OVMTB Flagsatff race week

[OVMTB]

Hello OVMTB,

Ready or not, race week is here!  The good news is that the riders are ready.  We've done the skills training, the endurance rides, the intervals till your tongue hangs out, the fast paced long rides, and even a mock race. Now it's just a matter of getting there and doing what they already know how to do.

I put alot of race info in the last emails, but here are a few things that I overlooked:

For my Middle schoolers- it might be a little chilly in the morning when we go on a warm up ride then to staging. If needed, bring a light jacket that you can take off and hand to a parent or coach when you're in staging. Don't overdress- as soon as your race starts you will not want the extra layers!  

For my Boys JV2 and freshmen racers that are in the last wave of the day- pick a few races you want to watch or cheer for, but please don't spend ALL day out in the sun.  Make sure to spend some time back at camp or in the pit zone relaxing.  It'll make a big difference in how you feel and perform during the race. 

A few details about the race rules for the Super fans...

We really like having parents out cheering your riders and other riders.  Please be considerate of other teams when cheering. You are welcome to watch anywhere along the course, but please stay off the course other than just to cross.  Bring a bike and a helmet, that's the best way to get to some of the viewing spots, though there are walkable viewing areas too.  For my parents that are new this year, don't be afraid to ask the PRO parents for viewing tips!

The Feed Zone: the only place a rider may pickup a new water bottle during the race is in the feed zone.  They can drink anywhere on the course, but picking up a water bottle somewhere else on the course results in a penalty.  Likewise- the only thing that can be given in the feed zone are bottles- not tools or spare parts.

Helping any rider that has issues:  If the rider is not injured or in imminent danger, exercise caution when assisting a rider that is on course- If you "touch" their bike they are supposed to self report it at the finish line and they will receive a 5 minute penalty.  So make sure to ask if they want assistance before diving in.  You may verbally offer instructions for mechanical repairs from the side of the course.

 Very important; the rider must finish only with what they started with aside from feed bottles.  If we give them a tube, spare parts, even a battery, they need to report at the finish line that they received outside assistance. If you have time and want to hear a story about why I know this, just ask me next time you see me....

Lastly- if you haven't already take a look at the signup genius  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0849A4AE2FA7FF2-57405169-ovmtb   Remember 'teamwork makes the dream work' and in this case, ends up feeding a starving mountain bike team and their families!

Important times for the weekend:

Saturday, meet at the campsite at 3pm. Preride at 4pm

Sunday:

6:45am  Pit Zone Setup, we'll need some parent volunteers for this

 For every category- Plan to arrive to the pit zone 1 hour before your race.  This allows about 20 minutes to chat and make sure everything is ready, a 15 minute warm up ride, then going to staging 20 minutes before your race.

 

8:00 a.m. Middle School Boys Race (example, arrive to pit zone at 7am, coach led warmup ride at 7:25, leave to staging at 7:40)
8:45 a.m. Middle School Girls Race
9:30 a.m. First-Timers Race
10:30 a.m. High School Boys Varsity/JV1 Race
11:00 a.m. Middle School Awards
12:00 p.m. High School Girls Race
1:30 p.m. High School Boys JV2/Freshman Race
3:30 p.m. High School Awards

Looking forward to seeing you there in the cooler weather!

Thanks,

Ryan

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Ryan McCoskey

OVMTB Head Coach

www.ovmtb.org