Wednesday Training Night

The Northern Bush Rastas are a major force in provincial mountain bike racing. The club has won the inter-club points competition a number of years and are out to win again! The inter-club points competion rewards the club with the best participation throughout the season. Club members have won numerous provincial championships, national championships and even a world championship! Racing is an important part of the club, and to serve the needs of its mountain bike racers we host the Wednesday night training series.

The format for 2012 will be similar to the format used in previous years. However for this year we will be changing the venue due to construction restricting trail access to the south of the city. As a result we will be meeting in the Silverwood area unless otherwise specified. For those that may not know, this is where one of the local races was previously held, with some really intense climbs and technical sections to get your cardio running into overdrive!

We usually begin by having an "at your own pace but as fast as you can" warm up running practice laps and then a for-fun race after about 30 minutes to give some practice riding tired, just like a full blown race. It is absolutely critical during a race to overcome exhaustion, on Wednesdays we practice exactly that!

Locations
The Wednesday night locations:
  • Diefenbaker Park - Meet at 6:30pm at bottom of big hill facing north.
    Workout from 6:30 - 7:15 pm
    Fun Race from 7:15 - 7:45 pm
    Trail Ride from 7:45 - 8:15pm
  • Sutherland - Meet at 6:30pm at the dog walking parking lot (imaginary intersection of Preston and Circle Drive).
    Workout from 6:30 - 7:15 pm
    Fun Race from 7:15 - 7:45 pm
  • Silverwood - Meet at 6:45pm at DIRT Dump.
  • Blackstrap Prov Park - Meet at base of Blackstrap Ski Hill at 6:45pm.
Why Train?
The Wednesday night training exists for three main purposes:
  • First, and most important, is that they are a fun way to get a good hard workout whether you are training for mountain bike racing or want to improve your fitness and speed.
  • Second, it is an excellent first introduction to mountain bike racing for those who are interested and would like to try it out in a low pressure, fun atmosphere.
  • Third, fun races are a good way to practice skills that are used in racing and don't often get used during regular training rides. Examples include race starts, proper pacing, riding technical trails while fatigued, and proper nutrition.

Who can race?

The Northern Bush Rastas organize the Wednesday night training, but we welcome members from any cycling club to come out and participate. The only requirement is that you have an SCA membership (for insurance purposes) and that you wear a CSA approved helmet for your own safety. Last year participants ranged in age from ten all the way to their forties both men and women.

How long is the session?

Participants ride at their own pace for approximately the first 30 minutes, then group up for the evening's finale, a short for-fun race. The race is typically 20-30 minutes in length.

When is it?

Wednesday night training starts the first week of May and ends the last week of August.

Where do we meet?

See list above for race locations. If you need more information or have any questions feel free to phone Neil Clarke at 477-3462 in the evenings, or e-mail him at neil@biking.org.

Safety

Remember that this is for fun, so don't take chances by going too fast and hard on the descents. We don't want to see anyone get hurt. If uncerntain, consult any one of your co-members for advice.


Race Format

To keep things interesting we have a variety of different courses to head out on, and above all its for fun! The race that caps off the evening is as competitive, or tame as you make it out to be. The overriding goal being to make you a better rider. As a result it can easily be the highlight of your evening, reward for all your hard work!

Results
Coming Soon