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BlastRadius
12-19-08, 04:45 PM
this may be helpful.
https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?item_id=3002
I just signed up for it (only $6.50 + an afternoon in Newark).
My schedule works out for most of the Early Bird crits in Fremont/Newark as well.
http://www.velopromo.com/ebcr-ent.htm
So if anyone is interested in carpooling....
I'm not sure about the clinic but I do plan on doing the Early Bird crits.
kaiserboy
12-20-08, 12:10 AM
I will be doing the 4pm clinic and the early bird crits also.
BlastRadius
12-20-08, 02:03 AM
:thumb: Cool, see you guys there.
velogirls
12-21-08, 04:02 PM
I'm bringing my new racers to the 4:00. Larry is the bomb -- a great racer, a good man, and a knowledgeable coach.
The EBs are a great program, but be careful in the actual races. In January, most folks don't have race fitness, and new racers don't have skills, so there can be some sticky situations. However, the clinics are fabulous for learning the basic skills -- as useful if not more useful than the actual crits. You can participate in the clinics without participating in the crits. Depending on your experience level, it might be more sensible to observe a race or two and participate in the clinics before jumping right in. Remember, the race season is very long (9 months), so there is plenty of time to race in later-season races.
There are lots of resources in Northern CA for new racers. Joining a club or team is one really good option since most clubs have some type of coaching or skills training available. Also, check the NCNCA calendar (http://www.ncnca.org/clinics/)for other clinics throughout the year. In addition to me, there are several other coaches who teach clinics (either specifically for racing or for general skill-building).
We've got a 4-hour Racing Skills and Tactics (https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?id=3033) clinic on the calendar for May 23rd (one for men and one for women). We've found that this is a good time in the season for a refresher, especially if you've done a handful of races.
And for the women, we have a six-week racing program -- the Tri-Flow Women's Development Racing Program (https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?id=3026). There's nothing else like it in the US and I can't think of a better way to begin racing.
I'm a big proponent of clinics and skills education. Mass-start bicycle racing can be a dangerous sport, and it will benefit you and the folks you race with if you learn as much as possible before entering a race.