MIVA is proud to host the 6th consecutive TT Series, again sponsored by Rock City Cycles. This year due to member feedback, we have increased the number of TTs up to 16. There will be 6x15k, 6x20k, and 4x40k events, plenty of chances to knock some PBs out this year. In 2015 we had record numbers as we averaged 25 racers per event and 339 total race entries. I expect to smash these numbers in 2016.
Location
The race is in the same location since 2013, on Nanaimo River Road starting just west of the intersection of South Forks Road. Many cycle to the start line over the Gogos hill for a warm up. Here's the route map and google map of start location. It isn't flat, not much is in Nanaimo. But it will make you stronger, and there are plenty of fast sections.
Starters 30 Seconds Apart
The biggest change will be that the interval gap will be 30 seconds between starting riders, as opposed to the 60 seconds we had used previous. The racers will still be seeded so the super fast are at the end, and we will try our best to group you with similarly skilled riders to 'give you a rabbit' up ahead to chase after as you make your heart come out of your chest. With the shorter gap between starters the race will also end sooner for most, as well as giving you more 'rabbits' up the road. No rolling starts.
Pre-registration and Start Lists
We will be utilizing a webscorer sign up list to generate the start lists again. There will be a place in the sign up for you to put in your anticipated finish time (do not write SLOW or I'll add 2 minutes to your time). Look up last seasons times if you need to get a rough idea of where you'll be. If you NEED to go early in the lineup, like Mr.Steen who sets AG records then races back for the ferry, let me know in advance and I'm happy to help. The most stressful part is swapping people around on the fly 2 minutes before the start gun goes, so that won't happen anymore.
Speed and Fit Session
Don Gillmore, holder of numerous TT records has offered to hold a 'Speed and Fit Session' prior to our first 15k TT. Don has tweaked many local time trialists fit the past few years and it paid dividends immediately. This will take place at 530pm at the start line on Nanaimo River Road. The 15k TT will start at exactly 630pm. More details to come.
Race Fees & Cycling BC
$5 per race
$50 for seasons pass
Must be a MIVA member to race
Every racer MUST have a Cycling BC membership of some sort, bring your card with you.
CyclingBC gives you 2 free club rides/races before you have to take out a membership, there is a waiver to fill out to use this feature if you're unsure of getting into racing.
As Norm says with Cross On The Rock: bring your CyclingBC card no exceptions.
Volunteers
We will need volunteers! The positions that are needed each race are a timekeeper, holder, turn around marshall, and spotter. Email to miva.president@gmail.com to get on the list. With family commitments and other pursuits, MIVA as a club will have to step up this year to run the events.
Newbies
These TT's have grown in size over the past 6 years,while also growing into an awesome supportive group who push each other to get better. It's a race against the clock, so don't get hung up on what others are doing, especially if you're new. You don't need a dimpled aero helmet to do your best, come on out and give it a try.
Cancellations
In case of extreme weather, MIVA will make the final call on cancelling the TT minimum 2 hours before race start time. Announcement via bikeracing.ca, twitter, and facebook will publish this info.
RACE RULES
- - Centre-line rule in effect. Riders must stay as far to the right as practicable. Riders caught crossing the centre-line will be disqualified. (When the RCMP came out to crack down on speeding here they noted a few of our riders not staying to the right as well)
- - There is to be no drafting. Standard TT rules apply, riders must stay 10m behind unless overtaking another rider (5 bike lengths)
- - Pass only on the left. Common courtesy is to notify the rider by calling out "On your left".
- - A pass occurs when the overtaking athlete's front wheel passes the leading edge of the athlete being overtaken. Failure to complete a pass within 20 seconds will result in a drafting violation.
- - Once overtaken, rider must fall back 7m before attempting to regain the lead.
- - Be gracious to your fellow competitors. If you are overtaken, do not feel compelled to re-pass unless you are confident you can hold the lead until the finish.
- - No blocking or impeding the forward progress of other athletes.
- - No parking west of the start line
