Saturday, January 29, 2011

Today's Cohasset Uphill Time Trial Results..........

Today's Cohasset Uphill Time Trial Results - Jan. 29, 2011:

Hi Everyone! Well, freezing cold temperatures and fog greeted us at this morning's Cohasset Uphill Time Trial - the 6th Event in the 2011 25-race Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series, but we still had 25 riders take part - thank you ALL for coming out to that one today!! I can't thank you enough for participating in these little events - thank you so much!! And a HUGE thank you to Gary Fowler for starting the riders off this morning, and his massive support of the R.A.C.E. events! And, finally, I would like to thank the Sierra Nevada Brewery for their wonderful sponsorship of these events! We have quite the cycling year ahead of us, and am looking forward to putting on many many more R.A.C.E. events as the season goes on - if you know of anyone that might like to be added to the R.A.C.E. e-mail list, have them shoot me an e-mail at ChicoCyclist@gmail.com and I will add them.

The next event in the 2011 Butte Hill Series is next Saturday morning - Event #7 - The Pentz Road Uphill Time Trial - Saturday, February 5th at 9:00AM.
This one will be held rain or shine, and is a Category 4 climb in this Series. Registration will open at 8:30am, with the 1st rider taking off at 9:01am - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The Start/Registration area is at Spring Valley School on Pentz Road(the lunch stop for Chico Velo's Wildflower Century) - just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile at the Start line. The Pentz Road Uphill Time Trial course is approximately 5.8 miles in length, climbs approximately 1,200 feet, and is considered a Category 4 Climb in the Series. For a map of the the current Pentz Road Time Trial course, please visit:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Pentz-Road-TT

***And, I still need 1 volunteer to help me start the riders off next Saturday morning - If you can help out, just send me an e-mail - you get a 3-point bonus in the Series, you still get to race it(just be the last rider to start), and you will have my undying gratitude. ;)

Okay, below are the Combined Results from today's Cohasset Uphill Time Trial, as well as the Category Results - and the Current Overall Standings in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Series. Today's event was considered a Category 4 climb in the Series.

For some photos of today's Cohasset Time Trial finish, please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo

Current leaders in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series after 6 events include:

David Albrecht for Category "A" Men
Patrick Clark for Category "B" Men
Rick Carhart for Category "C" Men
Diann Harger for the Women's Category
Mike Ruffner in the Masters 50+ Category
Aliya Traficante in the Junior Category

Overall Series Points Leader: Mike Ruffner - 136 Points.

We have a whopping 19 events remaining in the Series - hope you can get out there and give 'em a shot.......it's just you against the clock - no big whoop - just test yourself! It is NEVER too late to get in on the Series - LOTS of points and events left - and lots of fun too!! Hope you can join us out there - remember, they are just training events, and we're out there to just ride our bikes and get some good fitness built for the cycling season! Trophies and whatever prizes I can get for the Series overall winners/placers. Helmets are mandatory.

Please let me know if you see any additions, subtractions, corrections, deletions or any other changes that need to be made in the results below - I may have guessed on some of the Categories, so let me know if there's an error. Results will be final after a 24-hour protest period:

COMBINED RESULTS - COHASSET UPHILL TIME TRIAL - January 29th, 2011:

1. Ian Boswell 20:41
2. Rich Thurman 23:14
3. Kris Blee 24:38
4. Tim Olson 25:50
5. Ben Wentland 26:50
6. Rudi Lange 27:27
7. Chris Devine 27:32
8. Luke Wentland 28:01
9. Patrick Clark 28:23
10. Mike Ruffner 28:37
11. John Touchette 29:20
12. JJ Coughlin 29:52
13. David Dura 30:34
14. Janine Rood 30:48
15. Ryan Hiner 30:57
16. Gary Fowler 31:13
17. Alex Roberson 32:10
18. Garrett Marking 33:08
19. Phil Weintraub 33:24
20. Diann Harger 34:09
21. Randy Will 34:26
21. Byron Fountain 34:26
23. Chris Marking 34:32
24. Russ Fortier 40:56
25. Chris Lambert 48:53

CATEGORY RESULTS - COHASSET UPHILL TIME TRIAL - January 29, 2011:

Category "A" Results:
1. Ian Boswell 20:41 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Rich Thurman 23:14 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Kris Blee 24:38 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
4. Tim Olson 25:50 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)
5. Ben Wentland 26:50 (14 points + 3 = 17 points)
6. Luke Wentland 28:01 (12 points + 3 = 15 points)

Category "B" Results:
1. Rudi Lange 27:27 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Chris Devine 27:32 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Patrick Clark 28:23 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
4. John Touchette 29:20 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)
5. JJ Coughlin 29:52 (14 points + 3 = 17 points)
6. David Dura 30:34 (12 points + 3 = 15 points)
7. Alex Roberson 32:10 (10 points + 3 = 13 points)
8. Randy Will 34:26 (8 points + 3 = 11 points)
9. Chris Marking 34:32 (6 points + 3 = 9 points)

Category "C" Results:
1. Russ Fortier 40:56 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)

Women's Category Results:
1. Janine Rood 30:48 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Diann Harger 34:09 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)

Mens 50+ Category Results:
1. Mike Ruffner 28:37 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Ryan Hiner 30:57 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Gary Fowler 31:13 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
4. Phil Weintraub 33:24 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)
5. Byron Fountain 34:26 (14 points + 3 = 17 points)

Juniors Category Results:
1. Garrett Marking 33:08 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Chris Lambert 48:53 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)

CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE 2011 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES AFTER 6 EVENTS:

Category "A" Overall Standings:
1. David Albrecht 119 points
2. Rich Thurman 76 points
3. Ben Wentland 71 points
4. Tim Olson 57 points
5. Kris Blee 54 points
6. Luke Wentland 44 points
6. Mark Wolford 44 points
8. Jim Roberts 36 points
9. Gary Towne 34 points
10. Brad Foster 32 points
11. Ian Boswell 27 points
12. Jeff Galland 23 points
13. Aren Timmel 17 points
14. Josh Bullock 15 points
14. Tyler Honeyman 15 points
16. Steve Wright 11 points
16. Anthony Ferretti 11 points
18. Sean Dugan 5 points

Category "B" Overall Standings:
1. Patrick Clark 134 points
2. JJ Coughlin 103 points
3. Randy Will 80 points
4. John Touchette 61 points
5. Alex Roberson 47 points
6. David Dura 45 points
6. Chris Marking 45 points
8. Chris Devine 42 points
9. Rudi Lange 27 points
10. Daniel Law 17 points
11. Steve Chollet 15 points
12. Boyd Sears 9 points
13. Don Curtis 7 points

Category "C" Overall Standings:
1. Rick Carhart 103 points
2. Russ Fortier 50 points
3. Skip Lees 46 points
4. Ryan Laine 22 points
5. Greg Hollis 19 points

Women's Category Overall Standings:
1. Diann Harger 69 points
2. Teresa Kludt 46 points
3. Caryn Jones 44 points
4. Janine Rood 27 points
4. Maggie Jones 27 points

Mens 50+ Category Overall Standings:
1. Mike Ruffner 136 points
2. Ryan Hiner 97 points
3. Gary Fowler 75 points
4. Byron Fountain 63 points
5. Mike Trowbridge 38 points
6. Phil Weintraub 32 points
7. Mike Watson 27 points
8. Doug Weseman 23 points
9. Steve Chamberlain 17 points

Juniors Category Overall Standings:
1. Aliya Traficante 111 points
2. Garrett Marking 96 points
3. Chris Lambert 57 points

2011 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES INFORMATION:

Hi Everyone! It's that time of year again - The 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series bicycling event will start up on Saturday, January 1st with the Humboldt Hill Climb Time Trial!! This Series will visit various parts of Butte County, with the climbs and dates below. There was a similar Series done years ago here in Chico - 1981 or 1982 - by Tom Devol and Jeff Smith, who owned Cyclesport bicycle shop at the time. And, of course, there is now that almost-famous Low Key Hillclimb Series in the Bay Area every fall. In any case, we decided to have our own and revive the old Hill Climb Series.......with a few route changes. Below is a list of the tentative events with dates. It should be mentioned that these dates could change depending upon other events going on. And, of course......the weather! Rain will NOT cancel - but snow and ice COULD cancel the events. This is a FREE Series, so just come on out and take advantage of these great climbs and gain some good fitness(and fun!) for the upcoming cycling season!!

25 events - 260 Miles & 62,000 feet of total climbing - held over a 6-month period from January through June 2011!! Bound to be a very challenging and memorable Series. Sure - there will be pain and suffering - but it's the good kind!!

Note: The Chico Hill Climb Time Trial Series will be back in the Fall/Winter of 2011 - starting the first weekend in September with the Cohasset Hill Climb TT!

Build-up: The Butte Series will go from January 1st, 2011 through June 2011. This Series follows a progression over 6 months - starting with the "easier" Category 5 climbs early in the year to get your legs ready and all warmed-up.....building up to Category 4 climbs....then Category 3....then Category 2.....then Category 1.....and ending with the biggest Hors Category climbs in June. This should help you take advantage of those springtime miles - and get you ready for those hilly summertime Centuries, rides and races!!! It should also be noted that we are using a NEW Point Categorization for the Butte Hill Series(see below).

How does it work??? Below are each of the 25 Events in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. Each climb has been given a rank based upon feedback from some well-known riders in the area (and climbers in particular - yes, I know - everyone is different, but this is just a low-key have-fun series, so no big whoop). Hors Category and Category 1 climbs are the hardest, with Category 5 being.......let's not say easiest.......let's say........not quite as hard as Category 1! Points will be awarded to the finishers in each Hill Climb Time Trial - the folks with the most points at the end of the Series wins the overall title in their respective categories........along with the coveted Butte Hill Climb Champion Trophy. Never done a Time Trial before?? No problem - it's just you against the clock.....go your own pace and just do what you can out there!!! Remember - I have all types of riders out there........from people who can climb Humboldt Road in 13 minutes(record pace!)......to me(I take 41 minutes to climb Humboldt)......and everyone in between, with all kinds of different bicycles out there!! This is a no-big-whoop Series - just go out, have fun, test yourself a bit on your bicycles, explore some new roads and climbs in the area.......and just do what you can out there!!! We are just out there to have fun, and gain some good fitness!! All are welcome to come on out!!

RESULTS: I will try my best to have results out from each Time Trial within a 24-hour period, as well as the Updated Overall Standings after each event. The results will be posted to the e-mail group, on Facebook, on Twitter and at ChicoBikedotcom.

EVERY competitor who starts and finishes an event receives an additonal 3 points PER event. It should also be noted - there may be an additional points awarded for "adverse conditons" - known as "misery points". One year, we had an absolute freezing cold downpour of rain at the Centerville Time Trial and I awarded everyone 2 extra points for "adverse conditions"........but, again, this is a big "might" and the conditions would have to be atrocious. ANY person who helps me start the riders off at the events receives an additional 3 points for volunteering - I usually only need 1 or 2 people, and can almost always use the help.....and you can still race the event - just be the last one out of the starting gate and you'll be good-to-go!!

The Point Breakdown for placings is as follows:

Hors Category Climb = 60-54-52-50-48-46-44-42-40-38-36-34-32-30-28-26-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (In other words, 1st place in an Hors Category Time Trial gets 60 points, 2nd place gets 54, 3rd place gets 52, and on down the line - every person who competes in the event gets at least 1 point....and it is like that for each of the Time Trials).

Cat. 1 Climb = 44-38-36-32-30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 1 Time Trial gets 42 points, 2nd place gets 38 points and on down the line).

Cat. 2 Climb = 36-32-30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 2 Time Trial gets 36 points, 2nd place gets 32 points and on down the line).

Cat. 3 Climb = 30-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Cat. 3 Time Trial gets 30 points, 2nd place gets 26 and on down the line).

Cat. 4 Climb = 24-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1(The winner of a Cat. 4 climb gets 24 points, 2nd place gets 20 points and on and on.)

Cat. 5 Climb = 20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1

And here are the Time Trial courses, the tentative dates, and their listed difficulty category. Starting times for the events are normally consistent - 8:30am registration opens, 1st rider off at 9:01am. **PLEASE NOTE - These dates are extremely tentative, and most of them fall on Saturdays. However, that does NOT mean that they will stay there - any sort of scheduling change for an event could put it on a Sunday(very easily) and dates may be switched around or pushed until June or even July 2011. Reasons for a change in dates include snow and ice on the climbs, a change in the R.A.C.E. calendar or Rodney being ill or out-of-town, etc. So, take the dates with a grain of salt....for now:

Saturday, January 1st - Humboldt Road Time Trial - Cat. 5 - approximately 3.4 miles & 700 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!


Sunday, January 2nd - Centerville Time Trial (From Covered Bridge to the gravel) - Cat. 5 - approximately 6.6 miles & 1,300 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 8th - Cherokee Time Trial - Cat. 5 - (Start at Coal Canyon Road - across from Wheelock Road - and go up Hwy. 70, turn right at Cherokee Road) - approximately 4.8 miles; 1,100 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 15th - Neal Road Time Trial - Cat. 5 - approximately 8.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 22nd - The Lime Saddle Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 4.7 miles & 1,100 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 29th - Cohasset-to-Store Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 5.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, February 5th - Pentz Road Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 5.8 miles & 1,200 feet of climbing.

Saturday, February 12th - Clark Road Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 7.7 miles & 1,700 feet of climbing.

Saturday, February 19th - Coutelenc Time Trial - Cat. 4 - (Just stay on Coutelenc) - approximately 6.8 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Sunday, February 27th - The Dogtown Time Trial - Cat. 4 - 7.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,900 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 12th - Vilas Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - (From Nicalog to the end of Vilas) - approximately 7 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 19th - Dark Canyon Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 4 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 26th - Lunt Road Time Trial(From Coal Canyon Road) - Cat. 3 - approximately 8.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 2nd - Table Mountain Time Trial (Wildflower Century Side) - Cat. 3 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 9th - Forest Ranch-to-Lomo Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (starts at Forest Ranch Store; ends at entrance to Butte Meadows) - approximately 13.2 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 23rd - Lomo-to-Jonesville Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (starts at Hwy. 32 at entrance to Butte Meadows - ends at parking lot in Jonesville) - approximately 10.2 miles & 2,100 feet of climbing

Saturday, May 7th - Lovelock-to-Inskip Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 10.4 miles & 2,800 feet of climbing.

Sunday, May 15th - Cohasset-to-Gravel Time Trial (from Nicalog to the end of Cohasset Road) - Cat. 2 - approximately 9.4 miles & 2,900 feet of climbing.

Sunday, May 22nd - Garland Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 16.5 miles & 3,500 feet of climbing

Saturday, May 28th - The Pulga Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 17 miles & 4,500 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 4th - The Hwy. 171 Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 18.1 miles & 3,100 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 11th - The Oro-Quincy Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 21.8 miles & 5,900 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 18th - Toomes Camp Uphill Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 17.5 miles & 5,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 25th - Jonesville Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 35.5 miles & 6,200 feet of climbing.

25 Climbs, approximately 260 total miles, and about 62,000 feet of total climbing, held over a 6-month period from January through June 2011(if dates need to be changed, we could go into July 2011). Consistency will be key to winning the Overall Series. This should provide you with plenty of good climbing and get you ready for some great Century riding, the Death Ride and some spring/summer races!!

PARTICIPANT CATEGORIES: The following categories will be offered for the Series(see below). The winner in each category will receive the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Champion Trophy, along with Bragging Rights.........as well as any stuff we can get to give away as prizes. The Top 3 in each category will receive trophies:

Category "A" - Advanced.
Category "B" - Intermediate.
Category "C" - Novice, and slower climbers(like myself!)
Women's Category
Mens 50+ Category
Juniors (Looking at 10 to 16 years of age for this particular Category, but may be changed depending upon who shows up!).

***In addition - The rider who has the MOST points in the Series at the end will receive the "Grand Champion's" Plaque as well.

As usual, sandbaggers are strongly discouraged (A Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider entering a Category "B" event). Also, if there are a lot of folks in one particular category, we may split those up into sub-categories, if needed. However, please note - if nobody, or very few folks are in one category, we may eliminate that category. and add an additional category where the numbers allow it(these COULD include tandem categories, fixed gear category, Clydesdale category, or any other age Categories). At the end of the Series, we will have an Awards Ceremony at an establishment that would have us invade with cycling trophies/awards!! Hope to have some 2011 Butte Hill Series T-shirts to give out as well, but will be dependent upon my extremely limited budget.

One note - Any rider caught giving grief to the Promoter, the Timers or the Starters of these events will be automatically disqualified from - not only the event - but the entire Series. So, do what ya always do, and just have fun with the Series - it's no big whoop, we're just out there having fun and getting some good fitness!!! (No no - we've never ever had a problem with getting grief - just wanted to state it so it will continue to just be a fun event for everyone involved!!). AND - Helmets are MANDATORY!

This Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Time Trials in Spring 2011! Although donations are always extremely appreciated, they are NEVER necessary to enter these events - I just want y'all out there testing yourselves on your bicycles and having a good time!!! Also, this Series and ALL of the R.A.C.E. events are not associated with any cycling clubs, so you don't have to be a member of any club to take part in any of these events!!(Sorry - get asked that question all the time). Hope to see you out there - and I will have more details, maps and information as we get closer to the events.

Rodney........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Cohasset Uphill Time Trial - Saturday at 9:00AM!!

Cohasset Uphill Time Trial - Saturday, January 29th - 9:00AM:

Hi Everyone!! Event #6 in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series is this Saturday morning - The Cohasset Uphill Time Trial at 9:00AM. This one will be held rain or shine, and is a Category 4 climb in this Series. Registration will open at 8:30am, with the 1st rider taking off at 9:01am - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The Start/Registration area is at Nicalog Road & Cohasset Road - there is a dirt parking area there, just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile at the Start line. The course COULD change slightly from past years - we MAY finish just above the store, but before Vilas Road(will explain why at the event). The Cohasset course is approximately 5.1 miles in length, climbs approximately 1,600 feet, and is considered a Category 4 Climb in the Series. For a map of the the current Cohasset Time Trial course, please visit:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Cohasset-TT

Current leaders in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series after 5 events include:

David Albrecht for Category "A" Men
Patrick Clark for Category "B" Men
Rick Carhart for Category "C" Men
Teresa Kludt & Diann Harger TIED for the Women's Category
Mike Ruffner in the Masters 50+ Category
Aliya Traficante in the Junior Category

Overall Series Points Leader: David Albrecht - 119 Points.

We still have a whopping 20 events remaining in the Series - hope you can get out there and give 'em a shot.......it's just you against the clock - no big whoop - just test yourself! It is NEVER too late to get in on the Series - LOTS of points and events left - and lots of fun too!! Hope you can join us out there - remember, they are just training events, and we're out there to just ride our bikes and get some good fitness built for the cycling season! Trophies and whatever prizes I can get for the Series overall winners/placers. Helmets are mandatory.

CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE 2011 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES AFTER 5 EVENTS:

Category "A" Overall Standings:
1. David Albrecht 119 points
2. Ben Wentland 54 points
3. Rich Thurman 53 points
4. Mark Wolford 44 points
5. Tim Olson 38 points
6. Jim Roberts 36 points
7. Gary Towne 34 points
8. Kris Blee 33 points
9. Brad Foster 32 points
10. Luke Wentland 29 points
11. Jeff Galland 23 points
12. Aren Timmel 17 points
13. Josh Bullock 15 points
13. Tyler Honeyman 15 points
15. Steve Wright 11 points
15. Anthony Ferretti 11 points
17. Sean Dugan 5 points

Category "B" Overall Standings:
1. Patrick Clark 113 points
2. JJ Coughlin 86 points
3. Randy Will 69 points
4. John Touchette 42 points
5. Chris Marking 36 points
6. Alex Roberson 34 points
7. David Dura 30 points
8. Chris Devine 19 points
9. Daniel Law 17 points
10. Steve Chollet 15 points
11. Boyd Sears 9 points
12. Don Curtis 7 points

Category "C" Overall Standings:
1. Rick Carhart 103 points
2. Skip Lees 46 points
3. Russ Fortier 23 points
4. Ryan Laine 22 points
5. Greg Hollis 19 points

Women's Category Overall Standings:
1. Diann Harger 46 points
1. Teresa Kludt 46 points
3. Caryn Jones 44 points
4. Maggie Jones 27 points

Mens 50+ Category Overall Standings:
1. Mike Ruffner 109 points
2. Ryan Hiner 74 points
3. Gary Fowler 54 points
4. Byron Fountain 46 points
5. Mike Trowbridge 38 points
6. Mike Watson 27 points
7. Doug Weseman 23 points
8. Steve Chamberlain 17 points
9. Phil Weintraub 13 points

Juniors Category Overall Standings:
1. Aliya Traficante 111 points
2. Garrett Marking 69 points
3. Chris Lambert 34 points

2011 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES INFORMATION:

Hi Everyone! It's that time of year again - The 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series bicycling event will start up on Saturday, January 1st with the Humboldt Hill Climb Time Trial!! This Series will visit various parts of Butte County, with the climbs and dates below. There was a similar Series done years ago here in Chico - 1981 or 1982 - by Tom Devol and Jeff Smith, who owned Cyclesport bicycle shop at the time. And, of course, there is now that almost-famous Low Key Hillclimb Series in the Bay Area every fall. In any case, we decided to have our own and revive the old Hill Climb Series.......with a few route changes. Below is a list of the tentative events with dates. It should be mentioned that these dates could change depending upon other events going on. And, of course......the weather! Rain will NOT cancel - but snow and ice COULD cancel the events. This is a FREE Series, so just come on out and take advantage of these great climbs and gain some good fitness(and fun!) for the upcoming cycling season!!

25 events - 260 Miles & 62,000 feet of total climbing - held over a 6-month period from January through June 2011!! Bound to be a very challenging and memorable Series. Sure - there will be pain and suffering - but it's the good kind!!

Note: The Chico Hill Climb Time Trial Series will be back in the Fall/Winter of 2011 - starting the first weekend in September with the Cohasset Hill Climb TT!

Build-up: The Butte Series will go from January 1st, 2011 through June 2011. This Series follows a progression over 6 months - starting with the "easier" Category 5 climbs early in the year to get your legs ready and all warmed-up.....building up to Category 4 climbs....then Category 3....then Category 2.....then Category 1.....and ending with the biggest Hors Category climbs in June. This should help you take advantage of those springtime miles - and get you ready for those hilly summertime Centuries, rides and races!!! It should also be noted that we are using a NEW Point Categorization for the Butte Hill Series(see below).

How does it work??? Below are each of the 25 Events in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. Each climb has been given a rank based upon feedback from some well-known riders in the area (and climbers in particular - yes, I know - everyone is different, but this is just a low-key have-fun series, so no big whoop). Hors Category and Category 1 climbs are the hardest, with Category 5 being.......let's not say easiest.......let's say........not quite as hard as Category 1! Points will be awarded to the finishers in each Hill Climb Time Trial - the folks with the most points at the end of the Series wins the overall title in their respective categories........along with the coveted Butte Hill Climb Champion Trophy. Never done a Time Trial before?? No problem - it's just you against the clock.....go your own pace and just do what you can out there!!! Remember - I have all types of riders out there........from people who can climb Humboldt Road in 13 minutes(record pace!)......to me(I take 41 minutes to climb Humboldt)......and everyone in between, with all kinds of different bicycles out there!! This is a no-big-whoop Series - just go out, have fun, test yourself a bit on your bicycles, explore some new roads and climbs in the area.......and just do what you can out there!!! We are just out there to have fun, and gain some good fitness!! All are welcome to come on out!!

RESULTS: I will try my best to have results out from each Time Trial within a 24-hour period, as well as the Updated Overall Standings after each event. The results will be posted to the e-mail group, on Facebook, on Twitter and at ChicoBikedotcom.

EVERY competitor who starts and finishes an event receives an additonal 3 points PER event. It should also be noted - there may be an additional points awarded for "adverse conditons" - known as "misery points". One year, we had an absolute freezing cold downpour of rain at the Centerville Time Trial and I awarded everyone 2 extra points for "adverse conditions"........but, again, this is a big "might" and the conditions would have to be atrocious. ANY person who helps me start the riders off at the events receives an additional 3 points for volunteering - I usually only need 1 or 2 people, and can almost always use the help.....and you can still race the event - just be the last one out of the starting gate and you'll be good-to-go!!

The Point Breakdown for placings is as follows:

Hors Category Climb = 60-54-52-50-48-46-44-42-40-38-36-34-32-30-28-26-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (In other words, 1st place in an Hors Category Time Trial gets 60 points, 2nd place gets 54, 3rd place gets 52, and on down the line - every person who competes in the event gets at least 1 point....and it is like that for each of the Time Trials).

Cat. 1 Climb = 44-38-36-32-30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 1 Time Trial gets 42 points, 2nd place gets 38 points and on down the line).

Cat. 2 Climb = 36-32-30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 2 Time Trial gets 36 points, 2nd place gets 32 points and on down the line).

Cat. 3 Climb = 30-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Cat. 3 Time Trial gets 30 points, 2nd place gets 26 and on down the line).

Cat. 4 Climb = 24-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1(The winner of a Cat. 4 climb gets 24 points, 2nd place gets 20 points and on and on.)

Cat. 5 Climb = 20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1

And here are the Time Trial courses, the tentative dates, and their listed difficulty category. Starting times for the events are normally consistent - 8:30am registration opens, 1st rider off at 9:01am. **PLEASE NOTE - These dates are extremely tentative, and most of them fall on Saturdays. However, that does NOT mean that they will stay there - any sort of scheduling change for an event could put it on a Sunday(very easily) and dates may be switched around or pushed until June or even July 2011. Reasons for a change in dates include snow and ice on the climbs, a change in the R.A.C.E. calendar or Rodney being ill or out-of-town, etc. So, take the dates with a grain of salt....for now:

Saturday, January 1st - Humboldt Road Time Trial - Cat. 5 - approximately 3.4 miles & 700 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Sunday, January 2nd - Centerville Time Trial (From Covered Bridge to the gravel) - Cat. 5 - approximately 6.6 miles & 1,300 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 8th - Cherokee Time Trial - Cat. 5 - (Start at Coal Canyon Road - across from Wheelock Road - and go up Hwy. 70, turn right at Cherokee Road) - approximately 4.8 miles; 1,100 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 15th - Neal Road Time Trial - Cat. 5 - approximately 8.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 22nd - The Lime Saddle Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 4.7 miles & 1,100 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 29th - Cohasset-to-Store Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 5.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, February 5th - Pentz Road Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 5.8 miles & 1,200 feet of climbing.

Saturday, February 12th - Clark Road Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 7.7 miles & 1,700 feet of climbing.

Saturday, February 19th - Coutelenc Time Trial - Cat. 4 - (Just stay on Coutelenc) - approximately 6.8 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Sunday, February 27th - The Dogtown Time Trial - Cat. 4 - 7.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,900 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 12th - Vilas Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - (From Nicalog to the end of Vilas) - approximately 7 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 19th - Dark Canyon Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 4 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 26th - Lunt Road Time Trial(From Coal Canyon Road) - Cat. 3 - approximately 8.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 2nd - Table Mountain Time Trial (Wildflower Century Side) - Cat. 3 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 9th - Forest Ranch-to-Lomo Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (starts at Forest Ranch Store; ends at entrance to Butte Meadows) - approximately 13.2 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 23rd - Lomo-to-Jonesville Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (starts at Hwy. 32 at entrance to Butte Meadows - ends at parking lot in Jonesville) - approximately 10.2 miles & 2,100 feet of climbing

Saturday, May 7th - Lovelock-to-Inskip Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 10.4 miles & 2,800 feet of climbing.

Sunday, May 15th - Cohasset-to-Gravel Time Trial (from Nicalog to the end of Cohasset Road) - Cat. 2 - approximately 9.4 miles & 2,900 feet of climbing.

Sunday, May 22nd - Garland Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 16.5 miles & 3,500 feet of climbing

Saturday, May 28th - The Pulga Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 17 miles & 4,500 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 4th - The Hwy. 171 Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 18.1 miles & 3,100 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 11th - The Oro-Quincy Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 21.8 miles & 5,900 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 18th - Toomes Camp Uphill Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 17.5 miles & 5,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 25th - Jonesville Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 35.5 miles & 6,200 feet of climbing.

25 Climbs, approximately 260 total miles, and about 62,000 feet of total climbing, held over a 6-month period from January through June 2011(if dates need to be changed, we could go into July 2011). Consistency will be key to winning the Overall Series. This should provide you with plenty of good climbing and get you ready for some great Century riding, the Death Ride and some spring/summer races!!

PARTICIPANT CATEGORIES: The following categories will be offered for the Series(see below). The winner in each category will receive the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Champion Trophy, along with Bragging Rights.........as well as any stuff we can get to give away as prizes. The Top 3 in each category will receive trophies:

Category "A" - Advanced.
Category "B" - Intermediate.
Category "C" - Novice, and slower climbers(like myself!)
Women's Category
Mens 50+ Category
Juniors (Looking at 10 to 16 years of age for this particular Category, but may be changed depending upon who shows up!).

***In addition - The rider who has the MOST points in the Series at the end will receive the "Grand Champion's" Plaque as well.

As usual, sandbaggers are strongly discouraged (A Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider entering a Category "B" event). Also, if there are a lot of folks in one particular category, we may split those up into sub-categories, if needed. However, please note - if nobody, or very few folks are in one category, we may eliminate that category. and add an additional category where the numbers allow it(these COULD include tandem categories, fixed gear category, Clydesdale category, or any other age Categories). At the end of the Series, we will have an Awards Ceremony at an establishment that would have us invade with cycling trophies/awards!! Hope to have some 2011 Butte Hill Series T-shirts to give out as well, but will be dependent upon my extremely limited budget.

One note - Any rider caught giving grief to the Promoter, the Timers or the Starters of these events will be automatically disqualified from - not only the event - but the entire Series. So, do what ya always do, and just have fun with the Series - it's no big whoop, we're just out there having fun and getting some good fitness!!! (No no - we've never ever had a problem with getting grief - just wanted to state it so it will continue to just be a fun event for everyone involved!!). AND - Helmets are MANDATORY!

This Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Time Trials in Spring 2011! Although donations are always extremely appreciated, they are NEVER necessary to enter these events - I just want y'all out there testing yourselves on your bicycles and having a good time!!! Also, this Series and ALL of the R.A.C.E. events are not associated with any cycling clubs, so you don't have to be a member of any club to take part in any of these events!!(Sorry - get asked that question all the time). Hope to see you out there - and I will have more details, maps and information as we get closer to the events.

Rodney........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

An Evening with Mike Sayers...........

A Pre-Paskenta Dinner with BMC Cycling Team Assistant Director - Mike Sayers!

Hi Everyone!! Just wanted to let you know that the Chico Corsa Cycling Club is presenting a GREAT pre-Paskenta dinner on Feb. 5th - "An Evening with Mike Sayers" - Saturday, February 5th at 6:00pm......being held at Mom's Restaurant here in Chico! With 13 years on the Professional bicycle racing circuit, Mike Sayers is one of America's most experienced professional riders - and more recently, as Assistant Director of the BMC Professional Cycling Team. Mike is currently working with the next generation of cycling professionals on the BMC Team. He'll be sharing stories and providing inspiration for Paskenta(being held the next day!) and the entire cycling season. If you love bikes and bike racing, you won't want to miss this event!

Again, the dinner is at Mom's Restaurant here in Chico on Saturday, February 5th starting at 6pm. The menu includes entrée choices to fuel your Paskenta ride:

Pesto Chicken Pasta with whole wheat fettuccini
OR Butternut Squash Lasagna
OR Eggplant Rollatini with tofu ricotta (vegan option)
AND Caesar Salad, Dinner Rolls and Non-alcoholic beverages (no-host bar).

Tickets are only $30 and they're on sale now at the Madison Bear Garden website, www.madisonbeargarden.com under the 'merchandise' tab. There are only 65 seats available, so get yours today! Hope to see you there!!

For some more information on Mike Sayers, please visit the following links:

http://www.velobios.com/riders.bmc2007.sayers.htm

http://www.bmc-racing.com/us-en/team/team/mike-sayers.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSEJA11j5Rs&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7oz89hNSqo

Rodney.........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Today's Messilla Valley Circuit Race Results - Jan. 23rd, 2011.............


Hi Everyone!! Well, we had some pretty good conditions at this morning's Messilla Valley Circuit Race - I would like to thank ALL of you for coming out to that one! Today's event was Event #1 in the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series. We still have tons of events remaining this year, so come on out and give some of these little events a shot - they're great training and lots of fun too!

For some blurry photos of today's Messilla Valley race, please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo

We will be back out to the Messilla Valley Circuit Race on Sunday, February 20th, with an addition to the race - 2 KOM & 2 QOM sprints during the race(King of the Mountains & Queen of the Mountains). Hope to see you out there!

Okay, below are the Results by Category from this morning's race - in addition to the Current Overall Standings in the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series. We still have between 25 - 30 Road R.A.C.E.s left in the Series in 2011(see information below), so PLENTY of time to get out there and give 'em a try! Please let me know if you see any additions, subtractions, corrections, deletions or any other changes that need to be made in the results below - I may have guessed on some of the Categories, so let me know if there's an error. Results will be final after a 24-hour protest period:

CATEGORY RESULTS FROM MESSILLA VALLEY CIRCUIT RACE - Jan. 23rd, 2011:

Category "A" Results:
1. Brad Foster 1:43:40
2. Mark Wolford 1:49:43
3. Rich Thurman
4. Aren Timmel

Category "B" Results:
1. Matthew Carlson 1:52:42
2. Barry DeWitt 1:55:52
3. Russ Fowler 1:57:34
4. Chris Marking
5. Rick Carhart
6. Rob Bishop

Category "C":
No competitors.

Women's Category:
1. Forough Molina 1:56:12
2. Caryn Jones 2:00:49
3. Nicole Bateman
4. Lorna Andreatta

Men's Masters 50+ Category:
1. Denny McKenney 1:55:44
2. Phil Weintraub 2:04:08
3. Ryan Hiner 2:05:19

Juniors Category:
1. Aliya Traficante
2. Garrett Marking

CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE 2011 BUTTE ROAD R.A.C.E. SERIES AFTER 1 EVENT:

Category "A" Overall Standings:
1. Brad Foster (30 points + 3 = 33 points)
2. Mark Wolford (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
3. Rich Thurman (22 points + 3 = 25 points)
4. Aren Timmel (20 points + 3 = 23 points)

Category "B" Overall Standings:
1. Matthew Carlson (30 points + 3 = 33 points)
2. Barry DeWitt (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
3. Russ Fowler (22 points + 3 = 25 points)
4. Chris Marking (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
5. Rick Carhart (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
6. Rob Bishop (16 points + 3 = 19 points)

Category "C" Overall Standings:
No competitors.

Women's Category Overall Standings:
1. Forough Molina (30 points + 3 = 33 points)
2. Caryn Jones (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
3. Nicole Bateman (22 points + 3 = 25 points)
4. Lorna Andreatta (20 points + 3 = 23 points)

Men's Masters 50+ Category Overall Standings:
1. Denny McKenney (30 points + 3 = 33 points)
2. Phil Weintraub (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
3. Ryan Hiner (22 points + 3 = 25 points)

Juniors Category Overall Standings:
1. Aliya Traficante (30 points + 3 = 33 points)
2. Garrett Marking (24 points + 3 = 27 points)

2011 BUTTE ROAD R.A.C.E. SERIES INFORMATION:

Hi Everyone! After the great turn-out at last year's Butte County-area Road Races, we're going to be doing them again for the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series! This Series will go from January 2011 through September 2011. Most of the races will be starting at either 8:00AM or 9:00AM on the weekends - but some could be as early as 7:00AM.......and others starting as late as 10:00AM on some weekends. A list of various races that could(and probably will) be a part of the 2011 Series:

Messilla Valley Circuit Race
Table Mountain Road Race
Butte City Road Race
Aguas Frias Road Race
Jonesville Road Race
Toomes Camp Road Race
The Oro-Quincy Road Race
Cohasset-to-Gravel Road Race
Coal Canyon Circuit Race
The Vilas Road Race
The Forest Ranch Road Race
Honey Run Road Race
The Nimshew Race
Wheelock Circuit Race
Grainland Road Race
Lunt Road Race
Troxel Circuit Race
Lomo Road Race
Ord Bend Road Race
The Belden Road Race
The Midway Road Race
Stirling City Road Race
The Bloom Circuit Race
Pinkston Canyon Circuit Race
The Chico Road Race
The Mini-Road Races, like Cohasset, Honey Run & Humboldt
and many others.

In addition, the Road R.A.C.E.s could be part of the various Omniums going on in 2011(Nutcracker, Rumpstomper, Devil's Kick, Rodneyums, Knockoffer, Bilirubin, among others.......think Friday Night Crit, Saturday Hill Climb or Flat TT and Sunday Road Race, etc.).

Why have this event?
Looking at cycling from an international view, "road racing" is one of the most prestigious aspects of bicycle racing. The greatest racing champions in the history of our great sport - Eddy Merckx, Lance Armstrong, Bernard Hinault, Jeanne Longo, Connie Carpenter, Fausto Coppi, Greg LeMond, Miguel Indurain, Gino Bartali - the list goes on and on and on. These riders were great "road racing" champions. The road race itself requires great stamina, strength, speed, skill and sense to win - or to place. To win a road race - or place highly in a road race consistently - is the epitome of a great cycle racing champion. This contest will track the most consistent riders in the area for road racing. The winner of this event will have a great opportunity for bragging rights - plus, they'll win the Series Championship Trophy, and whatever goodies we can give away! Not to mention......it's just fun - and a GREAT workout!

How does it work?
Okay, here are a few notes for the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series:

1. We will be using a variety of courses for this Series - including some flat courses, very hilly courses, somewhat hilly courses, some long courses, some short courses, circuit race courses(no Crits), some point-to-point courses, and so forth. The idea is to get a variety of course profiles going for the Series to test riders a bit. The Series starts in January 2011 and goes through September 2011. We will have the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series Awards Ceremony in October 2011 at a location to be determined.

2. ALL riders MUST sign in at the start of EACH event - There will be a small table at the Start/Finish location - just sign in at the table and you are good-to-go! Sign-ins normally start 30 minutes before the event takes place and closes about 1-2 minutes before the event starts. Rain or wet weather will normally not cancel the events. However, a couple of years ago we had some tremendous smoke from the Humboldt Fire in this area......which, in turn, may cancel some of the Road Races due to hazardous air quality. Also, quite a few USA Cycling rules apply to these races.....but we're not going to go rule-crazy out there......just ride safe, look out for your fellow rider and have a good time.....that's why we do these!

3. There will normally be 3 Categories racing at the Road Races - the Category "A" Event(Advanced riders), the Category "B" Event(Intermediate riders), and the combined Category "C"(Novice riders) & Junior Event(normally, riders under the age of 16). However, EACH Series Category will be picked separately(Women's, Masters, etc.). Category "A" races will normally start first, with the Category "B" races starting a couple of minutes later, and then the Category "C" & Junior races a couple minutes after the Bs. If you are not sure what Category you should enter, just talk to me at the Start and we'll get it all figured out.

4. Helmets are MANDATORY! So, please....please.....wear your helmet.

5. Volunteers - Water bottle hand-ups will be almost solely dependent upon volunteers at these events.......so bring a volunteer with ya!

6. All are welcome - you don't have to do the Series - just come on out and give this Road Race training/riding a shot! They're a GREAT workout! No license required, no entry fee - just sign in and RACE - and have fun!

7. Points are used to calculate the Overall Standings in the Series. The point breakdown is as follows:

30-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1, with an additional 3 points being given to each participant finishing each event.

So, 30 points goes to the winner, 24 points goes to 2nd place, 22 points goes to 3rd place and so on.........in addition to 3 more points just for doing the event. The rider with the MOST points at the end of the Series in their respective Category wins the Overall Title - and the 2011 Butte Road R.A.C.E. Series Championship Trophy, plus whatever goodies we can give you. ALSO - There MAY be some additional points awarded in the Series for KOM/QOM - King & Queen of the Mountains......will be announced before each race. Also, many of the Road R.A.C.E.s in 2011 will be used in the various Omniums going on locally - An "Omnium" is just a stage race using points rather than time - and you do not have to complete one stage in order to do the next stage. You garner points for each stage depending upon how you did in the stage.......and, in the R.A.C.E. Omniums, the MOST points wins(many Omniums reverse this and have the least amount of points winning). Chico-area Omniums this year include: The Nutcracker, Devil's Kick, The Rumpstomper, multiple Rodneyums, Knockoffer and Field of Dreams.

If weather conditions are particularly harsh - or if a Road R.A.C.E. course is particularly harsh - we will add "misery" points to the totals. So, if it is pouring down rain at the Jonesville Road Race, we may add an additional 10 points for the "misery" involved in that race! In addition, most of the Mini-Road-Races held during the week(Humboldt Road Race, Cohasset Road Race, Troxel Race) will probably be counted towards the Overall Series, but with fewer points awarded(5 to the winner, 4 to 2nd, 3 to 3rd, 2 to 4th and everybody else gets 1 point).

Mini-Road Races: These are usually held during the weekdays.....either early in the morning or on some evenings.......and include a shorter distance "road race" event.....something like, the Chico Airport to the Cohasset Narrows, or Humboldt Road from bottom to top. For instance, we had the Wednesday Morning Humboldt Road Races at 6:00AM a couple of years ago and quite a few riders use to come out for those each week. In addition, we use to hold the Friday Night Cohasset Road Races at 6:00pm and lots of riders came out for those too! The idea is to get in a quick workout either before work in the AM - or a quick workout right after work in the PM, etc. Very minimal points awarded at the Mini-Road Races, but a great little workout - and a good way to gain a few additional points in the Overall Series. Remember - the key to winning the Series will be consistency - it's amazing what can happen by just showing up to race!

8. Although the races are advertised as having 3 Categories out on the course - Category A, Category B and Category C/Juniors - the Series itself has even more Championship Trophy Categories, including:

Category "A"
Category "B"
Category "C"
Women's Category
Men's Masters 50+ Category(in Cat. B)
Juniors Category (essentially, riders under 16 years of age)

***In addition - The rider who has the MOST points in the entire Series at the end will receive the "Grand Champion's" Plaque as well.

These are the Categories which all qualify for a Series Championship Trophy - as of NOW. We could add Categories if enough riders show up out there - so tell your friends! If nobody - or very few folks are in one category - we may eliminate it and add an additional category where the numbers allow it. As usual, sandbaggers are strongly discouraged (A Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider entering a Category "B" event - this would have to be completely obvious to the Race Director).

NOTE - The R.A.C.E. Director reserves the right to re-classify you at any time(within reason and with plenty of notice). So, if you are just demolishing the field at the Category "B" races, it is a sure bet that I will upgrade you to Category "A".

In addition, winners medals or mini-trophies may be given out at some of the Road Race events for the winners in various categories............depending upon the very limited budget of the Race Director. I will try my best to have the Road Race Results out - as well as the Current Overall Series Standings - within 24 hours from the completion of the event. Results will be posted to the R.A.C.E. e-mail list, Facebook, Twitter and my blog. If you would like to be added to the R.A.C.E. e-mail list, just send me an e-mail with the word "ADD" in the subject line and send to ChicoCyclist@gmail.com.

9. Although donations to put on these events are always very very appreciated and accepted, this Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Road R.A.C.E.s in 2011! Although donations are always extremely appreciated, they are NEVER necessary to enter these events - I just want y'all out there testing yourselves on your bicycles and having a good time! Also, ANY and ALL sponsorships for these events are highly welcome - so, if you'd like to sponsor the R.A.C.E. events, just let me know! Finally, this Series is not associated with any cycling clubs, so you don't have to be a member of any club to take part in any of these events(Sorry - get asked that question all the time).

10. The Race Director reserves the right to disqualify(DQ) any rider for unsafe riding or unsportsmanlike conduct at ANY time. Also, PLEASE - try not to use colorful language out there - especially with the little kids around watching the race at the finish line and so forth. ANY rider breaking these rules can be subject to disqualification from - not only the race - but from the entire Series. So, please - just do what ya always do and just be cool!

11. Finally, remember - these Road Race events are essentially for practice and exercise - we have fun out there and get a great little workout in, and we get to work on some quality cycling skills. But, overall, they're no big whoop....no World Championship/Olympic medals or million dollar contracts on the line. So, with that in mind, just treat 'em as such - a good training event to try some new things, gain some good fitness, meet some new people, try some new roads & courses.....and maybe even get into a sanctioned Road Race at some point in time. Or not. Just have fun with it! We'll have trophies and hopefully some prizes & event T-shirts for the Series winners and placers - and definitely loads of fun....and pain and suffering. ;) But remember - it's all in good fun and will prove to be memorable!

Hope to see you out there!

Rodney............
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, CA

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Today's Lime Saddle Uphill Time Trial Results.............

Hi Everyone! Well, we were greeted with fantastic conditions at this morning's Lime Saddle Uphill Time Trial - the 5th Event in the 2011 25-race Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. I would like to thank all 26 riders - and all the spectators - who showed up to that one this morning.......it was GREAT having you out there! And a HUGE thank you to Gary Fowler for starting the riders off this morning, and his massive support of these events - thank you so much, Gary!!! I would also like to thank Sierra Nevada Brewery for their wonderful sponsorship of these events - thank you so much, Sierra Nevada - you are the best!!!

The next event in the 2011 Butte Hill Series is next Saturday morning - Event #6 - The Cohasset-to-the-Store Uphill Time Trial - Saturday, January 29th at 9:00AM. This one will be held rain or shine, and is a Category 4 climb in this Series. Registration will open at 8:30am, with the 1st rider taking off at 9:01am - and we will go in 1-minute intervals. The Start/Registration area is at Nicalog Road & Cohasset Road - there is a dirt parking area there, just look for me and the R.A.C.E.mobile at the Start line. The course COULD change slightly from past years - we MAY finish just above the store, but before Vilas Road(will explain why at the event). The Cohasset-to-Store course is approximately 5.1 miles in length, climbs approximately 1,600 feet, and is considered a Category 4 Climb in the Series. For a map of the the current Cohasset-to-Store Time Trial course, please visit:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Cohasset-TT

***And, I still need 1 volunteer to help me start the riders off next Saturday morning - If you can help out, just send me an e-mail - you get a 3-point bonus in the Series, you still get to race it(just be the last rider to start), and you will have my undying gratitude. ;)

Okay, below are the Combined Results from today's Lime Saddle Uphill Time Trial, as well as the Category Results - and the Current Overall Standings in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Series. Today's event was considered a Category 4 climb in the Series.

For some photos of today's Lime Saddle event finish, please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicovelo


Current leaders in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series after 5 events include:

David Albrecht for Category "A" Men
Patrick Clark for Category "B" Men
Rick Carhart for Category "C" Men
Teresa Kludt & Diann Harger TIED for the Women's Category
Mike Ruffner in the Masters 50+ Category
Aliya Traficante in the Junior Category

Overall Series Points Leader: David Albrecht - 119 Points.

We have a whopping 20 events remaining in the Series - hope you can get out there and give 'em a shot.......it's just you against the clock - no big whoop - just test yourself! It is NEVER too late to get in on the Series - LOTS of points and events left - and lots of fun too!! Hope you can join us out there - remember, they are just training events, and we're out there to just ride our bikes and get some good fitness built for the cycling season! Trophies and whatever prizes I can get for the Series overall winners/placers. Helmets are mandatory.

Please let me know if you see any additions, subtractions, corrections, deletions or any other changes that need to be made in the results below - I may have guessed on some of the Categories, so let me know if there's an error. Results will be final after a 24-hour protest period:

COMBINED RESULTS - LIME SADDLE UPHILL TIME TRIAL - January 22nd, 2011:

1. David Albrecht 16:11
2. Jeff Galland 17:22
3. Jim Roberts 17:29
4. Brad Foster 17:51
5. Ben Wentland 18:39
6. Josh Bullock 19:00
7. Luke Wentland 19:27
8. Patrick Clark 19:49
9. Mike Watson 19:51
10. Steve Wright 19:52
11. Mark Wolford 20:19
12. Mike Ruffner 20:23
13. John Touchette 20:38
14. Alex Roberson 21:13
15. Gary Fowler 21:25
16. Maggie Jones 21:28
17. Ryan Hiner 22:14
18. Randy Will 22:43
19. Diann Harger 22:53
20. Chris Marking 23:54
21. Garrett Marking 23:57
22. Aliya Traficante 24:05
23. Kris Blee 24:43 (Course malfunction)
24. Caryn Jones 27:28
25. Rick Carhart 29:52
26. JJ Coughlin 30:16 (Course malfunction)

CATEGORY RESULTS - LIME SADDLE UPHILL TIME TRIAL - January 22, 2011:

Category "A" Results:
1. David Albrecht 16:11 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Jeff Galland 17:22 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Jim Roberts 17:29 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
4. Brad Foster 17:51 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)
5. Ben Wentland 18:39 (14 points + 3 = 17 points)
6. Josh Bullock 19:00 (12 points + 3 = 15 points)
7. Luke Wentland 19:27 (10 points + 3 = 13 points)
8. Steve Wright 19:52 (8 points + 3 = 11 points)
9. Mark Wolford 20:19 (6 points + 3 = 9 points)
10. Kris Blee 24:43 (4 points + 3 = 7 points)

Category "B" Results:
1. Patrick Clark 19:49 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. John Touchette 20:38 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Alex Roberson 21:13 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)
4. Randy Will 22:43 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)
5. Chris Marking 23:54 (14 points + 3 = 17 points)
6. JJ Coughlin 30:16 (12 points + 3 = 15 points)

Category "C" Results:
1. Rick Carhart 29:52 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)

Women's Category Results:
1. Maggie Jones 21:28 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Diann Harger 22:53 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Caryn Jones 27:28 (18 points + 3 = 21 points)

Mens 50+ Category Results:
1. Mike Watson 19:51 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Mike Ruffner 20:23 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)
3. Gary Fowler 21:25 (18 points + 3 + 3 "Volunteer Points" = 24 points)
4. Ryan Hiner 22:14 (16 points + 3 = 19 points)

Juniors Category Results:
1. Garrett Marking 23:57 (24 points + 3 = 27 points)
2. Aliya Traficante 24:05 (20 points + 3 = 23 points)

CURRENT OVERALL STANDINGS IN THE 2011 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES AFTER 5 EVENTS:

Category "A" Overall Standings:
1. David Albrecht 119 points
2. Ben Wentland 54 points
3. Rich Thurman 53 points
4. Mark Wolford 44 points
5. Tim Olson 38 points
6. Jim Roberts 36 points
7. Gary Towne 34 points
8. Kris Blee 33 points
9. Brad Foster 32 points
10. Luke Wentland 29 points
11. Jeff Galland 23 points
12. Aren Timmel 17 points
13. Josh Bullock 15 points
13. Tyler Honeyman 15 points
15. Steve Wright 11 points
15. Anthony Ferretti 11 points
17. Sean Dugan 5 points

Category "B" Overall Standings:
1. Patrick Clark 113 points
2. JJ Coughlin 86 points
3. Randy Will 69 points
4. John Touchette 42 points
5. Chris Marking 36 points
6. Alex Roberson 34 points
7. David Dura 30 points
8. Chris Devine 19 points
9. Daniel Law 17 points
10. Steve Chollet 15 points
11. Boyd Sears 9 points
12. Don Curtis 7 points

Category "C" Overall Standings:
1. Rick Carhart 103 points
2. Skip Lees 46 points
3. Russ Fortier 23 points
4. Ryan Laine 22 points
5. Greg Hollis 19 points

Women's Category Overall Standings:
1. Diann Harger 46 points
1. Teresa Kludt 46 points
3. Caryn Jones 44 points
4. Maggie Jones 27 points

Mens 50+ Category Overall Standings:
1. Mike Ruffner 109 points
2. Ryan Hiner 74 points
3. Gary Fowler 54 points
4. Byron Fountain 46 points
5. Mike Trowbridge 38 points
6. Mike Watson 27 points
7. Doug Weseman 23 points
8. Steve Chamberlain 17 points
9. Phil Weintraub 13 points

Juniors Category Overall Standings:
1. Aliya Traficante 111 points
2. Garrett Marking 69 points
3. Chris Lambert 34 points

2011 BUTTE HILL CLIMB TIME TRIAL SERIES INFORMATION:

Hi Everyone! It's that time of year again - The 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series bicycling event will start up on Saturday, January 1st with the Humboldt Hill Climb Time Trial!! This Series will visit various parts of Butte County, with the climbs and dates below. There was a similar Series done years ago here in Chico - 1981 or 1982 - by Tom Devol and Jeff Smith, who owned Cyclesport bicycle shop at the time. And, of course, there is now that almost-famous Low Key Hillclimb Series in the Bay Area every fall. In any case, we decided to have our own and revive the old Hill Climb Series.......with a few route changes. Below is a list of the tentative events with dates. It should be mentioned that these dates could change depending upon other events going on. And, of course......the weather! Rain will NOT cancel - but snow and ice COULD cancel the events. This is a FREE Series, so just come on out and take advantage of these great climbs and gain some good fitness(and fun!) for the upcoming cycling season!!

25 events - 260 Miles & 62,000 feet of total climbing - held over a 6-month period from January through June 2011!! Bound to be a very challenging and memorable Series. Sure - there will be pain and suffering - but it's the good kind!!

Note: The Chico Hill Climb Time Trial Series will be back in the Fall/Winter of 2011 - starting the first weekend in September with the Cohasset Hill Climb TT!

Build-up: The Butte Series will go from January 1st, 2011 through June 2011. This Series follows a progression over 6 months - starting with the "easier" Category 5 climbs early in the year to get your legs ready and all warmed-up.....building up to Category 4 climbs....then Category 3....then Category 2.....then Category 1.....and ending with the biggest Hors Category climbs in June. This should help you take advantage of those springtime miles - and get you ready for those hilly summertime Centuries, rides and races!!! It should also be noted that we are using a NEW Point Categorization for the Butte Hill Series(see below).

How does it work??? Below are each of the 25 Events in the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Time Trial Series. Each climb has been given a rank based upon feedback from some well-known riders in the area (and climbers in particular - yes, I know - everyone is different, but this is just a low-key have-fun series, so no big whoop). Hors Category and Category 1 climbs are the hardest, with Category 5 being.......let's not say easiest.......let's say........not quite as hard as Category 1! Points will be awarded to the finishers in each Hill Climb Time Trial - the folks with the most points at the end of the Series wins the overall title in their respective categories........along with the coveted Butte Hill Climb Champion Trophy. Never done a Time Trial before?? No problem - it's just you against the clock.....go your own pace and just do what you can out there!!! Remember - I have all types of riders out there........from people who can climb Humboldt Road in 13 minutes(record pace!)......to me(I take 41 minutes to climb Humboldt)......and everyone in between, with all kinds of different bicycles out there!! This is a no-big-whoop Series - just go out, have fun, test yourself a bit on your bicycles, explore some new roads and climbs in the area.......and just do what you can out there!!! We are just out there to have fun, and gain some good fitness!! All are welcome to come on out!!

RESULTS: I will try my best to have results out from each Time Trial within a 24-hour period, as well as the Updated Overall Standings after each event. The results will be posted to the e-mail group, on Facebook, on Twitter and at ChicoBikedotcom.

EVERY competitor who starts and finishes an event receives an additonal 3 points PER event. It should also be noted - there may be an additional points awarded for "adverse conditons" - known as "misery points". One year, we had an absolute freezing cold downpour of rain at the Centerville Time Trial and I awarded everyone 2 extra points for "adverse conditions"........but, again, this is a big "might" and the conditions would have to be atrocious. ANY person who helps me start the riders off at the events receives an additional 3 points for volunteering - I usually only need 1 or 2 people, and can almost always use the help.....and you can still race the event - just be the last one out of the starting gate and you'll be good-to-go!!

The Point Breakdown for placings is as follows:

Hors Category Climb = 60-54-52-50-48-46-44-42-40-38-36-34-32-30-28-26-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (In other words, 1st place in an Hors Category Time Trial gets 60 points, 2nd place gets 54, 3rd place gets 52, and on down the line - every person who competes in the event gets at least 1 point....and it is like that for each of the Time Trials).

Cat. 1 Climb = 44-38-36-32-30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 1 Time Trial gets 42 points, 2nd place gets 38 points and on down the line).

Cat. 2 Climb = 36-32-30-28-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Category 2 Time Trial gets 36 points, 2nd place gets 32 points and on down the line).

Cat. 3 Climb = 30-26-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1 (1st place in a Cat. 3 Time Trial gets 30 points, 2nd place gets 26 and on down the line).

Cat. 4 Climb = 24-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1(The winner of a Cat. 4 climb gets 24 points, 2nd place gets 20 points and on and on.)

Cat. 5 Climb = 20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1-1-1

And here are the Time Trial courses, the tentative dates, and their listed difficulty category. Starting times for the events are normally consistent - 8:30am registration opens, 1st rider off at 9:01am. **PLEASE NOTE - These dates are extremely tentative, and most of them fall on Saturdays. However, that does NOT mean that they will stay there - any sort of scheduling change for an event could put it on a Sunday(very easily) and dates may be switched around or pushed until June or even July 2011. Reasons for a change in dates include snow and ice on the climbs, a change in the R.A.C.E. calendar or Rodney being ill or out-of-town, etc. So, take the dates with a grain of salt....for now:

Saturday, January 1st - Humboldt Road Time Trial - Cat. 5 - approximately 3.4 miles & 700 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Sunday, January 2nd - Centerville Time Trial (From Covered Bridge to the gravel) - Cat. 5 - approximately 6.6 miles & 1,300 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 8th - Cherokee Time Trial - Cat. 5 - (Start at Coal Canyon Road - across from Wheelock Road - and go up Hwy. 70, turn right at Cherokee Road) - approximately 4.8 miles; 1,100 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 15th - Neal Road Time Trial - Cat. 5 - approximately 8.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 22nd - The Lime Saddle Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 4.7 miles & 1,100 feet of climbing. - COMPLETED!

Saturday, January 29th - Cohasset-to-Store Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 5.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, February 5th - Pentz Road Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 5.8 miles & 1,200 feet of climbing.

Saturday, February 12th - Clark Road Time Trial - Cat. 4 - approximately 7.7 miles & 1,700 feet of climbing.

Saturday, February 19th - Coutelenc Time Trial - Cat. 4 - (Just stay on Coutelenc) - approximately 6.8 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, February 26th - The Dogtown Time Trial - Cat. 4 - 7.3 miles & 1,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 5th - Honey Run Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,900 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 12th - Vilas Road Time Trial - Cat. 3 - (From Nicalog to the end of Vilas) - approximately 7 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 19th - Dark Canyon Time Trial - Cat. 3 - approximately 4 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, March 26th - Lunt Road Time Trial(From Coal Canyon Road) - Cat. 3 - approximately 8.1 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 2nd - Table Mountain Time Trial (Wildflower Century Side) - Cat. 3 - approximately 5.3 miles & 1,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 9th - Forest Ranch-to-Lomo Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (starts at Forest Ranch Store; ends at entrance to Butte Meadows) - approximately 13.2 miles & 2,400 feet of climbing.

Saturday, April 23rd - Lomo-to-Jonesville Time Trial - Cat. 2 - (starts at Hwy. 32 at entrance to Butte Meadows - ends at parking lot in Jonesville) - approximately 10.2 miles & 2,100 feet of climbing

Saturday, May 7th - Lovelock-to-Inskip Time Trial - Cat. 2 - approximately 10.4 miles & 2,800 feet of climbing.

Sunday, May 15th - Cohasset-to-Gravel Time Trial (from Nicalog to the end of Cohasset Road) - Cat. 2 - approximately 9.4 miles & 2,900 feet of climbing.

Sunday, May 22nd - Garland Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 16.5 miles & 3,500 feet of climbing

Saturday, May 28th - The Pulga Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 17 miles & 4,500 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 4th - The Hwy. 171 Time Trial - Cat. 1 - approximately 18.1 miles & 3,100 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 11th - The Oro-Quincy Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 21.8 miles & 5,900 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 18th - Toomes Camp Uphill Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 17.5 miles & 5,600 feet of climbing.

Saturday, June 25th - Jonesville Time Trial(Mass Start) - Hors Category - approximately 35.5 miles & 6,200 feet of climbing.

25 Climbs, approximately 260 total miles, and about 62,000 feet of total climbing, held over a 6-month period from January through June 2011(if dates need to be changed, we could go into July 2011). Consistency will be key to winning the Overall Series. This should provide you with plenty of good climbing and get you ready for some great Century riding, the Death Ride and some spring/summer races!!

PARTICIPANT CATEGORIES: The following categories will be offered for the Series(see below). The winner in each category will receive the 2011 Butte Hill Climb Champion Trophy, along with Bragging Rights.........as well as any stuff we can get to give away as prizes. The Top 3 in each category will receive trophies:

Category "A" - Advanced.
Category "B" - Intermediate.
Category "C" - Novice, and slower climbers(like myself!)
Women's Category
Mens 50+ Category
Juniors (Looking at 10 to 16 years of age for this particular Category, but may be changed depending upon who shows up!).

***In addition - The rider who has the MOST points in the Series at the end will receive the "Grand Champion's" Plaque as well.

As usual, sandbaggers are strongly discouraged (A Sandbagger would be a Category "A" rider entering a Category "B" event). Also, if there are a lot of folks in one particular category, we may split those up into sub-categories, if needed. However, please note - if nobody, or very few folks are in one category, we may eliminate that category. and add an additional category where the numbers allow it(these COULD include tandem categories, fixed gear category, Clydesdale category, or any other age Categories). At the end of the Series, we will have an Awards Ceremony at an establishment that would have us invade with cycling trophies/awards!! Hope to have some 2011 Butte Hill Series T-shirts to give out as well, but will be dependent upon my extremely limited budget.

One note - Any rider caught giving grief to the Promoter, the Timers or the Starters of these events will be automatically disqualified from - not only the event - but the entire Series. So, do what ya always do, and just have fun with the Series - it's no big whoop, we're just out there having fun and getting some good fitness!!! (No no - we've never ever had a problem with getting grief - just wanted to state it so it will continue to just be a fun event for everyone involved!!). AND - Helmets are MANDATORY!

This Series is FREE - so come on out and take advantage of some, or all, of these Time Trials in Spring 2011! Although donations are always extremely appreciated, they are NEVER necessary to enter these events - I just want y'all out there testing yourselves on your bicycles and having a good time!!! Also, this Series and ALL of the R.A.C.E. events are not associated with any cycling clubs, so you don't have to be a member of any club to take part in any of these events!!(Sorry - get asked that question all the time). Hope to see you out there - and I will have more details, maps and information as we get closer to the events.

Rodney........
R.A.C.E. - Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events
Chico, CA