Cyclocross.....the craziest sport in cycling!

Everybody's already buzzing about the upcoming cross season.  Race calendars have been posted, clinics are on the schedule, and I just saw the poster for this year's top-secret outlaw series in San Francisco.  Folks are dusting off their bikes, gluing on their tubulars, and dreaming about beer hand-ups, dollar grabs, Spooky Cross costumes, and the top step on the podium.

What's this crazy sport called cyclocross?  What was, at one time, considered an off-season sport for roadies and mountain bikers to maintain some high-end winter fitness, has grown to become a focus sport for many bike racers.  From September through January, folks will toe the line for the most intense 30-60 minutes of racing you can imagine, riding on all types of terrain (sand, grass, gravel, pavement, mud, ice, and snow), leaping off their bikes and jumping over barriers, shouldering their bikes to run up hills, and hanging out with other bike-loving folks in a very spectator-friendly environment.  With local races at venues all over Northern CA, you can't find a better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday this fall/winter.  Cross is also a very family-friendly environment and many races even have events for the kids!

You'll find all the deets on norcal cyclocross here:  http://ncncacx.blogspot.com/

Favorite series like Bay Area Super Prestige, CCCX, and Surf City return with awesome racing.  New this year is the Norcal CX Series, which incorporates some long-time favorite races like the Lion of Fairfax and Stafford Lake, and introduces some new races like the Kitten of Vallejo and the San Jose Cougar.

Matt McNamara of Sterling Sports Group

If you want to start racing cyclocross, or to refine your skills and take your racing up a notch, there are skills clinics and organized cyclocross rides offered throughout the fall.  The first of these clinics is our own Savvy Bike Skills 103 (cyclocross skills and tactics) on August 24th, guest-coached by Matt McNamara of Sterling Sports Group.  This is the 11th year we've offered this clinic, with a variety of guest coaches, and it's always a participant favorite!  Matt is a top-notch coach and a really funny guy who's been racing and coaching pretty much every discipline of cycling for more than two decades.  We're thrilled that he's coaching Bike Skills 103 and encourage you to register for this co-ed, 4-hour clinic.

Whether you race or spectate, I think you'll find cyclocross is just about the most fun you can have on a bike!

How Can YOU Support Women's Cycling?

For the past 8 years, Velo Girls has promoted (bike racing lingo for putting on a race) the Menlo Park Grand Prix.  This is an awesome criterium on a very unique course and we pull out all the stops to make this a fun, family-oriented day of bike racing.  In addition to our competitive events, we have a super-fun expo, a FREE children's race, other fun kid's events, and even gourmet food trucks.  This year's race is July 28th and we're busy planning all the details of this year's event.

As one of the only all-women's cycling clubs in the United States to promote a bike race, we've made it our mission to use this race to promote women's bike racing.  With eleven races during the course of the day, we have FIVE women's races (while most other races only have one or two).  This year's edition of the Menlo Park Grand Prix is host to the Elite Women's State Championship, the Master Women's State Championship (with two races), and separate races for CAT 3 and CAT 4 women.  This is a HUGE investment for us since women's fields are smaller than men's fields and there is a pretty significant loss of income for the women's races.  But women's cycling is our mission so we're willing to take that risk and find other sources of income to underwrite this investment.

It takes a lot of resources for us to put on this race and we'd love to get YOU involved this year.  Here's how you can help:

#1 -- Register to Race:  We have 11 competitive events during the day, including Northern California Nevada Cycling Association BikeReg.com Premier Series races for P/1/2 (men), Masters 1/2/3 35+ (men), Masters 1/2/3 45+ (men), and Women 1/2/3.  We're also part of the NCNCA Women's Series with separate fields for the CAT3 and CAT 4 women.   You'll find registration here:  https://www.usacycling.org/register/2013-1977

#2 -- Become a Sponsor:  We're particularly interested in cash sponsorship, but donations of goods and services are also welcome (either to supplement race production or to be used as prizes).  We're utilizing social media this year to help raise funds and all donations are welcome and appreciated.  Check out our new "Friend of Menlo Park Grand Prix sponsorship level (and get a super-sexy race t-shirt).  http://www.gofundme.com/8thmenloparkgrandprix

#3 -- Volunteer on Race Day:  It takes more than 70 volunteers and staff to put on a race of this caliber.  We've got volunteer positions for course marshalls, registration staff, and even podium girls!  Email Lorri@velogirls.com for details.

Our list of event sponsors is growing daily, but special thanks go to KitOrder.com for stepping up as presenting sponsor this year.  

We'd also like to thank Cycles Fanatic, Davis Junior Race Team, High Note Coffee, Ink Monkey Graphics, Pactimo, Rock Tape, and Savvy Bike.

ride a bike? we've got an app for that!

Velo Girls Coaching Services is thrilled to announce our 2010 clinic + camp schedule! In 2009, we had more than 800 participants in our various programs. Almost all of our 2009 clinics sold-out weeks in advance, so I would encourage you to register early for any programs you'd like to participate in! I can't wait to work with you in 2010.

Velo Girls Indoor Training Series – Feb 2nd – April 8th, 2010
Beat the winter blues with the return of our 10-week Cinderella indoor training series! Each 90 minute session will help you build strength, power, and speed and is the perfect compliment to your outdoor riding. Bring your bike, a towel, a couple of bottles, and your stationary trainer for this women's-only training series held at Mike's Bikes in Palo Alto. Space is limited so register today! BONUS! Register for the full series and receive one free registration to Bike Skills 101 (valid through June 30th, 2010) -- a $105 value!

Tri-Flow Women's Development Racing Program – Bariani Road Race -- Feb 3rd - Mar 20th
The Tri-Flow Women’s Development Racing Program is designed to be a small, focused training program that teaches women how to road race and supports experienced racers who aren’t part of a season-long team. Because of the small group size, each woman will receive very personalized attention. This six-week program will prepare women to race in the Bariani Road Race in Zamora, providing both skills and fitness training. The entire group and coach will race together, and we’ll provide full logistical and strategic support on race day.

Bike Skills 101 – Fundamental Bike Handling Skills – Feb 13th, Mar 21st, Apr 24th, Jun 13th, 2010
sponsored by BicycleLawyer.com
This 4-hour clinic is the foundation of everything else you’ll learn on the bike. This is the clinic where we teach the old dogs new tricks and the newbies the fundamentals. You’ll learn about balance and weight distribution and how that affects your ability to ride your bike safely and confidently. We’ll learn skills like riding with no hands, emergency stops, and how to look behind you while holding your line, how to steer, and counter-steer. After just four hours, we guarantee you’ll be a better bike handler and have much more fun on the bike.

Bike Skills 102 – Fundamental Mountain Bike Skills – Mar 28th, 2010
It's time for a little dirty fun! We'll teach you the basics (and not-so-basics) of balance, weight distribution, and how to use the terrain to your advantage. Learn to rock, roll, hop, and jump. Master the art of steep climbs. Learn to descend with confidence and skill. After just four hours, we guarantee you’ll be a better bike handler and have much more fun on the bike. This clinic is highly recommended for roadies who are racing cyclocross and would like to learn more about all-terrain riding.

Bike Skills 102 – Cyclocross Skills + Tactics – coming summer 2010
Have you been wondering what's all the buzz about cyclocross? It's a fun but challenging sport that's beginner-friendly and appropriate for the entire family. And best of all, it's happening at a park near you! In this four-hour clinic, you'll learn all the skills needed to get started in this incredible sport, including mounts, dismounts, and how to shoulder and carry your bike. We'll also share information about bikes & equipment, the local cyclocross racing scene, and how to train for a successful season. We’ll finish off the day with a simulated race and de-brief. You'll need a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike for this clinic.

Bike Skills 201 – Climbing + Descending Skills – Mar 21st, Apr 24th, Jun 13th, 2010
What goes up must come down, right? In this 4-hour clinic, we’ll teach you how to climb like a pro – seated climbs, standing climbs, short climbs, steep climbs, extended climbs. And then, we’ll teach you how to come back down again, focusing on a fast straight descent, and then a technical switchbacky descent. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 101 or equivalent experience.

Bike Skills 301 – Group Riding Skills – Apr 25th, 2010
Wheelsucking is an art! Whether you’re a racer or a recreational rider, group riding skills will help you ride longer, faster, and farther. We’ll learn draft theory and basic pacelines, beginning with partner work and progressing to more complex group riding skills and introductory racing techniques. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 101 or equivalent experience.

Bike Skills 302 – Racing Skills + Tactics – May 8th, 2010
This four-hour clinic will teach you all the individual bike-handling and group riding skills you'll need to race your first (or your 10th) criterium or road race. In addition to skills & drills, you'll receive expert coaching on race preparation and logistics, and an introduction to tactics. We'll finish the day with a training race followed by a de-brief. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 101 or equivalent experience.

Bike Skills 303 – Advanced Racing Skills + Tactics – Feb 20th, 2010
Take your racing to the next level! In this 4-hour clinic, you'll learn to "make the race" by incorporating individual and team tactics -- and we'll teach you the skills to do that! Bring your teammates for maximum learning. Liza Rachetto will be joining us as guest coach for this clinic. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 302 or equivalent racing experience. Pre-requisite: Bike Skills 302 or equivalent experience.

Girls Got Skills sponsored by Jan Medina Real Estate – June 5th + 6th, 2010
This is our corner-stone clinic, and includes 16 hours of “you” time in the company of other cycling women. This clinic is a must-do for recreational cyclists and racers alike! We cover individual bike handling skills, group riding skills, climbing and descending, and training principles (including a time trial to determine heart rate training zones). You’ll walk away from this weekend with a renewed love for the bike and the cycling community!

Alpine Altitude Adventure (aka Death Ride Camp) – June 25th – 27th, 2010
This weekend camp is designed to help prepare participants for the rigors of endurance riding at high altitude. Based in Markleeville, CA, this camp is appropriate for Death Ride participants and others who wish to gain high altitude experience. Daily mileage options range from 25 - 75 miles. Registration fee includes camping (Friday + Saturday), SAG on rides, cycling nutrition, Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sunday breakfast, and lots of fun with cool folks. Thursday and Sunday night camping options available for a small fee. You are responsible for transportation to/from Markleeville, however participants will be encouraged to carpool.

Voting for the Sweet Life!

Dolce Vita Cycling is pleased to endorse Lorri Lown and Michael Hernandez for NCNCA President and Vice-President.

Lorri is a true advocate of women's cycling and has been instrumental in introducing hundreds of women to the sport. We feel Lorri has consistently shown true leadership qualities and her ability to lead an organization through her continued success with Velo Girls, her varied and well attended skills clinics, and her continued efforts to continually improve herself and others through cycling.

Similarly, Michael has distinguished himself with his endless enthusiasm for all racers, regardless of skill level or category. We feel Michael's involvement announcing at races and in a leadership role at Hellyer illustrate his willingness to serve as a voice in spearheading racing and development opportunities for a broad range of cyclists, whether they be juniors, track riders, or pros.

Together Lorri and Michael speak to the same philosophies of development and camaraderie that our team aspires to, and we'd be honored to have their voices represent us.


Thank you, Dolce Vita Cycling, for your vote of confidence!

Why I REALLY want to be President of the NCNCA

Everybody knows that The President gets to do some really cool things. And gets some neet new toys. The perks are endless (or so I've been told). So here are the reasons I REALLY wnat to be President of the NCNCA.

1) someone recently said that I've got big shoes to fill and that I get to wear size 99 shoes. since your feet are the lever on the bike, the bigger the better, right? I'm just a little worried about toe-overlap.

2) The President always gets mysterious-looking (yet handsome) body guards. what girl wouldn't want to surround herself with mysterious + handsome men?

3) The President is a diplomat and gets to travel to exotic and distant lands. I see trips to Copperopolis, Weed, Snelling, Bakersfield, Challenge, and maybe even Henleyville in my future! who needs to be a world traveller when the best of the best is right here in rural CA thanks to Velo Promo?

4) The President (or is it the First Lady) always redecorates the White House. I think this means I'll have to finish re-painting my condo before taking office in January!

5) everybody makes fun of The President. I foresee a media whirlwind of cartoons, p-shopped photos, and essays poking fun at my dog, my bikes, and my hairstyle. kinda like high school but on a global level. maybe I'll even get an invitation to host SNL!

6) people give The President free stuff! I can't wait to get a chicken from the cluckers' council, a happy cow from the moo brigade, and an avocado tree from the pit plants coalition.

7) everybody celebrates The President's birthday! I love birthdays and next year will be a special one for me, so mark July 29th on your calendar as a presidential day of wanton recklessness.

8) The President gets chauffeured around in a big shiny black car. I already have a 10-year old black (not-so-shiny) Subaru with dings + scratches from bikes leaning on it, so all I need now is a driver. some might agree that the way I drive, that would be a good thing.

9) The President gets to wear a big sparkly crown for formal occasions (oh yeah, maybe that's the king). I have a closet full of tiaras just waiting for the right opportunity to be worn! don't be surprised if you see me wearing one at the NCNCA meeting, the NorCal Cyclefest, or the SFBC Winter Party.

10) legions of heralding trumpets and firing muskets greet The President wherever he goes. after years as the drum major of my high school marching band, I can't wait to stand in front of the celebratory ranks again!


in all seriousness, I look forward to the challenge of serving the NCNCA as The President in 2010. you can read my candidate's statement, as well as those of the other candidates, here: http://wordpress.ncncaracing.com/?p=1361

Candidate Statement -- 2010 NCNCA President

I’m honored to be running for President of the NCNCA for 2010. My three years' experience on the BOD as Treasurer, as well as my management background, experience in not-for-profit, and my involvement with other Boards, are a solid fit for the position.

Since the NCNCA is a working Board, I think it's important for the next president to have previous hands-on management experience with the BOD.

In my tenure as Treasurer, I've made positive and valuable contributions to the NCNCA. I made it a priority to implement financial controls to strengthen the organization. During my tenure, we’ve had a budget surplus each year and been able to invest $85,000 during my first two terms into a reserve fund to be used for special projects such as equipment purchase and a new electronic timing system. I’ve formalized the financial reporting system and have provided the BOD with timely and thorough financial reports each month. In addition to my duties as Treasurer, I’ve been an active board member and instrumental in decision-making throughout my terms. I’m currently coordinating the Electronic Timing System Work Group and was instrumental in formalizing the election process for the 2010 NCNCA Officer Elections (no more drawing straws around the BOD table). I have actively solicited quality candidates for all positions who I feel will make a great impact on the management of the NCNCA in future years.

To many, I might seem focused on women's issues. However, I’m very unbiased about all areas of racing -- as a race promoter (Menlo Park Grand Prix), racer (road, cyclocross, mountain), coach, official, general busy-body, and as someone actively involved in the non-racing bike community as well. I have a positive relationship with USAC and have been involved with a number of USAC and other national task forces and committees.

I’ve worked in the cycling industry since 2001, as an independent coach, business owner, bike shop employee, and as a contract instructor for fitness facilities and corporate wellness programs. I’m well-connected in the cycling industry on a local, national, and international level. In my own business, I’ve developed programs that have been recognized as the gold standard in the cycling industry.

I received a BFA in Theatre Arts Management from Ithaca College, and spent the first 13 years of my career managing not-for-profit theatres. My focus was business management (accounting, finance, HR, risk management, and employee benefits). As an employee in not-for-profit, however, I was able to gain management experience in other areas as well, such as marketing, development, and operations.

I hold an MBA in Organizational Management/Gender Relations from Syracuse University. After my theatre career, I spent the next three years in management at a software start-up and at Charles Schwab, where I managed technology projects.

I received a CA Certificate in Personal Fitness Training from Foothill College (a 30-credit certificate program) and have participated in countless hours of continuing education from USAC, USAT, and other educational organizations.

My goal as President is to be an empowering leader and to enable the BOD to best serve the membership of the NCNCA. I plan to utilize technology to improve communication and continue to develop programs that will benefit membership.


Lorri Lee Lown
founder + coach, Velo Girls
USAC Club of the Year: 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008

The Tribe Has Spoken!

So, after three years of serving the Northern California Nevada Cycling Association (NCNCA) as Treasurer of the Board of Directors, I'm throwing my hat into the ring to run for President. The current President, Casey Kerrigan, has been an integral part of the NCNCA leadership team for decades, so these are some big shoes to fill, but I'm confident that I can continue to make a positive impact on bicycle racing in our district.

Elections take place later this month. I was thrilled to receive this endorsement from the Bay Area Women's Cycling Association.

Bay Area Women's Cycling is pleased to officially endorse Lorri Lee Lown and Michael Hernandez as candidates for President and Vice President of the NCNCA in 2010. Over many years, Lorri and Michael have shown their dedication to improving our local cycling community, in particular by increasing opportunities for women and juniors. Both have also been instrumental in mentoring, & educating beginning cyclists as they become racers.

In addition to their advocacy, Lorri and Michael have significant experience as officers in a cycling-related organization. Lorri has served as Treasurer of the NCNCA for several years, and Michael has served on the Board of Directors for the Northern California Velodrome Association. We believe that Lorri and Michael are the best candidates to be President and Vice-President of the NCNCA.

Voting is scheduled to take place online starting (October 20th and concluding on) November 2, 2009. NCNCA member clubs are allowed one vote per available office (to be provided by a delegate on behalf of each club). Please spread the word about the election, and encourage your club delegates to vote for Lorri and Michael.


Thanks, women of the NCNCA, for your vote of confidence!

Victory for Masters Women!

We voted on a proposal tonight to re-instate the masters women to the NCNCA BAR/BAT for 2010. Thank you to all the women who sent feedback and responded to our survey. 76 women responded to the survey -- 17% of all masters women. that's a great response in the survey world.

We voted to include W1/2/3 35+ in the 2010 BAR/BAT. We'll start chatting with promoters soon to ask them to include this field in their 2010 races.

We're still thinking about the W4 Masters. The overwhelming response from our survey was to include a W4 40+ category for 2010 (which could easily be combined with an existing W4 field in a criterium or added to a race-day for a road race). The numbers of CAT4 women support this so I'm sure we'd have a great turn-out if promoters are willing to add this field. I'll run a follow-up poll to see what everyone thinks and/or feel free to post your feedback on the NCNCAracing.com forum.

Again, thanks to everyone for rallying for the masters women!

hear us ROAR!

Okay, ladies (and gentlemen and promoters). I've been wondering just WHO WE ARE so I pulled up some demographic data from USA Cycling. After a bit of manipulation, here's what I can tell you about the women of the NCNCA. This data is current through today and likely includes some women who aren't actively racing, purchase an annual license for one event, or who are focusing on cyclocross, but I think it's a good snapshot.


USA CYCLING ANNUAL LICENSE HOLDERS (ROAD RACING):

TOTAL WOMEN 599

CAT 1 42
CAT 1 JUNIOR 0
CAT 1 U23 1
CAT 1 30+ 30
CAT 1 35+ 22
CAT 1 40+ 12

CAT 2 98
CAT 2 JUNIOR 0
CAT 2 U23 5
CAT 2 30+ 78
CAT 2 35+ 57
CAT 2 40+ 42

CAT 3 142
CAT 3 JUNIOR 3
CAT 3 U23 4
CAT 3 30+ 111
CAT 3 35+ 89
CAT 3 40+ 60

CAT 4 317
CAT 4 JUNIOR 26
CAT 4 U23 17
CAT 4 30+ 223
CAT 4 35+ 174
CAT 4 40+ 136


PROMOTERS -- Although we all appreciate single-category races, here are some other combinations of note:

W1/2 140
W1/2/3 282
W3 142
W3/4 459
W4 317
W1/2/3 35+ 168
W1/2/3 40+ 114
W3/4 35+ 263
W3/4 40+ 196
W3 35+ 89
W3 40+ 60
W4 35+ 174
W4 40+ 136
W JUNIORS 29


CLUBS, are you recruiting? Here are unattached women who might be interested in joining a team. How do we reach out to these women? Most of us on teams would agree that being part of a team helps improve racer retention.

UNATTACHED 124
UNATTACHED W1 4
UNATTACHED W2 17
UNATTACHED W3 24
UNATTACHED W4 79
UNATTACHED JUNIORS 4
UNATTACHED U23 5
UNATTACHED 30+ 88
UNATTACHED 35+ 66
UNATTACHED 40+ 48


And just for kicks:

CAT 1 YOUNGEST: 20 years old
CAT 1 OLDEST: 50 years young
CAT 2 YOUNGEST: 19
CAT 2 OLDEST: 53
CAT 3 YOUNGEST: 13
CAT 3 OLDEST: 62
CAT 4 YOUNGEST: 10
CAT 4 OLDEST: 69