Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

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AdeR
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Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 02 Jun 2023 16:19

Dear All,
For the past few years now we have hosted the BSCA regional Grass Track Champs.
This year we have been asked if we could turn this into the NATIONAL event.
My take is this is a fabulous opportunity to support young people's cycling.
All help on the day appreciated. If all you have is 1hr that's fine.
Details of the racing are in the academy area on the forum.

Here are the volunteering opportunities on the day:
Time Jobs
10:00 – 11:00
Setting up course/Gazebo/warm up area
Checking the course for any hazards to riders
Assisting with signing on
Marshalling during warm up session

U7 (school years 1 and 2) U9 (school years 3 and 4) 11:00–13:30
Time Jobs
11:00–12:00
Marshalling
Finish line judging
Timing
Supervising warm up area
12:30–13:30
Marshalling
Finish line judging
Timing
Supervising warm up area
13:30 – 13:40 Assisting with presentation


U11 (school years 5 and 6) 14:00 U13 (school years 7 and 8) 15:30–16:30 U13 (school years 7 and 8)
Time Jobs
13:30 – 14:00 Assisting with signing on
Marshalling during warm up session
14:00–15:00
Marshalling
Finish line judging
Timing
Supervising warm up area
15:00 – 15:10 Assisting with presentation

15:30–16:30
Marshalling
Finish line judging
Timing
Supervising warm up area
16:30 – 16:40 Assisting with presentation



Time Jobs
16:40 – 17:00 Taking down/packing away course/Gazebo/warm up area
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

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George
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by George » 02 Jun 2023 21:24

I'll come along and help, Ade. Afternoon would probably suit me best, but I can be flexible, provided I know in advance.

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 03 Jun 2023 16:17

Great - thanks George :-) can you bring your camera?
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

Mick Stanford
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by Mick Stanford » 05 Jun 2023 10:41

I will be there for the day Ade. Whatever you need me to do.

BrumJim
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by BrumJim » 05 Jun 2023 14:37

Should be free in the morning, but will be occupied in the afternoon.

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George
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by George » 06 Jun 2023 10:11

AdeR wrote:
03 Jun 2023 16:17
Great - thanks George :-) can you bring your camera?
Yes, sure.

BrumJim
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by BrumJim » 06 Jun 2023 15:50

I'll add my piece in here. Feel free to ignore.

As a parent of one of the competitors for the last 2 years, I would love to tell you about why this is such a great event.

It hits two targets.

Firstly, we see a significant number of young cyclists without much experience. For some of them, getting around the circuit is as much an achievement as getting a good time. These children come from families where cycling is something that the parents did when they were younger, but haven't been on a bike for several decades. If your motivation to increase the number of cyclists is to reduce congestion, reduce obesity, improve mental and physical health, or sticking a finger in that dyke of climate change, then these children and parents need your encouragement, and also an understanding of where they can go in Birmingham on bikes without going on the major roads. And where to get cake / ice cream. Cycling is normal, not freakish.

Secondly, there will be a number of keen to very keen competitors. They will fight with every breath, and stretch every sinew in order to win. Some, particularly in the older age categories, will cry if they fail. We all fail, we all cry. This is never the end. Some will need to be told that they have done well, and shown what qualities they possess. Some will represent the club in regional or national events.

My son started competing here. Those of you who know him or me will know that he is now competing in the West Midlands leagues (cyclo-cross and circuit racing) and doing well despite being the youngest in his age category, that he is going out on mini-tours with members of this club, doing the sort of distances that 15 years ago I thought was beyond me. And for 2 days running.

Can you make a difference?
Yes!
How?

By making this event work well, and making it the most friendly race on the calendar. If every parent goes away thinking that it was a great day, and that the people were so nice, then we are promoting this event, BCSA, Beacon Roads Cycle Club, competitive cycling, and even the concept of cycling (leisure and/or utility) as a whole. Go on. Make a difference.

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George
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by George » 06 Jun 2023 17:13

Thanks, Jim. That's brilliant. Are you a member of the Beacon's Facebook group? (Not the Academy-specific one, the general one.) Can you post this there as well? Or is it okay if Laurence does so on the club's behalf, quoting your text?

BrumJim
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by BrumJim » 06 Jun 2023 20:10

Go ahead. I have put it in one thread, but feel free to make another one.

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 07 Jun 2023 10:41

Many thanks indeed for the offers of support so far. As things stand it is looking like a lot of work for the kind souls who have put their name forward. We could do with some numbers - even if it just for an hour or so.
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Rich_Chaplin
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by Rich_Chaplin » 08 Jun 2023 10:29

Hi Ade, I can be there from 10 for most/all of the day as required.

David Cole
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by David Cole » 15 Jun 2023 16:30

Hi Ade
I can help in the morning
Dave
David Cole

Beacon Roads Cycling Club

Jumbo78
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by Jumbo78 » 19 Jun 2023 12:44

Happy to help out for the day.

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 20 Jun 2023 11:36

Mick Stanford wrote:
05 Jun 2023 10:41
I will be there for the day Ade. Whatever you need me to do.
Magic Mick - will keep you posted. Huge thanks
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 20 Jun 2023 11:37

David Cole wrote:
15 Jun 2023 16:30
Hi Ade
I can help in the morning
Dave
Great stuff Dave, Really appreciate this. morning is the littler kids & set up.
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 20 Jun 2023 11:38

Jumbo78 wrote:
19 Jun 2023 12:44
Happy to help out for the day.
Excellent - really appreciate this. Thank you :-)
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 20 Jun 2023 11:39

Rich_Chaplin wrote:
08 Jun 2023 10:29
Hi Ade, I can be there from 10 for most/all of the day as required.
Great stuff Rich - really appreciate this :-) Thank you!!
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

stuart jones
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by stuart jones » 21 Jun 2023 19:56

I'm up for helping in the morning, whatever is needed to be done.
Stuart
07811344848

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George
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by George » 04 Jul 2023 10:13

Ade, what happens if it's raining?

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 04 Jul 2023 17:15

If it is raining it will still go ahead. We adapt the racing. e.g. scratch race might need breaking up into heats/final. If there is a weather warning we cancel.
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 04 Jul 2023 17:16

stuart jones wrote:
21 Jun 2023 19:56
I'm up for helping in the morning, whatever is needed to be done.
Stuart
07811344848
many thanks- really appreciate this :-)
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 04 Jul 2023 18:54

Dear All.
Heartfelt thanks for volunteering for this year’s Grass-Track Championships. This year we welcome young riders not only from across the region but from further afield too – National titles are up for grabs. The great thing about the grass track format is that it is suitable for first timers too. One of the things we always try to do is make sure we give big encouragement to riders who are giving it their all – wherever they are in the race. If you’re relaxed and have a good time helping out that atmosphere will pass on to the riders.
Toilets – are available in a portakabin to the side of the field.
If parents have any welfare concerns, please ask them to raise them with me and the club welfare secretary Kate Dighton welfare@beaconrcc.org.uk
Here's the programme of the day. Any help is welcome even if is only for an hour.
09:00. I will get there and open up. We’ll distribute ‘Beacon RCC Marshal’ bibs. The first thing to do is to set up stakes and tape 3m from the inside and outside of the race track. This is so that we can control people crossing the track. We’ll leave a gap in the tape as a designated crossing point. We’ll set up the gazebo the podium and the signing on table. Then there’s the lap board and bell to put by the finish line.
10:00. Riders should start arriving, we need to make sure that riders are signed on to the right race. Some will have signed on in advance. They will appear on the signing sheet. Others will sign on on the line. We can take cashless payments via Eventbrite or cash. Entry to the trace is £3. Most will also have to but a BSCA day licence – unless their school or club is affiliated in which case, they will be able to show a BSCA card. Beacon Academy is affiliated. A day licence costs £2. When riders sign on their parents will need to sign too. We will have two sets of numbers with different colours for each age category. We will need to check tyres are suitable for grass. I have specified a tread that is deep enough for a 5p coin to go into up to the dotted line.
Date of Birth School Year Age BSCA Category
September 2013 to August 2014 Year 4 8 to 9 U9
September 2014 to August 2015 Year 3 7 to 8 U9
September 2015 to August 2016 Year 2 6 to 7 U7
September 2016 to August 2017 Year 1 5 to 6 U7

When riders have signed on, we will open up the course for practice. There will also be a warm up area in the centre. Please keep an eye on the warm up area and encourage riders to all ride the same way round. Please also check that people are only crossing the track by the designated point.
10:30 racing begins. I’ll announce the races but it would be good if as helpers have a handle on what’s happening. The programme will be something like:
Race 1 U7 Boys time trial.
Race 2 U7 Girls time trial.
Race 3 U9 Boys time trial.
Race 4 U9 Girls time trial.
Race 5 U7 Boys pursuit
Race 6 U7 Girls pursuit
Race 7 U9 Boys pursuit
Race 8 U9 Girls pursuit
Race 9 U7 Boys scratch race
Race 10 U7 Girls scratch race
Race 11 U9 Boys scratch race
Race 12 U9 Girls scratch race

In time trials – help with recording times is needed and crunching the results.
In pursuits – help with recording times is needed and crunching the results. Possibly also with holding riders at the start so they can have both feet on the pedals.
In the scratch race help will be needed judging. This involves keeping a close eye on the lead rider and recording who has finished in the same lap as the lead rider and in what order. It is less likely in the early part of the day that riders will be lapped – but later on in the day this is likely to happen.
After the racing has finished, we will work out ‘omnium’ positions. Podium presentations will be done for regional and national places.
The afternoon will follow a similar format to the morning.
All being well we’ll take a short break after the podium presentations before opening up sign on for the older riders at around 1:30

Date of Birth School Year Age BSCA Category
September 2009 to August 2010 Year 8 12 to 13 U13
September 2010 to August 2011 Year 7 11 to 12 U13
September 2011 to August 2012 Year 6 10 to 11 U11
September 2012 to August 2013 Year 5 9 to 10 U11


2:00 racing starts
Race 1 U11 Boys time trial.
Race 2 U11 Girls time trial.
Race 3 U13 Boys time trial.
Race 4 U13 Girls time trial.
Race 5 U11 Boys pursuit
Race 6 U11 Girls pursuit
Race 7 U13 Boys pursuit
Race 8 U13 Girls pursuit
Race 9 U11 Boys scratch race
Race 10 U11 Girls scratch race
Race 11 U13 Boys scratch race
Race 12 U13 Girls scratch race
At the end of the racing there will again be national and regional podium presentations.
It would be great to encourage as many participants’ parents who are able/willing to help take down the course – collect in tape and stakes and pile them up neatly so that they can be loaded up in the van. Any help unloading the other end appreciated too.
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

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Hels147
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by Hels147 » 06 Jul 2023 21:43

If any of the volunteers want a hot drink on sat, please can you bring a cup. I’ll have drinks making facilities, but I don’t have loads of cups!
Cheers
If you’re all about the destination, take a f#€king flight!

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 11 Jul 2023 14:49

Rich_Chaplin wrote:
08 Jun 2023 10:29
Hi Ade, I can be there from 10 for most/all of the day as required.
Hi Rich. Can you make the rearranged race?

Saturday 15th July
Berryfields Green Lane Studley Warwickshire B80 7HD
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 11 Jul 2023 14:50

stuart jones wrote:
21 Jun 2023 19:56
I'm up for helping in the morning, whatever is needed to be done.
Stuart
07811344848
Can you make the rearranged date Stuart?
Saturday 15th July
Berryfields Green Lane Studley Warwickshire B80 7HD
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

stuart jones
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by stuart jones » 11 Jul 2023 16:57

Hi Ade,

Yes I can make saturday 15th, what time in the morning?

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 12 Jul 2023 07:17

stuart jones wrote:
11 Jul 2023 16:57
Hi Ade,

Yes I can make saturday 15th, what time in the morning?
That is magic Stuart. Really appreciate this. Can you make it for 10?
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

AdeR
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by AdeR » 12 Jul 2023 07:19

stuart jones wrote:
11 Jul 2023 16:57
Hi Ade,

Yes I can make saturday 15th, what time in the morning?
p.s. have you clocked the new venue details?
Some things actually DO happen that are not on Strava

stuart jones
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by stuart jones » 12 Jul 2023 08:14

Hi Ade,

10 am is fine.

I assume the entrance is between 63 & 61 Green Lane?

BrumJim
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Re: Saturday 8th July BEACON TO HOST NATIONAL RACE

Post by BrumJim » 12 Jul 2023 10:07

Ade:

Expect me there to help set-up and run on Saturday morning from 10:00. Won't be able to help in the afternoon, I'm afraid. Another event on that will preclude both of us.

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