Colin Craig Memorial Series Important Information

1. REQUIREMENTS TO RACE: The race coordinator will have a checklist for each rider at beginning of the race. Here is an image of what this will look like:

If a rider is not checked off for ANY of these items at the start of the race, they will be unable to participate. Riders are encouraged to get these items checked off as soon as possible to avoid last-minute scrambles. Here is a breakdown of the checklist items that each rider must have:

1. GVBC – Each rider must be a member of the Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club. The fee is $10 for the year ($15 for families), and they have a 2012 online signup form here.

2. CCMS – Riders must fill out the Colin Craig Memorial Series sign-up form in order to be on the list and to receive a number. The number must be on the rider’s bike in order to race, otherwise there is no way to keep track of participants. The form is here.

3. CCMS Fee – The fee for the entire race series will be $25 for adult riders, and $10 for junior riders. There is an option on the GVBC membership registration form to pay for the series fee at the same time via Paypal. Checks written out to Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club will also be accepted, and the GVBC membership fee may be combined into one check. Riders may bring checks to any race, where at least one race director should be present. Additionally, checks may be mailed to the address given on the contact form here.

4. Volunteer – Every rider participating in the series must sign up for 2 races at which to volunteer. Volunteering is at the core of this series, so it is very important that we have enough. If your name is not in at least two slots before a race, we must enforce this requirement. The volunteer sign-up form can be found here.

5. Waiver – For liability reasons, riders are required to sign and bring a new waiver form to each race. Don’t forget! The forms can be found and printed here.

2. RACE NUMBERS: A race number is required to participate in any race during the season. The number must be affixed to the rider’s bicycle anywhere that it can be seen by officials. Tape or zip-ties may be available a the start line, but racers should try to affix the number beforehand. In the event that a racer forgets their number, they will be allowed to complete the race under the condition that they talk to an official immediately following the race. Any racers who leave without notifying an official of their number will not be scored.
Racers are asked to keep their race number from the previous race season. New racers will be issued a number at the first race attended. If you lose your race number there will be a $5 replacement fee, so put it in a safe deposit box over winter if you need to.

3. OUT-OF-TOWN/PARTIAL SEASON RACERS: Visitors from out-of-town are absolutely welcome to join in the training series. Similarly, racers who can only make it to a few races are welcome. We would ask them to speak to a coordinator or race director beforehand.

4. VENUES/TIMES: Please see the schedule page for locations, times, and directions to the races. Please arrive to all races at least 15 minutes prior, so volunteers can accurately record paperwork. For time trials, 20min to 30min early ensures that the racer list can be sorted; this event is extremely time sensitive.

5. CATEGORIES: A minimum of two groups will be offered at each ride unless there are fewer than 15 total riders.  The “A” group will consist of riders with race experience (typically USAC Cat 1-3 and strong 4′s).  The “B” group will consist of less experienced riders or riders who are not quite as fast as those racing in the A group. Masters and Women are welcomed in either field based on fitness level and desired ride speed. Also, “A” riders are asked to ride as an “A” in all events, even if that event is not your strong point. After all, it is a TRAINING Series and the improvement of every rider is the ultimate goal.

6. FIELD SIZES: There will be a starting field limit of 20 racers in each category (A,B,women). If more than 20 riders show up for one category, the group will be divided in half, with the second half starting shortly after the first. Field assignment will be on a semi-voluntary basis, but field #1 will receive points as usual for the top five finishers (5,4,3,2,1) and field #2 will receive points for the top three finishers (3,2,1). This will encourage a natural separation of riding abilities with #2 field riders battling for an opportunity to acquire “some” points, as opposed to no points. Note that the separation of riding abilities is desirable for safety and quality of racing. Should it be necessary, the race director can divide the field at his/her discretion, but we ask that riders be honest and use judgement in deciding which field to join should a split be necessary. The race coordinator may choose to raise or lower the field limit depending on various factors (course, traffic, road conditions, weather…). In the event of field separation for a criterium, races will be shorter in order to complete all races in a timely manner.

7. UPGRADING: There is no mandatory upgrade policy from B to A division. Each racer must use discretion, keeping in mind that the purpose of this training series is to push oneself to improve. Teams should encourage their riders to use this training series to get better, and riding at a higher level facilitates this. Any riders that score points, even once, in the ‘A’ division will be expected to continue racing as an A. Riders that upgrade to the A division mid-season will receive 50% of any ‘B’ points previously gained.

8. CANCELLATIONS: Races are subject to cancellation at any time, whether due to lack of volunteers or environmental factors such as weather. The committee of race directors will ultimately make the decision. Cancellation status will be posted at the bottom of the CCMS home page before 5pm the day of the race in order to give racers adequate time to react. Some riders may sign-up for text alerts at the time of registration, but receiving these text alerts should not be relied upon due to the unreliable nature of cell phones.

9. SAFETY: Please observe a few safety points:
-Helmets will be required at all races
-Please only park in designated parking areas. Race coordinators will be available to direct you at the race area.
-PLEASE STAY OFF THE ROAD AT THE BRIDGER CANYON STAGING AREA!!!! Riders must stay off the road at all start/finish areas and not impede traffic. Riders who don’t stay off the roads in these areas will not be allowed to participate in the ride.
-DO NOT CROSS THE YELLOW LINE!!!!  You MUST stay on the right side of the road.   Riders who cross the yellow line will be kicked out of the ride and possibly the series!!!

10. VOLUNTEERS: We will only be able to conduct rides if there are adequate volunteers to help with event safety and organization. As stated above, all racers are required to volunteer a minimum two (2) times throughout the season.  In the event that we do not have the minimum number of volunteers required, in interest of safety the ride will be canceled. Once you have committed to a volunteer slot, it is your responsibility to make sure that slot is filled.  Failure to do so may result in suspension from the CCMS. Please see the volunteer page for sign-up opportunities.