New Year, New Website

Welcome to the new home of Century Road Club Association on the internet - CRCA.net.

Based on feedback from our 2017 membership survey we are aiming to create a site that is easier to navigate, particularly when it comes to key information like the race schedule, while also creating a community forum full of news about the club and our members.

Developing the new site will be a multi-week process, particularly when it comes to building out information about our 2018 race schedule including the upcoming CRCA Grant's Tomb Criterium. the first big race of the looming road season. Stay tuned for continued updates and if you have any feedback along the way feel free to let the CRCA Board know via the Club's Facebook Page. 

CRCA New Year's Day Ride

The CRCA New Year's Day Ride is on!  Start 2017 in the best way possible - by joining your CRCA friends for the annual CRCA New Year's Day Ride. Start: Sun Jan 1 / 8:00 AM @ Cat’s Paw Rambles Parking Lot  (arrive 5 minutes beforehand - no one wants to wait around in the cold!)

The route:

• Over the GWB, to 9W North
• The course detours just South of Nyack where 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
• Return via the same route, finishing up by turning Left @ 110th St & riding South on Fifth Avenue to 90th St

What you need to know:

• Bring a signed USAC waiver 
• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Pack your own proper ride nutrition and hydration
• Ensure you have means to deal with flats

Here's a clip from 2011 made by Harry Zernike to help entice you to join!

https://vimeo.com/19185133/2a26ee20e1

2017 CRCA Board Election Results

Elections for the 2017 CRCA Board elections concluded at November 4, 2016, 10:30PM ET.The election committee (Rod Millott, Sarah Chubb Sauvayre and Matthew Erchull) has certified the results, and the following are the members of the 2017 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: Gabby Fisher

Vice President of Rider Development: Tara Parsons

Vice President of Racing: Julius Quito

Secretary: Fred David

Treasurer: Ken Edwards

Communications Director: Daniel Goldberg

Public Relations Director: Jeff Young

Membership Director: Madeleine Pascolini Campbell

Marshal Director: David Moss

Director of Teams: Hank Greenberg

Director of Open Racing: Ted Teyber

CRCA Board Meeting Minutes (2016/10/06)

CENTURY ROAD CLUB ASSOCIATIONMEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

October 6, 2016

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Century Road Club Association (the “CRCA”) held a duly noticed meeting on October 6, 2016 at the offices of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher at 200 Park Avenue, 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 in person or telephonically:

• Alexis Kraft – President
• Gabrielle Fisher – Vice President, Racing
• Fred David – Secretary
• Ken Edwards – Treasurer
• Tara Parsons – Vice President, Rider Development
• Mim Gilbert – Communications Director
• Ted Teyber – Director of Open Racing

1. 2017 BOARD AND OTHER POSITIONS

The Board discussed the stats of nominations for 2017 Board positions. The Board also approved the creation of an open racing logistics coordinator and individual open race director positions and compensation for such positions.

2. TURKEY RACE

The Board discussed logistics and marshals for the Turkey Race. The Board determined to hire paid marshals for the race using the revenue from Lucarelli & Castaldi’s sponsorship of the race.

3. WEBSITE REVAMP

Mrs. Gilbert showed the Board a preview of the new revamped front-end of the CRCA’s website, which is expected to be ready to be launched by year-end.

The Board also discussed next steps for revamping the back-end / database of the website.

4. MEMBERS’ SURVEY

The Board reviewed a draft of the year-end members’ survey and discussed certain of the questions in that draft. The Board signed-off on the draft with some changes that were discussed and Mr. David agreed to make those changes and circulate the survey to the CRCA members.

5. 2017 RACING CALENDAR

Ms. Fisher presented a draft of the schedule of CRCA races for 2017. The Board agreed to attempt to hold the 2017 Bear Mountain Classic on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, subject to approval from NYS Parks.

6. ADJOURNMENT

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

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________ Fred David Secretary

2017 CRCA Board Candidate Statements

Statements (up to 300 words) from candidates running for positions on the 2017 CRCA Board: PRESIDENT:

Gabby Fisher --

I have been a dedicated and involved CRCA member since 2008. In 2010 I sat as Director of Open Racing, where I managed and delivered our Open Race series. In 2016 I returned as VP Racing which provided invaluable exposure to the operational side of CRCA, including the intersection and need for alignment across financial, logistical, marketing/PR, membership, and rider development pillars - all critical to the success of the organization.

Some highlights from 2016: executed 12 race series netting 2,000+ registrants (and catalyst for reviving the 2016 Turkey Race); optimized W’s field start position reducing neutralizations by +50%; ensured motos followed neutralization protocols and matched with appropriate fields. Additionally, I’ve built upon existing relationships vital to maintaining our partnership with key Central Park stakeholders - the CPC, NYC Parks Department and the CPMU. I feel confident that we are heading towards a successful 2017 season as a result of this.

The Board is currently positioned to continue delivering our signature quality products:  excellent coaching opportunities for CRCA members; incredible racing experiences through our Club and Open race series; continued effort on creating robust junior and rider development programs.  Areas of optimization include improving internal processes, streamlining pre- / post-race activities, developing a user-friendly website + communications program, and identifying ways to secure CRCA growth through increased sponsorship, collaboration with external organizations, and expanding our membership base.

Outside CRCA, my professional background includes leading teams through global e-commerce initiatives aimed at increasing revenue and improving customer experience through B2B and B2C applications.  Stakeholders range from C-level executives to third party vendors where maintaining alignment across relationships and demonstrating added value are vital to ensuring project success.

I would welcome the opportunity to leverage my professional skillset along with my 2016 VP Racing experience and facilitate forward momentum towards a successful 2017 season.

VP OF RIDER DEVELOPMENT:

Tara Parsons -- Statement to come.

VP of RACING:

Julius Quito --

Having helped the previous CRCA’s board of directors over the years as a marshal and race supervisor on club and open races, I have seen first-hand what it takes to run races that rely heavily on networking and coordinating with community organizations, city entities, and racers. I am eager to step up my contribution, to give back to an organization that does so much for its members, not for money or glory but for the love of the sport.

Outside cycling, I direct a team of IT professionals to solve problems, keep business continuity a priority, and maintain a high level of versatility while operating within a non-profit budget. I believe I can apply these same skills as the VP of Racing. In this position, I will continue the CRCA’s mission statement: to provide a safe and fun racing program in New York.

SECRETARY:

Fred David --

I am a Cat 3 with e2Value and a finance lawyer. I spent this past year as CRCA's Secretary and would appreciate the opportunity to serve the club again in 2017.

This year I've worked to make the club more responsive to members' wishes and to improve the value of club membership and the club's open races.

I have learned a lot about CRCA and the challenges it faces during the last year and I hope to put that knowledge to work in 2017.

TREASURER:

Ken Edwards --

As the 2016 Treasurer, I have worked very hard with the Board on four important fronts – first, with financial discipline and strong record keeping, and through the hard work of the board, I helped turn a projected loss into a slight gain for the year. Second we provided important financial support to the Central Park Conservancy and the CDCDF. Third I assisted with infrastructure investment and moved excess operating capital into better long-term savings. Finally, and perhaps most exciting, I developed a proposed 2017 budget that will allow us to continue Season Pass at its current rate.

In 2017 I'll continue to focus on instilling financial discipline that benefits members, and helping the board prioritize safety during park races and implementing new member initiatives to attract new racers and grow the sport.

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR:

Jeff Young --

Members and friends,

When I moved from Texas to New York in the fall of 2011, I immediately found a race I could do a few days after arriving in town. It was the Turkey Race - a great CRCA tradition I’m glad to see restored this year.

While the comradery of the Club was immediately apparent, what also struck me was the incredible privilege of being able to race in an arena like Central Park.  And that impressed on me straight away, what a remarkable and valuable institution the CRCA is.  It’s an impression that has only grown stronger with me.  Over the last five years of my membership, participating in all the park races I could, the Club has given me wonderful friendships and spirited competition.

Today, I’m thrilled about the opportunity to serve to the Club and excited to continue the fine work that this year’s board has provided our membership.  My objective is to continue to deliver a safe, competitive, full race program with fields and opportunities for all members from beginners to experts.

We’ll continue to enhance check-in, provide quick results, cultivate the junior development program and make it easier for members to fulfill their marshalling obligations.  In addition, I look forward to continuing to maintain and build the Club’s reputation with the local community by finding ways to support others outside our organization, with the cycling community by recruiting more members, and with the Central Park Conservancy by doing our part to keep the park beautiful.  The CRCA has been generous to me, and I want to give something back and work to safeguard and preserve its future.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR:

Ceren Bingol --

I would like to serve on the CRCA Board as Membership Director as a way to give back to a community that has enriched my life over the past four years by making it possible and enjoyable to race and train in NYC.  When not riding my bike, I manage large scale projects and big teams as an architect, a task that requires organizational skills as well as a knack for communication, coordination and problem solving.  Without its sub-teams and members, CRCA would cease to exist, therefore I look forward to having the opportunity to promote and facilitate membership.

Madeleine Pascolini Campbell --

I was first introduced to bike racing in a CRCA Central Park Women's Development race three years ago and was immediately hooked. Since then, I have completed two seasons of racing with Houlihan-Lokey and also two collegiate seasons with the Columbia University Cycling Club. At Columbia University I am currently entering the 4th year of a PhD program, and during my time there I have been fortunate to get involved with managing the CU Cycling Club. In 2015 I helped organize the CU race weekend at Rockland Lake, where I was in charge of obtaining sponsorship and organizing logistics for 200 participating racers. For the 2015-2016 academic year, I served as Vice President for CU Cycling and helped with multiple aspects of the club ranging from contacting sponsors, recruitment, organizing collegiate race weekends and coordinating with University administrators. Being on the CU Cycling board was a great experience and I hope to now contribute my skills and enthusiasm for cycling to CRCA.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR:

Daniel Goldberg --

As a new member in 2016, I know firsthand the importance of good communication and the ability for members to stay up to date on CRCA happenings and events. I believe this provides the groundwork to build out a strong community while simultaneously welcoming new members into the fold. From my brief conversation with the current Communications Director, Mim, it seems the majority of responsibilities of this role fall into one of two categories – email communication and social media – which aligns well with my work experience.

I’ve been doing this “marketing” thing for a little while now and have covered several related areas. Working as an in-house marketing manager, I’m responsible for both internal and external messaging, developing and deploying key communications to various audiences. This may cover existing messaging that simply needs to be distributed in a digestible format or new content that needs to be developed from scratch. In my previous marketing agency life, I worked at an agency creating and managing digital and social content for clients and fully understand how that ecosystem works and the various channels interact. While certainly different, the skillsets developed in these roles will translate well into the needs of this position.

Even though I only recently joined CRCA, I’ve jumped in taking advantage of various clinics (road & cx), CP races, and general local cycling knowledge. The Communications Director position will allow me to not only increase my involvement within the community, but also help engage existing and new members.

MARSHAL DIRECTOR:

David Moss --

I’ve been racing with CRCA since 2012 and it’s been a pretty incredible and rewarding experience; I’d like to give something back to the organization and help make the 2017 another successful season. I’ve previously served on multiple boards in advisory and executive positions, and would look forward to working with the CRCA Board and all of you to see continued growth of racing in and around NYC.  In addition to contributing to the broader goals of the Board and Club, I would try to bring back additional options for double marshalling credit (e.g., early season races, open races), continue to ease the identification of substitutes, and provide additional options for removal from the suspension list (e.g., donations to the development program).

DIRECTOR OF OPEN RACING:

Ted Teyber --

Ted Teyber was CRCA's 2016 Director of Open Racing and is excited to return for another year to continue to improve CRCA's open races and the experience of members.  Ted's enthusiasm for cycling at all levels, as well as his experience as a land use and commercial real estate attorney provide an excellent tool-set for municipal and USAC permit applications, as well as promoting registration among regional racers.  Growing up in Southern California, Ted’s entree to cycling was mountain biking, and he was on the University of California Santa Barbara’s MTB team as an undergraduate.  Ted moved East for law school, and with the free time that became available upon graduating, became interested in road racing as an adrenaline substitute for the elevation and features of mountain biking the western states.  In addition to being a member of CRCA, Ted is a contributing member of IMBA, Transportation Alternatives, and Rails to Trails.

DIRECTOR OF TEAMS:

Hank Greenberg --

Over the past four seasons, I've taken so much from CRCA: fitness, friends, and access to competitive road racing 15 minutes from home. CRCA teams are the heart of our club. As your Director of Teams, I will give back what I've taken by serving as a team resource, ensuring that the CRCA supports its teams, and ensuring that teams support the CRCA. In addition to my love for our sport, I bring to this job excellent organizational skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to our club. I don't miss deadlines or emails, and I have the time to give this job the attention it deserves.

Edward Sirya --

I am passionate about cycling and about NYC. I hope to contribute to the CRCA in ways that will add value to our riders and to our city. I would like to join the board as the Director of Teams to help cultivate new sub teams, coordinate team duties efficiently, and support the CRCA in its vision and purpose. I would love to see bike racing thrive here in our city. I have five years of experience in executive leadership and I serve on the board of a large non-profit organization. My family is originally from Thailand and I am an ordained Presbyterian minister. I race with an exceptional group of guys from RBNY and live on the Upper East Side with my wife, Roz, who is my biggest fan.

2017 Board Nominations - Now Open

Just a reminder, nominations for the Board of CRCA are still being accepted through this Sunday September 25. All positions are open, and we still have a couple of positions without a nominee, so if you have an interest in any position, please contact Fred David, the CRCA Board's secretary, at secretary@crca.net.

Self-nominations are allowed and encouraged!

A description of the roles of each position are included in the bylaws at http://archive.crca.net/about/by-laws/, and anyone interested should feel free to contact a current Board member about any questions (for contact info, see http://archive.crca.net/about/2016-board-of-directors/).

Each person accepting a nomination for a Board position needs to submit a brief statement (less than 300 words) explaining his or her qualifications for the position, interest and motivation for running. These statements will be publicized to club members in advance of the vote for the 2017 Board.

Outgoing Board members will be available to provide a handover of responsibilities to incoming Board members. A smooth transition to simplify the job of a newly elected member is key to the organization continuing to provide excellent racing and training opportunities.

Board members receive free club membership, free entry to club races, exemption from marshaling duties, and team duty points for their sub-team.

Serving on the Board is also a great way to meet other New Yorkers that are passionate about bicycle racing. Please consider nominating yourself or a fellow member to help the club move forward into 2017.