The 2008 cycling season is just around the corner and will begin for the Brampton Cycling Club with our first official race scheduled for March 20^th, followed closely by our first series of group rides scheduled for the 29^th. I would like to thank the new 2008 BCC executive for all their efforts in providing the membership with a full program of events for this season. An organization such as the BCC could not exist without the efforts of such volunteers and I commend them all for building a solid foundation for all of our racing, touring and social events. It is my hope that the membership will have a great deal of success and enjoyment while participating in our scheduled events this year. Our affiliation with the Ontario Cycling Association has been renewed for the 2008 season so that each BCC member will be receiving two membership cards. It is recommended that you keep these cards with you when participating in a BCC event.

To all my friends who have ridden and competed within this club year after year - I hope that you all have had a good and productive “off” season and have built up some solid base training during these cold and snowy winter months. I share your desire to get back on the road and I am looking forward to riding with you again. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to those individuals who will have the privilege of joining the BCC for the first time in 2008. I wish you all a safe and successful ride with the Brampton Cycling Club.

Kind Regards

Gerry Bick
President
Brampton Cycling Club

Welcome to the 2008 BCC racing season to all club members, both those renewing their memberships and to the new members joining us this year. As always, a comprehensive race schedule awaits, which encompasses a wide selection of time trials, crtiteriums, road races, sprints and hill climbs.

Feature events this season will be the Trevor Allen RR on June 15^th; the 100 KM RR on July 27^th; our proposed OCA sanctioned criterium event running the whole day on August 10^th, which is currently in the planning stages and would commence with the OCA Youth Series segment; the Ed Ruttle Stage Race being held on the weekend of August 16 – 17; and the Most Improved Rider 40 KM ITT on September 7^th, which will be piggy-backed again this year as our club’s entry into the 2008 World Masters Time Trial Challenge.

In order to improve road safety, the road races this year will follow the Australian pursuit style format, with non BCC associate members starting in the final groupings.  The sprints were enjoyed by those participating in them last season, and we encourage you to try them this year…..they are essentially broken down into mini crits and the number of riders competing will determine the format of elimination heats at each of the four scheduled sessions.

As always, the success our events enjoy is directly proportional to the participation of volunteers showing up at events to help out, so please check the racing schedule for your timekeeping/marshalling assignments and utilize the ‘ switch request ‘  feature if you cannot commit to a particular duty, but could switch with someone else on another day. Remember, any member is welcome to watch and/or help out ant any given event.

The BCC is continuing with our policy of not charging youth riders  ( 17 years old and younger ) with racing fees when racing in our club events, so long as they are OCA insured.

I will attempt to make weather related decisions the night before a scheduled event, so please check the on-line race schedule for last minute updated cancellations.

Finally, we are excited to announce the long awaited formation of a BCC racing team.  The deadline for submitting your name to be considered is March 24^th.  The expectation is that the individual would be competitive at the OCA level of racing or for the youngsters, compete in the OCA Youth Series.  The club will provide a sponsorship to each team member, and the BCC race committee will select the successful candidates comprising the team of no more than ten members.

Please consult the BCC website to review all the racing pages or feel free to contact the racing executive for further details.

Remember to wear your helmets and ride safely … Lets make 2008  a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone !


Marc Heinig
VP Racing

The weather is steadily improving & it’s almost time to start the 2008 BCC touring season. I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to lead our various rides as without your support we would not be able to offer the program that we all enjoy.

I have only published the March, April & May portion of the schedule so far & will be adding more at a later date.

The key events that we have lined up for this year are;

The Eden Mills picnic will be held a little earlier than usual and will be on May 31^st. The format will be much the same as before but this year it will be free of charge to all BCC members.

We are introducing a new event for all members plus your families. This will be held at the picnic area in El Dorado Park (Steeles & Creditview in Brampton) on Saturday July 12^th. All rides will leave from there at staggered times to arrive back at around 12:30 where we can meet up with our families for a picnic. This event is still in the early stages of planning & more details will be published as things progress. The intention is that this event will also be free of charge.

As the Riddeau Lakes tour is very popular within the BCC we will be running some training rides (probably on Sundays) to help prepare for the big weekend which this year is on June 7^th & 8^th. These rides will also be useful for those working up to the Tour For Kids epic in August & you are most welcome to join in. As the intention is to cover these rides with our insurance we will have to restrict participation to BCC members only. Through the message board we can also coordinate travel arrangements up to Ottawa & it would be great if we could all get together for dinner in Ottawa on Friday evening.

Lastly, there will be a ride up to the York Soaring Club located north of Fergus where we can each have a go at gliding. This will be weather dependant & no date has yet been fixed but the plan is to do this on a Sunday in late spring or summer & leaving from somewhere like Acton so that we can get up there & with plenty of time for the gliding. The cost would be around $80.00 each.

Our first scheduled rides are on Saturday 29 March so make sure your membership application is in before then as only BCC members are allowed on club rides.

See you on the road soon….

Andy Mallinson
VP Touring