2016 Race Number Pick-Up Parties @ Veselka

This year's number pick-up parties will be held on Monday, February 29 (5-8PM) and Wednesday, March 2 (5-7PM), at Veselka. Veselka will be offering $4 beers and a beer and plate of pierogies for $10! On both days, a $5 gift certificate will also be given to the first 50 members picking up a number that day.

Season Pass and Donor members will be able to drop-off their series waivers, which are available here. Members can also submit their series waivers by e-mail, to waivers@crca.net. To be accepted, waivers must be scanned in full size, and every field must be filled out. The series permit number is 2016-524.

Members who are not able to attend the events may pick up their numbers at their first race. Members should arrive early for number pick-up on a race morning.

Club Race 1 is a 06:30 AM start, so early number pick-up and waiver drop-off means a less hectic race morning and maybe a chance to sleep in a little longer.

Best of all, you'll get to enjoy some food and drink in the company of your fellow club members!

The events are also a great opportunity to back a generous and enthusiastic supporter of NYC cycling and racing. Veselka is now in its fifth year of team sponsorship, and has worked with Transportation Alternatives for many years. Tips will be kindly appreciated.

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New Member Welcome & Orientation

CRCA invites all new members to attend a welcome orientation on March 1, at the Rapha Cycle Club (159 Prince Street, between Thompson St & West Broadway). The program will begin at 7:00 PM. The orientation will help to answer any club related racing questions, and is an opportunity for new members to meet each other and more experienced racers. We will review all membership requirements, including marshaling policy and club race rules, as well as USA Cycling rules and Central Park guidelines.

A Champion Systems fit kit with size samples will also be available, to help new members determine the correct size CRCA clothing to order.

Attendance is not mandatory, but is highly recommended for all new CRCA members.

To RSVP, please sign up at mindbodyoline.com. Drop-ins are welcome.

For any questions, please contact Tara Parsons at velogrrrl[at]gmail.com.

 

 

CRCA Now on Zwift

Zwift_CRCA  

CRCA kit is now available on Zwift! If you already have a Zwift account, hit “p” on your keyboard and enter the promo code CRCANYC.

Don’t know what Zwift is? Zwift is a whole new way to cycle indoors. It will transport you and your bicycle into immersive, detailed, 3D landscapes where you can ride with other cyclists from around the world.

Download a FREE trial at www.zwift.com -- and ride in style in our CRCA club kit!

CRCA Board Meeting Minutes (2016/02/09)

CENTURY ROAD CLUB ASSOCIATIONMEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

February 9, 2016

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Century Road Club Association (the “CRCA”) held a duly noticed meeting on February 9, 2016 at the Donghia Gallery on the 3rd Floor of 25 East 13th Street, New York, New York.

The meeting was called to order by Alexis Kraft, President of the Board, at approximately 7:00 PM.

The following members of the Board, constituting a quorum of the Board, were present:

  • Alexis Kraft – President
  • Gabrielle Fisher – Vice President, Racing
  • Tara Parsons – Vice President, Rider Development
  • Fred David – Secretary
  • Ken Edwards – Treasurer
  • Randy Locklair – Membership Director
  • David Wen Riccardi-Zhu – Communications Director
  • Tomi Ketcham – Marshal Director
  • Ted Teyber – Director of Open Racing
  1. COMMUNICATIONS WITH MEMBERS

The Board discussed communications with the CRCA’s members, including the need to communicate that marshals at Grant’s Tomb and Orchard Beach will receive only one marshal credit this year (compared with the two credits received in past years) and potential replacements or improvements to the current system for e-mailing members.

  1. GRANT’S TOMB

Ted Teyber provided an update on preparations for the Grant’s Tomb Criterium, which is scheduled for March 12, including the need to assign certain related tasks to subteams as part of their team duties. The Board also discussed finding one or two food trucks to come to the race to serve food and drinks to racers and spectators.

Mr. Teyber also reported that a title sponsor had not yet been secured for the race and the Board discussed potential options to secure a sponsor.

  1. MEMBERSHIP

Randy Locklair provided an update regarding membership enrollment, which is currently trending flat relative to last year’s enrollment figures.

The Board determined that the new member referral program would not be renewed for 2016 as it was not clear the program had a significant impact on bringing in new members.

The Board also discussed the planned number pick-up social event, which is expected to be held at Veselka in the East Village, with the time and date to be finalized and communicated to members in the next couple of weeks.

  1. COACHING

Tara Parsons provided an update on race clinics and information sessions, including timing. One race clinic is expected to be held in April with a second to follow in May or June on a race weekend after the New York Cycle Club’s SIG series has ended to allow SIG participants interested in joining the CRCA to participate.

The Board also determined that, in keeping with past practice, the CRCA would not reimburse new coaches for the cost of USAC coaching clinics, but would continue to reimburse coaches for the cost of their USAC coaching licenses.

  1. CLUB RACING

Gabrielle Fisher provided an update on preparations for 2016 club races, including a review of all tasks required to be completed before the first club race on March 5. Topics discussed included updates on the status of the process of obtaining requisite permits from the New York City Parks Department and USA Cycling and race-day staff.

  1. TREASURY / FINANCIAL

Ken Edwards provided an update on the status of the CRCA’s financial position. The update include a discussion of the CRCA’s available cash, the current revenue from membership enrollment (which is currently trending down compared to 2015) and Grant’s Tomb registration (which is currently trending at a level roughly equivalent to past races), the importance of finding additional donor members, and a discussion of ways to generate new members for the CRCA (including via recruiting members from other local bike clubs and teams).

Mr. Edwards also provided an update regarding the CRCA’s 2014 state and federal tax returns, including a continuing dispute with the IRS regarding the application of a 2013 overpayment to the CRCA’s 2014 tax obligation.

Mr. Edwards reported that the CRCA’s 2015 tax returns were in the process of being prepared and would be filed on time, and that the CRCA’s 2015 financial statements would be presented at the Board’s next meeting.

  1. NYSBRA Grants and Applications

The Board determined that Fred David would work with 2015 CRCA president Liz Marcello to prepare the CRCA’s request for grants from the NYSBRA.

  1. WEBSITE UPDATE

The Board determined that the “Forum” section of the CRCA’s website would be removed, as it was rarely used and generated a significant amount of spam.

The Board also discussed creating a “technology committee” to consider potential changes to the CRCA’s website and the backend admin system. No decision was reached on the topic and the Board will consider the matter at its next meeting.

  1. SPRING SERIES

Alexis Kraft informed the Board that while a promoter had secured dates to host New York City Spring Series races in Central Park in 2016 (after the Spring Series was cancelled in 2015), the promoter decided not to host the Spring Series this year, and so the Spring Series would not be held in 2016.

  1. OPEN RACING

Mr. Teyber informed the Board that a title sponsor had likely been secured for the Orchard Beach Criterium.

Mr. Teyber also informed the Board that due to a scheduling conflict on the part of the New York City Parks Department, the Orchard Beach Criterium would be held on May 15, not May 14 as previously planned.

  1. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Fred David, Secretary

CRCA Board Meeting Minutes (2016/01/12)

CENTURY ROAD CLUB ASSOCIATIONMEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

January 12, 2016

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Century Road Club Association (the “CRCA”) held a duly noticed meeting on January 12, 2016 at the Donghia Gallery on the 3rd Floor of 25 East 13th Street, New York, New York.

The meeting was called to order by Alexis Kraft, President of the Board, at approximately 7:00 PM.

The following members of the Board, constituting a quorum of the Board, were present:

  • Alexis Kraft – President
  • Gabrielle Fisher – Vice President, Racing
  • Tara Parsons – Vice President, Rider Development
  • Fred David – Secretary
  • Ken Edwards – Treasurer
  • Russ Bogin – Public Relations Director
  • Randy Locklair – Membership Director
  • David Wen Riccardi-Zhu – Communications Director
  • Ted Teyber – Director of Open Racing
  • Robert Rakowitz – Director of Teams

Also present were the following former members of the Board:

  • Liz Marcello
  • David Carr
  • Lucia Deng
  • Joe Grgic

1. WELCOME

Alexis Kraft welcomed the Board and thanked the outgoing Board members for their contributions to the CRCA.

2. MEMBERSHIP

Randy Locklair provided an update regarding the logistics for opening membership registration. The Board identified a target launch date of January 26.

The Board discussed continuing the new member referral program and potential changes to the program. Under the program, as in effect for the 2015 season, CRCA members who recruit a new member to the club received a $15 discount on the entry fee for a 2015 open race hosted by the CRCA. The Board discussed the need to better define the program’s requirements and to better publicize the program. The Board did not vote on the matter and will readdress the topic in a future meeting.

The Board also discussed the proposals for distributing race numbers, including a number pick-up social event, distribution to sub-team captains and mailings.

3. CLUB RACING

Gabrielle Fisher provided an update on preparations for 2016 club races, including updates on the status of the process of obtaining requisite permits from the New York City Parks Department and USA Cycling, staffing, and other related logistics.

4. GRANTS TOMB

Joe Grgic provided an update on preparations for the Grants Tomb Criterium, which is tentatively scheduled for March 12, including updates on the status of the process of obtaining requisite permits from the New York City Parks Department, USA Cycling, the New York Police Department and the New York City Fire Department and other related logistics.

5. OPEN RACING

Joe Grgic and Ted Teyber provided a brief update on preparations for the Orchard Beach Criterium and the Bear Mountain Classic.

TREASURY / FINANCIAL

Ken Edwards provided a brief update on the status of the CRCA’s financial position and concluded that there was no need to change the pricing model for membership and club races.

7. SPONSORSHIP OUTLOOK

Russ Bogin provided an update on the outlook for obtaining sponsorships for the CRCA and its races. The Board discussed the importance of locating additional sponsors.

8. SPRING SERIES

Liz Marcello informed the Board that the New York City Spring Series would be returning in 2016 after being cancelled in 2015 and that the CRCA would be lending equipment to the new promoter of the Spring Series.

9. COACHING

Tara Parsons provided an update on the 2016 coaching sessions and discussed adding Karl Rahn to the coaching program.

10. MARSHAL CREDIT FOR OUTGOING MEMBERS

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted that outgoing 2015 Board members would have a one-year relief of marshaling duty as a recognition of their contributions to the club as past board members.

11. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred David, Secretary

2016 Membership Registration Dates

IMG_20150314_164542 Registration for 2016 club membership will open on Monday, January 25.

There will be no increase in membership fees from 2015.

Membership fees will be discounted for the first two weeks of registration, and are as follows:

Associate: $45 Racing: $75 Season Pass: $100 Donor: $600

Starting on Monday, February 08, Associate, Racing, and Season Pass membership fees will increase by $15. Sign up early to save!

Further information on membership types and benefits is available here.

If you are new to racing or CRCA, click here for step-by-step guide on getting started.

2016 New Year’s Day Ride

P_035641 Start time: 8:00 AM @ Cat’s Paw Rambles Parking Lot (79th Street & East Drive)

Hand in your signed release form at the start – WAIVER IS REQUIRED (links below).

 

The course:

Over the GWB, to 9W North.

The course detours just South of Nyack:

  • You can either climb up just before entering Nyack, or
  • go through Nyack and use any of the access roads back west to 9W.

Either way you will climb Rockland Hill and continue on 9W for the rest of the ride.

Up to Bear Mountain/Perkins summit.

The return is the same route, finishing up by turning Left @ 110th St & riding South on Fifth Avenue to 90th St.

Have fun and a Happy New Year!

 

 Preparation tips:

Plea From Local Cycling Groups for Repaving of Prospect Park

Screen Shot 2015-12-16 at 8.01.45 AM

Last week, CRCA along with several other local cycling clubs, teams, and businesses who have a vested interest in ensuring cyclist safety in Prospect Park, sent a letter to the leaders of the Prospect Park Alliance, Department of Transportation, and other stakeholders, which pleads the case for why Prospect Park should be repaved for safety reasons. The letter addresses with specificity the most dangerous areas within the Prospect Park loop due to deteriorated road conditions, and points out the lack of a satisfactory repairs and response by officials. We are sharing this letter with CRCA members in hopes that you will help us in being vocal about this problem, and with enough pressure from park users, perhaps the park roads can finally be repaved.

We would urge you to post the attached copy of the final letter to your websites, Facebook pages, twitter accounts etc. to let your friends or customers know about the campaign we've begun to get the park road resurfaced. You can add a simple message or headline saying something like "Support the effort to repave the Prospect Park Loop: leading cycling groups have called on park and transportation management to repave the loop road by next spring."

Post a quick message to the Prospect Park Alliance and City DOT saying you support the recent letter by cycling organizations and shops. Links provided below.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Links: 

DOT: 

web/email: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/contact/contact-form.shtml?routing=bk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NYCDOT Twitter: @NYC_DOT

Prospect Park Alliance: email: info@prospectpark.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProspectParkBrooklyn/ Twitter: @prospect_park

2016 CRCA Board Elections - Concluded on Nov. 29

CRCA 2016 Board elections concluded at Nov 29 2015, 5:00pm Eastern Time. The election committee (Rod Millott, Jeff Vogel, and Sarah Chubb Sauvayre) has certified the results, and the following are the members of the 2016 CRCA Board of Directors. Many thanks to the election committee, to all who volunteered to put their names forward for a position, and to CRCA members who voted.

President-Alexis Kraft
=========
Vice President of Rider Development-Tara Parsons
===================================
Vice President of Racing-Gabrielle Fisher
========================
Secretary-Fred David
=========
Treasurer-Ken Edwards
=========
Communications Director-David Wen Riccardi-Zhu
=======================
Public Relations Director-Russ Bogin
=========================
Membership Director-Randy Locklair
===================
Marshal Director-Tomi Ketcham
================
Director of Teams-Robert Rakowitz
=================
Director of Open Racing-Ted Teyber 
=======================

elections