WSBA Meeting/Calendar

Paul D. and I attended the WSBA (Washington State Bicycle Race Association) annual meeting on Saturday.  The most significant news that I have to report is that the 2015 racing calendar has been published and can be viewed at:

http://www.wsbaracing.org/calendar.html

Last year, with significant help from John K, I was able to sync the race dates with the calendar on my phone, now I have no excuse for not knowing about a race.

A few things to note on the calendar:

• The Icebreaker TT (a Cucina Fresca race) is scheduled for Feb 28, 2015.  Our race director Dan L. is already at work.  This is a team event and we definitely need all hands on deck (i.e. volunteers) so make sure that you mark your calendars.
• The Volunteer Park Criterium (a Cucina Fresca race) will happen April 4, 2015.  Paul D. is race director.  Once again this a team event and unless you have a serious excuse we need everyone to volunteer for at least one shift.
• Typically the Icebreaker TT kicks off the racing season, but in 2015 we've been preempted by the Andy Salmon Kermesse on Feb 21.  These kermesse races are challenging all out efforts and  the Andy Salmon will be a good early season fitness test.
• Road racing begins in earnest on Sat March 8 with Sequim RR #1 followed the next day by Mason Lake #1.  We need to see mega Cat 4 and Cat 5 turnout at these early season races.  Some folks refer to Sequim and Mason as "training" races; I see them as "points" races.  We need to go in early and hard and vacuum up max upgrade points.
• There are a few cool-out-of state races for which we should consider putting together a formidable team presence.  The Baker City Cycling Classic (June 26-28) in Baker City, OR and the Cascade Classic (July 22-26) in Bend, OR are two worthy events.
• Masters Nationals will be held in Ogden, UT this year.
• Nationals will be held in Chattanooga, TN.
• The UCI World Championships come to the US this year and will be held in Richmond, VA (Sept 19-27). 

The unspoken heroes of local bike racing are the officials.  No officials = no race.  The current group of race officials are overworked, and new blood is needed.  Our own Steve B. completed the certification course a few months ago and has already been out working races.  Each team is encouraged to have at least two officials.  In order to get your certification you need to complete an eight hour one day course and pass an open book exam.  If you officiate at two races you get your racing license fee reimbursed.  If you are interested or have any questions email either Steve or myself.

Each team member will be needing to pay their 2015 USAC and WSBA dues shortly, I'll keep you posted on that.