Women's races

[Bridget]

I have compiled a list of women's only races local to us, suitable for newbies to go to Katie and I are definitely going to some of these - we will post to say which for definite. I've chucked in the club 10s as well, as I'm planning to do them.

Thursday 5th July - Hog Hill (Redbridge cycle circuit) (all cats)
Tuesday 10th July - Crystal Palace (all cats)
Thurs 12th July - Hog Hill
Sat 14 July - National Masters Women's RR Champs, Virginia Water (E/1/2/3/4 over 30 years)
Sun 15th July - Surrey League RR Kirdford, nr Horsham (E/1/2/3)
Tues 17th July; Club 10 G10/42 OR Palace
Thurs 19 July - Hog Hill
Sat 21st July - Surrey League, Cyclopark - 3/4
Sun 22nd July - Surrey League RR Henfold Hill (E/1/2/3)
Tues 24 July - Palace
Thurs 26 July - Hog Hill
Tues 31 July - Palace

Thurs 2 Aug - SERRL, Cyclopark 3/4W?? (understand that these are new but confirmed for August. Not clear if it's 3/4ths only or all cat's) OR Hog Hill
Tues 7 Aug - Palace
Thurs 9 Aug- SERRL, Cyclopark OR Hog Hill
Tues 14 Aug - Palace
Thurs 16 Aug- SERRL, Cyclopark
Thurs 23 Aug- SERRL, Cyclopark
Sun 26th August - Surrey League, Cyclopark - 2/3/4W
Thurs 30 Aug - SERRL, Cyclopark

Sun 2 Sept - Surrey League RR, Searle (E/1/2/3 only)
Sat 15th Sept; G10/42 (President's 10)
Sun 30th Sept - Surrey League, Cyclopark - 2/3/4W
Sun 7th Oct(!) - Surrey League, Cyclopark - 2/3/4W

Going to give Hog Hill tomorrow a miss, but hope to make the first Palace next week!

Bridget

[NaomiG]

Good work compiling Bridget, I'm definitely keen to get involved in some of these. Let me know which ones you are thinking of doing. The club 10's are already in the diary and the weekday ones look do-able for me over the next few months as weekends are still taken up with tri's.

Let's get the ladies out!!!

Naomi.

[NaomiG]

Ps. Isn't Palace really scary?!? Not sure I'm ready for that...

[Andrew G]

Palace is fine, a bit more technical and narrow but it's okay if you are happy in a bunch.
The women have a separate race and the field isn't very big. The only thing to be aware of is when the men come through that you hold your line, they should call stay left/right or on your left/right as they come through so you know which side they'll pass. You'll be fine if you hold your line, you don't slow, and just let them make their choice which side they pass.

[Bridget]

Andrew is right, Palace is fine - only a little scary when the men come past as he says. It's the most local so easiest for weekday evenings, and there'll be lots of support. Plus, it's been resurfaced apparently so not even any potholes to fall down.

Coming on Tuesday then?

[NaomiG]

not this week but maybe next time!

[Bridget]

Looking at the forecast I don't think anyone's going this week. I'm going to decide in the morning but I'm not hopeful. B

[Keith]

Copied from London Women's Cycle Racing:
[quote="Glyn Durant"]
Do any of you know how much it costs to put on a road race?

Before any prizes are taken into consideration the average event costs an organiser over £400 for hall hire, NEG, first Aid cover, commissaires and event insurance. That means an event has to have around 40 riders before it can break even or even think about giving out prizes. On top of that each event on average has to have a minimum of 25 volunteers just to get it started, all of who give up their time so you can race.

The last 3 road races that the Surrey League have put on for women have had an average of 17 entries. So far for the next women's road race the Surrey League are putting on next Sunday there have been 14 entries.

Whilst we are keen to promote events for women the Surrey League can not continue to run these events at a loss and if YOU are not going to support them.

Unless there is a marked improvement in the number of entries for next Sunday's race, the next two women's road races will be cancelled and events will be put on for 3rd category men in their place.

[Bridget]

Thanks Keith, seen it already. Can't enter it the Surrey League Road races though as E/1/2/3 only - and to be fair that is a pretty wide field already.

It has occured to me that one thing ACC could do to promote women's cycling next year, is promote a women's race. A discussion for another time maybe.

So, I have managed to get my bike into the office today (thanks Serena) but still not looking hopeful for Palace...

[Keith]

RiderHQ is listing [url=http://www.riderhq.com/events/surreyleagueroadracebrightonmitre]Sunday's Race[/url] as E/1/2/3, yet they're listing accepted entries from a couple of 4th cat riders?

[Bridget]

Would it not normally accept entries from riders in the wrong category? I'll mail Glyn to check. Thanks

[Bridget]

Glyn confirmed it's E/1/2/3 - if the two 4th cats have not been upgraded by the day they will not be able to start.

[Keith]

I've looked on The BC website. One rider is already a 3rd cat, the other isn't.

[Andrew G]

Was that you at the lights just after Elephant & Castle Bridget? Thought it was but lights changed before I could call out.

[Bridget]

Quite possibly. Was I glued to Serena's wheel and looking scared? Hate riding in London!