ADDITIONAL MOBAR
categories!!!
Men Cat 3 and Women Cat 4. While these categories mean a little bit more
work for you (you'll need to submit the results from these races in addition to
the Men Cat 1/2 and Women Cat 1/2/3) and a little less money for you in '05 (the
winners will not have to pay race entry fees for MOBAR races in '05), this
should mean additional racers each year entering your race to accumulate as many
MOBRA points as possible.
Note that in the case where there are multiple races RUN AT THE SAME TIME for
either of these new categories (e.g. Froze Toes had a Cat 1/2/3 race and a Cat
3/4 race), only the most difficult race is eligible for points (e.g. for Froze
Toes, only the Cat 3 racers in the Cat 1/2/3 race will get points). In the case
where there are multiple races run AT DIFFERENT TIMES for these new categories
(e.g. Gateway's Spring Criterium is having a Cat 3 & 4 race as well as a Cat
1,2,3 race), racers will receive points in both races (assuming they finish in
the top 10 overall). The points rules are still the same: only the top 10 get
points on a sliding scale (10 for first, 9 for second, etc.). So, for example,
if a Cat 3 gets 2nd place in the Cat 3/4 race, he gets 9 points towards the Cat
3 MOBAR. If he then gets 8th in the Cat 1/2/3 race, he gets an additional 3
points towards the Cat 3 MOBAR.
Officials
Please note that we need 10 places picked in any Men Cat 3 and Women Cat 4 races
for MOBAR.
March Meeting, 2004
This recent MOBRA
meeting was all about the possible new By-Laws. A possible set of by-laws were
distributed and were carefully reviewed word by word by all attending members.
This document was three pages long but could have been much longer with
terminology that was straight out of my contract law class.
The description of
the document is much to detailed to get into in a few paragraphs. However, after
the next draft is completed it will be posted here for reviewing by all member
of MOBRA.
Who are MOBRA
members? Click here to view the most comprehensive
list assembled in recent years. If your team information needs updating please
contact myself or Mike Weiss. After next month's meeting you'll see much more
details on this document that will guide this organization into the future.
February Meeting, 2004
The February meeting
previously planned to be held in late January took place at Big Shark due to the
fact that no meeting rooms were available at the Clayton library. 16 people were
on hand for this meeting that may shape the infrastructure of MOBRA in the
coming years.
Bike Swap
Bob Foster of the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation opened the meeting to
explain and invite everyone to this 3rd annual event. Bob reported that about
300 cyclists participated in 2003 and with excellent weather this year they are
expecting that number to growth toward 500 showing up.
What is MOBRA?
What is our role? Who are members?
These were the type of questions that were discussed at length but not long
enough nor exact enough to bring this issue to a close. According to Mike Weiss,
MOBRA President, MOBRA is the LA arm of USA Cycling in the the State of
Missouri. We plan the race schedule, organize race officials to oversee selected
races, purchase state championship jerseys that are awarded to the Missouri
State Champions, grant or decline upgrade requests and do everything else to
assure that the racing season runs smoothly and without conflicts.
MOBAR Bylaws?
Right now MOBRA operates as an "association". The question is asked "shouldn't
we become a 501C non-profit organization complete with bylaws?". Copies of
Bylaws from Tennessee and Texas racing groups are passed around for inspection.
These were somewhere around 30-50 pages thick. The Bylaws of the St Louis
Bicycle Federation were also inspection. These were only 3 pages. Big
difference! MOBRA bylaws is being developed for discussion at the next meeting.
By default?
Mike Weiss said that everything is done by default within MOBRA and I think most
of those attending the meeting agreed. MOBRA meetings are open to everyone but
the same core group are usually present. Who else is willing to do the work?
Gee, I started going to MOBRA meetings because I operate a cycling website and
here's where all the good stuff is? Before I knew it I was voted the secretary.
If more of you were going to the meetings this title would belong to someone
else more deserving.
Who gets to vote
on issues?
MOBRA members get to vote. Members are the USCF clubs in Missouri. One
representative per club has the opportunity to vote. 23 clubs are registered
with USA Cycling.org. These clubs represent vastly different geographic regions
of the state. It isn't possible for representatives to drive to St. Louis for
these meetings but maybe there are better ways to accurately record intelligent
votes on important issues. These options are to explored in the future. The
internet makes many process much easier to formulate.
New Venues?
Yes! You should look forward to the Maplewood Bikefest Criterium on July 3rd.
It's now listed on the updated race schedule. The Tour de Soulard is back on
track on is scheduled for July 12th. John Merli has firmed up July 18th's
Webster Groves Criterium. So it looks like July will be busy. All of these races
are slated to be part of MOBAR, Missouri Best All around Rider competition.
You may notice that
the race calendar has been updated to highlight all MOBAR and State Norba
Championships event. You'll see bold MOBAR
or MONORBA added to their respective venues.
Buddy, thanks for this simple yet effect idea.
How is the race
schedule formed?
This may seem a silly question but this topic was actually covered in the
meeting. The previous schedule is used as a template with all races intact.
Previous race promoters have the chance to modify the date or venue. Some venues
are dropped or new ones added as long as it doesn't interfere with other
previously planned events. It's all pretty tight with little wiggle room in
which to work out problem logistics. If you've got a race it's pretty easy to
keep it. Want a new date? Better plan on swapping a date with someone else. In
the end, the whole schedule seems to work itself out after some negotiations.
January Meeting, 2004
Race Changes
The
2004 race calendar is just about in place
but already we are seeing adjustments as to dates, venues etc. One of the Spring
Flings venues will be at Tillies Park but it hasn't been decided which date will
be selected for that location. Watch for updates in the coming weeks.
The planned Maplewood
Grand Prix is having problems securing a location with permits. However, look
for a new Six Flags Criterium and Hill Climb to be held Sunday 4/18/04. It
appears much of the Six Flags parking lot will be used in conjunction with some
of the actual park. This race is to be held before the seasonal park opening.
Details are sketchy at this time. The Six Flags Crit would be held the day after
the Hillsboro Roubaix.
The Tour of Soulard
Crit is doubtful for 2004. It seems the cyclist friend homeowners association
president no longer lives in Soulard and many homeowners no longer want the
race. A possible replacement would be a Webster Groves Crit. John Merli of
Dogfish as already gained ground in getting permits from the City but no had no
available race dates. Pen in June 11th but don't use any ink just yet.
News & Media
Once the MOBRA race schedule is truly set, plans are to distribute the race
schedule to:
One of MOBRA's goals
for 2004 will be to high higher visibility with various cycling and news
agencies. If there is anyone with connections to local news agencies and would
like to help us in this goal please contact John Musselman at
stlbiking@aol.com.
Budget Proposal
MOBRA also began the process of renewing the current USA Cycling agreement. It
helped create much more income than any previous year. 2004 Income from the
agreement should be a little less than 2003 - but still good.
At the last meeting a
decision was made to produce a budget for the coming year. A printout of that
draft was handed out to all those attending the meeting. You can view the
figures of the MOBRA BUDGET DRAFT 2004 by clicking
on this link. Now that MOBRA has decent funding for the first time. We
expect to: hold various clinics, purchase equipment and produce a mailing of the
Race Schedule to all members. MOBRA owned equipment would be available to ALL
MOBRA race promoters within the State of Missouri.
Membership
It has become increasingly apparent that MOBRA must construct a complete listing
of all USA Cycling Teams and their members in order for a mailing to be utilized
and functional. A listing of Missouri Teams can be found on the USA Cycling
website. These teams will be contacted. To save time & energy it is strongly
advised that representatives of race teams contact Mike Weiss as soon as
possible. For more information please contact Mike Weiss at
mike@bigshark.com.
December Meeting, 2003
This meeting was short
with little breaking news to discuss. There was fine tuning of the 2004 schedule
with several races, venues and dates still to be determined. Look for the 2004
to be fully posted in the coming days.
A budget committee will
be formed to discuss different possibilities on how Mobra's funds will be spent.
At this writing Mobra's new Treasurer, Dave Ploch, stated our account is under a
very healthy $10,000. USA Cycling sends in it's check to Mobra quarterly so we
should be expecting another check in early January. Areas of interest for
funding include: Equipment, Officials, Junior development and clinics.
John Merli of Dogfish
said a large air-filled start/finish feature would be good. We will investigate
the costs associated with that piece of equipment.
Next years MOBRA
meetings will be continued to be held at the Clayton library on Mondays. Times
will also be from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. However, meetings will not be the second
Monday of every month. Look for staggered dates,
Here's the schedule. A link to this
schedule will always be found on the left column of the home page for your
review at any time.
November Meeting, 2003
There's some cool stuff in here
The major objective of
this meeting was to detail and clarify the 2004 race schedule has much as
possible. While they are still some areas of concern to be worked out the vast
majority of the schedule has already settled in "as being set". I hope to get
the race schedule (as it now stands) uploaded for viewing after checking and
rechecking it's viability. It's a very ambitious schedule with several new
venues and dates that will evolve even more throughout the winter months.
One of the newest
venues may never be repeated because of the unique circumstances involved.
There is a special "point to point" 4 mile time trial planned for December 14,
2003. It will take place on the almost completed Page Extension across the
Missouri River & will be sponsored by MODOT to help bring focus on the opening
of the bridge. How cool is that! Gee, 2004 isn't even here and we've got
something new to help ring out 2003. Details are thin right now while Mike Weiss
works out the important details. Keep your ears open for news concerning this
Mid-December event.
Ed over at Maplewood
Bicycles informed us that the City of Maplewood wants to have a crit through
downtown Maplewood. Why can't we have more cities that actually want to host a
bike race? Again, a date hasn't been selected as of yet but several race days
are being discussed. I forgot to ask but has there ever been a bike race through
downtown Maplewood? Look for more exact details on this venue in the coming
weeks.
Mesa Cycle's Adrianne
Murphy offered to host the State Road Race for 2004. Plans may include a 120
mile "rolling enclosure" race that will make working as a team more important
than ever. Adrianne's plan is very fluid at the moment but some headway as
already been achieved on her part. Discussions followed concerning the length of
such a race in Mid-July. But my guess is you better start forecasting your
training schedule now.
Turning to the mountain
bike schedule for a moment you will quickly see the local AMBC race has been
changed to September 11 & 12 and has a new promoter, OGRE, Inc. This event is
all new! Quail Ridge is the new venue and the name "Spirit of St. Louis"
signifies the change of direction.
The Mid-Summer MTB
Short track series will be held at two different locations alternating between
two different days of the week. Castlewood on Thursdays - Spanish Lake on
Saturdays. These changes are designed to offer new times to entice more riders
that can't always get to Castlewood right after work on Thursdays.
New Flash! The
Heartland MTB race series on the western side of Missouri has gone NORBA! This
series, that has always been regarded as "well run", will be operated under
NORBA rules for 2004. Their series also includes a AMBC race scheduled for March
21. Location to be announced soon. So those looking to grab onto some more
points look no further than western Missouri. Expectations are high that with
more available NORBA races we'll see many more western riders making the trip
east for more racing too. This is a win win situation.
Cyclocross season is
just getting hot with the Silly Rabbit series, look no further than January to
grasp onto another new Cyclocross series for those who consider themselves bold.
It's the "Froze Goat Cross" series with venues slated for Washington, MO.,
Madison, IL. and Quail Ridge in St. Charles County. Not to worry... The Froze
Toes Road Race is still scheduled for February 29 in Columbia, MO.
I tried to highlight
the new race venues in this summary. Most of the old favorites are still in
place. When I get the entire schedule posted for viewing you'll get your chance
to make travel plans etc. But please remember when the 2004 schedule is posted
you're apt to see several "TBA's" included in the skimpy details.
Mike Murray has been
MOBRA's Treasurer for as long as I can remember. However, He felt it was time to
hand off the important fiscal responsibilities to someone else. Mike will
continue to be involved with MOBRA and bicycle racing through the State of
Missouri but wants to take a less demanding position. Dave Ploch of OGRE, Inc.
was made the new treasurer of MOBRA. I have worked with Dave for several years
now and I don't think there was a better candidate for the position. When it
comes to money you don't mess around.
Speaking of funds,
MOBRA has received yet another check from USA Cycling (as promised) that should
bring our account up to just under $10,000. We have yet to decide how these
extra funds will be spent. However, plans will be brought up to the front burner
in the coming months. In the past, MOBRA has always operated on a shoe string
budget. This extra padding of the bank account means that we'll accomplish more
than ever before only if we plan wisely and spend slowly.
On a closing note, I'd
like to offer another view of the November MOBRA meeting. Quietly, a simple, yet
very important milestone was achieved at last nights meeting. We had owners of 3
different bike shops attend the MOBRA meeting with nothing on their minds but
the advancement of quality bicycle racing on their agenda. In the real world,
they are competitors. But tonight they were working and thinking as one. If this
was a sign of the future all bike riders will benefit because the 2004 race
season will be like no other.
September Meeting, 2003
This meeting was short
in duration and covered only a few areas of concern. MOBRA's budget is beginning
to grow because of the rebates from USA Cycling's home office. The agreement
that MOBRA agreed to is beginning to pay dividends. A brief discussion on how
these funds could be spent was tabled until a later date. Several ideas included
a junior development program, a new digital camera platform for USCF officials,
a possible awards dinner for cyclists and even dispensing promoters race fees
payable to MOBRA. Allowing promoters to stop paying fees to MOBRA seems to be a
favorite among the group at the meeting.
A quick review of
possible race dates for the 2004 schedule took up the most of the time spent at
the meeting. All race promoters are encouraged to get their proposed race dates
sent to Mike Weiss as soon as possible. They can be emailed to
mike@bigshark.com for review.
The Cyclocross season
is just around the corner and the Silly Rabbit Series will again be a mainstay
of the St. Louis Area. Rich Pierce's Cyclocross race will be included in the
series. Most of the events will be held at Spanish Lake this year. Rich Pierce
will hold his Cyclocross event at
Quall Ridge in
St. Charles. The Missouri State Championship Cyclocross Race will be held in
Columbia, Missouri. More Cyclocross dates seems to forthcoming in the future.
Discussions also surrounded the fact that Cyclocross may complete an entire
annual year to end just before Froze Toes, the first road race of each season.
August Meeting, 2003
The agenda of this
August MOBRA meeting was more in tune with the future of MOBRA and how the USA
Cycling agreement is functioning. The biggest gripe that everyone heard is that
USA Cycling is taking way to long to process licenses. A decision was made to
draft a letter of concern and forward it to the proper people at USA Cycling.
We'll have to wait to hear their response. Those attending the meeting was that
USA Cycling really must address this situation rapidly! USA Cycling plans to
begin online licensing but not until sometime in 2004. This will make everyone's
life a little easier. But I wouldn't hold your breath while you're waiting. It
always takes longer than expected.
Again, Upgrades were
another topic that made it way it's way unto the table. Too many times riders
would go out of state, get an upgrade, and return with it in hand. Has USA
Cycling circumvented the whole upgrade process? Again, we'll contact the
national office for more direction on this procedure.
Cyclocross will be
coming up on the schedule pretty soon. Cyclocross practices will be schedule for
those wanting to sharpen their skills. More on this will be posted in the near
future.
Another discussion
surrounded the beginning of a Time Trial series that would be run on Wednesday
nights. Maybe this would interest the Tri folks into crossing over and getting
more involved in cycling.
Mike Weiss said that
over 250 race numbers have been sold for the Tuesday nights crits. That
translates into a huge number of riders have entered this event which continues
to grow in strength as well as durability.
Look for a National
event to be held in St. Louis next year. Since
Mark Gorski has moved to St. Louis, interest in bringing this type event to
our city has improved. Gorski won a Gold Medal in the1984 Olympics.
Other discussions
followed concerning NORBA. "What can MOBRA do for MTB racing?". The details and
"what ifs" are too numerous to discuss at the moment.
Mike Weiss informed us
that Juniors and Cat 5 racers will ride together at the Missouri State
Criterium, Aug 24th, Jeff City. But all will be scored separately.
More Info on The state
Crit
April Meeting, 2003
The usual suspects
assembled last Monday night for the April MOBRA
meeting at the Clayton library. The big news was that
MOBRA had been confirmed as the official
representative for USA Cycling for the State of
Missouri. The first hi profile change for Missouri
races would be that all upgrades are now granted
locally within the MOBRA upgrade committee. From this
point one all concerns and applications for upgrades
should sent to Mike Weiss, President of MOBRA for
processing.
Upgrades
You should allow approximately 2 weeks for the process
to be completely. All 3 members of the upgrade
committee will need to thoroughly review applicant's
points & resume before rendering a decision on whether
an upgrade will be granted. Names of upgraded riders
will be given during each future MOBRA meeting.
However, this has no bearing on when an possible
upgrade will be granted.
Lead Car
Identification
Some problems in last weeks Hillsboro road race
prompted a discussion about the need for better lead
car identification and better communication between
race volunteers. Look for improvements during the next
event.
Rolla Criterium
Morgan Bearden has been driving to the MOBRA meeting
for the past few months. This is not a task taken
lightly. since the drive from Rolla and the return
trip is very time consuming. It shows the racing
community in Rolla is serious. Morgan discussed the
upcoming Rolla Criterium that's scheduled for June 7th.
For more information you can contact Morgan 573-364-1695
morgan@thedef.org, visit the
web site
or view the race
flyer. It would be great to see some other
representatives of other cycling clubs at the
meetings.
Club Representatives
It is very important the MOBRA receives a contact for
EVERY Club in the state. This information should be
emailed to Mike Weiss at
mike@bigshark.com
Mountain Bike Junior
Development
OGRE is about to hold a one day mountain bike
competition and clinic for the Boy Scouts on Saturday,
April 26th at Beaumont in west St. Louis County.
Everyone has talked about doing something to encourage
new young riders. OGRE is doing it in one great big
mass clinic. This is a Boy Scout event being held on
Boy Scout property. OGRE is volunteering their time,
event and skill to interest these boys, ages 11-16, to
become involved in competitive cycling. Other junior
development programs have helping 10 riders or so but
this program will include 100-200 future juniors. WE
NEED YOUR HELP! We need volunteers. It'll be fun.
Program starts at 9:00 am and should be done by 3:00
pm. However, we'll need volunteers to be at Beaumont
by around 8:00 am. If you have interested contact Rich
Pierce at
rpierce@im.wustl.edu or John Musselman at
stlbiking@aol.com
10 Day Suspensions
During the Tuesday Night Training races at Carondelete
all racers must wear their race numbers. This means
you must pay an entry fee to cover costs. Riders will
not be allowed to simply jump-in at their own
discretion. If you must exit for one lap, it must be
done at the wheel pit. According to USCF rules you are
not insured and will also receive a 10 day suspension.
A harder line will be taken by all race officials. It
is unfortunate that someone will be the first to lose
their license for this offense. Don't let it happen to
you.
Language
It is very important that offensive language will be
not permitted during any USCF event. In recent events
spectators could easily overhear some trash talk when
the racers go by. Everyone does it you say! As stated
above, Officials will be taking a harder stance on
this issue. So clean up the language or you might be
the first one to get the boot for something you
haven't been giving a second thought.
March Meeting, 2003
Mobra meetings are
attracting larger groups these day. We were able to
switch rooms with another party to get the larger more
comfortable room. The meeting was scheduled to start
at 7:00 but was delayed for 10 minutes while the
switch was made. Mike Weiss commented that all
interested parties need to arrive on time so future
meeting could begin on time.
Chain of Rocks
Tom Erb began with an Chain of Rocks Venue report. The
Ice Breaker mountain race has been rescheduled for
April 13th. Tom also explained that the Quail Ridge
trail is nearly complete. It's location is near where
I-40 meets I-70. You should expect this venue to be
used next year for sure in the NORBA Series. Quail
Ridge has facilities, parking and lots more. We'll get
you more information in the near future.
MOBAR Update
Craig Farrell is in charge of tabulating points
for the Missouri Best All Around Cyclist. Points are
only given to Missouri riders that get a top ten
finish in the various MOBAR races. Froze Toes has been
the only race so far this this season.
Velodrome
Craig Farrell explained various details detailing
Creve Coeur Park possibilities with the Velodrome.
Little movement has been made toward any possible
construction at this time.
Tuesday Night Crits
Mike Weiss had good news concerning a venue for the
Tuesday Night Crits. Thanks to a massive amount of
emails and phone calls, Carondelet Park has been
secured for this season. It's important to note that
this venue isn't free. Fees for this year will be
increased to $20 for the 1st race and $7 for following
race. If you plan to enter 2 races the fee will be
$10.
Since Carondelet is in a
neighborhood cyclists will be reminded that everyone
needs to take care to change clothing in their car.
Port a potties will be made available and all cyclists
are encouraged to use them. Streets will be blocked
off at 5:00 each Tuesday. The City will will supplying
barricades (also not free). If you want to race there
are expenses to be covered. Mike Murray added that
racers found racing for free may have their licenses
suspended. This is a real no no. Mike also stated that
races will be run counter-clockwise in case you're
interested.
STLBIKING Message
Board
A brisk dialogue of the types of posts were discussed.
While no one in attendance thought various posts were
in good taste, some supporters thought these super
negative postings brought about a backlash of positive
remarks condemning the "completely out of line
postings". John Musselman quickly pointed out that a
new board with more controls is about to be launched.
The new board will take an attitude that approaches
zero tolerance. Some Store owners would no longer tell
new cyclists to go to stlbiking because of the
content. Changes are to be made replied John.
Anonymous moderators may be added to quickly delete or
ban offenders.
State Time Trial Date
Changed
The new date has changed to June 8th. Everyone's race
schedule will be changed to reflect the new date for
the Jeff City event.
1st Annual Big Money
Day Race
A new NORBA mountain bike race has been scheduled for
July 6th at Cliff Cave park. Details are still sketchy
but plans are to make a huge payout available to for all fields.
The winning expert could easily take home well over
$500 or more depending on the number of entries. Other
classes such as sport could also have a big money day.
I have very little information at this time but if the
preliminary payout schedule hold true look for this
event to really bring in a huge number of riders too.
Boy Scout Race
In order to develop as many junior riders as possible,
OGRE will be running a mountain bike race at Beaumont
Park off I-44 on April 26. No fees will be required.
Free cycling clinic for the scouts will be given
during the morning with races in the afternoon after
lunch. OGRE is looking for as many volunteers as
possible to help run this good will event to increase
the awareness of the sport via the Boy Scouts.
Upgrades
Since MOBRA has made an agreement with USA Cycling,
all upgrades for Missouri racers will be granted
locally. This includes both USCF and NORBA licenses.
MOBRA has taken notice that most USCF license holders
want to achieve higher categories while NORBA riders
tend to want to hold back from upgrades.
MOBRA Budget
As of 12/31/02 Mobra has $6,365.92 in it's account.
Please note that $2,048.11 of this balance belongs to
the St. Louis Velodrome account leaving an operating
fund of $4,317.81. Income comes from race entry fees
paid at MOBAR events as well as NORBA events in the
Missouri State championship series.
Last the highest cost in
the budget was for Championship jerseys in the amount
of $3,024.00. Other expenses included: Registration &
result forms, video camera batteries, MOBRA banner,
Yakima trailer/rack and costs associated with renting
meeting space at the Clayton library. Last year MOBRA
had a net loss of $259.80.
The 2003 season should
produce much more income especially when considering
the impact of the new USA Cycling Rebate agreement.
Home
