Winter Race

[fasterfoster]

Does anyone have any information regarding any winter/ice races this winter?

I know there was a race in Bloomington last year that I could not attend. I believe it was in January. I think Salsa put it on(?). Will they be doing it again?

Any information would be appreciated, since I have to plan ahead to get off of work!

Thanks!

[Chuck]

Hey Kevin,

We, the guys at Salsa, are thinking of doing the Chilly Chili Bike Race again this January.

Last year we had a great turn out with over 50 participants and earned kudos from the City of Bloomington for organizing a successful, safe event for the Winter Festival.

What we are looking for, I guess, is feedback from those that did the race last season so we can make it better. And interest from those that didn't do the race last season so we know that people are willing to come out and race on the ice in 10degree weather.

For all of you reading, let me know what you think.

Thanks. Chuck javascript:smilie(':geek:')

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by Chuck
For all of you reading, let me know what you think.



Kind of related - if you want, we can certainly help spread the word of the event on our web site and in the forums (such as we are now in this thread..) We didn't really have this tool last year, so maybe it can be of benefit in getting more riders to turn out....

I like the idea of winter races. We live in a place that has a very short "summer" riding season... why not embrace the winter. This is a great way to do it! I may not race, but at the very least I'll try get out there to take some pictures for the web site of how crazy we Minnesotan's can be... :D

[SickBoy]

To attract more spectators/participants....

How about some out 'n back Nordic Ski sprints? Like, 100 yards down the lake, around a cone, and back in a head-to-head format.

Or maybe before or after the bike event, have a "hockey skate ice crit" on the same course....

that could be fun. I fully intend on coming out to defend my "B" race second place from last year.

[Brick]

Originally posted by SickBoy
How about some out 'n back Nordic Ski sprints? Like, 100 yards down the lake, around a cone, and back in a head-to-head format.

Or maybe before or after the bike event, have a "hockey skate ice crit" on the same course....


....How 'bout 100 yard, out and back, cyclist pulling a skier?:crazy2: ....now where'd I put that glide wax.....

[fasterfoster]

Hey Chuck,

Thanks for the reply. I've only done one other ice race. Erik's sponsored one years ago on Crystal lake in Burnsville. I had a great time. Because of the unique nature of the race, there seemed to be less pressure and everyone had a great time.

I'd love to participate in another race but I'm not so sure about some of the other suggestions (ski sprints, hockey skate crits, etc.).

Hopefully, I'll see you there this January!

[KleinCrazy]

Maybe if we make it crazy enough, we could get RedBull to sponsor the event and make it a Rampage event.

They had 2 hear last winter, Kite Boarding/ skiing on Minnetonka and some crazy, 4 cross, Ice hockey downhill race up at Spirit Mountain.

Just a thought.

James

[Chuck]

These are all excellent suggestions, in one form or another. We had great help from sponsors last season. Salsa Cycles and QBP donated enough prizes that everyone that participated walked away with a prize for their $10 entry fee.

Peace Coffee was on hand to give out FREE coffee! which was much appreciated on that cold day.

Penn Cycle was also on hand with tech support for the racers.

The event was held under USA Cycling guidelines and official Officials were on hand to supervise the title event. We will do this again since it is the easiest way to get insurance.

I am working on a flyer now and I am also looking for interested sponsors. We would like to make this a larger event with local companies getting involved. The Redbull idea is a good one. Does anyone have any contact info for them?

Keep the feedback coming.

[mcgsmgr]

Iowa has a 3 race winter series.

Subject: WCS (Winter Cycling Series) Date


On November 1, 2003 the dates for the 2004 WCS (Winter Cycling
Series) were finalized. This year ther will be a three race
series. The dates are Jan. 17, Feb. 14, and March 6. All of the
races are in Fort Dodge, IA. and they are posted on our calendar.

The Competition Director for the WCS is Matt Byrne. If you have
questions concerning the WCS or any of the events contact Matt.
jokerracingiowa@e... - (712) 469-3923.

These races are also a part of the IORCA Rider of the Year
competition. ROY points will be awarded at these events to racers
who have purchased their 2004 IORCA membership.

Thad Neil
IORCA Administrator
IMBCS Competition Director
thad@w... - (515) 291-2995

[Chuck]

Hello Folks,

Salsa Cycles is once again organizing the Chilly Chili Ice Race during the Bloomington Winter Fete this January. Details will be posted shortly.

Attendence for this event was astounding considering the cold temps and the number of spectators was equal to the number of participants.

If you have any interest in coming out to support the race, would like to volunteer, or just have any questions concerning the event, please feel free to email me at chood@mn.rr.com

Stay tuned for official postings.

Thanks
Chuck
Salsa Cycles
:D

[martini]

hey Chuck!

Got an idea here in my pea brain...in addition to the crit llike flat section, why not try to incorporate some real dirt/snow stuff? Add a bit of challenge, and change up the feel of the event. Also, maybe do three races for a 'series' like the Iowans are doing(that may be more owrk than you're looking for though).

[Chuck]

Hey Marty,

Glad you mentioned it. We are looking into incorporating actual dirt and perhaps pavement into the race this year. Can't let all those 1/4" studded tires have all the advantage.

Look for Hollywood to defend his title this year and race for the first ever "Ice Criterium World Championship".

Bring it.


:fool: