Erik's Spring Cup

[TML]

The Spring Cup is coming up May 20th! This is the opening event for the MN State Championship series. This year its at the new venue, Salem Hills/Harmon Park in Inver grove Heights.

Sponsored By Erik's Bike Shop and ran by volunteers from MORC, this is a great event to kick off the racing season. Proceeds go back into our trails, so come out and support a worthy cause while having a great time. Volunteers are needed and opportunities will be posted soon.

Salem Hills will provide an exhilarating ride for racers of all levels. The nearly 5 miles of singletrack will be lightning fast for the experts while approachable and fun for the beginners.

Race headquarters, parking and the Start/Finish area will be at Salem Hills Elementary School at 5899 Babcock Trail in Inver Grove Heights. Parking is limited so please respect the parking attendants and help make the most of the space we have.

Race Schedule:
Kids Comp 9 AM
Citizen 9:30 AM
Sport 11:00 AM
Comp 1:00 PM
Expert 1:00 PM
Shimano Kids Race 1:15 PM

Online registration is open at: Spring Cup Registration at Active.com (http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1284240)

Minnesota State Championship Series info: MNSCS.com (http://www.mnscs.com)


See you out there!!

[fasterfoster]

I noticed a "Kid's Comp" class. Will this class run during all MNSCS races? My son is 8 and did a few Citizen class races last year, but a lot of the climbs were too much. Any details on the type of course?

Any details would be appreciated.
THANKS!

[TML]

The Kids Comp is a class that will be added to all races this year. The course at Salem Hills will be very forgiving as far as hills go. Still plenty of singletrack for the kids but no daunting climbs. Bring him out!

[Matthew]

The plan for the kids comp at Rochester will also be pretty tame without any climbing to speak of but a fun 1/2 mile loop of real singletrack. the total race length will only be around 3 miles.

[fasterfoster]

That's great news! He enjoyed racing, but most of the courses were just a little too intense. He will be very pleased.

Thanks for the quick response from both of you.

We'll see you at the Spring Cup!

[FarmerBEN]

are you going to clue us in on any distances/difficulties, I am thinking about racing but not sure what class to race.

[nowbrdr123]

Anyone know how long the course is supposed to be for the sport race?

[KleinCrazy]

Flyer and info should be out soon from Erik's.Right now we are looking at 1 hour race for citizens and 1.5 for sport, Comp, and Expert.Citizen will be 10-15 miles.Sport will be 20-25Comp will be 25-30Expert will be 30-35Remember this is not Buck Hill. Total climbing for a lap will be under 200 feet and with no climb longer than 50 or less at a time. I can accelerate up the only climb on my 38/16 single and get to the top and spinb out at about the same time.It will be an aerobic workout not an anaerobic one.

[hockeynut]

When does the singlespeed class start? ;)

I'm thinking that I may try this one out in the citizen class (never raced in a straight MTB race), but figuring out the gearing is going to be tough. I've only ridden it geared and with 32-20 (on a 29er), and that gearing is WAAAY spinny. Maybe 34-16.... hmmmm.

Isaac

[KleinCrazy]

Singlespeeds ride with the sport class for the Sport distance.

[hockeynut]

Singlespeeds ride with the sport class for the Sport distance.

I was actually joking as I assumed that there wasn't a singlespeed class of any kind. I'll probably still race citizen, as I've never raced before and don't know any of the rules or etiquete (yargh... spelling?). What are some general racing rules? Ack... probably a new thread... won't derail this one... carry on...

Looking forward to a fun time at the race though for sure.

[TML]

Erik's has posted the flyer and race info

The link below will take you to Erik's events page. Scroll down to May 20th and the Spring Cup info. Click on 'View More' to get the detailed PDF info sheet.

http://www.eriksbikeshop.com/app/policy/events.htm#

I'll try to get a better, more direct link soon.

[TML]

Get pre-registered (http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1284240) and save yourself a few coins!

Event proceeds go to MORC so your $ is supporting a great cause.

If you're not a racer but would still like to be involved we need volunteers to help run the event also. Volunteer sign-up (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16683)

[manual63]

Here is a link to the PDF page for the sping cup.

Erik's Spring Cup (http://www.morcmtb.org/morcpages/SPRINGCUP_06.pdf)

[dopey048]

I'm racing in the sport class. My question is that my daughter has swim class that ends at 10:20 in Apple Valley. How much time do I need to be there before the Sport race starts at 11?

[RedSquirrel]

Ussually line up is 15min before race. You need to get race number and check in too.... Maaan, a half hour before race could be really pushing it. 45min before race pulling into parking lot is really pushing it. That's with no warm up. Sign up for comp? Good luck.

[dopey048]

Ussually line up is 15min before race. You need to get race number and check in too.... Maaan, a half hour before race could be really pushing it. 45min before race pulling into parking lot is really pushing it. That's with no warm up. Sign up for comp? Good luck.

As I had figured. If its possible I'll probably check in and stuff early then do the swim class. That way I can show up again ready to go. How far away is the start from the school? I did the sport (clydesdale) as motivation to not be able to be a 200+ guy anymore.

[KleinCrazy]

As I had figured. If its possible I'll probably check in and stuff early then do the swim class. That way I can show up again ready to go. How far away is the start from the school? I did the sport (clydesdale) as motivation to not be able to be a 200+ guy anymore.

Cedar and 42 in AV to Salem Hills would be about 20 minutes. I can make it from Salem to Leb in 15.

If you are pre registered it should not be a huge problem, we should be able to have you checked in in under 2 minutes.

Warm up as much as you can before the race, course pre-ride is not near as important here as other races. If you have ridden Salem Before you know the race course, just run the north loop backwards to finish off the lap.

James

[TML]

Heath nailed it. You won't have any time for a warm up but oh well. It's all about having fun. Checking in earlier in the morning is a great idea.

[Vert]

I read somewhere how the course was going to be setup for Saturday's race, but can't seem to find that info. I remember reading something about a prologue? Basically, I'm just wondering how/where the race will start and finish. I rode the course for the first time last night, should be interesting...

[TML]

Chris,

Race will start/finish at Salem Hills elementary school. Parking is at the school with some overflow in the actual Salem Hills Parking lot.

Prologue will be roughly a half mile that meanders from the school, around the ball fields, up to the park water tower, down around the tennis courts then up and back to the school. This is all wide trail before hitting the singletrack proper. Will only be done on start lap.

See ya Saturday!

[Vert]

Thanks for the info, see you Saturday.

[RedSquirrel]

Troy,

Regarding kids comp my youngest is going to do it. 9am start right. He is excited he has an option other than da kiddie loop.

Question: do the kids comp'ers go into the woods, if so should I go with? I'm not planning to follow but will if needed? or if you need help I'll be available early as will my 10 yr old.

Heath

[TML]

Heath,

The kids comp will go a little into the woods. It will be about a half lap. ~2.5 miles. Start time is 9 AM. Thanks for the offer of help. May take you up on that in the morning.

[dopey048]

Well for my first race I thought I would do the sport (clydesdale). That didn't turn out too well. Anyone see the wreck at the very first turn for the sport? You know the one 50 yards from the start. Well I was one of the people who fell. Lesson one: Stay to the outside when bunched up. (the guy in front of me moved and I was too close, down by wheel contact) Lesson two: If you fall someone may run you over, or your bike. (tweeked my rear rim, which is fixable, however bent the derailleur hanger and snapped the derailleur, yeah spend the money that I was slowly saving for the FS bike to fix this one.

I 'm bummed cuz I though I would do well. However I did see Tim directing traffic, Maura at the registration tent.

[rejectedusername]

Anyone see the wreck at the very first turn for the sport? You know the one 50 yards from the start. Well I was one of the people who fell.

I was a little behind and to the outside of you, so I saw the whole thing. I moved over to give the guy behind you room to pass, but it happened so fast he didn't have much of a chance. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him run you over. In the end, I was just hoping your leg wasn't pinned under the bike as that might have done some damage to your leg.

I hope next time out things go better.

[dopey048]

In the end, I was just hoping your leg wasn't pinned under the bike as that might have done some damage to your leg.

I hope next time out things go better.

I'm fine. I didn't even realize that anything happened other than me wiping out and some others. I got down the hill and tried to shift and looked down, thats a no good.

At first you don't succeed try try again. :)

[stoneage]

Lesson one: Stay to the outside when bunched up.
Gotta disagree. I have been in so many races, and I find the best place to be is on the inside the pack. You are in charge in that position. If you are outside the whole accident comes toward you, and someone else is in charge of your well being. You have to be able to claim the position, and this takes confidence and riding skills, but I would take inside anytime. Glad you're OK and I left a post about the derailleur, too.

[RedSquirrel]

If you are outside the whole accident comes toward you,... but I would take inside anytime.

Agree with inside lane.



*** THANKS EVERYONE (MORC and ERIK's) !!!! ***

My 8 year old, 10 year, and I had a quality day!!

Absolutley Fantastik !!!

[jjrsds]

A well run event from what I saw. Troy and James deserve many adult beverages for their effort, time and contribution to MORC, Eriks Bikes and Boards for the continuing support and all the racers who raced this year. For a first year at a new site I thought most or all of the racers had a lot of fun and enjoyed a different course than normal. Say thanks to James and Troy the next time you see them for a great event and the countless hours spent to pull this event off for the benefit of all mountain bikers in the state of Minnesota.

[grizzly adam]

Nice work you guys! The event was awesome. I had more fun than I thought and the course was harder than I thought. That climb out of the North Loop by the 4th and 5th lap is harder than I anticipated!!
Other than the last-minute course change for the Sport riders (and that wasn't that big of a deal), I think things went off well for you. Congratulations to all those involved. Thanks for a great race. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

[grizzly adam]

Speaking of the course change; I had to get a couple shots while I was helping out.
http://static.flickr.com/47/150047409_40bf45b110.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/55/150047870_6cb581d799.jpg

AND it's a success!
http://static.flickr.com/50/150048404_750b0554d3.jpg

[Burke]

Hehehe reroutes...

You should have seen Troy's reaction when I told him there was a baseball game scheduled, not just at the park's diamond, but also at the school's. Too bad you weren't there with the camera, I'd pay $$$ for prints of that.

We found out that Inver Grove Heights had a communication mix up, and accidentally double booked the diamonds. They were not going to schedule baseball because of the race, but it never got marked off on their calendar. Oops. It was a learning experience for all of us :)

[grizzly adam]

LOL!
And with that said, I think it was handled pretty well.

[stoneage]

a learning experience
What? You've never had a marching band come on the course while a Cat1/2/3 criterium is going on?

[grizzly adam]

One suggestion I'd like to make.

Try to get some sort of food available for spectators, or racers. Like hotdogs, brats, burgers...stuff like that.

[woodchuck]

I missed the details on the sport reroute. What was rerouted? Was it because of the baseball game? Was the reroute the cause of the smaller # of start groups and the 30sec interval starts?

I think the Harmon course is a nice addition to the series. It is definitely different and fast. It add a bit of variety to the series. It is too bad that the park and/or the school did not have more parking. I am sure that was a major headache for organizers. However, it seemed to work out OK.

Thanks to the organizers and Eric's for supporting the event.

[schlemmin]

a huge thanks to everyone involved for the great race yesterday! i had a blast despite chewing on the dust kicked up by the large number of riders in front of me. i prerode the course the night before and was a bit skeptical about the start, but i was pleasantly surprised by relatively small amount of traffic jams. on a different note, the morc handout i received at registration said something about some singletrack to be built in crosby. i only live about 25 minutes from crosby so i couldn't be more interested in knowing when this will be built. anyone know anything about it? :)

[bigwheel]

I missed the details on the sport reroute. What was rerouted? Was it because of the baseball game? Was the reroute the cause of the smaller # of start groups and the 30sec interval starts?

Scott, I was just a grunt, but this is how I understand it happened.

I think they were always planning for the interval starts to separate race classes. The reroutes were a different story.

First reroute (in the park): Scott or Troy received word that there was a baseball game scheduled in the park. So, we did a hurried reroute, assuming it would (or could) be people that could hit the ball far. Turned out to be first grade girls playing softball, so that reroute was kind of unnecessary.

Second reroute (near the school): We were told that there were two boy's t-ball events (1st and 2nd graders). They would need more room than the girls. Fortunately, the first group moved over to a nearby field, taking the heat off of us. Then the secod game no-showed, so that reroute was also unnecessary.

Both groups were very nice and co-operative.

Lessons learned

1: Ask the city to double-check their schedules to make sure there are no conflicts.
2: (in case #1 fails) Lay out our course so that it leaves plenty of room for ball games and other activities.

In the end, I was impressed how quickly we could move the course -- even during a race.

[Lkemp]

I was assigned to the parking lot next to the water tower. I was enjoying my slack job until a big parade of Softball mom's started coming at me left and right. At first I thought "cool these people are coming to spectate." I soon realized they had no interest whatsoever in mountain biking. Some were pretty fired up when I told them there weren't any parking spots left. After awhile most cooled down. Then just as the last group (that fastest one) were about to start the softball game got let out and all these people with little kids came flooding across the course. Luckily they quickly moved off the course and got out of the way seconds before Swanson and the gang came through. One lady thought it was really cool and hung out and watched. That was the first race that helped at, which was very little, I have a better appreciation for the time, stress and effort into putting on a race. The race seemed to go very well, good job Troy, James, and the rest of the crew.

[TML]

Whew. . .

I want to thank all of you that handled the whole situation with diplomacy, tact and expediency. By the time I was notified of it, the majority of you already had a good handle on things and we're making the needed changes.

I would have loved to seen the look on my own face as well when Scott told me. :-)

[TML]

One suggestion I'd like to make.

Try to get some sort of food available for spectators, or racers. Like hotdogs, brats, burgers...stuff like that.

Duly noted. It's in my post-race notes! Thanks for being out there Adam. And thanks for being a great influence in the racing community. Your fun-loving, appreciative, helpful and positive attitude is well noted.

[grizzly adam]

<sniff> aw, shucks! Thanks Troy...