WCA News

Racing at Kenosha Velodrome to Start May 20

Kenosha , WI -- The 2008 schedule for Tuesday Night Racing at the Washington Park Velodrome in Kenosha has been finalized this week. Racing will begin May 20 with two weeks of pre-season races to get the cobwebs out of your track legs. The regular season then begins with Danishes and Miss-n-Outs on June 3.

Marquee races again include the Unofficial Keirin Cup on June 17, Mayor's Cup Points Race on July 8, Bob Pfarr Classic during Superweek on July 22, and Kenosha News Junior Trophy Race on Aug 5.

The Kenosha Velodrome is a mere 40-minute drive from Milwaukee -- carpool on down Tuesday nights this summer to watch some of the most explosive bike racing around!! Better yet: lash on your toe clips and race! The Kenosha Velodrome Association has track bikes to rent at very reasonable rates.

For any questions regarding the track racing schedule or to sponsor track racing at the oldest operating velodrome in the States, contact Nick Holbus, WCA Track Liasson, at [holbus@yahoo.com].

View 2008 track schedule.

The Story Behind WIBIKELAW.COM

I think there is a saying about lawyers that says something like “you hate them until you need one.”

Dan Goldberg just might be the guy you need, although we hope you don’t. Goldberg (IS Corp) is the brain behind WIBIKELAW.com a new website advertiser on WCA. Like a lot of WCA riders he is a full time professional and unassuming behind his blue and white kit.

Goldberg started bike racing in 1968 when he was 10 years old and practicing law since 1983. So why did he start the website?

“Much of the development of the website comes from being out on the road on group rides and running into situations where laws were unclear or misunderstood. There are always questions about cyclists’ rights to the road, interactions with police or group riding considerations. The questions always pop up, so that’s why the website came about. Plus, riders have been involved in accidents and don’t know their rights or how to be treated fairly. Rather than trying to get these questions answered on the road, the website is designed to be a tool in getting the information riders need,” says Goldberg.

Goldberg’s first bicycle accident case was in 1986 and since then he has represented hundreds of cyclists. Being a competitive cyclist gives him a perspective that proves valuable in these cases. His goal is to resolve claims smoothly and effectively so that the riders can take care of their expenses, get their bikes replaced or repaired, and move on with their riding.

Goldberg designed the website to be a one-stop site for cycling information -- especially from the legal standpoint. On it you’ll find information such as what to do after an accident, what to do about traffic tickets, or what to do when your bike gets damaged. Insurance issues are also confusing; from crashes to airline travel issues. People are often surprised to hear that even roof rack mishaps may be covered by insurance.

I’ve also included local rider resources. There’s a list and description of local group rides. There’s also a marketplace section in which cyclists can post free listings to buy or sell bikes or cycling items. There’s a growing cycling links section. Each section is going to get better as people contribute information about rides, events, activities. It’s a great hub for the local cycling community.

Clearly, no one seeks a bike accident but what can one do if they are in such a situation? According to Goldberg “it’s important to gather witness names and have the police called to the accident scene to investigate. It’s also a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A person should make certain to take photographs of cuts, bruises and other signs of injury. Get a picture of your bike before anyone works on it. Don’t ever give a voluntary statement to an insurance company. I’m always a phone call away and my consultations are free.”

So what are some things that riders can do to avoid an accident?

1) Ride like drivers are trying to hit you. They really are not, but many of them are distracted so you are better off aiming to make eye contact to know if they see you before you make a move—even IF you have the right of way. In the game of car vs. bike, you’ll lose every time if you want to push your luck or make assumptions. And for you young folk out there, ask anyone over 40 what ASSUME really means.

2) Make yourself seen by wearing brightly colored clothing, especially at dawn and dusk. Get a blinking light for the back of your bike if you ride in early spring, late fall, or if your group rides go past dusk.

3) Avoid high-traffic areas if possible; it’s just too dangerous. You’ve got car doors opening, slow riders weaving in and out of traffic, and too much traffic.

4) Drive your bike. Riders have duties too. Avoid sudden lane changes and intersection “roll throughs.” And never, ever assume drivers will avoid you. One of the worst offenses a rider can make is rolling past a line of cars waiting to make a right turn. By law, you need to take your place in line, maybe not behind the car but behind the one that is last in line. By zooming to the front of the line you are ensuring that you’ll startle the car at the front of the line making a right turn. Capice? Don’t think you’re innocent…we’ve all seen enough stupid rider moves (and made them ourselves) to pretend we aren’t part of the problem.

Safe travels, all.

Bayshore Town Center Criterium Announced

Team Wheel & Sprocket, in conjunction with the Bayshore Town Center in Glendale, WI have announced a new criterium to be held the evening of Friday June 20th. The event will feature five races - Junior 15-18, Women open, Masters 30+, Cat 3-4 and Pro 1-2. The Pro 1-2 event will be presented by Sun-Ringle and will feature a cash prize list of at least $4,000. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Visit www.teamwheelandsprocket.com to keep up with additional details as they are announced.

For more information:
Morgan Wiswall – 920-727-1721
morgan.wiswall@sbcglobal.net

“GRIFFEN RACE THE LAKE” –New and Longest Bike Race in the Midwest

A new one-of-a-kind 90 mile bike event “Griffen - Race The Lake ” is scheduled for August 17, 2008. This multi-city, multi-county bike race travels along the Lake Winnebago shoreline; starting and finishing in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Lake Winnebago is the second largest inland body of water in the United States and the most popular lake in Wisconsin. This event is designed to challenge the recreational cyclist and simultaneously incorporate a timed event for the professional cyclist with a $10,000 prize money purse. It is the only professional timed 90 mile bike race in the Midwest.

Griffen Bikes, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, has officially signed on at the Title Sponsor. Griffen Bike owner Mark Winters stated, “We are proud to be the title sponsor of the bike race. It makes sense being our bikes are made of Boron Carbide and designed for long rides offering comfort and strength.”

The event is open to all abilities, with a cut off time of 7:15 hour equaling a bike speed of 12.5 miles an hour while professional cyclists riding at 23 miles an hour will finish in 4 hours. It will incorporate a prize money purse for the elite cyclists and awards will also be given to age groups beginning with 19 and under, 20-24 and increasing with 5 year respective increments. The event can be done as a 2 person relay or as a Tandem.

The dramatic staging of the event is Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac. The new event “Griffen - Race The Lake” has been established in Fond du Lac to create a signature event for the Fond du Lac community that will attract huge numbers,” said Gloria West of Midwest Sports Events. She has also founded the Oshkosh Half Marathon, Fox Cities Marathon and Green Bay Marathon.

The course includes 20 different communities in Winnebago, Outagamie, Calumet and Fond du Lac Counties. Cyclists will pass a variety of sights including the Lighthouse in Fond du lac, Sundial and Menominee Park Zoo in Oshkosh, Riverside Park in Neenah, downtown Menasha, High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, followed by a panoramic view of the east shoreline of Lake Winnebago and the smaller communities of Calumetville, St. Peter and Taychedah. The finish, post race activities, pasta dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place near the Lighthouse at Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac. The race will have an early start of 6 a.m., to ward off the summer heat and avoid the increasing traffic throughout the day. Numerous aid stations will be located along the course; including medical support, food and hydration. Cyclists wishing to partake in a shorter distance can do the event as a 3 person relay team which will have their transitional points at Oshkosh and near High Cliff State Park.

Additional details and or to register can be done at midwestsportsevents.com, email info@midwestsportsevents.com or call 800-429-8044. Additional information can also be obtained from the Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (1-800-927-9123).

Ride to the Movies with Gary Fisher

The dude who started the mountain bike craze is coming to Madison in May. Fishman (as he is known around Trek) is giving a talk before the presentation of the movie “Klunkerz.” The movie features all of the characters that worked with Fish to build the machine and the momentum for mountain biking.

Click here for details. Space is limited and is filling fast (we’re not kidding)..

Are you New to Racing?

Here’s a few things you need to know to race a bike and you can find more information two ways; explore this site and ask your fellow riders!

Arrival

• Arrive at the race about 1.5 hours early to allow time to register, pin your numbers on your jersey, check the course and warm up

Warm up

• It’s a good idea to warm up the muscles before you get to the start line. A trainer is handy as you can place it out of the wind and pedal away without missing your start. If you prefer the real road, be sure to keep an eye out for glass on the road. You don’t need to be fixing flats before a race if you can help it.
• Everyone is different when it comes to warm ups; some need 5 minutes, others may need 30 minutes. Figure out what works for you

Numbers

• Ask at registration which side your numbers get pinned on. Ask someone (anyone will do) how to pin a number on properly. When pinning a number never use the pre-cut holes as you’ll never get the pin out without tearing your jersey. Always pin through the number and jersey, then back out. Don't use the holes. Craig will make fun of you if you show up with your number upside down, in the wrong spot, or something else that will make your number hard to read.

Start Time

• Always be ready to go and at the start line at the appointed time. I.e, if you race starts at 9, it’s best to be at the start line about 8:50. If the races are on time you’ll appreciate the front row starting spot. OrRaces may be running behind schedule but the official will be able to tell you how far behind. It's your responsibility to be at the start on time.

Rules

• It’s your responsibility to know the rules. The officials will give instructions at the start time, but mainly that is to remind riders of the length of the race and any special features of the race (primes, for example). Take some time to read the USCF rule book. You can find it at usacycling.org.

Have fun, and if you have questions just send a note to becx6132@gmail.com. We’ll post commonly asked questions on-line with answers provided by WCA riders.

SHEBOYGAN WCA OPENER CANCELLED

With great regret the organizers of the WCA Sheboygan race have had no other choice but to cancel the race due to the snow and ice that remains on the course. All avenues have been pursued to remove the snow but to no avail. Go ahead and make plans for the 100 mile ride on that day. See you at GDVC #1.

State Criterium Location Changed

LAPT and Ripon College Cycling Team are pleased to announce that the State Crit Championships will be held in Ripon this year. Those of you who raced in the 90's will remember the very cool racing venue of Ripon College. The course includes moderate hills, six corners and Ripon's Mainstreet. $5K prize list, too! Be sure to check out the hotels and restaurants in town.

Ripon is the home of Ripon College, the first college in American to offer a bicycle to incoming students who don't bring a car to campus. Ripon is also home to Rippin' Good COokies and was the site of the "Great Milk Race" back in the 80s, coordinated by none other than Tom Schuler and friends.

New Policy on Upgrades

USAC has announced an ew policy on category upgrades. The new policy can be seen at http://www.usacycling.org/forms/USAC_rulebook.pdf.

In brief, the upgrade requirements for road and CX have been changed significantly and it's the RIDER'S responsibility to know the rules. The essential differences compared to last year are:

• There is now a tiered scale of points based on how many participants were in the race. In some cases, this will make it easier to upgrade, especially in classes with small fields, but it will take more races to do so as the points are fewer.
• If road races do not meet the distance requirement to be considered a road race, they may still be long enough to be considered a criterium or circuit race. In that case there is a different points table to use, but points would still be available.
• The parameters for upgrading from 4 to 3 on experience alone have been modified.

Please consult the rulebook and if you have questions contact Heidi Mingesz or see an official at an upcoming race.

Introducing a New Category for 2008: Masters 3/4

A new Masters 3/4 category was proposed by riders and approved at the annual WCA Board meeting in January. All race organizers are encouraged to include this new category in their races as the category will be a part of the Wisconsin Cup. To make room for this new scored category, the riders decided that Wisconsin Cup points will no longer be awarded for the Masters 45+ category. While, if your event schedule has room to include other, none WCA Cup scored, events, you are certainly welcome to include them. You need not feel obligated to include 45+ since it won't be scored, and encouraged to offer this new scored category. In case you were not able to attend the board meeting, the information below was presented at the meeting.

• Table 1 shows that there are more Masters Cat 3 racers than any other Masters category other than Cat 5.
  TABLE 1. Number of licensed Masters riders in Wisconsin by category.

• The success of the Masters Cat 4/5 category suggests that the addition of another Masters level category could be successful, particularly given the number of Masters Cat 3 riders shown in the table above. It is also worth noting that, based upon reports to us, there are many more licensed Masters Cat 3 riders than the number who actually race. Many of these "inactive" Masters Cat 3 license holders very likely would return to racing if a Masters Cat 3 category existed.

• The addition of the new Masters Cat 3/4 category would also allow riders to "double-up" in that Masters Cat 3 riders could race both Masters Cat 3/4 and Masters Cat 1/2/3, and Masters Cat 4 riders could race both Masters Cat 3/4 and Masters Cat 4/5. Thus, it seems unlikely that the numbers of riders participating in a given category would drop significantly as a result of adding the new Masters Cat 3/4 category.

In conclusion, please consider adding this new category to your event. If you have questions, or need clarification, please feel free to contact Gordy Paulson at gordo0106@hotmail.com.

2008 WCA Cyclocross Series

2008 is shaping up to be another great year of cyclocross racing for the WCA. This year’s series will kick off with a weekend of UCI racing on September 27 and 28 and then will continue through to the state championships at Hales Corner on November 23. Most of the race venues remained unchanged from 2007 with the exception of the race sponsored by the UW Whitewater Cycling team. UWW has several new venues that are under consideration and look forward to offering a new challenge to racers.

Only a few changes were made to the series with the most notable being the addition of a Cat 4 50+ race that will race at the beginning of the day with the very popular Cat 4 40+ event. Also, in 2008 the Cat 1-2 race will no longer be open to Cat 3 riders. However, new USA Cycling upgrade rules should make it easier for those wanting to upgrade to Cat 2.

Watch for more information on the WCA Cyclocross Series this summer. It’s shaping up to be the best one yet.
2008 Schedule:
September 27 – MadCross presents Jonathon Page’s Planet Bike Cup
September 28 - Mad Cross presents Jonathon Page’s Planet Bike Cup
October 4 - Cam-Rock Cyclocross
October 5 - Lapham Peak Cyclocross
October 18 - Badger Prairie Cyclocross
October 19 - Gibbs Lake Cyclocross
October 26 - Washington Park Cyclocross
November 1 - Kletsch Park Cyclocross
November 2 - Estabrook Cyclocross
November 15 - UW Whitewater Cyclocross (new venue TBA)
November 23 - Hales Corner State Cyclocross Championship

Women's Road/Criterium Racing Clinic

Whether you are just thinking about trying bike racing and would like to learn more, or if you are a current racer wanting to develop your skills and strategy, this will be a great learning opportunity. Kristin Wentworth and Monique Karlen of Team Kenda, along with other experienced women racers, will share knowledge and experience to give you the confidence to try your first race or help you work on areas you would like to improve. We will start with a classroom portion and then later work on practical skills on our bikes, and finish with our own practice crit for those who would like to try.

When: Sunday, April 6th
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: HospiceCare, Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway
Who: Any current or prospective women racers (can be from any team, or even not on a team)
Lunch: You have the option of purchasing really great food from the Café on site (really….the food is awesome!) or bringing a brown bag lunch.
Cost: Clinic itself is free! For insurance purposes we will be requiring participants to have either an annual WCA license or purchase a one-day license (would be $5.) More info to come. Bring lunch money if desired.
Attire: Just be comfortable. Bring your bike and cycling clothes for the afternoon. For safety reasons, no aerobars.
For questions or to register, please contact Amanda Pischke at amanda_pischke@yahoo.com. Pre-registration is highly encouraged, and much appreciated.

Dowload flyer

Lance Armstrong Visits Shorewood (Milwaukee) to Advocate for Smoking Ban

Amy Miller, WCA Treasurer and resident of Shorewood got to hear Lance Armstrong make an eloquent pitch to ban smoking in all public places in Wisconsin. Armstrong was joined by Governor Jim Doyle and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett the Oakcrest Tavern. The tavern is a non-smoking establishment that has thrived due to their nonsmoking stance.

According to Amy Miller, Armstrong spoke in Wisconsin to support the proposed state-wide no smoking ban currently before the Wisconsin legislature. "Without a doubt Lance was the best speaker - it's probably the same speech he delivers over and over, but nonetheless it was great he's willing to use his fame to push our lawmakers to decide when (not if) they will implement a state-wide ban," said Miller.

Now a forward-thinking Wisconsin rider might look up their legislator right now and send him or her a note asking them to support the no smoking ban. Let's see how many WCA riders we can get to write a short email to their elected official(s). Go!

Annual Meeting Minutes Online

Annual Meeting Minutes are online. If you didn't make the meeting in January please click here to read what your fellow riders cooked up for you in the '08 season.

2008 WCA Road Schedule Released

Click here to see what exoctic Wisconsin cities you'll spend time in this spring and summer! It's a great calendar and thanks to all the WCA clubs for making it happen.

New Rules Regarding Upgrades

USAC recently made changes to the upgrade system. The new rules are found at: www.usacycling.org/forms/USAC_rulebook.pdf.

It should be easier to upgrade from 4 to 3, particularly in road races, where points go 9 deep for fields over 50 and there were some adjustments to the points to accommodate reduced fields. Please consult the rule book on line for clarification.

UW Cycling Screens "Tour Baby" on February 12 in Madison

The UW Cycling Club is holding a special screening of the movie "Tour Baby" to raise funds for the Davis Phinney foundation and, well, to have a good time watching a movie about cycling. The UW club has cooked up some raffles and a silent auction and this being Madison, you know there will be some good cycling goodies up for bid. Need info? Contact simon2@wisc.edu.

WCA Day at a UCI World Cup Track Event

Heidi Mingesz, WCAs Technical Director was selected as an official for the World Cup Track event in Los Angeles last week. A world cup event is similar to, say, a NFC Play off game; lots of hype, tight regulations and nerves are on edge. Heidi sent this "postcard" from L.A. about her experience. Enjoy!

I was fortunate to be appointed to work at the World Cup track event in Los Angeles this year. With one day down, and two to go, here are a few of the highlights!

Now we have a plane; when we find a pilot.... It was an arduous journey - got in to LA four hours later than planned due to a ridiculous chain of circumstances with airlines and airplanes. And some days I think bike racing is disorganized?

Met up with my ride - Rey Trevino and Mike McCartan had only been circling the airport for an hour- to learn that, instead of a cushy job turning lap cards, I was to be the arrival judge! (that's chief judge in non-UCI-speak) Still something of a sinecure, given the array of technical support Tissot gives.

A. Fourteen laptops, five printers, three timing consoles, five technicians, half a dozen officials and a couple of UCI delegates
Q. What do you need on the judges stand at a World Cup?

UCI fashions

Uniforms are much more casual and fashion forward than they were in the '80's, but I was still a little concerned that I'd brought the wrong shoes. First thing I noticed this morning was that Andy Taus had exactly the same shoes as I! If Andy does anything, you can be sure it's all right.

Is that a banana in your pocket?, or.... Neophyte officials may laugh, but in a move reminiscent of The Chocolate Solder (an operetta based on Shaw's Arms and the Man) veteran UCI comm Andy Taus stocked up on fruit and bagels at the breakfast buffet. Andy definitely had the last laugh today!

Even on the track...

Failure of the starting blocks and a malfunction of the starter's pistol caused injury and heartache during the team sprint. The blocks failed to release the lead rider, the gun wouldn't fire, the other team came around at full speed (half a lap is about 7 seconds), and a rider hit the machine, sending the trapped rider flying as well. I've never seen a bike break into so many pieces. Both riders eventually walked away, but one suffered a concussion and broken arm. We are all thankful and amazed that it was no worse.

Another advance in technology

Remember when pursuits were started and ended with a gunshot? The starting shot has long since been replaced with the electronic countdown clock, and now Tissot has incorporated a simulated ending shot into the device. Sounds more like a video game than a gunshot, but it's much more environmentally friendly (not to mention cheaper! it used to take hundreds of blanks to get through a championship)

Record number of riders

With everyone trying to qualify for the Olympics, there are billions and billions (sorry Mr. Sagan) of riders here. The morning session was moved up to 9:00, and we knew it would be a long one. At 5:42 p.m., with breakfast just a distant memory, we were released to enjoy our sumptuous bag lunches (according to Andy Taus, the UCI regs used to require that there be a slice of cheese in every commissaire's lunch, and today, there wasn't) for eighteen minutes before we needed to hit the track for the evening session.

Bird needs new music

Anyone who has lasted through an entire Superweek knows this, good race music though it may be. Viktor Rapinski is here, so is Wan Kam Po. If I closed my eyes I could easily imagine I was back in a hot and humid Wisconsin July. Oh, wait - last night I slept in a luxurious king-sized bed with about fifteen assorted pillows in an expansive suite at a good hotel.

We're not at Superweek any more, Toto!