USA Cycling Coaching Summit

From Lucas Wall...

It's always fun to visit the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs with its beautiful Pikes Peak backdrop. After 15 years I made a trip back October 13-17 for the USA Cycling Coaching Summit. Lots has changed since I was there as a junior rider. It was great to see a number of new facilities on the campus, but apparently my tolerance for dorm beds has decreased since my last visit. That didn't take away from five excellent days focused on coaching.

The Coaching Summit included presenters and attendees from around the US and a few foreign countries. Some familiar names from popular cycling literature included Dr. Andy Coggan and Dr. Kristen Dieffenbach. A number of the other presenters shared research and experience from their work with elite athletes, Olympians, ProTour teams, and developing young athletes in cycling, triathlon, and running.

A few of the themes that came up repeatedly by different presenters included:

• Train smarter, not longer
• It takes years to reach the elite level (about 7+ in men, and about 4+ in women)
• Track riding = get faster; regular speed work is important to peak performance
• Riders need to learn to ride by feel -- not just a HR or power
• In women, the menstrual cycle hormonal changes need to be considered for optimal performance
• Sleep is a very important part of recovery, and thus training

The first presenter, Istvan Balyi, specializes in long-term athlete development and shared his ideas about the steps involved in growing a sport and the athletes who participate. It's a common sense model that starts with kids having fun in the sport, learning basic skills, and progressing to learning how to train, training to compete, and training to win, all the while helping people stay active and healthy for a lifetime. While it sounds like a simple progression, it's hard to make happen. For example, when one 14-year-old is 6' tall and another is 5' tall, they are clearly developing at different rates and programs should accommodate for this so kids stay involved. After all, two-thirds of elite athletes are late developers.

The crew at the Velodrome at Bloomer Park seem to be on track with their programs related to this model as their programs develop beginner through elite athletes. Michigan Youth Cycling, the efforts of the Cheryl Olson and others in the state to enhance the racing program for women, and the junior riders who have attended regional and national camps the last couple of years (Hana Berkooz, James Anderson, Alexey Vermeulen, Tony Wieczorek, and Noah Veltkamp) are just a few examples of things going right with rider development in Michigan related to the long-term athlete development.

A few of the other presentations with immediately applicable practices included Dr. Stacy Sims' tips for managing and adapting to exercise in the heat. Some ideas were old, others new, and couple controversial, but overall really got people thinking about how to manage your body temperature in a hot climate. And even how these adaptations might enhance performance at altitude.

Dr. Randy Wilber provided a good overview of the effects, adjustments, and approaches of living and training at different altitudes (i.e. sea level vs. 5000+ feet). Dr. Andy Coggan talked about aerodynamic testing with a power meter. Let's just say you can be very accurate if you're obsessive-compulsive (he described himself that way, then provided it to be true).

Some other presentations included case studies in coaching, properly identifying and managing an athlete with a concussion, communication styles, business opportunities, Paralympic cycling, and an introduction to the USA Cycling sprint track program by the program's new director, Jamie Staff (2008 Olympic Gold medalist from the UK).

The Coaching Summit ended with one of my favorite presentations which was about using technology with runners. I'm not saying that because one of my professors, Dr. Steve McGregor, gave the presentation, but because the approach he shared applied the Performance Managment Chart data (used in WKO+ software and covered in "Training and Racing with a Power Meter" by Allen & Coggan) to running, and it actually peaked my interest in working with runners. That's saying a lot because while I have run a fair amount in the past, I really prefer to watch others run now.

Overall, it was a great event that I highly recommend for other coaches to attend in the future. It's only held every two years, so look for it in 2012. You can look forward to hearing about new research and approaches to improving performance, meet a lot of other like-minded cycling coaches, and see the Olympic Training Center.

The Return of Cyclocross

It's that time of year again. Time to dust of the cross bike and head to some dirt, gravel, sand and grass. The calender has been updated to reflect the change of gears.

6pm Tuesday - Dirt Hammer
Check out the calender for ride details and a course map. This is the favorite ride of the year for many of us. Dirt and gravel roads, riding as fast as you can. If you haven't done the ride before be sure to print out the map and bring it with you. Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/mi/ann-arbor/582125288180011027. The ride is fast and people get dropped (like I did last week). A bit of a warmup beforehand is recommended as the pace picks up almost immediately. A challenging ride but it will definitely make you faster.

6pm Thursday - Cross Practice
CX practice is underway Thursday evenings, 6pm at Leslie Park off Dhu Varren. We'll let you know if there is a change of venue.

Leslie's kind of hidden back there behind a subdivision off DhuVarren. Turn on Leslie Park Circle and keep following it back to the park.

We want good relationships with all our neighbors, so please drive safely and slowly through the residential area. Also, please be respectful of other users in the park. Crazy bikers are a bit intimidating.

We'll have barriers to leap over and informal course layouts for high intensity accelerations and anaerobic flagellation. It's a good opportunity to fine tune your skills. The season is upon us. Time to stumble over them barriers.

Dirt Road Washtenaw
AAVC's own Rob Pulcipher has a new book detailing the dirt roads of Washtenaw county. It should be arriving in a few weeks. I for one am really looking forward to finding some new roads to explore this fall/winter. Check it out:
http://dirtroadwashtenaw.com/
http://thingsbike.blogspot.com/

Huron River Drive Repaving Donations Exceed Goals

If you missed the headlines last week, the fundraising effort to help repave additional portions of Huron River Drive (HRD) exceeded the initial goal. And a second goal. It's now working its way toward a third. An article about the fund raising progress is available from AnnArbor.com. Additional details--including maps of the sections covered by the donations--are available on Greenview Data's Community Projects page.

The outcome of the fundraising is that when repaving on HRD wraps up in September (they will begin the week of August 23), we can expect very smooth riding from Foster Rd. (east end of the project) to a little west of Zeeb. This whole stretch has poor pavement conditions, but the donations make possible the resurfacing of sections that were omitted from the original repaving plans and encompass the very worst sections.

The Ann Arbor Velo Club contributed $1000 to this effort, and many people have said they made individual contributions that have added up to the $42,000+ raised so far. Thanks to all!

Many thanks to Debbie Green and Ted Green (CEO of Greenview Data including its SpamStopsHere product) who initiated the project and have worked in conjunction with the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society (AABTS) to make the idea soon become a reality.

AAVC standings in Michigan Challenge Race Series

The AAVC has been doing a good job of keeping riders and its teams in the mix of the Michigan Challenge Race Series this year.

As has been the case all season long, the Cat. 4 riders are keeping AAVC at the top of the team rankings. Doug Jacobsen, Tim Schutt, Colin Hebert, Dave Vannette, Richard Rainville, Dale Holsombeck, Bob Shank, and Dan Simundza have all scored points for the team.

The women are also leading the Cat. 3 team competition. Kristi Hewitt, Laura Johnson, Grace Singleton, and Emily Flynn are all sitting in the top ten for the division. With Laura moving up to Cat. 2 , it will be up to others to hold the lead.

Larry Bohnsack and John Shedlock have been powering AAVC at the top of the 55+ rankings all season long and don't look like they'll relinquish the lead any time soon.

The Cat. 4 women are holding onto 4th, and the 35+ men of the Two Wheel Tango/Morgan & York are sitting in 5th in their respective divisions.

Javier Samayoa and Drew (Brian) Anderson are keeping AAVC in the middle of the Cat. 3 and Cat. 1/2 rankings, respectively.

The juniors have been pulling double-duty this season, contributing both to their junior age categories and to their senior categories.

Check out the full team standings and individual point standings on the MBRA website.

Good work to all so far this season. With just four races left in the series (State Criterium Championship, Cherry-Roubaix Criterium and Road Race, and the DeBaets-Devos Criterium), it looks like AAVC is going to wrap up the season in great shape!

Mission & Bylaws

Mission

To develop skills and abilities across all groups (junior riders, senior men and women and masters racers) and to give members the opportunity to develop these skills and abilites through organized coaching, scheduled training rides and clinics and a variety of racing opportunities. Riders with the ability and desire to go further with their racing, are encouraged to join an elite team when ready to do so.



Bylaws

1. Name of Organization

The name of this organization shall be the Ann Arbor Velo Club, hereafter referred to as "The Club".

2. Purpose of the Organization

The purpose of The Club shall be to promote competitive bicycling. Assistance shall be provided to its members in preparation for and participation in bicycle races. The club shall actively recruit new members, and publicize its activities. The Club shall comply with existing USCF rules regarding race promotion.

3. Membership in Organization

Membership is open to all persons. The sole requirements for membership are timely payment of club dues, and signature of release statement absolving The Club of any responsibility for damager and/or injury resulting from participation in club activities. Persons under 18 years of age must obtain the signature of a parent or guardian for the release statement.

4. Officers of the Organization

4.1 Titles and Duties

President - Chief executive officer. Schedules and presides over meetings, appoints committee chairpersons, represents The Club in dealings with other organizations.

Executive Vice President - Assists President, substitutes in the absence of the President, assumes duties of the President if the President resigns or is removed from office. Acts as the key Steering Committee contact with the Summer Race organization.

Vice President for Membership (formerly Secretary) - prepares meeting minutes, maintains all non-financial club records, maintains membership records, coordinates member programs.

Treasurer - Maintains financial records, manages club finances, files all pertinent financial records with the USCF in cooperation with the President.

4.2 Election

Officers shall be elected on a yearly basis at the last regularly scheduled membership meeting of the year, but in no case later than December 31. A minimum two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the members present shall be required to elect any given officer. Officers may serve an unlimited number of consecutive terms of office, however, no officer may serve concurrently in more than one office.

4.3 Vacated Offices

In the event an officer is unable to complete the normal one year term of office, the President (or Vice-President if the President is the affected officer) shall schedule a membership meeting within two weeks of the effective date of resignation or removal to elect a replacement. The remaining officers shall assume the duties of the vacated office in the interim period.

4.4 Removal from Office

An officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members present at any scheduled meeting. Any member may request that the President (or Vice President if the President is the affected officer) schedule a special meeting for this purpose. Grounds for removal are neglect of duties, malfeasance, and incompetence.

5. Committees of the Organization

5.1 Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is comprised of the officers of The Club, all committee chairpersons, and any other persons the chairperson may deem fit to appoint. The chairperson of the Steering Committee is the president of The Club. The purpose of this committee is to conduct all business pertinent to the operation of The Club, formulate club policy, and coordinate the operation of the other committees. The president shall schedule meetings of the Steering Committee as required. All club members are permitted to attend these meetings.

5.2 Publicity Committee

The Publicity Committee is comprised of the chairperson (Vice President for Communications and Publicity) appointed by the president, and members appointed by the chairperson. The purpose of this committee is to publicize the activities of The Club in the media, and in any other cost-effective manner. Funds for this purpose shall be allocated by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Steering Committee.

5.3 Racing Committee

The Racing Committee is comprised of the chairperson (Vice President for Racing) appointed by the president, and members appointed by the chairperson. The purpose of this committee is to organize and schedule club training and racing activities. Funds for this purpose shall be allocated by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Steering Committee.

5.4 Development Committee

The Development Committee is comprised of the chairperson (Vice President for Development) appointed by the president, and members appointed by the chairperson. The purpose of this committee is to determine direction with the Steering Committee, of development programs and to administer development programs.

5.5 Sponsorship Committee

The Sponsorship Committee is comprised of the chairperson (Vice President for Sponsorship) appointed by the president, and members appointed by the chairperson. The purpose of this committee is to secure sponsorships for the club and to serve as liaison to current sponsors. Coordinate with race committeed to avoid sponsor overlap.

5.6 Other Committees

The president shall appoint chairpersons for other committees as recommended by the Steering Committee.

6. Affiliation

6.1 United States Cycling Federation

The Club shall be a member of the United States Cycling Federation, hereafter referred to as the USCF. The requirements of this membership are timely payment of dues, and promotion of at least one USCF sanctioned race during the calendar year. Club members are not required to obtain a USCF racing license.

6.2 Other Organizations

The Club may affiliate with any organization promoting competitive bicycling by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership, provided this does not conflict with USCF membership.

7. Finances

7.1 Sponsorship

The Club shall actively seek financial sponsorship from external agencies such as businesses to help promote its activities, and defray associated costs incurred by its membership. The Steering Committee shall determine the manner in which these monies and services are used and distributed. The sponsorship must conform with the regulations of the USCF which include a contractual agreement, a financial report, and a USCF fee based on the amount of sponsorship.

7.2 Dues

Membership dues shall be paid annually, and shall cover the fiscal year in which they are paid. The dues shall be established annually by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Steering Committee.

7.3 Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

7.4 Conformance with USCF Rules

The Club shall conform with all USCF rules regarding the disbursement of funds to its members.

8. Amendments to Constitution

The constitution may be amended at any time by two-thirds (2/3) vote of The Club membership. Any member may present a proposed amendment at any scheduled meeting, or submit in writing to the president. The president may solicit votes by proxy ballot.

9. Dissolution of Organization

The Club may be dissolved at any time by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of The Club membership. The conditions for voting on this issue are the same as for article 8. In the event that The Club votes to dissolve, the president shall direct the sale of all club hard assets which shall be combined with all liquid assets. The total consolidated assets shall be donated to the United States Olympic Committee Cycling program.

Adopted March 7, 1983
Amended December 2, 1989

Richard Rainville at Junior National Track Championships

Congratulations to Richard Rainville who competed last week in the 13-14 age group at the Junior National Track Championships held in Trexlertown, PA on the Lehigh Valley Velodrome. Richard placed in the top 20 in the 500m time trial and top 10 in the scratch race (a scratch race is basically a criterium held on the track). After a good qualifying ride in the points race to make the final his luck ended and he hit the deck hard. Despite the rough end, it's great that Richard was able to make the trip and represent AAVC at Junior Nationals, and we're wishing him a speedy recovery. Here are some great shots of Richard racing.

Huron River Drive repaving project - contributions sought

There is an effort to repave a portion of Huron River Drive (HRD) this summer that many of us remember well: the section just west of the intersection with Wagner, including the railroad crossing.

Funds are being sought to fund this initiative. Please consider making a contribution as there is a 2-to-1 matching program for private donations (e.g. $200 given for every $100 contributed, for $300 total). Additional details about the project follow, and if you chose to make a donation, please mail it by July 5.

Yes, we all pay roadway taxes with the gas we buy, but as users who have a more intimate knowledge of the holes along HRD, might I propose that we have a little more interest than motorists. As ambassadors, students, and teachers of the sport, and people always interested in our safety, it would be fantastic if we could contribute to the community and demonstrate to area motorists that we take our responsibility as users of the roadway very seriously.

Background of the project: The Washtenaw County Road Commission has received federal funds to repave Huron River Drive from Tubbs to Zeeb, and from Wagner to N. Maple (map of road sections involved: http://tinyurl.com/248xkse), which is great and exciting news for all bicyclists. The repaving is scheduled for this July or August.

Unfortunately, the section between Tubbs and Wagner was deemed to be in too poor condition for simply repaving and therefore ineligible for these federal funds. Therefore, Ted Green (owner of AAVC sponsor Greenview Data/SpamStopsHere) and his wife, Debbie, have been working on a project of raising private donations to get this terrible and very unsafe section repaved too.

While the main goal of this project is to extend the paving east from Tubbs to the bridge and hopefully all the way to Wagner, the short eastbound stretch west of Zeeb will be requested for repaving, too.

The Tubbs to Wagner section is estimated to cost $90,000 ($90K) to grind and repave this section. (It might be a bit more.) This might sound like an awful lot to raise, but here is the good news:

* The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) has found ways/sources to DOUBLE-match our donations! Therefore, only $30K needs to be raised.

Your donations are critical to getting Tubbs to Wagner repaved. Without them, there is no possibility of it being repaired this year or NEXT year. While matching funds are available, these funds were budgeted to "match private donations" and are otherwise not available. Such donations are quite rare and while road repair money is almost non-existent, "The system" stipulates that our donations be matched. Lets take advantage of it.

Make the check out to: Washtenaw County Road Commission.
Send it to: AABTS (Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society), Attn: HRD Repaving, PO Box 1585, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Please send it by: July 5, 2010 so that we can finalize things with the WCRC

Remember, your check will only be cashed if the repaving project goes through; otherwise it will be returned to you.

Thanks for considering making a donation to improving not the only the facilities for cycling, but also supporting the community and showing the contribution that cyclists make.