Club News Archive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Day for Wheels on Willy

posted May 23, 2003

The Brazen Dropouts, promtoers of the Wheels on Willie bike reported great turnout for their 16th Annual Dave Kagy Memorial Race. Wheels on Willy has grown its reputation and prize list to become one of the top races in the region and attracts riders from Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota to downtown Madison.
While some of out-of-staters took top honors in the mens' events, the hometown wasn't without it's pride. Alison Dwyer (America's Dairyland), who lives on Willie Street, rolled into first place in the women's open event. Dwyer had this to say about her win: "Winning a race is always a great feeling, but winning a hometown race is awesome! It was neat to see my friends and neighbors watching the bike race; many of whom would never have if it weren't right down the street."
Other Madison riders who were notable for animating races included the Brazen Dropouts' own Ben Neff. Neff is always respected when he's off the front, and he tried at Wheels on Willy. He was off the front for awhile, and the pack, seeing the dangerous move, went into action and reeled him in. Mike Grinney, also of Brazen Dropouts, took a flyer in the Men's 1/2 race that ignited the home townies to cheer. Frank Pipp and Frankie Dierking were charging hard in the 1/2 race but came up a hair short in the end. The Grand Performance team (MN) took control of the race in the last laps with a strong lead out train which assured them the win. Pipp and his teammate John Puffer charged in right behind to take 3rd and 4th.
In the women's cat 4 field, the sprinting Coyote, Sam Schnieder pulled off her hat trick for 1st place, followed by Brazen Dropout, Julie Tatar.
Adam Biwan (IS Corp) held Zac Davis (GDVC) and the other junior men, 15-18 to take the win. Victoria Meier (Baraboo Sharks) and Marcie Weiss continue their season long rivalry and finishing in that order in the 14 year old girls division. Eric Meier and Alex Boehlke, both Baraboo Sharks, were 1-2 in the juniors 14 year old division.
For other placings and full Wisconsin Cup Standings please click on Road Standings.

 

 

Frank Pipp Wins Mens 1/2 Road Race Championship, Megan Monroe and Alison Dwyer Sweep the Women's 1/2, John Van Susteren rolls away with 30+ gold.

posted May 12, 2003

The rolling course in Palmyra, Wisconsin brought good turnout for the 2003 State Road Race. The men's cat 1/2 field was 80 strong and the combination of the "Franks" (Frank Dierking and Frank Pipp) of ABD Elite Cycling proved too much for the rest of the field. Dierking reeled in every break that was a threat which left his teammate in strong position to make the winning break and then the final sprint for top honors.
The turnout for the women's field was low so the category 1/2 women opted to start with the category 3 men. Megan Monroe hung with the field to take 1st, with Alison Dwyer in second. In the category 3/4 race, Erin Syth threw her bike across the line to grab first place.
In the Masters 30+ race John Van Susterern again proved that he is a master at reading the race. His hard effort midway into the second lap created what became the winning break. He and a rider from Illinois worked to stay just ahead of a chase group with Mike Martins and Patrick Loney. Van Susterern held off the chasers and his breakaway companion to take the win with Loney in third and Martins in fouth.
While there were some unanticipated mishaps to overcome (road construction and a ill-timed train) most of the day went well. Organizers provided free food to riders and a band to liven up the park.

 

Westby Cycling Tour-Fun for the Family

posted April 30, 2003

WESTBY, Wis. (April 14, 2003) - In celebration of its 100th Anniversary, the Westby Cooperative Creamery invites cyclists May 17 to participate in a bike tour of the ridges and coulees of Vernon County. Vernon County is characterized by terrain that was unscathed by glacial flows. (i.e., it's hilly).
The tour starts at 8 a.m. at the Creamery, 401 S. Main St., in Westby, Wis. (25 miles southeast of La Crosse). Westby's Norwegian Syttende Mai festival coincides with the bike tour so bring the family. Both 100K (about 60 mi.) and 30K (about 18 mi.) courses feature paved roads with little traffic.
A $12 registration fee includes route support, free gifts (including a Westby Creamery commemorative cycling sock), refreshments and a Westby Creamery food tent coupon. To register, contact Dave Maxwell at 608-634-7475, or arrive 30 minutes prior to the start. Participants must sign a waiver and wear a helmet.
Do you fish? Westby has some of the top 10 U.S. trout fishing streams as rated by Outside magazine. Bring your bike and your tackle!

 

Does USAC Have Your Club Member Roster Correct? Here's How to Check:

posted April 23, 2003

USAC recommends that each club have one person who's responsibility it is
to submit names of club members and then verify by checking the USAC site
periodically for accuracy. If there is a discrepancy it just takes an email
to the membership coordintor at USAC to get a correction.

To check your club roster for accuracy, go to the USA cycling website:

Look under "clubs/teams" and then "club accounts" for your club.

 

WCA Kicks off the 2003 Season with Great Dane Criteriums and Marshall Road Race

posted April 15, 2003

Madison, WI With winds howling and temperatures barely above freezing over 150 riders turned out to warm up the streets of the Research Park course in Madison on April 6. "We had a great turnout, considering how cold it was," said Pat Loney, GDVC member who helped put on the event. The race on April 13 opened with weather that could pass for June and a turnout of over 200 riders. The first Marshall Road Race took place on April 12 and was held near Trek's Waterloo headquarters. Race organizers have asked that riders please park where directed (in the Trek parking lot) for the remaining Marshall and Waterloo races to assure that the organizers can retain the course.

2003 Wisconsin Cup Points are tallied and posted on the website.

 

Twelve Things You Absolutely Have to Know to Race Bicycles: (or, if you don't read your rule book, read this!)

posted April 15, 2003

1. Come to the line on time, ready to race. This is 100% your responsibility. Plan to arrive at least half an hour before registration closes. LISTEN TO THE ORGANIZERS: Park where they tell you to! We are guests in their community.

2. Be sure your equipment is in safe condition, properly adjusted, and conforms to the USCF rules (no handlebar extensions).

3. Pin your numbers on correctly. You must wear all the numbers you are given. You may not fold or cut down your numbers. Ever!!!

4. Be a good citizen. Use designated toilet facilities, pick up litter, park legally, obey rules of the road when warming up.

5. Understand the free lap rule. Free laps are given by the officials, not taken by the riders!
a. Given in case of:
i. Crash (You actually crashed)
ii. Flat tire
iii. Breakage of an essential part of the bicycle
iv. No free lap for something loose, misadjusted, worn-out, etc.

6. Listen to the starting instructions. Ask questions if you don't understand.

7. Ride so as to make it a safe race for everyone.

8. You may work with teammates to get riders off the front, or to pull up a rider who has been dropped. You may not drop back to help a rider gain a lap.

9. Riders who lose a lap in a criterium finish on the same lap as the leader. Riders who lose a lap in a road race must complete the distance unless excused by the officials.

10. Be courteous to the folks you meet on race day. Organizers, registrars, officials, corner marshals, other riders; all are doing their best to make this a good race and are volunteering their services to enable you to race.

11. Understand the results process. The judges post the results as soon as possible after the end of each race. The results become final 15 minutes later. If you have not checked the results within the 15 minutes, don't ask for any changes to be made!

12. Enjoy your race! It's supposed to be fun!

 

F.A.Q.'s about WCA's Recent Partnership with USAC

posted April 15, 2003

In case you haven't heard--or are new to Wisconsin Cycling Association--here is the latest information on the WCA liaison with USAC.

Q: What responsibilities have been assumed by WCA and what does WCA get for it?
A: WCA is assuming the following: race permitting, assigning officials, rider upgrades, paperwork between WCA and USAC, recruitment, training, and retention of officials. In return, WCA will receive $10 per license sold in Wisconsin.

Q: How much of these responsibilities will be assumed by Heidi Mingesz, WCA's new Technical Director?
A: All, with the exception of rider upgrades which Gary Achterberg has agreed to do. The only exception is during Superweek when Gary will be out of town. During that time, Heidi will handle any rider upgrade requests. This will be communicated via website announcement prior to Superweek. Gary's email is: garyachterberg@ameritech.net.

Q: What changes have been made to Mike Hanley's role?
A: Since some states did not accept the liaison deal as Wisconsin did: Mike will continue to permit races, assign officials and the like in his region. Since some states (like WI) did accept the liaison deal: Mike can now focus on bigger issues: Category A races, regional coordination. To reiterate, Hanley will remain as Wisconsin's representative at USAC. The day to day details of racing in Wisconsin will be handled by someone in Wisconsin, which is a better way to serve Wisconsin promoters and riders.

Q: What do we tell our members about renewing their license?
A: Members can renew their USCF license by mail, on line (soon, not yet), or at a race. A portion of their license is kicked back to Wisconsin to improve racing here.

Q: Who is in charge of assigning officials?
A: WCA's Technical Director, Heidi Mingesz.

Q: Who is determining who can put on State Championship races?
A: The WCA Technical Director and the WCA board will handle this in the future.

Q: Where can I find updates or more information on the situation?
A: Check www.wicycling.org for weekly news updates or contact Heidi Mingesz at wcatech@earthlink.net.

Q: Where can I send my upgrade request?
A: Send upgrade requests to Gary Achterberg but read your USCF rule book first so you understand the format needed for race resumes. If you have questions, contact Gary before you send him your upgrade: garyachterberg@ameritech.net. Gary can process updgrades up to category 2. Upgrades request to category one need to be sent to Mike Hanley (mikehanley@comcast.net).

 

2003 Wisconsin Cup Series Races UPDATED

posted March 25, 2003

Please see race schedule; one of the Marshall Road Race dates has changed. Keep your eyes on this column for news of any other schedule changes. Note: No additional races will be added to the Wisconsin Cup Series calendar now that the calendar has been announced however, WCA will accomodate--with adequate notice--a change in an already scheduled event date at the promoter's request.

 

Guidelines for the Wisconsin Cup Series

posted March 25, 2003

Guidelines will be posted in early April. WCA board encourages riders to review the scoring guidelines so riders, especially those who race in mixed categories (i.e., men 4/5) understand how they will earn Wisconsin Cup Points. Questions on race guidelines may be directed to Heidi Mingesz: wcatech@earthlink.net.

 

2003 Board Announced

posted March 25, 2003

Board elections took place in February by proxy vote with each WCA member club (in good standing) receiving one vote. Board members voted to hold positions in 2003 are noted below. The incoming board would like to acknowledge the work of the 2002 members Phil Godkin and Jeff Littman for their dedication to WCA in 2002.

Also, thanks are due to John Fleckenstein, WCAs long time web site coordinator for his work in developing key software programs for WCA.

2003 Board of Directors
Rebecca Loney, President rebecca@tds.net
Scott Grosz, Vice President sggrosz@wisc.edu
Amy Miller, Treasurer avasimon@execpc.com
Pat Loney, Secretary patrickl@tds.net
At large board members are: Larry Kilduff, John Ericcson, Ed Hickey.
WCA Technical Director: Heidi Mingesz, wcatech@earthlink.net

 

WCA Liaison with USAC Complete

posted March 25, 2003

In early March WCAs board announced on this website news of a proposed program of USAC that would move some of the day-to-day operational duties of USAC onto state associations such as WCA. In exchange for handling duties such as officials training, scheduling, upgrades and the like, USAC will rebate a portion of every USCF license sold in Wisconsin back to WCA.

WCA Board members have signed the agreement and the contract goes into affect in April. WCA has retained Heidi Mingesz as its Technical Director. In addition to overseeing the Wisconsin Cup Series, Heidi will handle race permitting, category upgrades, recruitment and training of officials. Heidi can be reached at WCAtech@earthlink.net. Heidi's job description will appear next week on this website.

 

Tradegy Hits in Tucson...Reminder to Ride Sharp

posted March 25, 2003

Riders in the March Tucson Classic were stunned to hear of the death of a category 2 rider, Garrett Lemire from Ojai, California. Lemire was racing in the men's road race when he crossed the center line on a road that was not closed, and struck a car head on. He died instantly of his injuries and several other riders were hospitalized, as was the driver of the car who experienced trauma from the event.

This accident is a reminder--and we must all take care to heed its lesson. We as riders must take responsibility for ourselves when we are riding, whether it's a race or a training ride. It's a fact of life that we share the roads with other two and four (or more) wheeled vehicles. So focus on what YOU can do to prevent an accident.

When a promoter announces the yellow line rule, obey it. It's for YOUR safety. If you see someone crossing the line call them back. If you get DQd, don't complain. At least you are alive to say you got DQd. If you are in a group ride and see infractions, speak up and/or warn the rider that their behavior is not welcome.

The WCA board has sent its condolences to the family and the promoter. Cards or notes of support can be sent to the Lemire family: 1290 Foothills Drive, Ojai, CA 93023.

 

WCA Board's 1st Quarter 2003 Report

posted March 25, 2003

Improved communications with board members and among clubs was something that WCA members requested of the board in 2003. As a start, the board has drafted a Quarterly Report which is posted on the website. Note that the report mentions the 2003 WCA Plan, which can be accessed under the board minutes link.

 

Recalling the First Race Experience - by WCA Riders Not Embarrassed to Tell

posted March 25, 2003

Kent Wenger, Mad City Cycling
My first racing experience was tough, partly because I didn't really know what I was doing. It was on the Capital Square. I drove up with a friend of mine from school. Conditions were not good -- it was cold and raining. I didn't know much about training at that point, and I hardly knew *anything* about tactics. I ended up getting dropped early in the race, and then lapped by the field and pulled a little while later.

So, my first race was not much of a success! One thing that this makes me think about is that it's hard to have a positive experience for your first race (especially if your first race is men's cat 4/5). I think that has a lot to do with why the sport is not more popular. Unless you're really a natural at it (which I'm not), you'll probably get dropped and feel like you really suck! I don't really know what to do about that, other than trying to get people more involved with clubs that will give them some coaching before they get into a race.

Jamie Surges, Team America's Dairyland
My first race experience was in an ABR men's cat 4 and 5 race, because there was no women's race for that day. It was a 5 mile, flat, rectangular circuit somewhere in Burlington. I had fun riding in a big pack and I incorrectly thought that staying in the back would mean I would stay out of danger. I soon learned this wasn't the case, as I narrowly missed a crash. I hung on for three laps out of four with the men and I had a blast. I knew I was hooked and couldn't wait to get into some of the women's races!!

Tom Boehnan, President, Great Dane Velo Club
It was a 10 lap citizens race on the square during badger state games 1991. I was riding a bike loaned to me my John Wilson and riding on a rear wheel that was built up the night before. I was gasping for air at the back of the eight man pack trying to keep up. Five laps into the event I cracked off. I finished the event and have been hooked ever since. The hook for me was the continued challenge and dynamics of cycling. No two races ever play out the same.

Anonymous
It was an ABR event at Kenosha-Parkside, 1997. I think it snowed and rained in the same race. I got dropped two or three times. At the end of the race I was talking to my teammate and noticed that her chain was on that big ring thing and mine was on the small one. Duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Erica Johnson, Team America's Dairyland
I think I have forgotten about my very first race in a desperate maneuver of ego-defensiveness. It was in Mason Lake, WA and the Cat 4 women's field was about 25 deep. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but was pretty sure I could hold my own. Which I did, until the first hill.

Then I just hated those little girls as the big girls (myself included) faded to the back and eventually got dropped on the next hill. I don't think I was prepared to have to punch it the way you do on a hill in a race. All was not lost though--I ended up making a life-long friend that day named Sarah--we worked together for the remaining laps of the circuit and finished that cold, rainy, race.

 

2003 Wisconsin Cup Series Races Announced

posted March 7, 2003

The Wisconsin Cup Series schedule has been released! The series of over 12 races begins in April and concludes in August. Questions about individual races can be directed to respective promoters (contact information is being added as we receive it). Only Wisconsin riders are eligible for Wisconsin Cup points and will compete for overall prizes and a sprints series.

Last fall the WCA board asked member clubs for feedback and suggestions for improvement on the Cup Series. These comments were used to shape the 2003 scoring guidelines. Changes in 2003 requested by members and now incorporated include the elimination of double points, and scoring that goes 10 deep. The Wisconsin Cup Series Guideline which explains the rules for judging and scoring will be posted on this website in late March, after the promoters meeting on March 22.

Questions about the 2003 Wisconsin Cup race series can be directed to board@wicycling.org.

 

WCA Liaison with USAC in the Works - Improvements to WCA on the way

posted March 7, 2003

At the January open member meeting of WCA, Mike Hanley announced a new program of USAC that would move some of the day-to-day operational duties of USAC onto state associations. In exchange for handling duties such as officials training, scheduling, upgrades and the like, USAC will rebate a portion of every USCF license sold in Wisconsin back to WCA.

"This rebate program allows WCA some latitude to manage the duties that are critical to fast, accurate results, proper scoring, and ultimately, better racing," said Rebecca Loney, WCA President. "We see this as a terrific opportunity to strengthen the organization to better serve members."

A sub-committee was formed at the January meeting to review the proposal from USAC. Members on the committee included Mike Hanley, Amy Miller, Bill Ochowitz, Gary Achterberg, Jerry Pearce, Rebecca Loney. The committee asked for proposals from interested parties in taking on the duties that formerly were handled by USAC.

"We see this as a great way to start building a solid foundation for WCAs future," says Amy Miller, Treasurer. "WCA has had gaps in services over the years due to the volunteer nature of the organization and if we plan appropriately we can use this momentum to make WCA programs consistent."

For more information on the program contact board@wicycling.org.

 

Team America's Dairyland Debuts in March

posted March 7, 2003

A new, elite women's squad will appear on the midwestern scene in 2003; Team America's Dairyland is based out of Madison, Wisconsin and is backed by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Team Manager Rebecca Loney will introduce the team at a photo shoot in April. Riders include: Alison Dwyer, Erin Syth, Megan Monroe, Erica Johnson, Jamie Surges and Rachel Eichers.

The team's mission is to raise awareness of the Wisconsin Dairy Industry and to promote healthy eating as it races in the midwest and National Race Calendar events. Team members will be making outreach trips to grade schools in Wisconsin to demonstrate the value of exercise and proper diet.

The team will ride custom Waterford frames with a "bovine" paint job. For more information or to schedule a school visit please check the team website: www.teamamericasdairyland.com.

 

New Course for Wisconsin State Road Race and Changes for the Criterium on the Square in Madison

posted March 7, 2003

Promoters of the Mad City State Championship Road Race, last year's famously vertical but memorable road race are unable to host the race in 2003 due to sponsor and personnel changes. The UW-Whitewater team is scheduled to host the Wisconsin State Road Race on May 3. Just in case you think you might miss the hills from last year's road race, hold the tears. The new course being drawn up by Matt Miller of UW-Whitewater will provide plenty of vertical challenges.

There are changes underway in Madison. CVC, host of the Criterium on the Square has announced that due to sponsor changes the Criterium on the Square will take a hiatus for 2003.

According to Rebecca Loney the changes were due to a short time frame CVC had to re-align sponsors for the race. "We had two sponsors interested in the event but they weren't able to work the race into their schedule on our timeframe (for a June race) so we're planning now for 2004," said Loney. She noted that TDS, the sponsor of the last three years is still involved in cycling and has directed their funds to a new women's professional team. "TDS is a terrific supporter of cycling. They want to use their team in promotions to their nationwide audience, so the team is a great fit for what they are trying to accomplish," added Loney. Questions about the race can be directed to rebecca@tds.net.

 

Megan Monroe wins U-23 Cyclocross Nationals in California

posted March 7, 2003

UW-Wisconsin's Megan Monroe won the U-23 Title for Cyclocross Nationals held last December 12th and13th in Napa Valley, California.

Monroe started the race on a course that had been altered due to days of steady downpour. "I was disapointed to learn that the long climb had been taken out as well as the barriers! The weather was a warm (for me at least) 50 degress but the rain prevented any hope of a proper warm-up," said Monroe.

As far as her race memory goes, "it was a blur" and Monroe commented that her "training took over and my bike knew what to do." Her recollection of the course was that it was made more challenging by the mud and slick conditions. The wheels pits turned into mudbaths and were deemd the "soup bowl" or the "pudding pit" by the announcers. All of this played well for Monroe who had a blast riding in the muck and came across first, earning her U-23 Cyclocross Champion honors.

The following day Monroe went to the line with over 50 women for Elite Cross Nationals. At the start of the race a crash in mid pack created a gap for the front riders. From then on it was a painful chase for Monroe who was caught up by the crash. She was not able to close the gap but managed to see a few leaders across the course and was amazed by their fluidness. Needless to say, after the first day racing, I was not prepared or fresh enough for the elite race but she relished the experience it gave her.
Megan will ride for UW in the spring collegiate season and is also a member of the newly formed America's Dairyland team, an elite squad based out of Madison, Wisconsin and funded by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

According to Monroe, cyclocross in Wisconsin not only prepared her for the weather conditions at Cross Nationals but the competitive level within the WCA races proved to be just the workout she needed. Monroe looks foward to competeing in some UCI races in 2003 and is excited for the WCA cross series. Her hope is that Wisconsin cycling can continually make a name for the midwest riding scene.

The 2003 Wisconsin Cup Cyclocross series schedule will be posted on June 1.