Crit track at the velo

[The Ferret]

Robbo,

Great steps forward. Although, we both know such a circuit will prevent most local punters from starting. I sense this will be more technical than a Steel River crit and HD struggle to get lower grade riders there. Such a shame. Some of them would actually learn to ride a bike!!

Also, be warned. If Spandy is promoting women who are over 18, then they are well over 18 and would qualify for the $3000 bonus (for over 50's) that Tony Abbott is touting.

Your friend

The Ferret

[Robbo]

Ah such a welcome return to the forum Ferry.

I know there are some that will give any such facility a wide berth, but if it is used regularly then the numbers will come one way or another. The proposed circuit will be nowhere near as technical as the current Port Macquarie, Waratah Park, Dunc Gray Velodrome and many other crit tracks. These venues are used regularly and experience bigger numbers than Steel River. I feel this is because they are used more often so riders get to go there regulalrly and get used to it. There will also be regular weekly night crits so there will be no other available racing on at the same time.

If riders decide to give the venue a miss they will also be giving their competition the opportunity to steel a march on them as the ones who race there will be the ones who improve.

Maybe I'm wrong, and I know there are those who are of the opinion that we are going down the wrong path in persuing the construction of the crit track. These people are yet to discuss their opinions with me. That is probably the most dissapointing part of the process so far.

[Gai M]

 HD struggle to get lower grade riders there. Such a shame.
..........

 If Spandy is promoting women who are over 18, then they are well over 18 and would qualify for the $3000 bonus (for over 50's) that Tony Abbott is touting.

Firstly, maybe lower grade riders are loath to race the Steel River crits because of the extemely early start. (Lowest grade is scheduled to start first).

Personally, I would race this regularly but I have to travel almost an hour (in the car) to get there and as I run a newsagency, then I have to coerce someone else to cover the shop almost 2 hours before race start-time.  Also, somehow the third Sunday of the month seems to clash with various other cycling events like Time-trials, Masters track champs etc.

On a brighter note, that $$$$$3000 bonus sounds great for me- well and truly qualify for 50+.


Robbo,

I agree that it is disappointing that others oppose the crit proposals.  I didn't realise that there was any opposition from others in the cycling community.
It would be great for kids, particularly for the girls to develop their skills.
I definitely would compete in crit races there as long as they were not early morning because of my work/residence issues. 

(Although, it would be demoralising- if like happens on the track -  I ended up being the only "lesser" rider competing on a regular basis and was outperformed consistently by much younger (or stronger male) riders).  This of course would not be an issue for almost all other riders.

The crit course would definitely be an asset for the Newcastle community.



Granny aged but granny not.

[Metro Commuter]

Robbo, Ferret and other slow Bunters

The main reason, IMHO,  why the numpties in lower grades stay away from Steel River is they have a choice of racing on the flat wide course at KI.  Put races on of an evening at the crit course at the Velodrome, as is propsoed, and I reckon people will come.  The close proximity to Newcastle means less total time @ racing and travelling to racing for most people, which will work well for those with other committments like families and jobs.

Well done Robbo - ignore the naysayers.  They said I'd never reach the lofty heights of being CD D Grade Road Champion either ...about as impressive as being the reigning Steamfest Crit Champion...

Gai,

Early start - had not thought of that.  Personally for me the earlier the better, as time spent riding early means more time at home.  I'd be happy if Vets raced 8am year 'round.  But I had not thought of it from the persepctive of people like you who travel longer distances for each and every race, and it is a very valid point.  With the low numbers of lower grades riders turning up for the crits I have already suggested at least the C graders might be thrown in for the A/B combined race - not far of the Mick Chapman view of an "all in", Holland style...

MC

[hilljockey]

Well Metro, your C in A/B wish came true.

Robbo, what's the latest on the crit track?

[Robbo]

plans are in council Hillbilly. currently we wait,,, and wait,,, and wait

[2ndwheel]

Robbo

you a patient man?  Ha

[Robbo]

yeah, notice I didnt write 'wait patiently'

[Gai M]

.......

If you wish to work to increase the number of females participating in cycling, would you be prepared to work on a multiclub committee to promote cycling to women and to organise women specific events?

MC, this was six months ago, or more.
(I guess you have been very busy).


We have seen an increase in the teenage female participation rate at the Newcastle Velo, but the situation with older females has not changed.


when your women cycling acquaintances engage in a discussion related to this issue, there are a few observations I have made over the last few weeks.


.Of all the masters women who regularly compete in track events in NSW, only one over 40 does not ride for a Sydney club/ACT/Bathurst.
(and there are less than a handful who are under 40).

. In the NSW Masters Track Championships this week-end, there is only one female competitor who is not listed to compete in a team sprint.
(even if we had an amalgamated club in Newcastle, there is only one other woman I could possibly team up with).

. In the masters women track cycling races, particularly in NSW, I am not quite in the same class as all the others, including Rosemary from Bathurst who is older than me and I have never beaten her in any race.  Assuming that members of the same club do some training together, or have dedicated coaches,  it is like I am pedalling furiously but not making any ground.  From my experiences in other sports (athletics and hockey), I do have some natural speed
and unless the others are all self-selected "could have been in the Olympics" athletes, I should, after 5 years of training and an upgrade from basic for my equipment be good enough to be competitive- not necessarily to beat them, but good enough to worry the eventual winners.

.  In Newcastle, there is only one female (of any age), who doesn't have a family member who races on the track (or road).  Every other female track cyclist has a father/sister/spouse/daughter/mother who races a bike.

No wonder, I frequently feel discouraged.  The only positive support I seem to get is from fellow riders and some non-riders who come along.


Why do I keep on harping on this issue?
Because I don't want to give up racing my bike(s) yet - and I am too old to take an extended break - it would be too hard to get back in.
And because I believe that ALL potential riders should have a fair chance to participate AND IMPROVE.

[Robbo]

Why was that written on this thread?

[Daddy Walrus]

Robbo,
Previously MC nominated himself as the women's champion. He was going to investigate the problem.
I think he has been poling the female electorate for the last 6 months.
Did you get anything from your indepth probes MC?

[Robbo]

not the best choice of words there DW. with Metro poling them (or trying to) its a wonder any of them turn up!

[key]

Still better then a having a mass debate...

[simply red]

lets face it guys ,numbers in lower grades are the issue.WHY is it friday night HD races ,the numbers are up   in the lower grades ,no combining c-d,which can be very discouraging .Hence the steel river crit doesn t get the numbers . Is it  (sunday morning with the family  ,other club races or for, me and my husband c-d combined may as well not turn up or am  we just soft).Quite a few years ago port stephens use to race at steel river, but it was a thursday night around 6.00pmand numbers were adequate for 4 grades ........SO GO TO IT GUYS....this crit track could mean alot to the cycling community ,not only as racers but for somewhere where children could learn to ride safely... your doing a great job guys .

[hilljockey]

Don't sell yourself short Red, you'd keep up in C grade no worries.