Winter or perfect Cyclocross Weather

With the recent change in weather just a reminder that many of your teammates are still going strong racing and training for cyclocross. This weekend was no exception with absolutely perfect cyclocross conditions up in Edmonton. Below Andres, Alan and Chuck represented SpeedTheory at Velocicross on Saturday. Between races we are still meeting up for weekly training sessions. Keep your eye on the training blog or feel free to post a training option. See you on your CX bike!

STC at Haute Route

Congratulations to Trev, Tom, Paul, Scott and Nelson for a great 7-day stage race from Geneva to Venice!

And not totally unexpected, Trev placed 5th *overall* and was also the fastest North American.

CX Training!

The last couple of weeks has seen the establishment of a cadre of August STC'rs honing our CX skills and fitness.  It's very informal and doing laps of the course means it's open to all skill levels - go your own speed, because honestly, we're all trying to keep our lungs in our bodies, and somehow that's a lot of fun!  Keep an eye on training blog, there's a ride posted tonight.

Chuck

17 STC Members and counting in Midweek Mayhem !!

Club, the registration for Midweek Mayhem's CX Series started this morning and is already filling up. Remember to sign up soon!  We have 17 so far!

Trev

Recipient of the 2015 - 2016 Jason Lapierre Memorial Scholarship and beyond..

For those club members that were in the club back in the days when we were fund raising for a perpetual scholarship in Jay's name at the University of Calgary, here is the info from this year's recipient. It is great to see the scholarship still going strong.

In the year's since the creation of this perpetual scholarship we have focused on the creation of physical memorial in Jay's name and that is now just coming to fruition at the end of this summer. I will keep everyone up to date on progress from that initiative.

Below is the statement from the 2015-2016 recipient:

Confederation Park to hopefully become a winter Cross Country Ski facility.

With the COP facilities for Cross Country Skiers and MTN bikers being eroded in the hunt for added revenue, local clubs are finding new options to ensure athletes and active families have a spot to develop, experience the outdoors, and play. One of our long serving club members wanted me to share this new release from the Foothills Nordic Ski Club who hope to make Confederation Park a locally accessible nordic facility for Calgarians. Please consider supporting this initiative to ensure the Foothills Ski Club has a home in Calgary, to support the healthy lifestyle that our kids have/will come to enjoy, and provide access to a network of reliable inner-city cross country ski trails to all avid cross country skiers (see link at bottom of the news release).

Here is the link to the New Release.

Cyclocross Season is Coming!

Is it a test of athletic prowess or just a test of pain? Come practice the former on Tuesday nights. We are going to try and have a "pop-up" course set for your cross pleasure. Practice or learn new skills. Check the training blog page for locations. All welcome!

Tour de Bowness Registration Deadline is Thursday at Midnight.

Bob just emailed to remind us all that the deadline is fast approaching.

This is a great race and extremely well organized. The Criterium is associated with a big street festival again this year as well !!

If you can make it to this race, DO IT !!

Register here.

Wednesday Night Series Wrap-Up

Team, our commitment to the Crankmasters Wednesday Night Race Series is complete. As the series transitions to Peloton Racing pb Northern Backup I just wanted to thank all team members and volunteers for their support. Although many races were rained out, the ones that weren't were enjoyed by all.

Great news !!! It's finally happening!

I received word from the Calgary Parks Foundation that after quite a few years of planning and scheming between us, Jason's Memorial is going to become a reality.

The final spot for Jason's Memorial is going to be directly on the south side of the Edworthy bridge and will be a Fitness Park for adults located close to the Children's Playground. It will also have a piece of art containing a plaque describing Jason and the idea behind the Fitness Area.

I will post some drawings of the area and will be announcing a date when we can do an unveiling!

We will use any proceeds from this year's JayLap Memorial Cycling Weekend (we still haven't received final bills yet) to ensure we have a balance in case anything last minute is required. Thank you to all Alberta Cyclists for supporting the now classic JayLap event. It will be great to see something physical result from it and hopefully create an increasingly healthy atmosphere for families using the Edworthy Parks!

A special thank you to the Crankmasters who have continued to support this with us as well.


I'll have updates soon!

Trev

Some of the team at Masters Provincials, thank you Crankmasters!

I was fixing Tim's wheel and we had a confluence of our club show up! Nice opportunity for a photo.  Known missing was Titus, and Emily.  Good race!

'Prize' Money from the Jason Lapierre Memorial Omnium

Just a note to a few of those inquiring about 'prize money' for the JLap Omnium. We haven't received final bills from the City yet and are assessing how much we are going to donate to our Memorial on the Greenway. We also chose to put a lot of the costs towards the kid's events so that families could attend. We will determine if there can be prize money in the coming weeks.  For now, follow this link to see your prize.

Clothing Order #2 for our Club.

Team, I have been receiving requests to do another clothing order. (eg. the post below!), so I have opened one up as of tomorrow (July 4) and it will close relatively quickly (June 26) so we can get the stuff  here. Their time is 4 weeks as of the close.

Also, I have chosen 'Group Shipping' this time which means there will be no shipping charge for any club members, there is only one shipping charge to the team, and it all comes in a big box. This makes WAY more sense if you are only ordering a single jersey or bibs or something.

Here is the link to the clothing order.

Trev

Jo, a new women's member, needs a small women's jersey.

Team, does anyone have a small women's jersey they can lend Jo until we do another order? I will open another order this week, but it will still take time to get it.

Leave a comment here if you can help out.

Trev

Ghost of the Gravel is THIS Weekend!

I hope to see a lot of STC cyclists in the roster for this! I did this race last year and it is great. There is a new course this year and it is slightly shorter so should get those 'on the fence' to register.

Highlights for this year:

·         $1000 cash prizes

·         Merchandise prizes for all categories

·         Red Bull is actually at the race with their party wagon, and in the feed zones!

·         “Bandit Burger” food truck on site – and included in your entry fee!

STC WNS Kicks off June 15

Hi Team. It's that special time of year when our team has the privilege of organizing 5 weeks of racing for the Crankmasters Wednesday Night Race Series. We kick it off this Wednesday June 15. As your friendly WNS race director I am asking for your support and requesting input for race ideas. The weekly races and volunteer link will be posted on the Crankmasters website located HERE . I look forward to a great series.

Andres found a cool video on Quintana

Here is a short documentary on Columbia's best climber.

JayLap 2016 Results. (Updated) Watch for Picture links and Strava cool links.

Thank you to everyone who attended the 9th Annual Jason Lapierre Memorial!

The volunteers are what make events like this happen. Those that sat on corners in the crit, laid out signs, made applications to the city, scoped out remote roads, and all the 'unsung heros of the race'. The picture below makes it all worth it.

Omnium Results after ITT.
ITT Timed Results

Crit Results
Final Omnium Results

Also:  Thank you to the STRAVA Segment creator named 'J-Lap 2016 TT Official'  that looks perfect. It is about 3 seconds off the official times which is as good as I think it can get. Thank you.


Also:  Have a look at this link. Isn't STRAVA Flybys cool? It is even better if you slow it down to like 14X speed. This is the Cat3 heat.

Picture Link to the Cat 1/2 and Cat 3 + Women 2/3 race.

Picture Link from the Mechanic Tent manned by Cam and Mike!

Here is the rear view from the dominant racer in Cat 3 (in Cat 2 now rightfully) who completely dictated the finish to ensure Peloton Racing went 1,2.

Can't beat this excitement!!

Women's 3/4/5 Industrial Crit

Start list for Sat. June 4th.

Looks like Ernie starts the fun !!

Here is the link to the start list.

MAP FROM REGISTRATION / WARM UP TO RACE START.

REMEMBER:  It is a 4km ride from the Registration / Warm Up area to the Start Line. And you have to be AT the start AT LEAST 5 minutes before your start time. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

2016 Jason Lapierre Memorial Cycling Weekend - ALL INFO HERE. UPDATED WITH FINAL TECH GUIDE.

The FINAL TECH GUIDE is available here. Note that this is a preliminary tech guide and times / fees / etc and locations are subject to change. Check back for the final guide shortly!

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED !!  Please contact the ABA directly if you need to get 'in'.

And Kid's 'Crush-It' Crit info is here!  It is June 5th at 11:45am.

If you can't race, then Volunteer. Sign up here.


Please bring all your kids and all your neighbour's kids.... and all the kids you pass while driving to the event!  There will be a bouncy castle and a popcorn station for the kids while off the bike!

Jason Lapierre Memorial Cycling Weekend - Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet

STCer's

The Jason Lapierre Memorial Cycling Weekend is June 4-5, 2016, and we need your help! Races can't happen without volunteers, and this is our chance to give back to the Alberta racing scene.

June 4: Saturday Evening Springbank Grinder ITT
June 5: Sunday Morning dbPerformance Crit

Volunteer sign-up is here. More position will be added as needed.

The Tech Guide will be up shortly.

DOES YOUR TYKE LIKE TO BIKE?

Hold the date!  

Sunday June 5th 11:45am 

SPEED THEORY CYCLING 

presents the FREE

KIDS CRUSH-IT CRIT

We will have a well placed intermission of our J-Lap Crit to feature the future of cycling... our kids!  Any child ages 14 and under is encourage to participate.  

 400m for 5 and under (run-bikes, trikes, HotWheels are OK !!) 

800m (one crit course lap) for 6-9 year-olds

1600m (2 lap) option for 10 -14 (or any kid who wants to go, go, go!)

Every child participating receives a finishers medal!

Simply sign-on your kids (waiver required) any time before 11:30am at the SPEED THEORY tent located at the NW parking lot.   Located on the corner of Exploration Ave and Industry Way SE Calgary.  There will be a bouncy castle, popcorn machine, and snacks for all kids. 

Penticton Training Camp - Thursday May 19

A wet, cold day at pavement end on Mount Baldy. People are still smiling!

Congratulations to Darcy and Joelle !

Our JayLap Race Director and his wife just welcomed to the world their first child!  Jayne Charlotte Gullacher was born on May 16th. Both Jayne and Joelle are healthy and doing well.

Darcy is going to be snowed under with this being his first child, so please everyone make yourself available to help at either the June 4th TT or the June 5th Crit and sign up on the volunteer form when it comes out without Darcy having to get on anyone's case.

Congratulations Gullachers !!

Penticton Training Camp - Tuesday May 17

Today's ride up to the Sasquatch at the top of Anarchist Pass. The weather was perfect - sunny with light wind, 26 C at the bottom and 18 C at the top. Smiles all around so I guess it wasn't that hard.

Day one of the Penticton training camp presented us with a fine, crisp morning with light winds that rapidly warmed into the twenties, or as you must be now imaging, ideal riding conditions.

Being day one attendance was light, seven riders in total, including Ernie's brother, Frank who insisted on riding on his own to save us the embarrassment of being savaged on the hills, such a kind soul.

Captain Charles Bougie conducted the mandatory ride safety meeting which was followed intently, with only a few sniggers from the back row that were ably staunched by a stern glower. So six of us set out southward.

Being an evenly matched group we rolled along the east shore of Skaha at a comfortable pace and everyone remained calm and relaxed up the short McLean creek road.

Along the top where the customary sprint occurs Ernie quickened the pace closely followed by Tim and Dan. I trailed wondering about the warm feeling in my legs and lungs. Clearly Ernie hadn't studied the route map starting his sprint 1750 metres out. With Ernie fading Tim took over the pace with the rest of us scrabbling to catch his wheel.

Regrouping we nervously eyed each other at the 1000 meter mark. I was safely slotted behind Tim feeling my legs itching and senses tingling. The pace quickened, the tension rose.  Tim moved slightly right opening an alley ahead just as Charles surged to my left. Charles then threw down a head fake, a slight twitch of the chin upwards and to the left that set me off into my full blown sprint.  But it was me who was blown, being easily tricked into sprinting at the 700 metre mark. At 259.5 metres Charles flew off my wheel followed by Tim and Dan. Congratulations I just won 4th place and a set of steak knives.

So that's what happened in the first hour of the first day.  Five more days to go.

Saturday May 7 Team Ride - Dogpound loop NW 10 AM

This week we're riding in the north west again.  Meet at the Bearspaw Lions Club (25240 Nagway Rd, Calgary, AB) at 10 am.  From BPL we head out the normal way and do the Dogpound loop, distance about 100 km.  We might throw in an extra loop (maybe go to the Beaver Dam Golf course for a drink) to bring the distance up 10 km or so. There are no stores on this loop (other than the golf course) so bring enough food and water to last. Same plan as other rides: tempo riding with waits to regroup. Here's the approximate route:

Leave your name in the comments if you plan to attend so we know who to expect. Hope to see you there.
Chuck
403-620-2304

2016 Penticton Training Camp Roll Call

Can each one of you (those attending) reply to this post and:

1. Let us know if you plan on attending the 2016 Camp?
2. Which days do you plan on riding?
3. Are you looking to share accommodations (or do you have any recommendations on bargains)?
4. Are you looking to carpool with anyone?

For Insured STC members only – alternatively here is the link for temporary insurance /to become an STC member while in Penticton – Temporary insurance cost is $40.00

Saturday Team Ride 10am - Priddis Departure

Hi Team,
This week the SpeedTheory team ride will leave from beautiful Priddis at 10am on April 30. We'll head over to Bragg Creek via Plumbers Road, 762, 22 and 66. We can stop for coffee before we carry on to the pass on Highway 66 or stop for coffee on the way back. We'll return via 22. Total distance will be about 115kms. The weather looks alright. We'll be riding as a group but with the season approaching it's a nice opportunity to get training in with teammates and hone your skills. We'll collect at obvious points along the route. See you Saturday.

Tomorrow's Race Skills Night Postponed

The Weather looks terrible for tomorrow so let's aim for next Monday May 2nd for Race skills night in Elbow Valley.  Text me and I'll send you the address if you are planning on attending.
Marie 403-837-0921

The Ghost of the Gravel.

Here is the DeadGoat's clickable poster and route for their awesome event.

Here is the link to the course on Strava.

Parts & Pints Swap Meet - Wild Rose Brewery, Saturday, April 23

Parts & Pints Swap Meet & Social is a go this Saturday at Wildrose Brewery. 11 Tables of soon to be new to you bike gear. Doors open at 4pm, admission is $2 at the door.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1233534593327731/

Update-AGAIN-De Ronde Van Cowtown 2016

Just in. Ride is a go! See you there.

Due to the weather forecast this event maybe postponed for a week. A decision is expected at 8pm April 23. Stay tuned to the facebook page for information.

Hey everyone! This Sunday April 24 10am Eau Claire is the De Ronde Van Cowtown 2016 hosted by
Beers Instead of Gears (B.I.G.) YYC chapter.
It's a fantastic social ride (approx 75kms) right in Calgary and includes plenty of hill climbing.
You are never too far from home and under no obligation to complete the entire ride.
Come out and do as much as you desire.
There is a pub finish though...just saying!
Here's a link to the Facebook page for more information
https://www.facebook.com/events/1726034350973973/

2016 Penticton Training Camp Schedule

Date	Start time*	Route	Shorter option	Dinner**
Sunday, 15 May	09:30	A short day at 103 km to get warmed up.  Quick stop in Oliver for water and food.  Then continue up to area 51 and home through OK Falls. http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/552237596	You could turn back at any point before Oliver.	Salty’s Beachhouse http://www.saltysbeachhouse.com 1000 Lakeshore Drive W
Monday, 16 May	09:00	A little harder and shorter at ~99 km.  We start with "The Wall" then up White Lake Rd with a stop at the highway 3A junction for food and water.  We then ride up Green Mountain Rd and down to Penticton. http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/552248334	At the end of White Lake Road you could take highway 3A and 97 back to Penticton.	Pasta Factory http://thepastafactory.ca/ 236 Martin Street
Tuesday, 17 May	08:00	First long day at ~189 km. We will stop in Oliver for food and water then continue to Osoyoos where we climb Anarchist. The climb will end at the Sasquatch.  Descend back to Osoyoos where we stop for lunch at the Timmies. After lunch we will ride back to Penticton the same way we rode out. http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/552249592	You could turn back to Penticton at any time, or just skip Anarchist and wait for the group at Timmies (and have a few donuts).	Bad Tattoo Brewing http://www.badtattoobrewing.com/ 169 Estabrook Ave
Wednesday, 18 May	09:30	Rest/optional day at ~74 km.  We will ride to Summerland then continue on to Camp Boyle.  We will return to Summerland and stop for coffee and food. Keeners can climb Giant’s Head Park Rd in Summerland before the coffee stop. Return to Penticton on a few backroads and along the highway. http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/404553808	Skip the Giant’s Head climb and/or skip the segment to Camp Boyle and wait for the group in Summerland, or ride back to Penticton solo.	Earls 1848 Main St #101
Thursday, 19 May	08:00	Big day at ~195 km with lots of climbing and gravel. We ride to Oliver and stop for water and food. We go up and over Mt Baldy past where the road turns to gravel. Then we’ll climb Anarchist from the back side, descending into Osoyoos for lunch at Timmies again. After lunch we will return to Penticton via OK Falls. http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/553376736	Climb Mt Baldy to the gravel only. Descend back to Oliver and return to Penticton, or continue to Osoyoos and meet the longer route group at Timmies for lunch before returning to Penticton. http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/398334632	Spiros Cubby Hole http://spiroscubbyhole.ca/ 130 Westminster Ave W
Friday, 20 May	08:00	Another big day at 180 km. We ride out to Oliver for our 1st pit stop, 2nd pit stop in Osoyoos.  We leave Osoyoos ascending Ritcher Pass followed by the never-ending road to Keremeos where we stop for lunch.  After lunch we continue up highway 3A then turn left up Green Mountain Rd.  We will regroup at the Apex turn off before ascending Apex. Speedy descent back into Penticton. http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/553380008	You could turn back at any time before Osoyoos. Once you’re over Richter’s Pass you might as well finish the long route. Always an option to skip Apex.	Salty’s Beachhouse http://www.saltysbeachhouse.com 1000 Lakeshore Drive W
Saturday, 21 May	09:30	Travel day for those departing. Optional ride (local climbs) or rest day for those staying.		Hillside Winery and Bistro http://hillsidewinery.ca/ 1350 Naramata Road
For Insured STC members only – alternatively here is the link for temporary insurance /to become an STC member while in Penticton – Temporary insurance cost is $40.00 *All rides start at Denny’s at 939 Burnaby Ave W (Penticton BC) **Dinner is optional and is generally at 6:30/7:00pm, depending on when we finish riding ***can we have a volunteer to assist in arranging restaurant reservations while we are out there? ***

Saturday Group Ride - April 16

Hi Everyone. This weeks group ride starts and finishes at Calaway Park. Departure at 10:15am. Total distance will be around 90-100kms. Everyone is welcome and no one gets left behind. Below  is the route out to Horse Creek Road from Calaway. We will change the route slightly on the way back for variety. Hope to see a big group.