In order to be successful this year our club must have volunteer assistance at races we sponsor and club rides. It is my hope that the race team and grass roots riders become one entity sharing each others experience as a club and team mates. Some clubs require a performance bond that is refunded once you have completed your volunteer requirements. I still feel our system of points ( in store gift certificates) for volunteers and ride leaders has the most value and reward to you. To keep it simple it is a 10 point credit for each event you volunteer for and a 10 point credit for any club rides you lead. You are also entitled to the %15 discount on parts and accessories and %5 on sale price. At the end of the year with your points credit and discount some nice items can be yours at minimal or no cost. Your $35 dollar membership also gives you ABA insurance to cover you on any club rides or other clubs rides with ABA affiliation.
We are extremely fortunate to Have Tim Heemskerk as our mentor for the race team and Tim puts in a lot of valuable time to help us. We have the No 1 racer in Alberta to help promote our club and any of you who have not taken in a race with Tim in it are in for a treat.
So racers get your memberships through the store and licenses on line. See us on the next level for assistance. Get the word out to anyone you know who might want to races or just participate in some of our club rides. Lets make this year exceptional and the template for future success.
Thanks Stew

Hello Guys, I came back to the Arctic 2 weeks ago after staying in Holland for the past 9 weeks running Canada House in Holland #1. During this trip I have been coaching 2 of my athletes and racing cross at the highest level myself for a Dutch team. I am from Holland so I pretty much grew up with cycling and cyclocross racing just like little kids grow up with hockey here in Canada. It was a good experience and many stories to tell about this trip. Check out www.cyclocrossteam.nl for some updates from the races in Europe. Hopefully there will be some sort of Canadian support for Canada House in Holland #2 next season. I assume everyone has been staying fit somehow by doing some indoor trainer rides, by going to the gym and/ by going XC Skiing? If there's any training and coaching related questions or personal coaching requests please do not hesitate to drop me a line and I will try and give you a hand. The current weekly coaching program is unfortunately booked for the year. It is THE TIME of the year to work on your aerobic endurance systems, pedal efficiency systems and muscular strength systems (bike and gym workouts). This will create a good FOUNDATION for the next step involving more specific race related or event orientated training and workouts. Take things step-by-step and do not rush things. It is all about consistency right now and finding the right balance between work/ school/ social life etc and on the other hand workouts and training. The calender is really nice and filled and there should be a nice event out there that suits your style. Visit www.albertabicycle.ab.ca for a view of the current cycling calender. If there are any questions please drop me a line or talk to Stew in the shop and he can set you up with a United Cycle Club Membership which only consists of the ABA fees of $35 (includes insurance), so that means no extra club fees to be able to race for United Cycle Raceteam!! Becoming a member of United Cycle has additional benefits and Stew will post some of these benefits on this weblog soon. Stay tuned, -Tim.

This year I would like to see a few entry level coaches or as the new NCCP calls them community initiation coaches. ABA has a course on March 21-22.
We need more commissaries to help run our races. They a vital to the competitions. The next MTB course is on Feb 21 in Edmonton. The club will give volunteer points to commissaries when they do an event and certain costs are covered by ABA.
Go to the ABA web site for further information or contact me at the store.

We have worked out our association with ABA and the required forms for our 2009 Grass Roots riding and racing season. For a General membership ($35 includes ABA insurance) see us at the Next Level in the store. Racers come see us for the club membership and then go on line at ABA to get your 2009 race license.
Looking forward to an exciting fun filled season for all club members. Be part of the team weather your are just riding or racing. Lots of opportunities to watch or volunteer for events. This year all ride information will be posted at Customer Service and communication via e mail and text messaging will be available to check on rides.
Tim is back and will be updating his information regarding the race team.