From Jessica McWhirt of Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado (BRAC)
I didn’t know anything like this existed when I first started racing. I learned about racing through Google and I thought there was only one format: road racing, because Tour de France. Until I joined a team (which I also had to Google), I didn’t know there were time trials, crits, and hill climbs. I also didn’t know you needed different skills depending on the kind of race you signed up for. Luckily, I picked a team that offers clinics for all disciplines so I learned that way, but not everyone is on or wants to be on a team. On the other hand, their team may not offer clinics like this that are meant to be inclusive and safe places for folks. I wish there was a series of clinics throughout the race season when I started racing because the more I became aware of different races, the more I wanted to learn about them. This series was created with new racers in mind, going from least intimidating to the most intimidating races. The clinics build upon each other so that way, when racers step up to a Criterium toward the end of the season, they are confident in their abilities, which creates a safer and fun race.
“This is a perfect opportunity for new and experienced riders to learn from excellent coaches, Alison Powers and Jennifer Sharp. Seriously, for $10, you’re going to walk away with newfound confidence and knowledge of bike racing. “
Date: 4/20/19
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: 9090 Ridgeline Blvd
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Eventbrite URL: https://bracroadcamp.eventbrite.com
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/315571069108804/
Description:The Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado’s Women’s+ Development Committee is offering a day camp to interested riders and Cat 3/4/5 racers seeking to learn and improve the skills needed to be a proficient and confident racer in a supportive environment. This clinic is a mixture of classroom discussion and on-the-bike skills. Please bring appropriate bike-riding gear (bike, helmet, etc.) as well as lunch during the break.
This camp is led by ALP Coaches, Alison Powers and Jennifer Sharp. The day camp will cover:
- Reducing intimidation of bike racing
- Racing and mental preparation
- Skills training
- Nutrition tips
- Race tactics
Folks who attend the Camp will receive discounts from:
- OrNot
2 Easton - Topo Designs
- Bobo’s
Folks in attendance will also have the opportunity to win:
- OrNot Socks and Caps
- 2 Boxes of Bobo’s + Swag
- Topo Designs giveaways
About the Women’s+ Development Committee:
The Women’s+ Development Committee aims to inspire and provide skills to the women’s+ (women, trans women, femme, non-binary) cycling community to encourage more participation in Colorado bicycle races in an inclusive environment. The Committee and BRAC (Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado) will provide support for women+ relating to:
- Recreational riders interested in racing
- Group rides, clinics, and events in relation to racing
- Bike-related questions
About the Women’s+ Development Committee:
A complete list and description of upcoming Women’s Clinics
Clinic #1: Superior Morgul Time Trial Course Preview & TT Skills
Date: 5/12/2019
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Superior, Boulder – On course
Eventbrite URL: https://bracttclinic.eventbrite.com
Facebook URL:https://www.facebook.com/events/367455527178298/
Description:
What is a time trial?
It’s usually called “the race of truth” because it’s one rider against the clock, coming down to an individual’s strength and endurance. Racers are not allowed to draft. Starting times are at equal intervals, usually 30 seconds up to one-two minutes apart. The rider with the fastest time is declared the winner.
Skills learned in the clinic (plus more depending on group needs):
- Maintaining a steady power output or controlled heart rate (otherwise known as “pacing yourself”) for long periods of time
- Maintaining a smooth pedaling technique
- Positioning self for optimum aerodynamics
New racers (Category 5) who attend this clinic will receive 50% off of the Superior Morgul Time Trial scheduled May 18th, 2019.
Clinic #2: Lookout Mountain Hill Climb Course Preview & HC Skills
Date: 5/26/2019
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Lookout Mountain – On course
Eventbrite URL: https://brachcclinic.eventbrite.com
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/2350671618591962/
Description:
What is a hill climb?
A Hill Climb is a bike race (either Time Trial or mass start) which gains altitude continuously, usually starting at the base of a climb and concluding at the summit.
Skills learned in the clinic:
- Maintaining a steady power output or controlled heart rate (otherwise known as “pacing yourself”) for long periods of time
- Maintaining smooth pedaling technique and optimizing form on the bike
- Positioning in the pack
New racers (Category 5) who attend this clinic will receive 50% off of the Lookout Mountain Hill Climb scheduled June 8th, 2019.
.
Clinic #3: Timnath Road Race Course Preview & Pack riding/pacelining Skills
Date: 6/23/2019
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Fort Collins, Timnath Reservoir – On course
Eventbrite URL: https://bracrrclinic.eventbrite.com
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/2249537251820697/
Description:
What is a road race?
Road races are typically held on paved roads with a start and end point. Courses may run from place to place or comprise one or more laps of a circuit. The number of laps varies between categories. Road races have a mass start and racers can draft.
Skills learned in the clinic:
- Riding safely in a group
- Pacelining (rotating through a line, taking turns riding up front [pulling] before peeling off and latching onto the back)
- Positioning on the bike and in a pack of riders
New racers (Category 5) who attend this clinic will receive 50% off of the Timnath Reservoir Road Race scheduled July 6th, 2019.
Clinic #4: Stapleton Crit Course Preview & Crit Skills
Date: 7/13/2019
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Stapleton Crit Course – On course
Eventbrite URL: https://braccritclinic.eventbrite.com
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/418878288876617/
Description:
What is a road race?
Road races are typically held on paved roads with a start and end point. Courses may run from place to place or comprise one or more laps of a circuit. The number of laps varies between categories. Road races have a mass start and racers can draft.
Skills learned in the clinic:
- Riding safely in a group
- Pacelining (rotating through a line, taking turns riding up front [pulling] before peeling off and latching onto the back)
- Positioning on the bike and in a pack of riders
New racers (Category 5) who attend this clinic will receive 50% off of the Timnath Reservoir Road Race scheduled July 6th, 2019.
0 Comments