Northern Bush Rastas Web Page
Wednesday Training Night

The Northern Bush Rastas are a major force in provincial mountain bike racing. Club members have won numerous provincial championships, national championships and even a world championship! Racing is an important part of the club, and to serve the needs of its mountain bike racers we host the Wednesday night training series.

The format for 2012 will be similar to the format used in previous years. Because of the continued construction at Deifenbaker park, we will again be using the Sutherland Beach area unless otherwise specified. For those that may not know, this is where one of the first Saskatoon mountain bike races was held.

We usually begin by riding from the parking lot to the section of trail that we will use for the night, ride the whole lap that we will use for the race at a slow pace, and then a for-fun race after about 30 minutes to give some practice riding tired, just like a full blown race. We don't time or record results so it is a great workout even for those who have no interest or plans to race!
Locations

Wednesday May 2, 2012 to August 29, 2012 except weeks where we go to Blackstrap.

Sutherland Beach

Meet at 6:30pm at the dog walking parking lot (at the imaginary intersection of Preston and Circle Drive). We will then ride to the trails north of the Psych Centre.
Fun Race from 7:00 - 7:30 pm, followed by a trail ride back to the parking lot and then home.

Wednesday June 20, 2012 other dates will be announced as they are organized. Blackstrap Prov Park - Meet at the parking lot of Blackstrap Ski Hill at 6:45pm. These outings usually involve one ride through a lap of the race course as a group and then one as fast as you can!

Race night will be cancelled if it is raining or has rained a significant amount before the race to protect the trails from damage. Race night will be also be cancelled if the city is under a weather advisory for thunderstorms (lightning is bad for your health when riding a metal bicycle).

Why Train?

The Wednesday night training exists for three main purposes:

First, and most important, is that they are a fun way to get a good hard workout whether you are training for mountain bike racing or want to improve your fitness and speed. Second, it is an excellent first introduction to mountain bike racing for those who are interested and would like to try it out in a low pressure, fun atmosphere.
Third, fun races are a good way to practice skills that are used in racing and don't often get used during regular training rides. Examples include race starts, proper pacing, riding technical trails while fatigued, and proper nutrition.

Who can race?

The Northern Bush Rastas organize the Wednesday night training, but we welcome members from any cycling club to come out and participate. The only requirement is that you have an SCA membership (for insurance purposes) and that you wear a CSA approved helmet for your own safety. Last year participants ranged in age from ten all the way to their forties both men and women.

Safety

Remember that this is for fun, so don't take chances by going too fast and hard on the descents. We don't want to see anyone get hurt. If uncerntain, consult any one of your co-members for advice.
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