2010 Early Bird Criterium Training Series

[TeamNolan]

Save these dates:
Tuesday, December 8 – Palo Alto Bike Shop from 7-8pm
Saturday, January 2 – Mentor training @ the Early Bird course from 3-5pm.
Sundays, January 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

I know. It’s ‘cross season, but we’ve been planning for the 2010 Early Birds to be our best yet. This 5-week series has grown in popularity over the past 22 years. Please help us make our 23rd even better! Encourage your friends and strong riders to come out to learn some criterium racing skills that will help them relax and ride faster.

This 5-week series relies on its volunteer base to help these new racers. As you can see in the schedule below we need a large pool of volunteers. New for 2010 we are holding a meeting at the Early Bird course for experienced racers that want to mentor. We’ll run through our 5-week curriculum together and help those that want to learn. We are holding these sessions because the new racers deserve a “great customer experience”. If we are to meet our goal, we need to rehearse what we will give them! This training session could also qualify you for the NCNCA mentoring program.

Please RSVP to Laurie Fenech (nachurelover@sbcglobal.net) or me (teamnolan@hotmail.com) if you can mentor at the 2010.

The 2010 Early Bird Schedule
8:30 Early Bird Mentored Skills Clinic #1 for Juniors, Women Category 4, and Men Under 30 Category 5
9:45 Under 30 Men Category 5 race (40 min.)
10:25 Under 30 Men Category 5 post-race talk
10:30 Women Category 4 race, split into two fields based on experience (40 min.)
11:10 Women Category 4 post-race talk
11:15 Juniors race (30 min.)
11:45 Juniors post-race talk
11:45 Early Bird Mentored Skills Clinic #2 for 30+ Men Category 5
1:00 30-44 year old Men Category 5 race (40 min.)
1:40 30-44 year old Men Category 5 post-race talk
1:45 45+ year old Men Category 5 race (40 min.)
2:25 45+ year old Men Category 5 post-race talk
2:30 Category 1/2/3/Pro race (60 min.)
3:30 Category 4 race (45 min.)

Add to be posted to www.NCNCA.org and www.VeloPromo.com soon. More Information: velopro1@sonnet.com, (209) 533-4996 or www.velopromo.com

In the 2nd of three talks at the Palo Alto Bike Shop (171 University Ave, 650.328.7411) I will be providing some tips about getting into racing. Its a whole lot more comfortable to hang out in a warm place to talk about these things. I hope you can join us. Dave Yeung will send out a separate note.

Cheerfully, Laurel Green, Laurie Fenech, Alan Atha, and Larry Nolan, your volunteer Early Bird directors.

[TeamNolan]

Update! The Palo Alto Bike Shop moved the 2nd in the series talks to January 7th. Sorry for the confusion but I hope to see you there.

The Jan. 2 clinic for mentors (new to mentor; experienced to leader; leaders to guest speakers) is still on for Jan 2. EB training races start Jan 3 (then 10, 17, 24 and 31). See you there. Larry

[Styk33]

Can men's category 4 racers go to the skills clinic and earn an upgrade point for each clinic; or are the clinics for Category 5 riders only?
_________________
Reverend Dr. Jay

[greenjersey]

This is the flier from last year. Please refer to the "Notes" paragraph. The same points guidelines should apply this year.

http://www.velopromo.com/ebcr-ent.htm

[RacerX]

I think the issue here is that in prior years, the early 'advanced' clinic was closer to the time of the men's cat 4 or 3/4 race. Now, the "#1" & "#2" clinics are a LONG time from the cat 4 and 1/2/3 races. And the cat's listed for 2010 do not include cat 4 men - only juniors, cat 4 women & cat 5 men of various ages.

My assumption was that the clinics are no longer for cat 4s (though they probably will not be turned away). My experience mentoring in the last 2 years was that few cat 4s were doing the skills sessions, unless advanced and then they were mentoring. Indeed, that describes me. Invaluable as they are, I would not want a 4 to 3 upgrade based on these sessions.

Larry? Laurie?

[TeamNolan]

Hello all - Just to be clear, Robert Liebold/ VeloPromo is the promoter of the early birds and has been since 1988 (my first race in my hometown of Fremont). I have not yet seen the race ad up on his website but the days schedule is posted above this note.

I'm a volunteer leading a group of volunteer organizers (Laurie, Laurel, Alan) and a bunch of volunteer mentors into this 5-week series. We are not responsible for determining upgrade points, nor can we (currently) limit any rider from taking out a license and racing for the first time without a clue as to how their riding affects others. We have discouraged many riders from not racing on the day but there is no minimum skills test or requirement. Again, I don't make up these rules.

The logic behind the Cat 4's going at the end of the day is three-fold. Firstly, we can get some good winds blowing in the afternoons in Fremont and we wanted the more experienced riders tested, secondly, we wanted to split the 3's from the 4's because the numbers have supported a 4's only field (and the 3's like to race with the larger 1/2/3/Pro field) and finally, Cat 4's had a tendency not to attend the skills clinics. In talking with a lot of riders over the many years it amazes me how confident some Cat 4 riders are in their skills and abilities.

Personally, I grow tired of the riders that say "I want to upgrade out of this group as fast as possible". If those riders just spent a small portion of their recovery day working on their skills the whole peleton would benefit. We know that professional riders work on improving their skills every year they are out there, why won't a category rider do the same?

We encourage all of the athletes that attend the early bird training crits to take these for what they are: a chance to brush up or improve pack skills and get some racing miles in during January. January is the "pre-season" for Nor Cal cyclists, so let's be safe and have some fun out there.

Larry Nolan, Team Specialized Racing

[TeamNolan]

We had 1900 riders attend the EB's in 2009. We need a LOT of mentors!

The Jan. 2 mentor meeting will be held on the EB Crit course (corner 1) from 3 to 5pm.

By the end of the session we will have 3 levels of mentors. If you cannot make this meeting you can mentor during the 5-week series, but you will need to follow the instructions of the guest speaker and leader.

o Guest Speaker (can deliver the curriculum to new racers by way of demonstrating and properly setting expectations; can manage the mentor resources available to them as well as managing the clock)
o Leader (thoroughly understands the curriculum and is able to discuss, demonstrate and lead the assisting Mentors and the smaller groups of racers that they are working with)
o Mentor (assists the Leader as the racers are split into smaller groups; is able to discuss and demonstrate the skills being taught)
- New Mentors (Pro/ Cat 1 through 4): attend the Jan. 2 meeting if you can make it and you will be taught and tested to be a leader. If you cannot make the meeting we will designate you as a Mentor and not as a Leader.
- Prior years Mentors (Pro/ Cat 1 through 4): Let us know if you are interested in Guest Speaking; some (but not all) of you are capable Leaders, and some are Mentors. For those Mentors that which to become a Leader please attend the Jan. 2 meeting.

Merry Christmas, Larry Nolan, Team Specialized Racing

[ironclm]

>>nor can we (currently) limit any rider from taking out a license and racing for the first time without a clue as to how their riding affects others. We have discouraged many riders from not racing on the day but there is no minimum skills test or requirement. <<

That's too bad. I'd like to see the mentors have some say or limit EB racing to those who have actually attended the skills sessions.

clm who is still po'ed and who is still recovering (and paying St. Francis Hospital) from being taken out by one of those "oh I'll show up and race having never raced before in my life" people on Feb. 1, 2009

[lorrod]

Looks like the Early Bird Series flyer is now online:

http://www.velopromo.com/ebcr-ent.htm
_________________
http://www.chicocyclist.blogspot.com/

[Mad Axeman]

CLM,
I think all of the mentors would agree with you completely. It would require a rule change, or some type of local coordination.

For this exact reason I ran a beginners race clinic December and have another one scheduled for Feb. 21.

The goal is to pick up those riders who missed a few of the EBs or missed them all together and teach the fundamentals that will make them safer and better racers.
The clinic also addresses how to be aware of and deal with riders who are unsafe.

Ron

[afindlay]

FWIW I agree with CLM on this one, being in the same situation as she is (severely injured in a crash due to someone who showed up out of the blue for the last race). Or at least keep the 10+/10- past races group separation for the women cat 4's for the last race.

Alternatively could there be a special mandatory session before the EB Crit for those who had not attended at least 2 training sessions? (Just to point out stuff like the difference between aggressive and assertive riding? Holding one's line and not freaking out? The feel of the women's 4 EB Crit last year was completely different than all of the practice races--skittish riding, aggressive moves, people overreacting etc etc.) And close registration for the race after the session starts? Keep the fields <30? Just a few thoughts.

I appreciate the tremendous amount of work that goes into this series. Being back there this past Sunday reminded me that I actually really enjoyed it last year, despite a rough ending. Thank you and all the mentors.

Cheers,
Anne

[clymbing]

Early Bird Session January 3, 2010
Primarily we would like to thank you all for the dedicated
attendance and for the effective mentoring we observed
on Sunday, January 3rd. Some respectful new racers are
developing and we appreciate their engaged thoughtful
manner while listening to our mentors through out the
day. 413 racers attended, it was the 2nd highest one
day total in 22 years of EB's, terrific!! Our premier goal
for this 5-week series is all about practicing the
fundamentals of our sport, and we ask that all
mentors stick to the curriculum. Keeping to our
simple curriculum and following it allows a
beginner racer to learn effectively, it is wise
to not overload a new racer. We do understand
our Early Bird hours of mentoring are NOT enough
to prepare racers, so we encourage everyone to
continue their learning in clinics, at the races and
in their training.

A few observations during mentoring clinics...
...Mentors grouped themselves with leaders before
we began.

...We were pleased to see that many of the mentoring
groups allowed the racers to practice, most of the
mentoring session and used the debriefing time for
the last 10 minutes.

...All mentors had an active role in each group: for example,
the leader pointed out 3-4 key 'coaching points' for the
mentoring session: Have one mentor look for people
to be in the drops, have one mentor look for people to
be looking up the road, have another mentor help
riders manage the gap in front of them, and move
in closer to other riders...

Few observations during race...
...Thanks for staying focused during the race and
keeping the friendly (non race) conversation at a minimum.

...Heard many positive general comments and reminders
from the mentors to the new racers.

...Observed mentor interaction privately sharing with
a squirrely racer (during the race).

...Mentors advised/assisted "dropped" new racers to the
start/finish line.

...Mentors shared information with each other so they could
work effectively to benefit the field in a race.

...Mentors were friendly and very willing to assist and be helpful.

Thank you for volunteering and supporting the 2010 Early Bird Series,

Your Early Bird Mentor Directors,
Larry Nolan, Alan Atha, Laurel Green and Laurie Fenech

[clymbing]

Early Bird Session January 10, 2010
460 racers attended, the second day of our
Early Bird series, yep...another
record busting day!! We appreciate the attendance
from the new racers and the fantastic show of numbers
from our dedicated mentors (61), whom many stayed for both
mentoring sessions. Our premier goal
for this 5-week series is all about practicing the
fundamentals of our sport. We do understand
our Early Bird hours of mentoring are NOT enough
to prepare racers, so we encourage everyone to
continue their learning in clinics, at the races and
in their training.

New to the Early Birds
...This season we are catching up new racers who missed,
past sessions. Although we recommend attending
the Early Birds weekly, those new racers who miss a session
will be separated and be given an opportunity to practice past
and present lessons.


...A young junior bonus mentoring session...21 juniors participated
(and a handful of parents observed). At 10:00 am (prompt) it is held
in the parking lot between turns #1 and #2. Last week the focus was
on stopping + starting. We also discussed how to dress for
cycling + racing. For next week we'll focus on steering + bike
handling with bonus material on tires. We will hold
a short debriefing after each session and ask that parents attend
the debriefing. Good time to ask questions....

Thank you for supporting and volunteering at the 2010 Early Bird Series,

Your Early Bird Mentor Directors,
Larry Nolan, Alan Atha, Laurel Green and Laurie Fenech

[clymbing]

Early Bird Session January 17, 2010
We had another busy Early Bird session, despite
the threat of rain. If you did not make it because
of the predicted rainy forecast, you missed out on a day of
learning/practicing how to move around in the field (filling the gap).
So far, a total of 1,133 athletes attended our 2010 Early Bird
sessions to date. Rain or shine our mentors are eager to
assist and to improve the quality and safety of the race field.
Wet/windy weather offers an opportunity for new racers to test
their fundamental abilities, in different conditions. It rained for
two hours in the early afternoon. The master racers had the
opportunity to race in the rain and wind and the
stronger riders moved up to the front, pressed the pace, then gaps
opened and a break was formed. It was a fun race to watch.

Our premier goal for this 5-week series is all about practicing the
fundamentals of our sport. We do understand
our Early Bird hours of mentoring are NOT enough
to prepare racers, so we encourage everyone to
continue their learning in clinics, at the races and
in their training.

New to the Early Birds
...This season we are catching up new racers who missed,
past sessions. Although we recommend attending
the Early Birds weekly, those new racers who miss a session
will be separated and be given an opportunity to practice past
and present lessons.


...Our new bonus young junior mentoring session is off to a strong start
and parents were allowed to participate on their bikes, which was a great
addition so the parents could reinforce the skills with their
children. Next week the focus is counter-steering with a short discussion
of criterium-specific rules. We will hold a short debriefing after each session
and ask that parents attend the debriefing. Good time to ask questions... .

A note of thanks
...to our chief referee, Janice for allowing the races to continue in the rain

...to the 260 athletes who attended the Early Birds despite the rainy forecast

...to our dedicated volunteer mentors whom most stayed through both sessions and through the rain

Thank you for supporting and volunteering the 2010 Early Bird Series,

Your Early Bird Mentor Directors,
Larry Nolan, Alan Atha, Laurel Green and Laurie Fenech

[clymbing]

Early Bird Mentoring Session January 24, 2010

Attacking, bridging and chasing! One of the best
mentoring clinics at the Early Birds yet; our mentors
were fired up! And the racers were very receptive.
Yes, every training race, the fields took action; fast racing,
smooth cornering, and the attacking prevailed. There was
a lot of suffering out there, last Sunday. Much enthusiasm in
the field, very fun for the spectator; an exciting day to
be in Fremont at the Early Bird course. Rain was the
forecast, a very grey/cold day, and gotta love the wind;
but only a few lite sprinkles, perhaps wet ground for an
hour occurred, during the master clinic/races...those
lucky guys.321 racers braved the forecast, and had a
chance to practice their fundamental skills. It was not
a record breaking day (thanks to the forecast)
but we are getting record breaking numbers in particular
fields; juniors-25 and women-50. We appreciate all racers
who attend; us mentors want you out there.

Our premier goal for this 5-week series is all about practicing the
fundamentals of our sport. We do understand
our Early Bird hours of mentoring are NOT enough
to prepare racers, so we encourage everyone to
continue their learning in clinics, at the races and
in their training.


A note of Thanks
...to the teams who supported our "Meet the Teams Day"

...to Janice our Chief Referee for splitting the large fields.

...to our dedicated, volunteer mentors who relentlessly show up every weekend

...to Robert and his Velo Promo crew, whom make it all happen


Brief note about Safety: Attention Racers
Primarily, we would like to share that there
were less than a handful of minor crashes
this 2010 Early Bird season (1454 registered racers, so far).
No ambulances, some road rash and bruises and a
few bikes needing a few repairs. Safety is premier and
we (mentors) take every crash at heart, and feeling
very grateful, for the safe and smart racing,
we observed the past weeks.

And next week we are expecting a record busting event.
We are asking the team leaders to
take responsibility and to share the importance of safe
and smart racing with their peers prior next week races. We
(the entire Early Bird team) worked diligently to share
the fundamentals with new racers the past four weeks to keep
the race field safe, and we expect the racers to hold themselves
accountable next week when on the line and in the field.
Thank you for your support; let's continue safe racing at the Early Birds.

Next week at our final clinics (8:30 and 11:45); We will put it all together....please join us..


Thank you for supporting and volunteering the 2010 Early Bird Series,

Your Volunteer, Early Bird Mentor Directors,
Larry Nolan, Alan Atha, Laurel Green and Laurie Fenech