Learn the fundamentals of bike racing. Participate in a simulated road race. Ride three laps of the landmark Central Park loop, fully marshaled with pace vehicle and coaching. Expert racers from CRCA’s Western Union and AXA Equitable teams will guide you throughout. A pre-race clinic and post-race recap and Q&A are included.

This event is designed to encourage and develop recreational riders interested in the sport of road racing. The clinic will focus on the many topics of interest and concern to new racers, including: bicycle safety, racing safety, training for racing, nutrition, race strategy and tactics.

Where and when: April 17, 2010. Registration is at 6 am in the Rambles parking lot, East Drive at 81st Street.

What it costs: $10, includes a 1-day USA Cycling license. Prizes for the top three finishers.

The clinic is open to men 18 years and older. Bicycles must have front and rear brakes, no aerobars or fixed gears. The event will take place rain or shine. There is no event day registration; you must sign up beforehand.

Sign up here: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=10496

Dear Members,

The 2010 CRCA season is scheduled to start this Saturday, March 6.
For the races in March, riders may wear the warm weather clothing of their choice. CRCA or sub-team jackets are not required. New orders of club clothing should be available soon.

We are coming off of a successful 2009 season where we were named USACycling’s Club of the Year. 2010 is off to a good start with new membership up almost 100% from last year at this point in the season. We have over 100 new members already this year. Getting new people into the sport is one of the things CRCA does best. Over 25% of our membership every year is new members. Let’s make our new members feel welcome in the club and offer help where we can.

Our free coaching sessions are open to all members. New members should especially try to attend.

Most members join CRCA because of our Park races, so it is very important to remind everyone about the rules we must follow to maintain our privilege of racing in Central Park. While our relations with the Department of Parks and the Central Park Conservancy are excellent, our continued racing depends on showing that bike racing can coexist with the public’s use of the park. It is very important that we follow the rules set by the Dept. of Parks.

The Dept. of Parks is primarily concerned that our races are safe and do not endanger the public. They also insist that we respect other users of the park and the park landscape. Please bear in mind the following simple rules:

Stay out of the recreation lane.
Respect other users of the park.
Do not block or congregate in the rec lane, before and after racing,
Do not ride backwards on the course, if you dropped out of the race or after the race,
Do not use the park paths, stay on the roadway when getting to and from the race.
Use the bathroom behind registration. It will be open.
Do not put bikes or bags on the lawn.
The park demands that we supply marshals to secure the course. Marshals must show up on time to get to their spots on the course. Show up 45 minutes before the scheduled race start, not 5 minutes before the race. Marshals should have a bicycle so they can get to their spots on time. Expect to be assigned a spot, not to negotiate for your favorite spot.
It is recommended to bring a cell phone so you can easily communicate any emergency situation. If a marshal is unable to get to their spot on time, it is the same as not showing.

Having club members marshal is an important part of the club and helps ensure that marshals are attentive and know what is going on. While marshal substitutes are allowed, it is preferred to have members marshal. If you use a substitute get someone who could do as good a job as you could. This has not always been the case. Members are responsible for the actions of their marshal substitutes and will be penalized for any violations of the marshal code by their substitute.

When you marshal, your primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the public. Park users have the right to use the recreation lane. Racers must stay out of the rec lane or they are disqualified. Marshals must direct recreational park users to get into the rec lane when the race approaches. Marshals must not interfere with rec users and must stay out of the way of people using the rec lane. Marshals need to be attentive and make park users aware that a bike race is in progress but should not be overly loud or obnoxious. Please take your marshal responsibilities seriously and use good judgment to keep park users safe by following some simple guidelines:

Blow your whistles when the race approaches to warn people in the vicinity.
Look out for and forewarn park users entering the park that a bike race is in progress.
Let recreational bike riders know that they should get in the rec lane when the race approaches.
Do not interfere with people using the rec lane.
Be aware of what is going on. If you are by a park entrance and the race is approaching, do not let vehicles enter the roadway until after the race passes.
Stay focused on your job, marshal duty is not time to take pictures, to read a paper, to sit down and enjoy a cup coffee or even to watch the race, your role is to protect public safety.
If we all follow these simple rules that are hardly an inconvenience and show up to marshal, we will continue to be able to race.

On Saturday and for all races and coaching sessions remember to bring your USACycling license and a signed USACycling waiver with you: http://www.crca.net/membership/uscf-rider-release-waiver/. If you received a number in the mail, please remember to bring it with you. If you did not receive a number, please arrive a little early to pick it up. If you have not yet joined USACycling, you cannot race. Marshals must sign the volunteer waiver.

We have recently finalized our schedule with Parks and will shortly be scheduling TT’s and other events. Look for a TT and an Alpine Hill Climb in June. The Club TT Championship will likely be in early August. These dates will be posted on the website as soon as they are finalized.

Besides doing the club races, members are encouraged to compete in open races. We have finally moved our Bear Mtn race off of Mother’s Day. It is scheduled for May 16 and is again a qualifier for the Nature Valley Grand Prix Pro Ride team. The Nancy Morgenstern Memorial Fall Bear race is September 12.

The club is only as good as its membership. We could not put on the club races or the Bear Mtn. races without the membership’s support. We cannot support the Central Park Conservancy or support a junior cycling team without our membership’s support. Please offer your feedback and suggestions about what we’re doing and what new things we can do.

Hoping everyone has a successful and safe season,

Michael Green

CRCA President

For the last 8 years, I ran a week-long training camp in Agoura,
California. This year my group will go out on March 11th. Same area
where many pro teams have been doing their training camps including
Toyota United in the past, and BMC this year.
There is still time to include anyone who would like to join us.

Most of the rides are going to be 3-4 hours. Based on your experience
and how many days you will ride, we can adjust your time on the bike
because the loops are within 30 minutes from the hotel. If you’re not
up for the full distance, you can easily return to the hotel.

The rides are mostly endurance/tempo steady pace in the first 2-3
hours on the flats. Then we will hit hilly sections and start climbing
with more power training. Most of
the hills are 30 to 50-minute climbs. They are nice steady ascents –
perfect for building power and endurance. These training rides are not
about riding all-out until you die. I design them to enable you to
build endurance, mixed high-intensity training. Most of the
high-intensity will be on the hills, but we will do some intervals on
the flats as well.

Do not worry about being dropped! We will wait for stragglers at the
top of every climb. We’ll also stop to get some drink and food.
Wherever we are, the hotel is at most a 30-35 minute ride way. I will
make changes as to which group is heading home and who
will ride longer.

If you are coming just for a long week end, try to come early so you can be part
of that days ride, and leave end of the day if you leave before the
last day of the camp. The hotel is 40-minute drive from LAX airport.

The first ride will be on Thursday, March 11. Our last will be on
Wednesday, March 17. Please let me know how does work for everyone
and, I can add 1 or 2 days to those days and include the following
week end, depending how many of you would like to stay.

Hampton Inn and Suites Address:

30255 Agoura Road
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

My fee is $120.

For more information, email me at zoltancoaching@gmail or call 917-459-6473

Just some advice for what to bring with you!

One of the most common things that can be a problem during a training
camp or stage races is a broken rear derailleur hanger. When you’re
shipping your bike or if you crash, you can get a rear derailleur or
other parts at any local shop, but it’s really hard to get a rear
derailleur hanger to fit your frame. You need a dealer who sells your
frame, and most of the time they don’t have an extra hanger in stock
and they won’t remove it from a new bike, because they only could make
$8-10 on that hanger, but can’t sell the bike until they replace it,
and that’s a pain for them.
So try to get an extra rear derailleur hanger because it will probably
be extremely hard to get when you need it; this will allow you to keep
ride during the training camp or save your race!
In the last 8 years, we had only 2 rainy days, but this could happen
anytime. One of the best things to have is a rain shoe cover with you
to keep your feet and shoes dry for a long time, even when the road is
wet. Also, a light wind vest and arm warmers are good to have in your
pocket, so that when you reach the top of a climb, you can have a
little protection during the chilly descents.
Knee warmers are also good things to have, and if you have knickers
and a long sleeve jersey, bring them, because it’s great to have them
if some days aren’t sunny.
Most of the mornings are pretty cloudy and chili, but around 9-10am
the clouds start to break up, and in the past we wanted to have a
little fun and keep it like a little vacation time, so we would go out
around 9:30am and most of the rides are going to be 3.5-4.5 hours.
Usually, we only do quick stops to get water and some food. Drink more
than you usually do because it is pretty dry there, and also pick up
some salty stuff too when we stop, and you need to replace the
electolytes during your ride!!!
Try to bring good, durable training tires so you won’t have to deal
with flats! If one does happen, and we are still down in the base
loop, you can fix it there and get back to the group, but 90% someone
is going to stop with you, to make sure, the tube will be change
quickly to get you back to the group fast. If it happens later,
someone will stop with you too, but the rest of the group will keep
moving and won’t stop. You are going to know, where the next stop is
going to be, so you can catch back.
Make sure that you know the hotel address, and always have some $ with you!!!
If you have a foldable tire, it’s not a bad idea to put it in your bag
and bring it over, but if you don’t, we have two bike shops near the
hotel.

The start of the 2010 season will see a brand new CRCA sub-team make its racing debut.

Fuoriclasse Racing – Discover Chiropractic will field a men’s and women’s team focused on local and regional races. The team’s sponsors are also our partners because of what they bring to the sport beyond their sponsorship dollars.

Fuoriclasse provides coaching and bike-fitting services to individuals who are dedicated to improving their cycling performance. You’ll hear more about this growing enterprise in 2010.

Many of the team members have worked with Discover Chiropractic of SoHo in the past few years with excellent results, men’s team captain David Taylor writes;

Chiropractic care has been a major part of my life for the past five years. The human body perched on a bicycle is basically an extension of the machine and that machine works most efficiently when all the moving parts are aligned properly and moving symmetrically. In our daily lives we partake in all sorts of activities that bend and twist our body out of its natural alignment – like sitting at a computer or carrying kids upstairs – chiropractic care serves to reset the human frame back to its natural state. In 2005 I was training hard for the season but felt underpowered on the bike, I literally felt like I was pedaling with one leg, it was then that I started working with Dr. Forgosh at Discover Chiropractic of SoHo and I haven’t looked back. No cyclist would dream of starting a race with a wheel out of true or with their handlebars clamped off-center so why settle for sub par performance because your body has been twisted out of shape by the rigors of daily life.

Champion Bicycle located at 105th and Amsterdam is the team’s bike shop. Owner Marcos Gratereaux is not only an excellent mechanic but also a cyclist who understands that racers demand perfect performance from their equipment together with fast, efficient service. Marcos will always go the extra mile to make sure that your bike is working perfectly and that it’s ready for your next race or training ride.

The team is starting small but will aim to add riders to its roster in 2010. If you’d like to learn more about us just stop us and ask at the race this weekend.

Fuoriclasse Racing David Taylor davtnyc[at]hotmail.com
Discover Chiropractic of SoHo Dr. Beth Forgosh 212 598 5995
Champion Bicycle 105th st and Amsterdam Avenue Marcos Gratereaux 212 662 2690

For all members that have signed up by Monday the 22nd and have been assigned a race number, you can expect to receive your number in the mail before the first race. 

Check if you have been assigned a race number. If not, correct your USACycling info. A valid USACycling license is required to race and a race number will not be assigned until the system verifies your USACycling license.

The numbers will be in the mail as of Feb 24th.  For any member that signs up after the 22nd, you can pick up your number at registration at one of the CRCA races.

The Tour is a 42-mile, five-borough recreational ride that attracts 30,000 international participants. Team members will be asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 to support Alzheimer’s research and programs to support New Yorkers with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Chapter will cover the $100 entry fee, provide training, an event day t-shirt and opportunities to have their family story featured in local media.

The New York City Chapter serves the more than 250,000 New Yorkers who are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease along with their caregivers and family members. If you are interested in joining the B2R Team, complete the application form online (www.alznyc.org/nyc/TeamB2R) and submit it by 12:00 pm EST on February 15, 2010.

The Chapter will notify applicants of their status after all applications have been reviewed. For questions regarding Team B2R, please contact Nick Emerson at 646-744-2947 or e-mail him at bikeathon[at]alznyc.org. In the race against Alzheimer’s, the road is long and arduous, but with each push, the pedal brings us closer to ending the cycle of Alzheimer’s disease.

Attendees – Sonny Bindra, David Bowen, Chris Forsythe, Mike Green, David Greenberg, Cami Kornely, Wendy Nickerson, Jen Saunders, and Tony Slokar

I. Next Meeting – March 1st, 6:45 p.m. (location TBD).

II. Past Minutes – Any Board member revisions/corrections to previously circulated minutes are due by February 10.

III. Racing
a. Action Items – David Bowen will coordinate execution of contracts with New York City and secure motos.
b. Rules – Rules need to be updated by David Bowen and sent out to membership.
c. Race Schedule – As VP of Racing, David Bowen will determine the race length and format. Following discussion, the Board recommended to David Bowen that the race start times prior to June 26th be set at 6:00 to allow members to travel from outside of Manhattan (particularly given the sunrise times in the early spring). It was observed that club members appreciate the longer races. However, the general consensus was that, prior to June 26th, it did not make sense to have races longer than 7 laps for the A field.

IV. Rider Development
a. 2010 Coaches – Tony Slokar reported that there were 4 coaches that are currently on board for 2010 – Ann Marie Miller, Dave Jordan, Scot Willingham, and Deirdre Murphy
b. Permits – Tony will complete the permit process for coaching sessions and will, to the extent possible, file for permits for the full season for set days of the week.
c. Coached Rides For New Members – Tony plans to have coached rides for new members on February 2Oth and 27th.
d. Junior Team Proposal. Tony reported that he expects Ken Harris to make a presentation to the Board for 2010 junior plans.
e. Time Trial Coaching – Tony indicated that he was looking into a time trialing coaching series (e.g., over 6-8 weeks).
f. Sub-Teams As Barrier to Getting Started – The Board discussed whether new members felt that a sub-team was a ‘necessary’ requirement to begin racing and, if so, whether this was a barrier to CRCA. The Board did not find any need to make any change to the sub-team structure.
g. Women’s Only Coaching Sessions – The Board discussed continuing women-only sessions, observing that this appeared to be successful in prior years (led by Nina Strika, for example).

V. Membership
a. Increased YTD Membership- Chris Forsythe reported Increased registration year-to-date compared to 2009. It is difficult, however, to understand whether this increase will be sustained for 2010.
b. Race Numbers – Chris will mail out race numbers, using the same system as last year (2 numbers sent to each member, and a 3rd number held at the races in case a member loses their number and provided for a $5 fee).
c. Notice Regarding February 15th Early Registration Discount – A notice should be sent out to members that the early registration discount ends on February 15th.

VI. Teams
a. Number of Teams – Cami reported that currently there are 33 teams for 2010.
c. New Teams – Overstock.com, Gotham/Toga, Chomper Body, and Echappe are notable new CRCA teams. The Board discussed whether there was a minimum number of riders required in order to form a team but did not feel that a minimum needed to be established.
d. High Priority Team Duties – Cami will develop a list of highest priority duties so that the high priority duties are covered by teams. The Board discussed as priorities: CRCA’s Bear Mountain open races, Time Trials, Harlem Criterium. Also, the Board noted that it’s important to maintain a presence at CPC events.
e. Final Rosters – Rosters must be accurate. If names do not appear on a roster and a team has a rider in a team cup event, the team will not be eligible to earn team cup points.

VII. Marshaling
a. Initial Races – Based on member marshal date selections, we have full coverage for 1st 3 races.
b. Projections – Assuming same number of members, Sonny Bindra did not anticipate any issues with having sufficient marshals for all club races.
c. 2009 Suspensions – Data from `09 needs to be brought forward to catch those who “owe” dates from `09. Sonny Bindra will follow-up on this.
d. Bear Mountain Requirements – Sonny has allocated 40 marshal spots slated for Bear Mountain.
e. Updated Marshal Instructions – Sonny will update marshal instructions, providing additional details regarding role of marshals.

VIII. Financials
a. 2010 Update – Wendy Nickerson will update the financials to capture 2010 renewals and pre-season expenditures.
IX. Publicity
a. NYCC Coordination – Jen Saunders indicated she wanted to coordinate with NYCC generally on publicity and with respect to bridge repairs.
b. General Publicity – Jen will generate event specific publicity, with an eye to generating greater publicity among all cyclist constituents and the general public.

X. Secretary
a. Minutes – Prior minutes will be posted on the website for CRCA members.
b. Legal – David Greenberg will also review club legal issues with outside counsel, including, for example, the 2009 case relating to an marshal injured during a club race.

David Greenberg
CRCA Secretary

More and better officials are essential to continue growing the sport. New and experienced officials are welcome to attend the sessions.

The January 30 meeting will consist of a presentation by Judy Miller on USA Cycling rules and the responsibilities of officials. This will be followed by the test for official certification. On passing the test one is a certified Class C Official and can be assigned to work local races.

David Miller will lead a discussion aimed at moto officials and experienced officials. Certification for new moto officals will be available. New moto officials must first be certified as an official at Saturday’s session.

As an incentive, CRCA will pay the $30 fee for an officials license for all CRCA motos. Becoming a USCF official will also earn motos bonus pay when motoing a CRCA race.

The clinic will be held at Rob Stern’s studio on 80 West Third Street – just off Thompson St. , near the West Fourth Street Subway.
The CRCA thanks Rob for his support to make this event possible.

Mike’s ad for the camp is becoming an internet sensation.

The camp will be starting in Santa Monica, training and testing locally for two days and then finishing the camp up with long rides and some motor-pacing in the Santa Barbara area. The transfer between will be taken care of and they will be riding up to Santa Barbara as one of their rides.

They will have a 15 passenger van that holds 15 bikes on top as our sag vehicle and will be providing transportation too and from the airport. You just need to get yourselves there. For those who want to ship their bikes ahead they will have a full service shop that can take care of you in both directions. Mike just bought his plane ticket on Jet Blue round trip for $219. Jet Blue and American are having sales at the moment so it’s a good time to buy. The camp itself will cost $1200/person and includes accommodations, breakfast, sag food (sport drink, bars, sandwiches etc) and one or two dinners. It will also include a lactate test and massage therapy (2 recovery massages per camper during the trip).

The timing of this camp is designed for New Yorkers aiming at the spring races and is time well to give you a head start on the competition and send you home with a boost of fitness and a sustainable training load. Let us know if you’d like to join us. Spots will be limited and will be on a first come, first served basis.

For more info email Mike Sherry at mjsherry[at]gmail.com

–
Michael Sherry
PerformanceLabsHC.com
23 West 89th Street #1G
New York, NY 10024
mjsherry[at]gmail.com
mobile: +917.406.5982
performance-labs-hc.genbook.com
to book appointments in NYC
performancelabsnj.genbook.com
to book appointments @ Strictly Bicycles
on Hudson Terrace in Fort Lee, NJ