Time to Spring Ahead!

Now that we are on daylight saving time, we can start the Wednesday night rides as soon as the road conditions permit. We'll leave from Fairfax park at 5pm for March and then shift it to 6pm in April. Starting in April, Ann, Linda and Scott K have volunteered to lead a more recreational ride to go along with the hammer-fest. The idea would be that we would all start out together and at some point the more recreational ride would break off for a ride that involves a little less lactic acid. This will be a no drop ride.

I also plan to do the Monday easy ride more consistently this year. So starting next Monday, we will meet at Bowl Winkles off of Cameron Street at 5pm for an easy 90 minute ride. Once North Shore drive has cleared, we can switch it to NorthStar Middle School to ride less busy roads.

The schedule is starting to shape up nicely. Our goal this year is to make Overdrive Cycling more inclusive and recreational in nature, so to kick off the year, Jerry C and Dave H have put together a basic maintenance and bike survival skill clinic to be held at Jim Anthony's house on March 29th at 2pm.

On April 18th, WiSport will be hosting the Friendly (Metric) Century and Clinic in Willard, just east of Augusta. This is an excellent opportunity to meet new people while learning more about riding in a group and racing. The clinic features presentations by a number of knowledgble bikers followed by a question and anwser session and a speed controlled 20 mile ride to practice good pack skills. Then the attendees have the option of riding back to Willard as part of a race or at a more casual pace.

The Chippewa Valley Cycling Club is hosting an ABR bike race in Durand on April 18th, also. This race has categories for everyone from novice (Cat5/Citizen) to elite (Cat1/2) and a challenging course just west of Eau Claire.

If you are not able to make one of these, Overdrive member, Sarah Duerre is helping Longfellow School put on the Puddle Jump 5k run/walk. It will start 9am on April 18th at Phoenix Park in Eau Claire and includes a team competition. Proceeds will go to the Community Learning Center at Longfellow.

On May 30th, Overdrive Cycling will be collaborating with CVCC to put on a Team Time Trial clinic. TTT is an excellent way to get your feet wet in racing or a to experience a new challenge. There are several scheduled this year, so we thought a clinic would be a good way raise interest and participation. We will also need people to help with the logistics of the clinic, so if you don't want to participate, this would be an excellent opportunity to volunteer.

We will be making our 3rd annual ride to Stillwater on June 14 to see the pros race the Stillwater Criterium, the last stage of the Nature Valley Gran Prix. This is a fun and challenging ride.

Remember to fill out your membership form and turn it in to Terry at Bike and Sport on Water Street.