[NCNCA] [LGBRC] A track racing question

[Freyensee, James P]

Track riding/racing in Oregon is held every day, 7 days a week, but
accommodates a different class of riders every day:

 

1.    Monday's are kid's day/night.  Kids only

2.    Tuesday's are Masters and Jrs racing

3.    Wednesday's are for track classes; no racing, just instruction,
development, and classes

4.    Thursday's are the normal big racing day, similar to the Friday
night racing at Hellyer.  

5.    Friday's are called 'fast twitch Friday's', low-key, 'pick-up'
races

6.    Saturday and Sunday races do not happen every weekend, but when
they do, they are the biggest track races around here: state games, OBRA
championships, Alpenrose 6 day, Alpenrose challenge, etc.  I'd say there
is weekend racing going on every other weekend...the other times people
show up to practice or they fix things up on the track.

 

I'm just giving you what the routine is here for your reference, but
which seems rather successful here.  As an observation, this past summer
I did notice quite a few road guys racing Thursday night track, but they
were mainly doing pursuits or ITTs.  

 

The track usage policy is pretty laid back with the basic rule that as
long as you have a bicycle, the track is open year-round.  I don't
believe you need anyone to unlock anything to get on the track and ride.

 

I think your biggest problem with the track scene down there is the
location of the track itself- it is located in about the most
inconvenient place in the bay area.  I never wanted to go down there to
watch, let alone even attempt to try out the track during the week
because I could not stand the drive due to traffic.  The only time I
ever did anything on the track were on Saturdays. I would bet money that
if the track were to somehow move to say Sunnyvale or back on race
street in San Jose track interest would increase.

 

I think that is a key to whatever success track racing has here in
Oregon.  The Oregon track itself is in a huge sports complex the middle
of nowhere next to a diary farm; however, the track is centrally located
(in the middle of nowhere) in the Portland metroplex.  If the Oregon
track were located in a similar spot relative to where Hellyer is
located in the bay area like at the southern tip of Portland metroplex
or the most eastern part of Portland off of I-84 where the
bumper-to-bumper traffic rivals 101, there would be less people
interested in track racing here.

 

________________________________

From: Kevin Worley [mailto:kevinworley at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 5:18 AM
To: Hellyer Velodrome; bike ncnca; Velo Alto; Los Gatos
Subject: [LGBRC] A track racing question

 

    In order to grow our track community, the NCVA Board of Directors is
considering  changing the racing format at the Hellyer Park Velodrome
for 2007. Last year the riders in Northern California spoke with both
their voices and their attendance. Consequently we are looking at
replacing the traditional Friday night race as our showcase race, and
going to a twice a week, mid-week race format, with four major weekend
events throughout the summer. In addition we're planning to continue the
monthly sprint series and adding a new series for the Juniors in 2007.
      More details will follow as we firm up dates for our showcase
events, but for now we need your help in finalizing our weekly schedule.


     The plan is to move Friday nights to Thursdays to reduce the
conflict with road and criterium racing. The Thursday night program will
continue racing under the lights, and for the current trackies, you'll
still have fast, competitive, weekly racing. For the roadies, you'll now
have the opportunity to race on the track without compromising your road
schedule. Even if the road remains your main focus, what better and
safer way to train after work than racing on the track.
     Now the question. We have had mid week racing on Wednesday. With
racing now on Thursday, as riders looking to optimize your racing and
training opportunities, would you prefer to keep the first race of the
week on Wednesday, or move it to Tuesday? The tentative race categories
would be A/B/C with USCF Cats 2/3/4/5 on the earlier day of the week,
and Cats 1/2/3/4 on Thursday.  There are no Master or Women specific
weekday races planned at this time as both Masters and Women can race
under the planned categories. We would encourage any promoter to
consider promoting Master or Women's races. 
     It is important to note that changing race days could pose
conflicts for existing programs. Please note if any conflict is a
serious concern for you. 
     Respond with short answers to: 

     1.What combination would work best to grow the track racing
community?
     2.What combination of days would work best for you as an
individual? 

     We know that there are more than a few riders who are lamenting the
demise of Friday night.  The NCVA Board is continually striving to
improve the track environment at Hellyer Park. One of the best ways to
do that is to grow our racing population. Grow that, and everything else
grows with it. 

    Thanks,

        The Northern California Velodrome Asociation Board of Directors

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