Campus Dakota

Group Memberships => UND Cycling => Topic started by: Sal Atticum on August 18, 2011, 09:47:00 AM

Title: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on August 18, 2011, 09:47:00 AM
Howdy folks!

Even though it's really mountain bike season, the outside world would have it be cyclocross season.  In case you're interested in doing some races this fall (in addition to our own), here's a list that should keep growing: http://northernplainsathletics.com/events-filter?field_date_value2_op=%3E%3D&field_date_value2%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=&field_date_value2%5Bmin%5D%5Bdate%5D=&field_date_value2%5Bmax%5D%5Bdate%5D=&tid%5B%5D=25

As you can see, we still need to organize and schedule our own races and Fargo needs to get their calendar up, but that's the gyst so far.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on August 18, 2011, 11:51:40 AM
How many MN folks did we draw last year? Or perhaps more importantly, how many ND folks head off to MN for races?  I'd say first off, don't conflict with any Mof the MB races since those are relatively close...
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on August 27, 2011, 07:17:58 AM
I will still have to get you these numbers after the weekend.

I am inspired by this article: http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/213812/.  If they can convince Grand Forks that an inline marathon is worth this much money and effort, we should be able to build a cycling community that has events that draw a great number of people.  We were discussing on the ride yesterday that people have been bugging the bike shop to know when the cx series is going to be this year; IMHO it's just silly to not organize as many races as we can while we have people who want to be involved.  If money in GFK starts flowing towards athletic events like this, we're in a prime spot to benefit.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on August 28, 2011, 10:47:27 PM
I see both pros and cons for the series vs. single race.  Given the 12-hr mtb race already this fall and the number of other races, I almost think it would be better to go with a single race that we hype up extensively (unless we only want to draw Fargo/GFK consistently?).   The best date I can come up with (eyeballing the schedule) is for Sat, Oct. 15.  No conflicts. There is a race in Altona, MB the next day, so I'm not sure how that will impact the Canadian riders. 



Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on August 29, 2011, 09:14:48 AM
There's a climbing comp at NHRG on October 15th.  Not sure how it will effect local participation, but people like Max and Chase would definitely be torn.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on August 29, 2011, 09:47:31 AM
Nevermind on that date then!    Don't want to compete against other local events... that should be the very top priority?
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on September 03, 2011, 03:00:06 PM
Well, the trick is this: how many other races are there that are even close to here?  I'd rather have a mostly half-assed race if we can get enough people from around here to even TRY cyclocross than to not have any races at all and have to travel.  This is a combination of me not wanting to travel all fall and wanting to build up the race community here for the future.

We had four people from MN, six from ND outside of Grand Forks, six from Manitoba, and the rest (out of 48 people total over three races) from Grand Forks.  This is a strong local showing, IMHO, and people KNOW and are expecting another series this fall.

Race 1 had 32 people
Race 2 had 27 people
Race 3 had 27 people

Attached is my histogram of the age distributions.  I'd love to get some high schoolers involved, maybe through Ben (who did the Bikecicle race this year).
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on September 03, 2011, 03:21:38 PM
I just talked this over out loud, and maybe it works.

If the goal of the club (in having any kind of cyclocross races at all) is to get people around (in town) here to race cyclocross and/or ride bicycles more, it stand to reason that we should focus on the people around here.  What I mean is that we don't have to compete with other races if we don't schedule them on the weekend.  Sure, we may have fewer people turn out every night that we do it, but at least they'll be learning the skills and seeing what it feels like--which makes it easier to get them interested in going to a "real" race on the weekend, somewhere else (I think Manitoba is the way to go, honestly).

How does that sound? A Wednesday night 'cross series here in town, run on a course that isn't hard to set up or take down (think a million times less tape than last year) to drum up some interest.  Obviously there's interest, so let's do something at least.
Title: Re: MEETING Tuesday at 8 PM! Be there!
Post by: sweatynready on September 05, 2011, 09:47:31 PM
I'm interested in cyclocross practice.
Title: Re: Re: MEETING Tuesday at 8 PM! Be there!
Post by: OUWxGuesser on September 05, 2011, 09:56:31 PM
Sounds like a good evening activity to me!
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on September 06, 2011, 01:01:07 PM
What day works for you guys?  Are you around evenings this week sweatynready?

Race travel planning here: http://talk.campusdakota.com/index.php?topic=5875.0
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on September 06, 2011, 01:02:24 PM
Wed/Thur evenings...  Riverside Park?
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on September 06, 2011, 01:03:39 PM
Either Riverside or Lincoln sledding hill.  I wish we could do it here on campus but we don't have the hillz...
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: sweatynready on September 06, 2011, 05:16:41 PM
I'll be around GF this week, practicing my mounts.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Riley on September 07, 2011, 11:05:34 PM
5 Reasons Why You Should ‘CROSS


[url]http://blog.trainingpeaks.com/posts/2011/9/6/5-reasons-why-you-should-cross.html/url]
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Riley on September 07, 2011, 11:06:48 PM
5 Reasons Why You Should ‘CROSS
http://blog.trainingpeaks.com/posts/2011/9/6/5-reasons-why-you-should-cross.html (http://blog.trainingpeaks.com/posts/2011/9/6/5-reasons-why-you-should-cross.html)
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on September 08, 2011, 09:59:34 AM
OUWxGuesser, can you post the races at Northern Plains Athletics once you have all the details put together?  I don't remember everything from the meeting.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on September 08, 2011, 10:08:14 AM
Will do.  There is still a bit of confusion for the practice race timing? I saw 5pm listed in the minutes, but I thought we were aiming for ~5:30-5:45 or so.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on September 08, 2011, 10:23:12 AM
That was one of the things I was wondering about.  I agree that it was closer to 6.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on September 08, 2011, 09:03:55 PM
OK, I attached my first attempt at the poster!  Let me know what you think. 

(http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/octcross.jpg)

I just took a screenshot of the ppt, so ignore the spelling red line at the bottom for now. 
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on September 08, 2011, 10:25:10 PM
We'll need specific information on the flyer that goes to usac, but this is good for around town.  Anyone else thoughts?
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Andrew Mills on September 09, 2011, 07:37:34 AM
Nice work Aaron, i think it looks good for the general public for around here :)
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on September 09, 2011, 11:20:42 PM
OK, I'm putting up the events on the NP site with the flyer attached.  I'll be on a conference trip through Thursday, so I've uploaded the flyers in jpg/ppt form to this msg.  We can worry about the USAC details later or one of you can update the poster for that specific race. Feel free to start putting the flyers up. If I have time, I'll print one out and drop it off at SBS.

http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/October_cross.ppt (http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/October_cross.ppt)
http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/octcross.jpg (http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/octcross.jpg)
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on September 20, 2011, 09:50:47 AM
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEGAIYKTZ9w&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on September 20, 2011, 09:51:50 AM
Just a note, USAC permit fees are up within six weeks of the event, and then again within two weeks.  Might want to get on that, especially if we're going to advertise this.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Mario on September 20, 2011, 09:59:28 AM
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEGAIYKTZ9w&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Holly sh@#!!
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: JakeCooley on September 20, 2011, 10:40:36 PM
Sounds like fun! What distance races are they? May need help getting mountain bike working smooth by then.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Alaska Unicyclist on September 21, 2011, 09:18:35 AM
Just a note, USAC permit fees are up within six weeks of the event, and then again within two weeks.  Might want to get on that, especially if we're going to advertise this.

JORDAN!! I can help with the paperwork tonight (after 5:00) if you'd like?
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Riley on September 21, 2011, 10:26:46 AM
Would 8:00 work? I've already started the USAC app. I got an automated reply saying that Larry is out of town until the 25th so he won't be able to process it until then.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Alaska Unicyclist on September 21, 2011, 06:18:46 PM
ya 8 works! you need help filling stuff out? If so, you wanna meet at the Union? I'd like to get up bright and early tomorrow to set up the ally cat if you can.. going to be a chilly one, but it needs to be done.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Alaska Unicyclist on September 21, 2011, 06:19:02 PM
send me a text.. I'm makin Tortellini!
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: JakeCooley on September 23, 2011, 08:26:34 AM
HAHAHA just watched that video! He totally got dominated haha I'M IN!!!
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on September 30, 2011, 11:47:36 PM
October 6th is coming up quickly for the first race in practice series. Shall we setup a time to pick out a course at Lincoln Park and discuss the details? 
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Riley on October 01, 2011, 11:26:50 PM
Alright just got this from Larry:

Quote
Jordan
 
Can you add, Online registration at www.usacycling.org to your flyer?
The training dates should really be taken off the posted flyer if you aren’t going to use USAC insurance for them.
The insurance would be $25 for the series and $1.50 per rider per day.
It would also help if you have the race categories and times listed.
 
Regards, Larry

If someone could make the changes to the flyer it would be awesome, if not I can figure something out
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on October 02, 2011, 01:13:39 AM
I attached a modified poster for just the usac race... should I just remove the mention of the free for practice series stuff?   Specific class info to add? 

http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/October_cross_usac.ppt (http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/October_cross_usac.ppt)
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 02, 2011, 01:33:16 PM
Based on what I've been hearing around town, I would strongly advise moving the start time back to 6:15 or so.  People have real jobs, or so I hear, that won't let them out early to eat dinner and play.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 02, 2011, 01:37:28 PM
The flyer generally needs a start time for each race, how long it is going to last, which categories it is for and what the entry fee/prize payout is.

See http://und.edu/org/cycling/Road_Race_2011.html as an example.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on October 02, 2011, 07:06:08 PM
I recall that last year, the cyclocross series had two races with one begin 30min +2laps and another that was 45min +2laps. Not USAC sanctioned.  Due to numbers, however, I imagine we'll probbaly run 2 races again. How do you suggest the categories be broken down? 



Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 02, 2011, 08:38:57 PM
I think this flyer is a pretty good example of a similar situation: http://northernplainsathletics.com/node/1135
It's a beginner/advanced split, with all the women lumped together so the field size is big enough, but I'm not sure how many people would be able to race above Cat 4 'cross, which is going to be a continual problem around here until we grow some local riders who actually have licenses. 

I'd ask Larry about it, he might have a suggestion on how to deal with that.  The Fargo crew are all 1/2/3 or could convert from road to CX (it's a direct conversion except for road cat 5, which still converts to CX cat 4 because there are only 4 CX categories).  The problem would be getting anyone up here to race them; Matt Burt is cat 3 road, Logan I think is cat 3 now (Logan?), maybe Jordan? 

All that being said, I'd prefer to run it by the books and have everyone race the appropriate category and not surreptitiously bump people up without having an annual license; but that's just me and it's not my call.  Not sticking to the rules in a sanctioned race dilutes the worth of having a sanctioned race and gives people no reason to buy an annual license.

Jordan and whoever else is deeply involved in planning, if you want some good feedback from the rest of the riders in town you should talk to Sears.  He really wants to see something good happen.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 05, 2011, 08:33:00 AM
Aaron, could you update the flyer?  If you were at the meeting I think you know what to do, otherwise as I understand it we need to
- change the "Registration time" to 5:45ish and the "race time" to 6:15.
- add "half of the registration fees will go to the winner"
- add something like "bring optional prizes to sweeten the pot" (and by this I mean a half-dozen beverages in a cardboard container if people are so inclined)

I'm going to add this to the race listings on NPA but it would be nice to have it on the flyer as well.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on October 05, 2011, 01:07:24 PM
First thing on my list this evening.  I'll post the updated flyers as soon as I'm done.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 05, 2011, 01:09:24 PM
Sweet.  Sorry, I wasn't told you were at the meeting last night until after I posted.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Andrew Mills on October 05, 2011, 07:43:14 PM
Hey guys, what was the low down at the meeting?  Also what time are you guys setting up tomorrow cuz i can help out
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on October 05, 2011, 07:55:56 PM
Cable modem finally back up.

Here we go:

(http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/October_cross.png)

(http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/October_cross_usac.png)
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 05, 2011, 10:46:50 PM
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Alaska Unicyclist on October 06, 2011, 10:05:42 AM
ill go print and commence operation put up signage
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on October 06, 2011, 08:26:16 PM
Winner of Race #1 - More pics coming soon!
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 06, 2011, 08:39:01 PM
Great pic!

Was this close to the finishing order?  Who did I miss?  Not sure where the split was between +1 and +2 either.
Jesse MT
Ted +1
Jake +1
Joe V.
Chase
Mills
Beek +2
Other Joe
Max
Logan DNF
Sears DNF
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: JakeCooley on October 07, 2011, 08:54:30 AM
That was fun! Lungs killing me overnight haha better start doing more high intensity workouts!
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 07, 2011, 10:23:08 AM
More p-hotos are here: http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/2011_CXP1/
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Jesse Doll on October 07, 2011, 07:26:54 PM
Hey fellas...thanks for the race and workout last night. You all have a great attitude for 'cross and a great venue to get some great racing going. The photos were incredible. If you have a minute check out montanacyclocross.com, this is where I race and come from. Thanks again! Jesse
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on October 07, 2011, 09:09:48 PM
Yeahh.... we need a mud pit for the grand finale on the 22nd.  If we go with some variation of one of the courses last year, you could put it in on that ATV/ski/whatever  trail that runs near the river.  I have a spare sump pump.  Get it a power source (anyone have a small generator?) and some extra tubing and we could get water off the river to pump onto a section of the course ;)
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 07, 2011, 11:29:07 PM
With a 12V pump you could run it off a car battery or Ted's speaker box battery, don't know how much water you could move though.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on October 08, 2011, 03:14:14 PM
Ya... not sure.  I looked into the specs on the sump pump. It has a pretty large draw (9 amps), so I don't think I could rig it up to my car inverter or a battery.  I'll ask around and see if I know anyone with a portable generator... perhaps someone at SBS will know of a source.

Could also rent one for a day. Not sure how much that would be.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 14, 2011, 11:45:02 AM
Results for training race #2: https://sites.google.com/site/cycleund/races/cyclocross-2011

Team members can see some feedback on the team board.
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: JakeCooley on October 14, 2011, 05:37:56 PM
Anyone have clip on Mtn pedals and Mtn shoes so I can attempt to keep up the speedy Ted? : )
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on October 15, 2011, 12:31:15 PM
Anyone have clip on Mtn pedals and Mtn shoes so I can attempt to keep up the speedy Ted? : )
Sorry Jake, I don't.  What size are your feet though?
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: JakeCooley on October 15, 2011, 03:44:20 PM
10.5 or about 44, I found some egg beaters cleats 30% off online for 60 I might pull trigger on. Still searching for a largely discounted mtn shoe online..
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: OUWxGuesser on October 15, 2011, 04:21:19 PM
This is what I did:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13531-285_SET644_KIT-3-Parts-65-Pedals/Mountain/Sette-Element-Shoes-w/-Time-Atac-Alium-Pedals-offer.htm?utm_source=SLI&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=43&zmap=285%20SET644%20KIT

Shoes plus pedals for $100
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: JakeCooley on October 16, 2011, 10:34:20 PM
Pumped!!!! Just scored a deal on bontrager rxl Mtn shoes on eBay and also some eggbeater 1's on eBay all for under 110! Good thing I worked a 10 hour shift today.. May see this guy falling over Thursday getting used to them...
Title: Re: Cyclocross 2011
Post by: Sal Atticum on November 15, 2011, 11:11:24 AM
Octobercross results are listed on USAC now: https://www.usacycling.org/results/index.php?permit=2011-3546

You can see the series results on the new website: https://sites.google.com/site/cycleund/races/cyclocross-2011