Looks like the Monrovia TT is way out in front of this two-event race. I guess people really do want to experience and feel the nicest quality t-shirt in IRS history. I really can’t say that I blame them. However, I am not about to call it quits on the “Pack Splitter” just yet. I won’t be calling this election early – so, waiting for the riders from the South, North, West and East to respond (or not). Nothing but rain here in PA. So to see if an end is in sight, I looked west and saw sun on the horizon for both weekend days. There is hope…
Be well, Dan.
Racers, as you know the race at Mooresville was canceled due to inclement weather. The newly paved road and freshly painted yellow markings were treacherously slick in wet conditions. Going forward, this course will need to be completely dry if a race is to happen out there. I do have good news in that we can race out there on Mother’s Day, May 10. This park is an ideal venue for hosting a race. The course is even better and faster with the new pavement! We just need a dry course. However, I need a commitment from the riders to attend this race due to the fact it will tae place on Mother’s day
So if 100 riders sign up via truesport.com by May 7, 2009 at 12 noon, the race will happen. The Monrovia TT will then be moved to May 31st. If the pre-registered riders is less than 100, then the Monrovia TT will take place on May 10. I will return your money to you at Eagle Creek or apply it towards the Indiana Stage Race in August or mail it back to you. There will be a $10.00 late fee after May 7 if we reach 100 riders.
The schedule would be the same except for the MAS 35+ will now be changed to MAS 40+ and this race will start at 7:50 a.m. The other races will start 5 minutes earlier so we can squeeze a bit more distance out of he events with the earlier sunrise. So sign up and and experience pack splitter in all of its spring glory. The results from Saturday’s race will be posted tomorrow night. Here is a link to some great shots from John Bennent. Thank You John!
Those who know me well, know that I simply love cereal…sugary cereal, a.k.a. Cocoa Krispies, is my personal fave. It’s no wonder I like Ceraland. Next year we need to give away cereal primes.
Always nice to have beautiful weather for the IRS opener. Seems to set the tone for rest of the season (except for the next day’s race).
Some solid racing took place at C’land. The venue enables rider to work hard, but not over-the-top-hard, on the course. The gradual climb can and does take its toll if taken at speed. C’land is simply a great place to race your bike and have fun doing it.
I think the longer races were positive. The race can naturally evolve over the 70 minutes of racing. The pressure and anxiety level seems to be less if the race duration is more. I remember 30 minute crits where you were red line the entire time and you never recovered. Hard to mentally prepare for such a race.
I can’t say enough positive things about racing at C’land. A keeper for sure, and special thanks go out to Ben Weaver for helping me secure this park and setting into motion many great laps of racing. The staff in 2009 did a fine job controlling and managing the course. Thanks again to the riders and spectators for spending a rare dry day in April.
See you at Eagle Creek…
- Dan
Get the official race flyer for the 2009 Ceraland Challenge here.
Course: A 1.4 mile loop that rides like a road/circuit race. The course’s direction will run clockwise with the finish line up the long gradual climb at the top. One of the better bike race courses in the Midwest, in my opinion. Has it all!
Location: Just south of Columbus, IN. For complete directions, check out: Directions to Ceraland Park.
Other: Bring your family out to enjoy a fun filled day at southern Indiana’s most spectacular family recreation park. Open to race participants and families. For a small fee, the 18-hole miniature golf course, paddle boats, fishing, driving range, and camping will be available. There is a shower facility — bring your own towel. Gate fee of $5.00 will be charged per vehicle (car pool). No warming up on the course. GP will be at the helm calling the action like nobody else can! Race distances have increased in most cases. You work hard and the race distance should commensurate with your training regimen. Free drinks and snacks.
Please respect the park and conduct yourself in such a manner that we can come back and use this great facility i.e. language during the race, etc. RAIN DATE — None. If the weather is too cold and wet, we will cancel the race. Call if in doubt.
Register: Registration starts at 7:45 a.m. No late fee. (317) 502-8851.
Last note: We reserve the right to decrease the prize list if insufficient entries occur. Second race will only cost $10.00. I will pay the $2.00 per rider facility fee and $100 dollar conference use fee that will be charged in ’09.
The Big 3 Return to Indiana! No, not the automakers; 3 awesome race venues. No bail out package required. Stimulate your fitness with longer races (60-80 minutes). Stimulate your pocket book with no late fees and deeper prize lists.
April 18 – Ceraland Classic: Test winter legs on this classic, gently rolling circuit with enough flats to keep you in the game and its biting, uphill finish to separate contenders from pretenders.
Great family venue with playgrounds, miniature golf course, paddleboats and don’t forget nearby Edinburgh Outlet Mall to keep spouse and kids entertained.
April 19 – Mooresville/REJ Circuit: REJ has been gone 10 years now but his spirit lives on at the longest continuous running race in Indiana where the pack splitter demands that the strongest rider wins.
Like Ceraland, Mooresville’s Pioneer Park offers another family friendly venue with playgrounds, bike paths, plenty of race viewing locales, and Gray’s Cafeteria is just a short drive away.
May 9 – Traditional Eagle Creek Park Crit: The final leg of this early season triple crown challenges riders’ fitness and skill with the uphill finish and twisting, downhill lap after lap.
Back for his 3rd season, Geraint Parry of Team Tortuga man’s the microphone, entertaining the crowd and revving up the peloton with his distinctive welsh accent and wry British wit.
Like year’s past, the IRS offers several time trials and other classic road venues. For the complete Indiana Race Series Schedule, please visit http://www.indianaraceseries.com. For more info, please contact Dan Daly at abrdaly@aol.com (317) 502-8851.
