Race Flyer...

...has been uploaded into the Race Specifics area (and is also available here).

Although currently the prize section for each of the Master fields is listed as medals - I'm working with some contacts to sponsor the race and provide $$ for the top finishers. So presently the only field with $$ as an incentive is the Pro/1/2/3 race, but I have hopes to expand that to the other Masters races.

Juniors will not be racing for money but will have an enhanced package in addition to the state championship medals for the top 3.

Stay tuned for details to emerged as the race nears.

Registration info.

Just in time for Presidents Day - you can use your presidents (i.e. $$) for pre-race Registration when it opens Saturday March 1st. Just a minor detail or two to work out with the Kitsap County officials before I feel comfortable collecting entry fees.

Cost will be $10 Juniors, $25 Masters & Pro/1/2/3; $5 extra on day of race.

USA Cycling requires a "wet" signature, so please print and fill out 2008 USAC/Kitsap County event release form (also available in Race Specifics) and bring to registration. Write your WSBA number (if you have one) in upper right hand corner.

If you want to preregister via snail mail and save the bikereg.com service fee (or prefer not to use a credit card), send the above release & your check payable to:

Erik Scheller
2902 38th AVE NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Masters age limits revisited

Upon further review - please disregard my previous FEB 11th post, the infomation I shared was in error. The correct information on the various Masters categories is now listed properly and can be also viewed at http://www.wsbaracing.com/barr.asp .

Sorry for the confusion - my bad for not varifying information that led me down the wrong assumption (I know, I know!) - and getting any of you 30-34 guys/gals all excited about racing in the Masters categories.

For you men under 35 I still expect you'll be interested in the Men's CAT 1/2/3 race (sorry ladies).

Directions

Driving instructions have been added. If driving from somewhere else the address for Sidney Glen Elementary School (home of the Dolphins!) is 500 SW Birch Road, Port Orchard, WA 98367.

Ferry sailing schedule will be updated as soon as the summer schedule is available.

Age lowered to 30

I think WSBA is mirroring the USAC Masters National Championships and has lowered the requirement to race in a Masters category from 35 to 30; which should up the competition somewhat as some youngsters who otherwise might be sitting idle (or racing in the CAT 1/2/3 race) will be in the Masters group.

USAC Course approval

This course is just west of HWY 16 (Sedgwick Road exit) near Port Orchard, WA. I will post driving directions from Tacoma as well as from the Southworth & Bremerton ferries.

Registration & start (Arrow) will be at Sidney Glen Elementary School. South on Glenwood Road, a right and a left still on Glenwood, East on Wildwood, South on Sidney, West on Minterbrook, North on Glenwood, West on Lake Helena, North on Dickenson which turns into Lake Flora then South onto Glenwood and repeat.

With a 1-mile neutral rollout and another mile until turning onto the 15.5 mile loop. The number of loops and distances will depend on race category, and will be published as soon as I finish up the race flyer (which should be posted shortly). Finish (Stop sign) will be up a short ramp on Minterbrook. Feed Zone (Guy drinking) will be on Dickenson Road.

The course has a few short hills, rollers, flats, and false flats with great to mostly good pavement (only one short section on Wildwood has a few minor potholes that I'll try to get Kitsap County Road Works guys to come out and patch); so bring your fast wheels. It will best serve the all-arounder which I think is ideal for a State Championship race.

Mark your calendars

Sunday June 8th I will again host the WA State Masters & Juniors Road Race Championship. I will try to provide as much info. about the race as possible as it develops. Feedback & questions are always welcome.

I am currently looking at some new course options other than the Longbranch course. I like the Longbranch course, as do many of you, but I know you guys like diversity also. I will post a link to the route/profile as soon as it's finalized so you can preview it beforehand.

I am planning on having all Juniors (men & women) race the first morning wave, the Masters Men C, D and all Masters Women racing in the late morning wave, with the Masters Men A & B races concluding the day with an early afternoon start. Racers from out-of-state are welcome to race but are not eligible for WA State Championship medals - this is reserved for WA residents only!

I am trying to garner up some race sponsorship to offer prize money and/or KOM primes - I'll keep you posted. Any leads on this front would be most appreciated.

Last year I offered up a combined Men's CAT 1/2/3 race for those not eligible to race in the Juniors (too old) or the Masters (too young) with prize $ & a KOM incentive - and only 2 guys showed up (and 1 of those dropped out). I'd again like to offer this race option for those 1/2/3's who'd like to race a road course (including you Oregon folk who're looking at 2 crits that weekend) - but only if there is enough interest & commitment among the racers/teams beforehand. So I throw it out amongst you guys - please provide me feedback pronto if you want this race included in the early afternoon wave.

Also looking at the possibility of hooking up with an online registration service so you can sign up in advance if you so desire.

Any questions/comments don't hesitate to post here or email me at justfivegrins@hotmail.com

Happy New Year and safe & prosperous training/racing this upcoming season.