The Colin Craig Memorial Series (CCMS)

Presented by the Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club

Summary:

Thank you for taking part in the survey and participating in the GVBC Tuesday Series which will be named the Colin Craig Memorial Series in 2011.  We are excited by the responses and a brief outline is offered below:

• 134 respondents participated in the survey.
• 2.7% thought the series was less than solid (less than good), the remainder thought it was good to great.
• 62% were team affiliated riders, 10% triathletes, 11% new riders, and 22% unaffiliated.
• 47% raced 1-5 times in 2010, 27% 6-10 times, and 26% 11+ times.
• 67% volunteered 1-2 times, 23% 3-5 times, and 11% 6+ times.
• Favorite courses were Bridger and Jackson Creek RR’s and least favorite were Triple Tree and Dry Creek TT’s.
• 47% wanted to see more road races in 2011.
• 21% wanted more selective courses, 48% no change, and 31% less selective.
• General comments about safety indicated that people felt the marshals were doing a good job, but riders need to do a better job of being safe in races.
• A number of new courses were recommended and will be considered.
• 51% were willing to have a fee increase up to $35, 21% up to $50, 14% over $50 and 15% favored no fee increase.
• 59% indicated priority for 2011 should b increasing the ridership, 41% new venues, and 27% safety.
• 90% were in favor of moving the TT’s to alternating Thursdays, and 10% opposed.
• Many valuable suggestions were given to improve the timeliness of finding volunteers.

Again, thank you for your interest and participation.  We will continue to analyze the data and work to improve the series.  A more detailed analysis of the results and some of our thoughts may be found below for those that are interested.  Comments are always welcomed.

Detailed Analysis:

First, thank you for participating in the survey. We appreciate the many thoughtful comments and suggestions presented by new and returning riders alike. The volume of responses and the number of thoughtful replies convince us that the survey was successful and the questions salient regarding the direction of the race series and riders’ foremost concerns. Again, thank you for your time and insightful responses.

In general, there seemed to be consensus on a number of weighty issues, especially those of safety, consistency, and creating a more welcoming atmosphere towards newcomers. To that end, we will ensure that marshals will continue to have orange vests, sufficient signage is in place, and all participants are familiar with the general rules of etiquette and safety when competing in the club series. Increasing safety by reviewing and adapting race routes was also mentioned by numerous respondents, especially finish areas, and will be addressed on a course-by-course review.

As most comments regarding safety were directed toward our improving the safe riding habits of our group of cyclists, guideline for riders and volunteers will be posted on the GVBC website.  By registering for the series, each rider will be agreeing to participate in a safe manner as outlined by these documents.  Further, we would like to encourage and work with the GVBC racing teams in town to facilitate their continued efforts to improve group riding experience and associated skills that result in increased safety for all.

The expanded 2011 schedule, of which over 90% of you supported, represents an increase in time trial events, and criteriums. In both of these important road disciplines, many reported as having less than optimum experience and skill. Already a few have stepped forward and offered clinics in these aforementioned events. We encourage such involvement and will do our best to facilitate and schedule the necessary clinics and hope that the GVBC race teams will support these with attendance and participation.

Regarding selectivity of the courses, the majority (almost 50% percent) voted to make no changes in the selectivity of courses. However, 30% stated that they would like to see less selectivity on occasion and approximately 21% responded that courses should be more selective. The only emphasis we feel can be drawn from this is that course selectivity should not be a criteria for adding new courses.  In short, other criteria, such as safety, will be primarily utilized to determine suitability of new courses.

This brings us to an issue that a number of you mentioned when asked “How would you improve the series?” Many wrote that the racing group ought to be less elitist and more welcoming, especially to new riders. We couldn’t agree more with that sentiment and feel that there is no more welcoming a group as GVBC has proven to be over the years. However, competitive cycling can come with quite a bit of elitist and self-absorbed baggage that is sometimes real, but is often imagined. To actively correct that image we feel that responsibility falls squarely on teams and each individual competitive rider and we recommend simply treating everyone, newcomer or otherwise, as you would like to be treated. It’s a simple solution that is remarkably effective.  We also believe that social opportunities for all, such as BBQ’s in past years, are an excellent chance for overcoming these real and perceived sentiments.

Many people had good suggestions on the volunteer schedule and how it ought to be managed. As mentioned in the survey, the race series succeeds or fails based upon the willingness of all riders to volunteer. To ensure that success, and per a number of respondent’s suggestions, we are going to post the volunteer schedule for the entire season with a few caveats:

1. If your name is not on the volunteer schedule for the required number of times, you will not be eligible to register to race until it is – no exceptions
2. If the rider cannot make his or hers self-appointed volunteer date, it is the rider’s responsibility to ensure the position is covered.
3. Several positions will be added to assist in the series management where in exchange for a small weekly contribution registration and volunteer obligations will be waived.

In the past, some riders (many times the same riders) would fill the positions at the last minute. Although we applaud the extra effort by these riders, we feel the practice is enabling and ought to be discouraged. To that end, we will check the volunteer schedule the first day of each racing month. If the volunteer positions for the entire month are not filled, no races will take place until those positions are covered. We think this rather draconian incentive will encourage riders to fill the volunteer schedule. Our reasons for managing the schedule in this manner are threefold:

1. Scrambling for volunteers at the last minute shows lack of organization, is a distraction, and could lead to mishaps on the roads.
2. As many pointed out in the survey the volunteering has been inequitably distributed  and we want to correct that imbalance.
3. Releasing GVBC administrators of the responsibility for the volunteer schedule and place the responsibility for the schedule where it belongs – in the racers’ hands.

We were encouraged by the generous response to the question regarding race fees, For example, 86% of you felt the series was worth $35 or more, while a full 33% were willing to pay $50 or greater for the series.  Although no determination has yet been made in terms of fees for 2011, we want to address many of your concerns regarding how the fees will be used. For example, since the series has been named in memory of Colin Craig, we would like to make annual contributions to the Colin Craig Fund. A number of you suggested fuel stipends for volunteers and we feel that is a good line-item. A large, highly visible lap counter for criteriums and circuit races and sturdy, re-usable frame numbers would be appreciated by many riders. Also, you can never have too many safety cones and GVBC H2O bottles may be a cost-effective means of advertising. We’re sure you have additional ideas and we look forward to hearing from you.

As directors of this series, we feel the 2011 Colin Craig Memorial Series will build upon the excellent series that has been in created over the previous years to match the needs and desires of the Gallatin Valley’s growing cycling community.  Working to break down barriers and attract new riders, while improving safety are the key goals and we look forward to everyone’s continued participation.

Here’s to looking forward to an exciting new season of competitive cycling with all of you.

Regards,

Maxwell Yanof

Jared Nelson, jwnelson97 @ yahoo.com

co-authors