Riding and Racing Continues in August
Of course it does … why not?
Racers may be heading down to Calgary this weekend to test their legs in the Tour de Bowness. Using its traditional course format, this race is well suited for the climbers out there. If climbing is your strength, but you’re not racing this year, consider this a goal for next season. It’s always held on the August long weekend.
Pedalhead Road Works hosts the last ABA sanctioned criterium in the Glenora district on August 11. For a crit, this course is rather technical and will be a good challenge to anyone still holding good form through August.
The road racing season basically closes with some time trials later in the month. Crankmasters hosts one more Individual Time Trial (ITT) on August 19 in Crossfield. Like our own ITT, they will also have a Citizen category. So for everyone still new to racing, without a license, this is your last chance to try an ITT this year.
We conclude the road events on the weekend of August 25-26 with the Provincial ITT and Team Time Trial (TTT) championships. Women, Men and Mixed teams of 4 are required in the TTT on Sunday. Anybody interested in putting together a club TTT? Send me an email and let’s get it coordinated (your team will need a couple of training rides together to be safe and secure): coaching@velocitycyclingclub.ca
Then we’re onto cyclocross season! Starting with Shaun Adamson’s …
Cycle-Smart Cyclocross Camp August 18-19
You will receive hands-on instruction with a focus specifically on skills and technique that can only be demonstrated and taught in person. Skills covered will include mounting, dismounting, barriers, carrying, cornering, off-cambers, starts, course evaluation, line selection, and tire pressure.
Experienced or novice, this camp will get your ‘cross season up and running! If you’re interested, please check out Shaun’s Facebook Event Page Cycle-Smart Alberta Cyclocross Camp. Or go register on Zone4 before it’s too late: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=18499
Enjoy Some Long Weekend Riding
Saturday departs from The Grange Save-On-Foods parking lot at 10am. Head down through Nighthawk and towards Devon. Construction in the area requires a few minor route detours.
The Sunday Ride meets at 10am in the Spruce Grove Tri-Lesiure Centre parking lot for the loop north through Glory Hills.
The Tuesday City Hill Circuit departs 6:30pm from Hawrelak Park.
With the Time Trials still on our race schedule, keep up your aerobic power with Thursday’s Threshold Intervals at 6:30pm from The Garrison’s Tim Hortons.
Coach Kevin has one more family trip this summer …
From August 7 to 18th, I’ll be down in Ecuador with my 2 kids. As a side experiment, I’ll see if 10 days at altitude (Quito is nearly 10,000 feet!) will give me any performance benefits 😉
When you’re about to quit … remember why you started.