ERTC is excited to announce the official ERTC-Lite program to help bridge riders from our learn to group ride program offered in May, to becoming capable, confident riders by the end of the season. You may have heard about this already if you attended the AGM - it’s initial name was “ERTC Rides” You will be seeing a follow up e-mail will all the juicy details.
Our road racing takes part on public roads. Part of Alberta Transportation’s requirement to run races on public open roads is the use of certified flaggers to control traffic at key intersections. Up until last year, no county has enforced this rule, however last year saw the cancellation or move of several races due to this new requirement, and will expect more races across Alberta require certified flaggers.
This places a large burden on race organizers and clubs, as it is expensive to hire the required amount for a race. This year, race organizers have come together and come up with a solution - to train and certify our own volunteers as flaggers. Without these flaggers, it will be difficult to put on any road races in Alberta. This is why we ask you: if you race, and even if you don’t race, please consider coming to the training session, and bringing a friend / family member. There is no cost, and it is April 8th, from 7-9:30pm at the Argyll Velodrome (6850 88 St NW) There will be a written test at the end. This will get you a 3 year certification as a flagger. There is no obligation to volunteer if you have taken the course (although we would really like you to!)
Is that… SNOW ON THE GROUND?! I think it is! With that, our official 2018 road/track/cross season comes to an end, and all regularly scheduled outdoor rides will be officially stopped. Fear not, there will still be pick-up winter trail rides when there is a bit more snowpack, along with plenty of socials throughout the winter to get us through those long winter months.
As the last cross race was this weekend, this wraps up the 2018 racing season and we start to look ahead to next year. There’s still plenty of events and happenings between now and the new year, but not all of them may happen on bikes, but will definitely still be bicycle related!
Alright alright alright - it’s finally time for an update! Not much has been happening in ERTC land as of late but we’ve got some hot and fresh updates for you!
Oh boy, forgive me (or don’t) cause this one is super late but we all needed a few days after our race to be super lazy. Speaking of, speak out our report from Principal (Race Director) Tim Bulger about our School of Cross race this weekend!
Don’t let the snow forecasts scare ya! Tons of stuff this week so I’ll stop commenting and get right to it!
YOU KNOW WHAT IT’S TIME FORRRRR?!!? Yeah you know it. We showin’ no signs of slowing down, we ride until the snow flies, and then we switch bikes! Cross is definitely here and we are switching over! Haven’t tried cross? Well, it’s definitely unique and I recommend coming out on Wednesday nights just to check it out! You ride a drop bar bike with bigger tires on mostly grass courses, littered with obstacles that you might have to get off your bike and run or jump over. The speed isn’t very high and it’s very accessible. I am not ashamed to say I was beaten by a 12 year old kid this weekend and have seen kids from 5 through seniors over 70 competing in cross! You will need another bike for this though, but basically any bike will do as long as it’s not a pure road bike (well, you can but it will be very uncomfortable for you) but any old mountain bike or even hybrid will do!
