorrow we’re heading to Elbow Falls to tackle a rolling 28km ITT along the stunning Highway 66.

The Route:
Starting just west of Paddy’s Flats campground, you’ll head West along route 66 as it snakes its way up and down, side to side, towards Elbow Falls. The first 7km are somewhat flat with some minor rollers, allowing you to power along and settle into your rhythm…but don’t get too comfortable, because at this point the fun begins! KMs 7-10 go from up to way up as you hammer up +200m of 8-10% grade. By this point your legs will be screaming…luckily you’ve got a nice little 4km recovery descent before the turnaround.

Now all you gotta do is retrace your path up the backside of that beastly climb you thought you vanquished (tabernac!), and hammer your way to the finish. The final 10km  are super fast and ridiculously fun. Since pretty much all of you will be tracking this ride on bike computers, there will be a small prize for the highest speed achieved*

*DO NOT ATTEMPT THE SPEED RECORD BEFORE THE TURNAROUND…ambulance rides are no fun, and certainly not the fastest way to finish the TT. Be safe.

For those of you who are not familiar with the route, check out the map below…

The Race Format:
Given that not everyone has a TT rig in their bike quiver, you will have the choice to enter one of two separate races: the ITT  (Aero bikes only) or the Team TT (road bikes).

The TTT will be raced Merckx-Style in teams of 2-3 with the goal of levelling the playing field a little with riders on TT bikes. Again the races are totally separate, but we want to keep finish times relatively close. 

Check-in & Race Start:
Rider check-in will be from 6-6:40pm at the race start. Keep in mind that the start line is a good 10-15min drive from Bragg Creek, so factor that time in. 

We’ll be starting riders on 1min intervals, with the first rider(s) going off at 6:45pm

Parking:
There is lots of parking available at the Paddy Flats campground and at the Station Flats parking lots just down the road.

Volunteers:
As always volunteers are hugely appreciated! We’ll need about 1-2more for this race. 

Click here if you or a friend can help out.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

RESULTS - Series 2 / Stage 3 - July 9, 2014: Team Road Race

Here are the results from last week's Team Road Race. Due to the unfortunate crash on the latter section of the course which skewed results slightly, all riders will be given the same number of points.
RESULTS - 2014 WNS - Series 2 / Stage 3: Team Road Race (errr... TTT)     
NAMECLUBCATEGORYTEAMRESULTPOINTS
Willie VansevenantNatural HighC11:45:17 (5th)5
Blake BartlettSTC1**crashed - same time5
Ania BergmannBici SportC1-5
Brad BarronC4C1-5
Mike HealySTB1-5
Adam PughSTB1-5
----------------------------     
Ken ErdmanSTC21:37:35 (1st)5
Mike PascoeEndurance 4 LifeB2**crashed - same time5
Karel BergmannPeleton A2-5
Cody GodlontonNiklas GroupA2-5
Mike WaldhueberPeloton A2-5
----------------------------     
Jean GarezSTC31:38:45 (2nd)5
Dawn HeinemeyerC4C3-5
Dan AboiuSTB3-5
Ryan BarrNiklas GroupB3-5
Dan SigovinSTB3-5
Lewis GitlemanC4C3-5
----------------------------     
Steven KennySTB41:41:30 (3rd)5
Walter LeopkyTCRB4 5
Clarence PoonSTB4 5
Ron FielC4C4 5
Carlos BonillaNiklas GroupB4 5
----------------------------     
Tom KennySTB51:42:40 (4th)5
Andreas PerdomoSTB5 5
Darryl BeattySTB5 5
Darcy GullacherSTB5 5
Lee NelsonC4C5 5
----------------------------    

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Series 2 / Stage 3 - July 9, 2014: Road Race (Team Challenge)

Alright dudes (& dudettes),
I reckon it's about time we had a proper road race, no? Tomorrow night we're bringing back a bit of a classic - the Team Road Race! 

For the uninitiated...we simply divide the riders into a fairly evenly mixed few teams based on category, club, and favourite ice-cream flavour. Each team’s goal is to get the bulk of their riders over the line before the other teams. In other words, it's not which team can get one rider over first but rather who can get most of their riders over before the other teams. 


The Route:
The course is a hilly 50km loop following what many of you know to be "The Road to Nepal". The Start / Finish line will be located on 37th Street SW, just South of Hwy 22x. The course will be ridden clockwise to minimize lane crossings and will have pylons and/or a corner marshall making sure you don’t get lost.

Check out the Map Below:
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=z-x2VoIxBvF8.kBA1lH13LGTs

Race Sign-on & Start:
The race will commence at 6:45pm to allow extra time for people to get to the course. Race sign on will be at the parking area from 6:00-6:40pm.


Parking:
Parking is located near the Start line on the Hwy 22x East / West divider (marked by the green square on the map!). 

Volunteers:
We can certainly use an extra 1-2 volunteers to help at the finish line or marshall a corner. As usual I’ll have some cold drinks and snacks on hand for volunteers…who knows we may have a few cold beers waiting for you as well…Let me know if you can help out :)


This race format is seriously fun, so you don't want to miss it...oh and weather is gonna be awesome!!

RESULTS & PHOTOS- Series 2 / Stage 2: [Uphill-ish] Springbank TT

Hi All,
Apologies for the wait! Here are the results from the Springbank TT!

2014 WNS - Series 2 / Stage 2 : Springbank Uphill TT (July 2, 2014)
NAMECATEGORY CLUBHEAT #1HEAT #2RANK
Start TimeTimeStart TimeTime
Evan BayerAPeloton7:077:367:507:301
Cody GodlontonANiklas Group7:048:327:478:312
Dale HildabrandBBici7:088:497:518:503
Steven KennyBST7:008:557:439:004
Adam PughBST7:068:577:498:595
Sherri BuchignaniB-WCrave6:539:327:369:396
Todd WilsonBST6:489:337:319:417
Darcy GullAcherBST7:029:397:459:348
Daniel GregoireCC4*7:099:357:42DNS9
Gabriel OllivierBWildrose6:519:437:349:5210
Ernie CosmanBST6:469:497:299:5511
Suchaet BahrdwajCST7:059:567:489:5012
Lewis GitlemanCC46:4510:077:289:5113
Steve WatersBST6:509:537:339:5514
Meghan BrownB-WBici7:039:547:4610:2215
Dan AlboiuBST6:4910:367:329:5616
John CoundCC46:5510:007:3810:2017
Dan SigouinBST6:4010:087:2310:0218
Pauline CoundCClub1006:5610:077:3910:2419
Ron FiellCC46:4210:407:2510:2220
Mike HealyBST6:5710:237:4010:2421
Ken ErdmanCST6:4410:277:2711:0722
Blake BartlettCST7:0110:477:4410:2823
Andy HillCC46:5810:337:4110:5524
Clarence PoonBST6:4710:457:3010:3925
Brad BarronCC46:4111:197:2410:4926
Will VanseventCC46:4311:227:2611:1927
Chris DevriesCST6:5211:407:3511:4828
Jenn TurcottCST6:5411:487:3712:0229
Also, here is a link to the photos from the race :)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/125201986@N02/sets/72157645601124244/


-RS

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Series 2 / Stage 2 - July 2, 2014: [Uphill-ish] Springbank TT

Alright if the suspense is killing you, the wait is over! Here are all the deets for Stage#2....

Unlike last week’s handle bar-to-handle bar action, tomorrow night you’ll be racing against the clock on a fiendish 4.4km TT course that’s partly uphill, partly flat, and completely lung busting! 

Some of you may remember this from the Jason Lapierre portion of the AB Superweek a couple years ago, and can attest that it’s a challenging yet seriously fun route. To go fast here will require a little more pacing strategy than your typical pure flat or pure uphill TT...so we’re giving you not one, but two chances to get it right ;)

Check Out the Race Course Below:

View 2014 WNS - Springbank Uphill TT (4.4km) in a larger map


Race Start & Finish:
The race Start is located near the intersection of Horizontal View Rd & Escarpment Drive. You will follow the windy Escarpment Dr making a RIGHT back to Springbank Rd where you will make RIGHT onto Westbluff Rd for a straight flat sprint to the Finish.

Here’s how tomorrow’s race will go down…


6:00 - 6:30pm: CHECK-IN -  Will be next to the start line. Here you will be given your start time for the first heat, and estimated start time for the second heat. After this feel free to pre-ride the course. Be mindful of any traffic on Springbank Rd.

6:35pm - GET TO START LINE. Clear race course and meet at the Start line. Here you’ll receive final instructions for your first TT.

6:40pm - HEAT#1 BEGINS! Riders will go off at either 30 or 60sec increments. Remember your start time! If you miss your time, you will scratch this heat - lame. GIVER!

***Following this race, CAREFULLY make your way back to the start. Riders will go off in the same order***

7:15pm - HEAT#2 BEGINS! Same as above. Deep breaths now...last chance to throw down! 

Results:
Race times will be collected at the top of the course. The best of the two will go towards the rankings, and will be the one to brag about on Strava & Facebook.

Parking:
There will be ample parking at the Springbank Community High school [about 5-10min ride from the Start]

Volunteers:
As always, volunteers are hugely appreciated. For tomorrow's race we will need 2-3 more to help marshall the corner on Springbank Rd and to assist with timing at the top. We'll also have a few cold bevies and snacks for you any volunteers courtesy of Market 17 and JWebb Wines...so let me know if you can help :)

That’s it, that’s all. Weather should be amazing!

Best,


-RS

RESULTS - Series 2 / Stage 1 : Super Crit

Happy Canada Day road rippers!
This will be the first of a double post today, so be sure to check out details of tomorrow night’s race following this post…

It was a fantastic evening last week with a great turnout and perfect conditions! Here are the much anticipated results from the Super Crit. Both races were tight at the finish, so if you spot a mistake please let me know in the comment section below :D
RACE #1 - Category C / Women's
NAMECLUBCATEGORYRESULTPOINTSREMARKS
Daniel GregoireC4C1  
Todd WilsonSpeed Theory"""C""2 Prime Winner!
Jeff MilesC4C3  
Lewis GittlemanC4C4  
Ron FielC4C5  
John CoundC4C6  
Dawn HeinemyerC4C - Womens7 + Top Woman W-Prime Winner!
Blake BartlettSpeed TheoryC8  
Chris DevriesSpeed TheoryC9  
------------------------    
Jenn TurcottSpeed TheoryC-  
Tania KingwellCrave RacingC-  
Lisa IsleyCrave RacingC-  
Tessa PagalilavanCrave RacingC-  
Shannon GordonCrave RacingC-  
Willie VansevenantNatural HighC-  
Carl MillerSpeed TheoryC-  
Rod SchuhartC4C-  
Brad BarronC4C-  
      
      
RACE #2 - Category A / B
NAMECLUBCATEGORYRESULTPOINTSREMARKS
Cody GodlontonNiklas GroupA1  
Michael HoangPelotonB2  
Dale HilebrandSpeed Theory"""B""3  
Bryon HowardNiklas GroupA4  
Adam PughSpeed TheoryB5 Prime Winner!
Suchaet BhardwajSpeed TheoryB6  
Dan AlboiuSpeed TheoryB7  
Glen MilesC4B8  
Carl MillerSpeed TheoryB9  
----------------------    
Meghan BrownBiciSportBTop Woman W-Prime Winner!
Carlos BonilaNiklas GroupB-  
Ernie CosmanSpeed TheoryB-  
Clarence PoonSpeed TheoryB-  
Andres PerdonaSpeed TheoryB-  
Darrel BeatieSpeed TheoryB-  
Andrew PlattenC4B-  
Brent ThumlentSpeed TheoryB-  
Rob CrooksSpeed TheoryB-  
Callum GalbraithSpeed TheoryB-  
Jean GarezSpeed TheoryB-  
Chuck JohnstonSpeed TheoryB-  
      
      
Volunteers    
Robert Starkey(Organizer)    
Peter Heinemyer (Commissaire)    
Grant Los     
Carlos Bonila     
Cody Godlonton    



Monday, June 23, 2014

Series 2 / Stage 1 - June 25, 2014: Super Crit

Ahhh summer at last!!! Big shout out to Peter Heinemyer and Co for organizing a very wet and wild Spring Series - rockstars.

Well now that Series #1 is complete, things are about to really heat up (literally and figuratively). Since “Series 2” just sounds a little boring, I reckon we should rename this “The Niklas Group Super Sick Summer Sizzla!”...how’s that for a quad S-bomb?! Too much?  Well name conventions aside, this series will be 5 stages running: June 25 & July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd... and the folks at Team Niklas aren’t known for putting on sissy races, so I hope you’re finding your racing legs ;) 

Back by popular demand we’ll be kicking things off with the Super CritFor those of you who didn’t race this last year or get a little antsy about the thought of crit racing (ie: tight corners, crash barriers, etc),  this is your crit race! The 2km course is very safe given its width,  total lack of potholes and other obstacles, as well as grassy run-offs through out.  Factor in some wide sweeping turns and smooth asphalt, and this circuit can be wicked fast! 

Below is the course map:

View WNS Niklas Group Super Crit - June 25, 2014 in a larger map


So here’s how the race will go down... 

6:30PM - “C Group” Starts.  20min + 1 lap

7:00PM - “B Group” Starts. 30min + 1 lap

7:40PM - “A Group” Starts. 35min + 1 lap


Will there be Primes?
Yep. There might be a few of these...


Race Start & Finish:
Race starts on Commercial Drive and finishes at Artist's View Drive.

Parking:
There will be ample parking at the Church across from the start line, Springbank Middle School, and Elbow Valley Elementary School parking lots. Watch out for fast moving traffic as you enter/exit the lot.

Volunteers:
Come see me (red ball cap) at the start/finish line @6-6:15pm for a quick briefing, and to pick up a little volunteer appreciation package.

So those are the deets. This race will be an awesome opportunity to test out some new tactics and get some crit experience without worrying about nasty crashes... it’s also a serious quality workout. We'll have a quick pre-race briefing before the start of each race to go over the finer details, however feel free to post your questions or concerns in the comments section below.


See you Wednesday!

-RS

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Message from Joel Goralski

LAST MINUTE SPECIALS TO MEXICO from Joel Goralski

I hear that it is fricking cold in YYC... I had a last minute cancelation in our garden villa.... see www.mymexicanvilla.com

LAST MINUTE SPECIAL!!!! 5 Nights in our Garden Villa for only $299 USD.

I checked flights. Fly out of Calgary on WestJet this wednesday for $280 and return Air Canada on Monday for $333.00 ... Escape the COLD!!!

I will do a 5 day Road Bike Rental for only $149 USD including two guided tours! One tour will be a flat easy ride and the other an epic day in the mountains.

I don't think that there are many seats left. So act fast....

Contact Joel at joel@niklasgroup.com for details!