26 replies to this topic

[kevin_edwards]

The weather looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL for Hellbender this weekend, so if you're on the fence - stop thinking and do it!

Online registration is closed but we will continue to register on race day up 30min prior to each category start.

Don't forget your USAC card/number or be prepared to pay $10 for a 1-day USAC membership.

I just updated the "course information" pdf with maps & directions to get to the criterium start and to the hotel.  It will be tricky getting through town due to road closures on Saturday.

That's about it!  See you all this weekend!

[AJC]

On the flyer it says that race day registration is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM but above you say reg is open up to 30 min prior to each category start. Which is correct? This will help me decide how early I need to wake up tomorrow morning ...Thanks for the information and really looking forward to the weekend of racing.

[thefutureofamerica]

Is there a feed zone for the RR? I looked but didn't see any info in the race bible.

[kevin_edwards]

Okay, the updated course info is not posted yet - working that... will post a new reply here when it is up.

But to answer the above questions:

-Yes we have relaxed the registration cutoff time listed in the bible.  We will keep registration open until 30min prior to race start for each category on both days.  This change will be reflected in a bible revision when I can get it posted.

-Yes there is is a feed zone at the junction of Hwy M and Hwy P.  This is immediately south of Newburg, close to where the start & finish were located in past years.  When the updated course map is post you will see it marked.  The zone is unmanned - you would need to have your own people there, but they are welcome to set up there.

[McTufferton]

kevin_edwards, on 01 June 2012 - 12:29 PM, said:

Okay, the updated course info is not posted yet - working that... will post a new reply here when it is up.

But to answer the above questions:

-Yes we have relaxed the registration cutoff time listed in the bible.  We will keep registration open until 30min prior to race start for each category on both days.  This change will be reflected in a bible revision when I can get it posted.

-Yes there is is a feed zone at the junction of Hwy M and Hwy P.  This is immediately south of Newburg, close to where the start & finish were located in past years.  When the updated course map is post you will see it marked.  The zone is unmanned - you would need to have your own people there, but they are welcome to set up there.

Regarding feed zone, perhaps you mean Hwy T and Hwy P south of Newburg?  Hwy M is at the far south end of the loop and doesn't intersect Hwy P.

[Mark EWERS]

kevin_edwards, on 01 June 2012 - 12:29 PM, said:

Okay, the updated course info is not posted yet - working that... will post a new reply here when it is up. But to answer the above questions: -Yes we have relaxed the registration cutoff time listed in the bible. We will keep registration open until 30min prior to race start for each category on both days. This change will be reflected in a bible revision when I can get it posted. -Yes there is is a feed zone at the junction of Hwy M and Hwy P. This is immediately south of Newburg, close to where the start & finish were located in past years. When the updated course map is post you will see it marked. The zone is unmanned - you would need to have your own people there, but they are welcome to set up there.

Links to both of the new documents: the race bible and course information have now been updated. LINK

[kevin_edwards]

McTufferton, on 01 June 2012 - 02:43 PM, said:

kevin_edwards, on 01 June 2012 - 12:29 PM, said:

Okay, the updated course info is not posted yet - working that... will post a new reply here when it is up.

But to answer the above questions:

-Yes we have relaxed the registration cutoff time listed in the bible.  We will keep registration open until 30min prior to race start for each category on both days.  This change will be reflected in a bible revision when I can get it posted.

-Yes there is is a feed zone at the junction of Hwy M and Hwy P.  This is immediately south of Newburg, close to where the start & finish were located in past years.  When the updated course map is post you will see it marked.  The zone is unmanned - you would need to have your own people there, but they are welcome to set up there.

Regarding feed zone, perhaps you mean Hwy T and Hwy P south of Newburg?  Hwy M is at the far south end of the loop and doesn't intersect Hwy P.

McT is correct - I meant T and P... but that is changing anyway...  Although in the past it has been at T and P intersect, it is not working with the new route.   Sorry for the changes but feed zone is being moved to intersect of J and P.   This is MUCH more accessible, doesn't create more car traffic on the bike route, and falls ~34 miles into the race instead of 8 miles in.  So I think this is an improvement.  New feed zone maps will be at race HQ...

[Moheelfan]

I thought the new feed zone at J and P worked well. Good off road parking (hope the families back in there didn't mind) and availability to I44 to get back to the finish.

[thefutureofamerica]

Agreed, good location. This was a really nicely put on race weekend - the courses were challenging and fun, the weather was great, tons of volunteers out on the courses to keep things safe - if you didn't make it down this weekend, you missed out. Thanks to Kevin and the other organizers!

If I were writing my crazy wish list for next year, neutral water hand-ups would be really nice given the length of this road race and the fact that most racers are coming from outside the Rolla area (which makes it harder to bring a support person) but I know that's tough to do. I'll definitely be back either way.

[billh]

Kevin, I add my thanks for putting on the 10-14 Junior State Championship; I know that was a lot of extra work for a small field; but it meant a lot for the kids and families who participated.  The junior race sparks and solidifies interest in cycling as a life-long sport for these young racers.  Thanks for the opportunity to race.  bh

[kevin_edwards]

Thank you all for the kind words and suggestions!

I have some ideas to make the feed zone work better next year.  Can't promise but will look into the neutral water idea as well.

[Rodgers]

Thanks for a great race.  I really enjoyed both the crit and the Road race routes, Especially the road race route, which was beautiful not to mention challenging.  We couldnt have asked for better weather either!  Definitely on my calendar for next year, no doubt!

Minor wish lists suggestions (again these are wish lists, race was great but like someone above said - if I were king here is what I would do to improve it):  

• Some of the turns where hard to understand.  The arrows where painted during the turn instead of putting them 50-100 feet ahead of the turn.  Was tough sometimes and yelling ahead to the volunteers and asking was also troublesome due to wind/road noise.
  
• Was also tough to know where the finish line was exactly.  We saw a bunch of people lined up on the finish line road, but they were further away then the actual finish so it threw some of us off.  Maybe a finish banner or some signs that say 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m to finish would be helpful as well.
  
• Add a Second race fee (15 bucks usually) for the Crit day, this will draw more people to the race and allow us to race twice that day if we want.  For instance a 4 could race in the 4/5 and also race in the 3/4 race later that day.
  
• Race day fee's vs. payouts.  Recommend increasing the payouts if you want to increase your numbers, 35-40 bucks is normal for big races like MOPRO, but there payouts are also good.  As one who has done a race, I know this isnt easy to do.  A lot of it depends on sponsorship money.  Only recommendation is to look at the other races in the state and compare their fees/payouts to that of Hellbender and see if you compare well or are under/over.

All in all, great race guys - fantastic!  Cant wait for next year!

[B9rel8tor]

To all who hosted/organized and volunteered - thanks for everything you did to make it a great race!

[Rodgers]

Hows the results posting coming along to USA Cycling?

[pylondesigner]

Rodgers, on 11 June 2012 - 10:12 AM, said:

Hows the results posting coming along to USA Cycling?

Bump....nice to know for upgrade points for USAC.  understand that a tri club put on the race, but it really isn't that hard to submit results to USAC.

please?