[NCNCA] Women's Races

[Lorri Lee Lown -- Velo Girls]

First, thank you to Barry for re-instating a W4 race
this season.  And thank you to both Barry and Ron for
sharing their insights as race promoters.

Here are my thoughts:

Races that have a separate Women's 4 field tend to
sell out.  Many CAT4 women don't feel prepared to race
in a combined W3/4 race. Many CAT3 women don't want to
race with the less-experienced 4s.  

Women don't pre-register for a race unless it's going
to sell out.  Life happens (especially for women, it
seems).

If promoters want to encourage pre-registration,
instate a much higher late registration or same-day
registration penalty.  Or only offer pre-registration.

May is a big month for women's racing, especially with
Kern and two other BAWC races on the calendar.  If
women are only racing 1-2 races a month, they need to
make a decision which might not include every race on
the calendar.

There are some other big events on the calendar this
weekend, namely Wildflower Triathlon, 24 Hours of
Laguna Seca, and Coolest 24 Hours.

Next weekend is mother's day, which could impact the
decision of women to race EBC.

As race promoters, I would encourage you not to judge
the women before the race.  This might discourage
women from participating in your race if they feel you
only begrudgingly offered a field for them.  Instead,
wait until after your event to analyze the fields (men
and women) and make decisions about which fields to
offer next year.

Again, thanks for all you do!

Lorri




                                        Lorri Lee Lown
  USA Cycling Expert Coach
  ACE Personal Fitness Trainer
  2006 USA Cycling Women's Club of the Year
  2004 USA Cycling Division II Club of the Year
  2003 USA Cycling Women's Club of the Year 
  2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 City Sports Magazine Best of the Bay
  http://coaching.velogirls.com
   
      ~~~o 
  _ \<,_ 
( * )/ ( * ) Ride like a girl -- a Velo Girl!