Ride Scout - A Review of the Riding in Sparta, WI

posted June 10, 2003

Welcome to Ride Scout, WCA's column about places to ride in Wisconsin. First stop is Sparta, Wisconsin which bills itself as the "Bicycling Capitol of America." Two trails, the LaCrosse and the Elroy-Sparta trail originate in this town of about 8000. Both trails are former rail beds and are streaming with families and casual riders all summer. While trail riding is fun for some, Sparta could add--and not be lying-- "roadie paradise" to its title.

As elsewhere in Wisconsin the dairy industry creates a web of paved roads. In Sparta road cyclists are treated to twisting roads passing hillside after hillside. One never knows what's around the next curve or where that last hill came from. Some ascents are 10 minutes of steady climbing and the descents are as good as any out west. Best of all, the half dozen or so drivers that pass you on a weekend are likely to wave and smile at you. Wave and smile?? Is this for real?

Located just 111 easy miles from Madison, Sparta has bed and breakfasts that embrace the cyclist. We stayed at the Franklin Victorian on Franklin Street in downtown Sparta. Our hosts, Jennifer and Steve Dunn were attentive, gracious innkeepers. They provided ample storage for our bikes and had cheese and wine waiting for our post-ride. The rooms had a cd player, coffee maker with coffee, fireplace and a full cookie jar, located conveniently outside our bedroom door. Hmmm. A roadie could get used to this.

If you go, take your Wisconsin Gazeteer, page 41 and have fun mapping a route. You'll be glad you did. To find out more about Sparta check out www.spartawisconsin.com or www.franklinvictorianbb.com.

Do You Have the Right Stuff...To Be a USCF Official?

posted June 10, 2003

Officials are more than the men and women in the blue shirts at races. They are key to making our races run smoothly. USAC has put out a call for folks interested to check out what it takes to become an official. Information can be found on this website including some FAQs, resources, and how to become an official. If you've ever thought about "giving back" to the sport you love, this is an excellent way to do it. Click on the Promoters Resources tab, then click on "Information for Officials."

Rider Category - Not Just Another Number

posted June 10, 2003

You are never permitted to ride in a race for a category other than what your license says. You are not allowed to "try out" a higher category to see if you fit in. You may not ride in a lower category because you don't feel fast today, missed your race, the field is too big, or any other reason. This is the rule. You can be disqualified or even suspended for breaking it. You are supposed to know the rules. Bamboozling the volunteer at registration does not get you off the hook because "they let me register". This is a serious liability issue. If a category 3 gets into a 1-2 race and causes a crash, the organizer and officials are deemed negligent. If we have to hire an extra official to sit at registration all day to check licenses, then your entry fees will go up.

If you believe your licensed category does not reflect your skill level, send a resume of your racing experience and results to Gary Achterberg, 1402 Dayton Drive, Janesville, Wisconsin 53546. If you're not sure, and want further information, email Gary at garyachterberg@ameritech.net.

Let's keep the races safe and fair for all.

Madison Practice Criteriums Underway

posted May 12, 2003

On May 6 the first of a summer long series of practice criteriums began in Madison at the Research Park course. The criteriums will run every Tuesday evening and include an "A" race and a "B" race. "We want riders of different abilities and levels of fitness to be able to challenge themselves," said John Wilson, one of the Great Dane Velo Club organizers.
The practice criteriums are a collaborative effort between several Madison Cycling Clubs. Great Dane Velo Club and Brazen Drop Outs, the two largest clubs in Madison take turns hosting the weekly event. In hosting, the clubs trade off registration and corner guard duties. Capitol Velo Club, Mad City Cycling and Peloton Sports-- three smaller clubs in Madison-- also pitch in to help corner guard. "We are trying out a new plan called "You Race, You Guard" which was successful in its debut," said Craig Heywood, official for the practice crits. Heywood added: "this course has seen traffic increases that raised concerns about safety. Representatives of the clubs met to decide what steps to take to ensure that each race is a safe one."
The "You Race, You Guard" program was suggested by Erica Johnson who had seen a similar program work in her homestate of Washington. So far it seems to be working. Riders in Madison are motivated to keep the practice crits going so they are willing to spend a half hour on a corner with a flag to make it happen.
The B race begins at 6pm and is 25 minutes plus 2 laps. The A race begins at 6:30 and is 45 minutes plus 2 laps. Info: contact patrickl@tds.net.

2003 Cyclocross Schedule Released

Lube up the cross bikes and get practicing on the run ups. The fall
cyclocross season schedule is posted! Click on the Wisconsin Cup tab for the
full schedule and the race guidelines for earning Wisconsin Cup Points.

Seven races fill out the calendar and bring new venues as well as familiar
ones. "We've worked hard on the schedule to offer riders quality events and
plenty of opportunities for challenges," said John Ericcson, co-promoter of
the series along with Jerry Pearce.

Questions? Contact Jerry at pearce@execpc.com or John Ericcson at
jpebikes@hotmail.com.

Highlights from the State Crit Championship

Elkhorn, WI

Cat 4 State Crit Champion Dan Bergenheimer

Last Saturday's State Criterium Championship had all the things that make for races that are memorable: rain, clouds, sun, cool weather, warm weather, and a tent full of grilled brats. Life doesn't get any better than this, folks!

The races were all hotly contested, and the men's Category 4/5 was a prime example. The rain refused to let up so Dan Bergenheimer (Chippewa Valley Cycling Club) and Chris Pagels took off three laps into the race. Two other riders joined them but didn't have the legs that day to hang on, and in the end Bergenheimer and Pagels lapped the field. Bergenheimer's comment on the race was simple: "It was slippery out there!" Around the last corner Bergenheimer had the edge and took the win for his first State Championship.

The women's Category 4 race was a fast one. In the end, Sam Schneider (Coyote) unleashed her trusty sprint to hold off a hard charging Julie Tatar (Brazen Dropouts) while Susan Uphill (CVC) was close behind to wrap up the podium spots.

The rain held up for the junior 17-18 year old division and John Eggebrecht (Nova IS Corp) attacked mid way into the race, soloing in for the win.

The clouds returned for the women's open event, and the rain came down a lap into the race. Erica Johnson (America's Dairyland) started the action by attacking on the first lap. With her team blocking, the field took awhile to react, and when they did, they pulled her back only to have Rachel Eichers (America's Dairyland) launch next. The field reeled her in, but Alie Dwyer (America's Dairyland) was ready. Dwyer hit the front and never looked back. With her teammates glued onto second wheel the chase attempts were never successful. With the chase group realizing they were going to have to race for 2nd, they set up for the final lap. Dwyer had lapped the field and was taking her teammate on a lead out mission when she slipped going into the last lap, which led to a chain reaction crash. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt, and all but one rider were able to finish.

The skies had cleared in time for the Masters 30+ race. Dirk Rettig's early attack was prophetic of things to come. While he was reeled in on his early attempt--as was every other attempt during the race--he tried again with two laps to go. There was a lap discrepancy in that five minutes were deducted from the race so many riders thinking they still had five minutes before lap count down were caught off guard and didn't realize it was two to go. Rettig apparently was aware and took the opportunity to launch his winning attack.

Pat Loney (GDVC) keeps an eye on Dirk Rettig in the Masters 30+ event.

In the men's Category 3 event, Joe Stephens and Robert Springer (both of RPM/Hayes Brakes) went 1,2 for the win and 2nd place. The men's Pro 1,2 event was won by John Puffer of ABD Elite with Adam Bergman (Jelly Belly) in 2nd. Frank Pipp (ABD Elite) was in third and took top Wisconsin honors. Not bad for a guy with a puffy right arm. Other winners in the day were: Allyson Brunner (Junior Girls 10-12), Erica Lanser (Junior Girls 15-16), Gordon Paulson, CVCC (50+), Adam Kosela, ABD (Jr. Boy 10-12), Erik Meier, Baraboo Sharks (Jr Boy 13-14), Matthew Brandt, Kenosha Velosport (Jr. Boy 15-16).

Cat 3 Field

Congratulations to all the new State Champions and thanks to Team Wisconsin for putting on a well organized event!

WCA Riders at Superweek

Wisconsin riders continue to earn their reputation of being tough during the17 days of madness known as Superweek. Invaders from as far away as Denmark must contend with Wisconsin riders who know the courses and know where to place themselves. Knowing the courses helps but another source of power is that during Superweek all inter-squad rivalry dissolves and is replaced by Badger pride which is collectively turned toward any and all Wisconsin riders throwing down with the "big guys."

Frank Pipp, Frankie Dierking, Todd Miller, Pat Loney, Darren Pipp, Randy Roth, Greg Beitler and others who in the first three days of the event have established their place in the peloton; the top. While all the results are yet to be posted here are some highlights of the first few days.

Great teamwork on Sunday at Manitowoc brought Todd Miller (GDVC) a podium finish in the Masters 30+ event. Greg Beitler, Pat Loney and Darren Pipp all placed top 10 in that event as well. The attacks were relentless but in the end, it came down to a field sprint with last year's overall winner Mark Koebekus (sp?) making a bold move with a lap and a half to go. Pat Loney was on duty for the GDVC team chased and stuck to the escaper's wheel effectively bringing the race back together and leading out his teammate for a podium finish.

Photo: Start of Masters 30+ event

Photo: Todd Miller (left) on podium with Miss Manitowoc

Randy Roth (Endeavor) earned his podium finish by sticking in a three man break with a pair of teammates in the Mens 4/5 race at Manitowoc.

Photo: Randy Roth, all smiles at Manitowoc

The "Franks" (Dierking and Pipp from ABD elite) earned top finishes in the opener event and at Menasha. Stay tuned for more Superweek stories, photos and gossip.