2007 WCA News Archive |
Trek 100 Turns 18, Breaks Fundraising RecordThe June 2 Trek 100 ride for the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) was a stellar success on many levels. Lance was there, the weather mostly held up, and just about every WCA team could be seen somewhere in the peloton. Ride attendance was capped at around 3,000 so as not to stress the roads more than necessary but also to accommodate those wanting to ride with Lance and ride they did. The cap was hit and people who didn’t sign up early were turned away. The ride was preceded by a silent auction reception the night before and invitees were riders who had raised more than $1k for the MACC Fund. Jillian Imilkowski was one of those riders who raised over $1k and got a magic ticket to the reception with Lance Armstrong. WCA Board member, Nick Holbus was her date and they found themselves emersed in conversation with the dynamic Congressman Jim Oberstar. Oberstar has long been a promoter of cycling in cities across America and works tirelessly to fund initiatives such as Safe Routes to Schools.
Oberstar addressed the crowd and gave a motivating speech about what everyone could do to improve cycling in their state (for starters, join Bike Fed and learn about Safe Routes for Schools). His enthusiasm was infectious and he earned himself a hearty round of applause and whistles with a spirited speech about progress made on bike initiatives. Oberstar was a perfect lead in for Lance who came on stage to thank the fundraising cyclists for their work. Lance’s quiet but laser focused mission is to increase funding for cancer research. Ever the leader in both words and action, Lance himself heated up the bidding frenzy on a special edition 10-2 Trek Madone. When the bidding hit around $20k Lance offered to match the winning bid. The final bid was $40k so with Lance’s match, the bike brought in $80,000 for MACC Fund.
The ride day dawned slightly overcast but warm enough for shorts and jerseys. After another quick speech by Lance and Oberstar, the riders were sent off in waves. Wave is a good word as the riders turned out of the parking lot onto Hwy 16, hundreds of them turning in unison, they looked like a flock of birds in formation. A helicopter flew overhead to catch Lance as he led the way. There was a 10 minute downpour about an hour into the ride that was a factor in a large pileup of riders. The groupo that went down was full of WCA riders who reported that the road was like ice where the fall occurred. Regrettably, one WCA rider, Billy Ochowicz sustained a hip injury and was taken to hospital; more to come on his injury and how to send well wishes. The rest of the ride was uneventful and the post ride party went long into the afternoon. Good job, WCA riders and thanks Trek, for your support of MACC. Last heard, it was looking like the total raised for the two day event would top $1 million. Not bad for a bike ride. WCA/Ex-Pat in ChileMark Knowles and his sidekick, Chelsea (both used to ride for 1% More/Stone Creek and now Beans & Barley) have been in Chile for the last 2 years building up a business of trekking and cycling through the Andes. These photos speak for themselves…anyone care to join a group hatching a plan to get to Chile next year? Email mark directly at alpacaciclismo@gmail.com.
Saving Lives, One Bike at a TimeIn the USA a bicycle usually means some form of leisure or mode of transport. We can race it, do errands on it, teach a kid to ride. Elsewhere, however, this humble machine is quickly emerging as a tool for poverty relief. While we are racing our bikes every weekend, someone in Zambia is delivering medicine to kids whose parents have died of HIV/AIDS. By bike. People in Sri Lanka are rebuilding their lives after the tsunami nearly wiped out an entire nation. By bike. F.K.Day, Executive Vice President of Sram is a big picture thinker. He is one of the founders of World Bicycle Relief (WBR) which provided 24,000 locally sourced bikes to Sri Lankan men, women and children after the tsunami struck in December 2004. Where most roads and vehicles were wiped out bikes could get through with needed food and supplies. They were cheap and easy to send and use. The 24,000 bikes sent for tsunami relief became a lifeline for villagers who lost everything and had to find new ways to support themselves. Day led the effort to create World Bicycle Relief using his own company’s funds and partnering with Trek, World Vision and others. Project Tsunami bikes were key to improving access to healthcare, education and jobs and accelerated the recovery of the bike recipients. Due to the success of Project Tsunami, WBR turned to another country in need, Zambia. A country of 11.5 million. 1 million of them have HIV/AIDS. 20% of Zambia’s kids have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. The country lacks basic transportation so medicine and eduation is not getting to the villages. Day saw a way to address the lack of basic transportation and Project Zambia lifted off with a goal of getting 26,000 bikes to health care workers in 2007. The workers in turn are able to provide much needed medicine and preventive education. So far, 8000 bikes have been delivered and the program is on track to deliver 26,000 by year’s end. According to Day, one thing that surprised him is that more governments and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) are not implementing bicycle projects on their own. “The World Bank just did an internal analysis of their own efforts to address global poverty and the scores were terrible. I think when the dust clears, they will find that many of the ideas that are out there right now come from a U.S./Europe context and from fancy economic models. I do not think that anyone has gone to the poorest people and asked them what they really needed.” In the next year, Day seems some changes in the program due to the success. He says: “because of the immediate impact of bikes on the ground we are compressing our original plan for the program from 3 years to 1 year. It will directly save lives and transform the delivery of care. We believe it is a moral imperative that we bring these bikes to the people of Zambia as fast as possible.” Looking ahead, WBR and Day plan to deliver 100,000 bicycles in 2008. Half of these will be purchased by the recipients using microcredit through WBR’s microfinance program; the other half will be designated for a work-to-own program in support of healthcare initiatives. Day is a tireless advocate and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to grow this program that empowers people to improve their lives. All with a simple machine, the bicycle. According to Day, “a single bike will touch the lives of many: the individual recipient, their own family, the families that the recipient cares for, and the communities that are under so much stress with the crush of HIV/AIDS. “ For more information please see www.worldbicyclerelief.org.
Check out these Wheels on Willy photos!The 2007 edition of the Wheels on Willy was a great success; the new course was well received and racers turned out in high numbers to contest this popular race. Photographer Michael Kienitz was on hand to capture the event. Visit his website at www.michaelkienitz.com. Click on the "PORTFOLIO" tab and look for Wheels on Willy 2007. Kienitz has graciously offered to let WCA riders and clubs use the photos for internal promotions and non-commercial use. If a commercial entity wishes to use them for advertising then they must ask permission to reproduce them. Kienitz is a long time cycling advocate who has another life as a world-class photographer. You can catch his next exhibit at the Chazen Museum in Madison in September. The exhibit is called “Small Arms: Children of Conflict.’ For more information, contact Mickey at: Photo4u@michaelkienitz.com.
State Road Race ApproachesBURLINGTON , WI . Hundreds of bicycle racers from throughout the Midwest will converge upon southeastern Wisconsin June 9th and 10th for the Beans and Barley Race Weekend. On Saturday, June 9th, the Beans and Barley/One Percent More Racing Team will sponsor the Spring Prairie Road Race, which has again been designated as the Wisconsin State Championship Road Race. Over 400 racers competed last year. Team Beans and Barley is also holding the second annual Back Road 15K Time Trial that harkens back to the days of racing against the clock without fancy aero equipment, just a road bike on a twisting hilly course. This 'Eddy-Merckx'-style time trial is part of the WCA Cup Series, and both races will be sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation (USCF). Race promoter Kurt Otter has been organizing the Spring Prairie race for eight years. “Spring Prairie is a great hilly road course. It keeps getting better every year due to the efforts of many volunteers as well as the understanding of course residents,” Otter said. He added, “We had such a postive response to the Back Road time trial last year that we wanted to put it on again. No aero bars will be allowed, so just bring your regular road bike & race!” A race flyer with start times is now available. See wicycling.org or teambeansandbarley.com for more details. Team Beans and Barley is a Milwaukee-based regional cycling team with over 50 members living throughout southeast Wisconsin . We have a diversified and experienced team, with several top level racers along with collegiate racers, speed-skaters, and some elite Master's riders. These riders all share in the healthy lifestyles and competetive sportsmanship of bicycle racing. You'll find us competing throughout the Midwest and beyond in road, mountain, track, and cyclocross racing events. Beans and Barley is a Miwaukee natural food institution, serving up the best in organic and vegan fare at their deli and restaurant. The cafe and store shares the Team's health and wellness philosophy.
Giro d'Grafton Twilight Criterium
On Saturday June 16, 2007 the first annual Giro d’ Grafton cycling event will be taking place. The Giro d’Grafton will be a world-class bicycle racing event for women, juniors, and masters level bicycle racers. The event will culminate with the Midwest’s only twilight bicycle race with professional and national level racers from throughout the United States. Bill Ochowicz, President of the IS Corp Cycling Team, and Mike Martens, Giro d’Grafton Race Director, have been planning and developing this exciting new race for many months and anticipate a huge turnout. The races will be held on the recently redeveloped streets in the Village of Grafton, located just 20 minutes North of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a hotbed of bicycle racing in the Midwest. The race course will consist of six fast corners and be less than a mile long, so the racers will pass by every couple minutes. Grafton State Bank will be the title sponsor of the event and will be celebrating their 100 year anniversary. Time Warner Digital Road Runner service will be the presenting sponsor of the featured event, the Pro 1-2 event, which will begin at 8 pm and will last 90 minutes. Other sponsors include Advanced Healthcare, The Home Depot, Ruvin Development Group, Wisconsin Discount Securities, and many others. Riders can register for the event by going to www.graftonbikerace.com or www.bikereg.com. After the race is over, riders can enjoy live music being provided by the Grafton Blues Organization, food, and other activities. Save a Sponsor!!
Midwest Express airlines has been the target of a hostile takeover by Air Tran not once, but twice in the last year. Anyone who has flown “other” airlines can attest to the absolutely wonderful and sadly, rare high quality of travel on Midwest Express. Speaking for myself, I was stranded 7 of 8 times on another airline last year that I shall not name (Starts with a U and ends with ted) and my consolation? They gave me one voucher for all of the inconvenience for my cancelled flights and it turns out the voucher can only be used if you book your flight at the airport. At the airport??? Who books a flight at the airport? I’m going to use this voucher just to stick it in their eye but that’s a story for another day. Midwest happens to be a Wisconsin company sponsoring a Wisconsin team; America ’s Dairyland. This is an airline that bakes cookies and gives you two on each flight. The flight attendant even believed me when I said my teammate was in the loo and would be very upset if she didn’t get her cookies so she gave me two more. I’m sure she had heard that line before from grown ups just wanting more cookies and to extend the benefit of the doubt where cookies are concerned, that’s class. Anyway, you can help save the airline from another takeover bid by clicking here: http://www.savethecookie.com/ and thanks. We’ll all be better off if this airline stays independent. Better yet, let’s get a conglomerate together to buy half the stock to keep it a cyclist friendly airline!!
Kenosha Velodrome pairs up with WCA, Adds Masters 4/5 CategoryMilwaukee, WI (May 10, 2007) -- The Wisconsin Cycling Association (WCA) is pleased to announce an exciting partnership with Wisconsin's only banked oval cycling track, the Washington Park Velodrome in Kenosha. The WCA is translating the successful "Wisconsin Cup' points series model to Tuesday night track racing beginning this summer. Results, points standings, and schedules will be posted on the WCA's webpage (www.wicycling.org), and the WCA will award jerseys for the USCF Velodrome Championship races to be held August 10-11. The goal of the partnership is to provide the Kenosha Velodrome with infrastructure support and to stir interest in track racing from riders of other cycling disciplines. New to the schedule this year is the addition of a Masters 4/5 category, which has been extremely successful in the road racing circuit. Tuesday night racing runs weekly from June through August and is sanctioned by the American Track Racing Association (ATRA). Purchasing a license is not required, though each rider must complete a Release Waiver and purchase a cloth race number in order to compete. A USCF license IS required to compete in the State Velodrome Championships and Elite National Qualifier in August. The season begins Tuesday, May 29 but is preceded by two weeks of practice racing. Races on May 15 and 22 are 1/2 price ($10 for seniors, $5 for juniors); there is no payout, and no series points are awarded. Registration opens at 6pm, and racing starts at 7pm and runs until around 10pm. Season highlights are the 75 lap Mayors Cup Points race on July 3 and the Bob Pfarr Classic 150 lap points race on July 17 with a $500 prize list. Also new this year is a Kieren series on June 12 and July 24. “We have had a lot of top junior speedsters developing at the Kenosha track over the few years," says Lennie Cabaltera, veteran track racer and co-organizer of the Tuesday Night Series. "The addition of the Keiren will help the next wave of champions hone their skills against some more experienced riders. This is a 5-lap race behind a motorcycle that hits top speeds of 40 mph. It's like NASCAR on 2 wheels.” For points scoring, race descriptions,
payout schedule, and the weekly race schedule, tune in to www.wicycling.org
or email Nick Holbus at manager@teambeansandbarley.com. Whitnall Park Spring Classic; Sunny Side UpWe knew it was going to be a great day for racing on Saturday, April 28th when the weather forecast showed sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 60’s for the Whitnall Park Spring Classic presented by WCA and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Cycling Team. With the weather being sub par for most of April, it seemed as though everyone was itching to get out and test their winter training. It was apparent early as the Juniors showed the largest field for the young ’07 season with 37 entrants. The Women Cat 4 had a solid field with 23 racers, and the 45+ had a large field as well with 33. However the largest field of the day went to the Master 4/5 with a total of 81 riders at the start line. At the end of the day 407 racers lined up at the 10 races, of which 63 raced in more than one event. With a $1 per rider going to the UW Foundation as a memorial to Matt Wittig, a nice check will be sent to commemorate the tragic loss of a fellow cyclist doing that he loved most. Team Wheaton also took advantage of Sports Base Online to allow riders to pre-register and save on there race fee. Scott Peterson, Team Treasurer said, “We had about 20% of those racing pre-register. For the most part it allowed them to check in faster as the race form was completed and only needed a signature. In addition we had pre-assigned race numbers which sped up the process.” Scott did indicate the lines at registration did get long at times, so they are already figuring ways to improve the flow, especially for those who do pre-register. Scott, who is also the team web master, has set up a feedback forum on the team web site, www.team-wisconsin.com. Anyone interested can go to the web page and post their thoughts, ideas, and improvements of the race. John Grisa took over 450 pictures during the day, and those have been posted on the team wed site under the Gallery page. Check it out. Dave Eckel, Team President summed up the race as follows; “It took a lot of team effort to pull this off and I am very proud of how everyone worked together. We are already planning for ’08 and the continuation of the KOH. I think everyone enjoyed the extra motivation and ability to grab some extra prizes. All in all we handed out over $2,000 in prize money and merchandise.” Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Cycling
appreciates your participation at the Whitnall Park Classic and
looks forward to bringing you the State Time Trial event on August
4th to be held on the Bong course located in Brighton, Wisconsin.
Check out these Whitnall Park Race Photos!WCA riders can find photos of themselves competing at the Whitnall Park Spring Classic at Team Wisconsin ’s website and download the photos for free @ http://team-wisconsin.com/gallery/. Thanks to Team Wisconsin rider, John Grisa, for making the photos available.
Capitol Velo Club 2007 Clinic SeriesThe Capitol Velo Club is hosting its spring clinic series which got underway on March 21 with "Designing the Racing Season" by Gordon Paulson. Since 1989, CVC has advanced women's cycling through teaching. Our mission at CVC is to help women of all levels become more skillful cyclists whether racing on the road, track, dirt, or simply touring on weekends. The following clinics are open to non-CVC members and are free of charge. To learn more about CVC and our clinic series, visit our website at http://www.capitolveloclub.com. Damon Rinard – Turning Techniques
– Monday 9 April, 6:00pm
USA Cycling 2007 Rule ChangesThe Board of Trustees for road, track and cyclo-cross met in Colorado Springs, Colo. the last weekend of October and voted upon submitted legislation regarding road, track and cyclo-cross rules for the 2007 racing season. A complete guide to the new legislation that was voted upon and passed is available on the USA Cycling website (see below for link). Please note, mountain bike specific rule changes will be distributed in the near future. For your immediate information, some of the most important and significant road, track and/or cyclo-cross rule changes for 2007 include: Junior Gear Restrictions - Juniors must now ride their junior gear limit in all races even when competing in races with older juniors and seniors. UCI Legal Bicycle Requirements - UCI legal bicycles will be required as of 2008 for all riders 17 and over (including masters) at all USA Cycling National Championship events, international selection races and USA Cycling National Racing Calendar events. Radio Usage - The rule for radio usage during races has been clarified to eliminate the possibility of riders wearing audio playback devices (Walkmans, MP3 players, etc.) during a race. Definition of Stage Race - The definitions of "Stage Race" and "Omnium" were clarified. Stage Races may be run on time or points, but for a race to qualify as a Stage Race, riders must finish a stage in order to compete in the next one. Master National Championships - USA Cycling Master National Championships will be run in five-year age groups across the board for any age group represented. Small fields can be combined for the start, but riders will be scored separately. For complete documentation on these rule changes and more, download an electronic copy of the USA Cycling Rulebook by clicking here: http://www.usacycling.org/forms/USCF_Rulebook.pdf.
"Ride of Silence" Comes to Wisconsin; May 16The 2007 “Bone Ride”—that memorable Milwaukee-to Madison-to Milwaukee jaunt that occurs mid-May will have a new side to it in 2007. The first 10 miles of the ride after it leaves Madison will be ridden as a “Ride of Silence,” to commemorate cyclists who have been killed by motorists. Both the Bone Ride and the Ride of Silence have significant meaning. The “Ride of Silence” got its start in 2003 when endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was struck and killed by the mirror of a passing bus while cycling outside of Dallas. His good friend and Coach Chris Phelan organized a memorial ride in Dallas on May 18th, titled the “Ride of Silence.” It was a slow paced, silent, 12 mile ride to remember his friend. In just a 10 day period, via email and word of mouth, over 1,000 cyclists attend the first Ride of Silence. Chris Phelan thought he had closure but word of the Ride of Silence spread and Phelan began to get inquiries from other cities about holding a similar ride. By 2004, Rides of Silence were taking place on May 18th in 50 cities in the U.S. and Canada. By 2005, Rides of Silence were in 100 US Cities and 150 cities worldwide. In 2006 the Ride of Silence became a non-profit with a board of directors and Chris Phelan is still extremely active. The Bone Ride was started in 1987 when Wisconsin’s own Tom Schuler was aiming for the US National Road Championship. Schuler and some of his teammates needed a long training day so they opted to ride from Milwaukee to Madison and back. Schuler won his title that year and the “Bone Ride” was born (named in honor of one of his similarly named teammates along on the ride) and the ride has been held continuously ever since, now with upwards of 100 + riders and full sag support. When the WCA realized that the Ride of Silence coincided with the Bone Ride a call was made to Schuler who was immediately supportive of the idea of a Ride of Silence. ”The Bone Ride offers cyclists the chance to take the day off work on May 16th and celebrate the enjoyment of riding a bike. Each year we all try and share some our our collective enthusiasm for cycling with other like-minded cycling organizations such as the Ride for Silence. It's no wonder that the Ride date purposely coincides with National Bike Safety Month and Week,” said Schuler. The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the 10 mile ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured. For more information on the Ride of
Silence: http://www.rideofsilence.org.
Wheel & Sprocket CriteriumThe Wheel & Sprocket Criterium will return in 2007 with a new course. The race will remain in Neenah , but the location will change. The new course is in a beautiful tree lined residential neighborhood. It is a four corner course with approximately .9 miles per lap. The roads are in very good condition and the corners are easy to navigate. The course is next to a park with restrooms, tennis courts and places for the kids to play. Join us on May 6 for a fast, fun day of racing.
Beans & Barley/Brazen Dropouts Cat 4 Series a Smashing SuccessIn only the second race of the new cat 4 women's series, over 30 women came to the line under sunny but windy skiies at the Great Dane Velo Club's crit number one. The event was dominated by a large turnout of CVC riders who attacked throughout the race, eventually getting a rider away. Wendy Vredenburgh (CVC) held a slim gap off the front at the end and it was enough to hold off the remants of a field shattered by numerous attacks and counters. Ashley James (IS Corp) brought the field home for 2nd. One rider was heard after the race to say "I've never been in such a fast cat 4 women's race!" WCA thanks its partners, Beans & Barley and Brazen Dropouts for supporting the cat 4 women's series. It goes without saying that the Wisconsin clubs are the best in country when it comes to supporting initiatives that will improve cycling. In this case, the building of a cat 4 series for women proves that "if you build it, they will come." Here's to more safe and fast racing ahead.
USA
Cycling Talent Search, Powered by RacerMate, Extended to May 7th
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Not
long ago there was an article on wicycling about sponsorship and
how well sponsorship works in the cycling world. I recall walking
around my house looking at all the products I purchased because
of some team, like buying Colavita instead of another olive oil
or Alterra instead of another brand. Now there’s a cycling
sponsor who could use some help.
