Greetings!

It looks like the weather turned as soon as we finished our last ride of the season. And what a GREAT season it was!

We had a total of 10 rides scheduled this season (including the 100km challenge) but the first ride of the season was rained out. There were a 107 women who rode with us over the course of the season. Our May 19 ride boasted the largest turnout with 66 riders, but we had another ride with 64 and 2 rides with 52 riders each. The following riders were our most consistent, participating in 8 of the 9 rides this season:
Lillian Dunn
Graziella Potvin
Elizabeth Pszczolko
Donna Surcess
Kate Tinkler

A big THANK YOU goes out to all those women who helped Kate and I with our rides, volunteering as either sweeps or leads for the groups - Nancy Viljakainen, Elizabeth Pszczolko, Wendy Humphrey, Pat Jokela, Margaret Curtis and Sally Dampier. Another big THANK YOU to our SAG drivers over the course of the season - David Oja, Bill Creighton and Iris Reynolds.

We would also like to acknowledge the support of the local bike shops, who sent their bike mechanics to the start of many of our early rides - Fresh Air Experience, Petrie's Cycle and Sports, Cyclepath and Rollin' Thunder. And a special thanks to Nancy at Fresh Air Experience for all the great prizes that were donated throughout the year and drawn randomly at our rides!

Most of all we would like to thank all of you, the riders, who came out and supported our rides! It was an amazing season and the momentum seemed to build continually throughout the season.

As we look forward to another great cycling season next year, we ask that if you have any feedback for us, any suggestions for improvement, any ideas for different events or rides .... please send us an email ! We're always looking for fresh ideas and appreciate all your comments and suggestions throughout the year!

We hope to see many of you at the Caribou Charity Ride on the 12th! Kate and I will be on our bikes for a few more weeks before weather finally shuts us down and we pull out our skis. So maybe we'll see you out on the roads.
....

Thanks for a great season!
Pam and Kate

Congratulations to TBCC member Anne Elkie who, on August 29, 2010, finished Ironman Louisville Kentucky in strong and spectacular form. On an unforgiving 97 degree Fahrenheit day, Anne finished the 2.4 mile swim in 1 hour 2 minutes and 35 seconds (134th/2700 starters and 2nd/>30 in the women's 50-54 age group). She then went onto complete the hilly and very hot 112 mile cycle in 7 hours 13 minutes and 27 seconds. If that wasn't enough Anne jumped off her bike as the mercury continued to max out and she attempted her very first 26.2 mile marathon run. On a day when just about every competitor walked a significant portion of the run course, Anne slowed only at the aid stations to fill up on water, Gatorade and other nutritional treats. Anne crossed the finish line in 13 hours, 15 minutes, and 38 seconds to finish 7th in her age group, 874th overall. Also congratulations to coach Jon Balabuck who shares in the accomplishment. After Anne finished the 10 mile road injured and in pain, Jon took Anne, told her she could do it, taught her how to run properly again and never gave up on Anne. "Suck it up Buttercup!" Anne Elkie you're an IRONMAN!!

On August 25, 2010, Janet Sillman, a member of the Thunder Bay Cycling Club, placed fourth in the Women's 55 to 59 age division at the UCI Time Trial Masters' World Championship in St Johann, Austria. Sillman's time of 30 minutes, 44 seconds on the 20 kilometer course was a personal best performance.

The top three finishers were Lorraine Schultz - Australia, Marti Valks - Netherlands and Martha Stedman - USA.

Over 3000 riders representing 67 nations, competed in the individual time trial and road race championship this year.

1951-55 Women's Results

Last year the Caribou Charity Ride exceeded initial expectations and was a huge success. We had over 250 riders on the road and raised $10,000 for the Northern Cancer Centre. This year we expect to attract 350 riders and double our donation. In order to make sure that the ride remains safe (and continues in the future) we need your help.

The Caribou Charity Ride organizers are looking for ten (10) TBCC members to act as "ambassadors" during the ride on September 12th. We are asking that these individuals wear the TBCC colours and simply ride up and down the groups along the route to check in with the other riders. This would involve asking people how they are doing, answering questions, providing directions, assisting with minor mechanical issues, and reminding the participants to stay to the right and to follow the rules of the road. (It also might involve a lot of friendly smiling and waving) If you run into any difficulties you can talk to one of the organizers (who will be wearing black Caribou jerseys), a radio operator (who will be stationed along the course) or the SAG vehicles that will be following behind.

Ambassadors will receive free entry into the event, the event t-shirt, etc., however they will not be eligible for the two draws. If you are interested in helping out, please contact me via e-mail at president@tbaycc.ca.

Thank you,
Dave Pinner

Changes to the TT schedule:

- July 22nd - 10km - Hwy 130 near Rosslyn Rd.
- July 29th - 10km - Hwy 130
- August 5th - 5km - River Road near Stanley Bridge

Due to current and planned construction we have had to cancel the JC Classic for this year. However, we will be running a criterium on the same date to make up for the one that was cancelled earlier in the year:

- August 7th - Criterium - Innova Park - 10:30 am

At the July 12th TBCC Executive meeting it was decided to suspend the Time Trial Series due to a number of serious incidents at the July 8th TT on Lakeshore Drive. While we realized that this would be an unpopular decision with the majority of the race participants, the board determined that it was necessary to review our Time Trial procedures before another event took place.

When a breakdown in our safety policies occurs we all need to pay close attention as serious repercussions can arise. Not only is the safety of the rider and others in question, (i.e. marshals, spectators, motorists) but the municipalities may decide to restrict our access to their roads. Further to this, a near miss is just as significant as an accident. Therefore, we need to give these infractions the same scrutiny as an accident in order to ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent a potential tragedy.

If we ignored the July 8th near miss and a tragic accident did take place at a future TT, this could potentially expose the club to litigation, effect our ability to secure Liability Insurance, and not only cancel the racing program, but potentially risk losing the future of our club as an affiliated OCA member. I know that none of you would want to see that happen.

After several discussions with the members of the TBCC Executive, it has been decided that the Time Trial series will continue on July 22nd. However, until we can fully review the turn procedures the races will only be one-way. This may result in some 1/2 distances or shorter races, but we will do our best to complete the schedule. Since a number of our regular riding routes are currently (or will be) under construction, please watch the TBCC website and the hotline for any changes.

I'd like to thank the members of the Executive, the Race Committee, and the individual members who took the time to make positive recommendations to try to get our schedule up and running again. In an effort to make our events as safe as possible we'd still like to hear from you and encourage your input. Please send the Race Committee an e-mail with any suggestions that you may have to racing@tbaycc.ca .

Finally, whether you are at a club event or riding on your own, please be self-aware and encourage others to practise safe riding.

Dave Pinner
President

On July 8th during the 15km ITT on Lakeshore Drive, there were numerous violations of the Thunder Bay Cycling Club Time Trial Rules -specifically the turn-around procedure. After last year's accident on Hwy 61 it should be clear to all participants that this procedure is in place for your safety. The Club takes these violations very seriously and this behaviour is simply not acceptable.

As a result, please be advised of the following:

In light of the above, all Time Trials have been suspended until further notice so that the Race Committee and the Executive can review all of our procedures. This is a decision that we have not made lightly and was made with the safety of all athletes and club's best interests in mind.

Although we have made some big changes in last year to improve safety it is evident that we all need to take an even more conscious approach. While a majority of our members respect and adhere to our policies and procedures, there are still those who continue to take unnecessary risks and make selfish judgements. This cannot be tolerated as one more unnecessary accident could spell the end of our programs.

I trust that each of you will be more self aware on the bike so that we can all continue to enjoy the many opportunities that exist in the Thunder Bay Cycling Club.

Dave Pinner
President

While it is great that the TBCC's membership has grown and we are getting people out in record numbers, it is important that we continue to practice safe cycling habits and follow the rules of the road.

Today we received this in the TBCC mailbag:

The TBCC is involved in a number of positive initiatives in our community that we can all be proud of -many promote safe cycling. Let's not allow the TBCC's good reputation to be eroded by the irresponsible actions of a few individuals.

Please ride responsibly and remind your friends of the correct behaviour when they drift away from proper cycling etiquette.

Please, Share the Road and be a ROLL model.

Dave Pinner
President

As a result of incidents at a recent Time Trial, the following measures have been put into place.

Warm-up / Cool-down on the course during the Race

There will be no warm-up or cool-down on the course after the race has started and until the last rider has finished his/her race. Individuals that go out on the course will be immediately disqualified.

Individuals that go out on the course prior to the start will be disqualified if he/she is not off the outbound section of the course prior to the first rider passing them.

Completing the warm-up on inbound section will be permitted as long as you are off the course prior to the first rider approaching the finish line.

Sportsman-like Conduct

The use of profane language, threats of violence or other inappropriate behavior that is directed at timers, marshals, drivers of vehicles on the course or other riders at the event will not be tolerated.

Race disputes or infractions can be formally protested by completing the Dispute Form rather than getting into verbal altercations with timers, marshals or other riders at the event. This form is on the TBCC website under - Racing - Forms. This form must be given to the Race Director or member of the Executive within 48 hours of the completion of the event.

Inappropriate behavior and incidents of this type will be reviewed by the Executive to determine a course of disciplinary action. Disqualification from the event, removal from the race program or termination of TBCC membership will be considered by the Executive based on the severity or re-occurrence of the infraction.

Hi Dave

Thanks for recruiting members to volunteer at the 10 Mile Road Race held on May 24 2010. We are interested in getting feedback and ideas for improving this race and would appreciate everyone's ideas.

We ask that a person fill in a short survey of 5 questions plus comments, which will remain anonymous. Here is the link ... www.surveymonkey.com/s/MXRVT5V. A big thanks for completing this survey. The results of the survey will be posted on our web site at... www.10mileroadrace.org

You are also invited to join us for the 2011 race which will be held on Monday May 23.

If questions you can reach us by email at... contact@10mileroadrace.org

Cheers
Frank Wilson
on behalf of the 10 Mile Road Race Committee

Woman Hauled From Kam River by TBCC Cyclist

A special "Thank You" to our members who came out a volunteered their time to make the two "Pedalz" bike rodeos at Delaney and Grandview arenas a success. These FREE events were put on by Safe Cycling Thunder Bay. (City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, TBCC, Black Sheep, and Lakehead Public Schools) The day included a helmet fit (and replacement or donation if required), mechanical check, skills (including mount and dismount, balance, braking, gear shifting, handling), a simulated intersection / road course and prizes! Together we conveyed an important message to young riders in our community: Ride right and respect the rules. We had participants from age 4 to 12 and these two events proved to be both educational and fun for all the participants. Hopefully we'll see these kids displaying their new skills and knowledge on the road, and that they'll pass it on to their friends and families.

Thanks to TBCC ROLL models: Susan Hay (and her daughter Sarah), David Curtis, Paul Kajmowicz, Pam Dawes, Damon Quinn (the wheelie king), Thomas Quinn, Bob MacMaster, Maureen Page, Liz Salmon, Stewart Melnick, Brian Coutts, and Pat Jokela. Thanks to our four Local Bike Shops (Petries, Cyclepath, Fresh Air Experience, Rollin Thunder) who donated their mechanics, equipment and knowledge at each event. Thank you to Canadian Tire, Northern Credit Union and Kuch Stephenson Gibson Malo who provided financial assistance. And finally a big, big thanks go to Adam Krupper, Kevin Paradis, Gary Timmons, Nathan Petrie, and Katie Spittlehouse who all worked behind the scenes (and in front) to ensure that the program was a success!

It was great to see the TBCC giving back to the community in a positive way!

Dave

The first Criterium of the 2010 Criterium Series was run on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Innova Park. An "Introduction to Crits" by Dave MacIsaac, Kevin Paradis, Gary Timmons and Nathan Petrie before the race was well attended and appreciated by the participants. Twenty-eight (28) riders participated in this first event. The next event is on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at Innova Park.

Here are a few items from this first Crit:

1. After review of the entrance fee / prize set up for the criterium series, we have decided to eliminate the entrance fee and run this series the same as the Time Trial Series. Entrance fees for the first race will be returned. Please see Tim Knutson for refunds.
2. We had a couple of photographers out at Saturday's race. Pictures of the race (by P.J. Vesterback) can be found HERE
3. One article of clothing was left at the race site. If it is yours please send an e-mail with a description of the article to racing[at]tbaycc.ca to claim it.

A big thanks to Dave MacIsaac, Kevin Paradis, Gary Timmons, Nathan Petrie and Rick Sklazeski for helping to run the race and to Maureen Page timer / recorder and David Krasnichuk and Terry Melnick for marshalling.

The Race Committee of the Thunder Bay Cycling Club is looking for interested individual(s) to fill the position of Timer / Recorder for the 2010 season. The Timer / Recorder will be required to perform the duties listed below at thirty-two (32) Race events held by the TBCC from 15 April 2010 to 7 October 2010 as listed below. The position is paid at the rate of $40.00 per event. The Timer / Recorder will be responsible for listing all participants, communicating with participants regarding starting, using the timer provided to establish times for riders, record time information and provide a neat and legible results list for each event. The Timer / Recorder is required to be on site 30 minutes before each race. Selection of the successful candidates will be based on timing / event officiating experience and availability for the events of the TBCC Race Schedule. Those interested are invited to submit their names including experience and availability to the race@tbaycc.com by 26 March 2010. It is the goal of the committee to have this position filled by 6 April 2010.

Also see the news page at the Sleeping Giant Loppet website

Thanks to a change in policy by the Ontario Cycling Association, a free "Try-Out" ride is now available for individuals who have never been a TBCC member or Trial member. This will allow potential new members to come one time only for a "Try-Out" a ride with the Thunder Bay Cycling Club at no cost on specifically posted dates.

A $25 fee (one ride only) will be charged on all other dates. (Note: Time Trial and Races are not eligible) Upon becoming a member for the 2010 season, the $25 fee will be deducted from the full membership fee.

"Try-Out" and Trial members must fully complete the membership form and sign the OCA waiver. Memberships will not be processed if waivers or signatures are missing.

This year the following free "Try-Out" dates are being offered:

• Road Touring - May 8th and July 18th;
• Women's Only Ride - May 5th and June 2nd;
• Junior Development - May 18th and June 1st.
• (please consult the applicable schedules for start times and locations)

From: Romeo Alberico
Date: January 28, 2010
Subject: Cycle in Italy 2010

Hello Friends and Cyclists:

Take a look at our website! It's been updated for 2010. The tour to Sardegna is going to be even better, with more outings included, and located on the Costa Smeralda, the VERY BEST!

Our prices have not changed from last year's; you can still spend a week all inclusive for $2,995 including airfare, and stay a 2nd week for only $1,500 more! So tell your friends, bring your spouse, and join us for this sure-to-be fabulous trip!

Ciao,
Romeo

Contact Lorne McDougall at 683-2436 if you would like more information.

Canada Cycles Italy 2010