WOB RACING CO.

Bike Fit, Yoga and Racing for 2010

2010-02-25T13:03:00.000-06:00

I just looked at the calendar, race season is here. The cold winter temperatures will keep a few racers away from the earlier season but the dedicated few will be there, and will have the competitive edge over those who aren't out early in the season. The body acclimates to the weather, to the efforts needed to win races, and to ride position. And for those of you out there getting ready to race another season or your first season, here is are some things to consider: Bike Fit, Yoga, Age and Acclimatization. The first two should make the last two less of an issue.

The word acclimate is a tricky one. Essentially the body grows accustomed to handling the cold by altering metabolic rate and channeling oxygen rich blood where it is needed most. Acclimate and accustom are qualifiers that mean something is not quite right. Over a given period this leads to evolutionary changes that allow the body to endure required challenges, think brown fat for arctic climates, lower melanin counts for lower UV rays. We can probably agree that cycling, especially racing, will never lead to evolutionary changes in humans. Too bad that bipedalism is so efficient. But there are things that we need to do as cyclists and more specifically racers that will lead to higher positions in the field, more points and hopefully more podium finishes.

Among the most important things that we can do as cyclists is to have a proper bike fitting. A good fitting is more than setting saddle height. A good fit involves kinetic analysis and a holistic vision of the body in motion. What goes on at the pedals, the handlebar, the saddle are linked, and more specifically linked to the body of the cyclist. Imbalances in muscle, prior injury and poor flexibility can cause pain, re-injury and poor finishes. This isn't to say that science doesn't belong in bike fitting, but like all medical sciences, numbers mean little without a careful assessment of the body. What injuries has the rider encountered during his/her lifetime (not just cycling related injuries, all injuries)? What is his/her range of motion? Is it limited due to physiology or inactivity? (Yes, inactivity.... Just because you race a bike and are physically 20 years younger than your cohorts doesn't mean that all your muscle groups are working synergistically.) Has polar dominance caused muscular imbalance? After these questions are answered the science can be applied, but not before considering other factors such as age and cycling discipline. I know, you're 20 years younger than your cohorts, but age does play a role as gravity affects the muscular-skeletal system and as physiological changes occur both due to time and wear and due to the body's desire to keep itself healthy. And then there is the discipline. While there are a few out there that excel at all cycling most of us have one or two areas that are our strongest, and are often the ones that we want to develop most. A good fit specialist will take this into account too, a time trialist's fit isn't going to be the same as a cyclocross racer's fit. Physics just won't let it happen.

A good fit is relatively inexpensive compared to a season sidelined with injury and potentially a lifetime of reoccurring injuries. A good fit should cost much more than it does, and will take at least an hour to complete. A good fit also requires that you be very honest--candid answers and comments are appreciated from your fit specialist. Call ahead and make an appointment. While most fit specialists work 40-60 hours a week at the shop they like to schedule appointments and will have questions for you to think about before your fitting. In general these questions will inquire about age, mileage, injuries, goals, equipment, and expectations. If possible meet your fit specialist before committing to a fitting. Just like your family doctor, you want to feel comfortable with the fit specialist. Be sure to ask lots of questions. You're paying $150-400 for a session, be sure to get the information that you need. Here are somethings that seems obvious to the fit specialist, but not to all cyclists: Bikes come in sizes, just as people do; bike brands fit differently; changing stems, seatposts, saddles and handlebars makes a properly sized bicycle fit better, they cannot make a mis-sized bike fit. Don't be hurt if your specialist suggests that the bike you're riding is the wrong size. A bike fitting is similar to tailored clothing, a couple of darts can be added to the trousers to make them fit you perfectly, but your tailor cannot take out four inches from trousers to fit your size 30 waist.

One could spend hours discussing how to attain the properly fitted bicycle, and write great treaties upon bicycle fit as an online guide for the "do it yourself" group. And much of the information written about bike fit is not only relevant but is correct. What goes unseen by the books and internet articles is the need to address the individual and to observe the body in motion, just what your family doctor and physical therapist do when you come to them. World of Bikes has developed a terrific bike fit program and works with its clients on an individual basis, advising not only our members of the racing community but diverse cyclists with goals of cross-country touring, recreational cycling and physical therapy for sports injuries. At the Pro Fit level you'll be counseled on injury prevention, muscular development strategies, cycling specific stretches and yoga poses that help bring the body into tune.

I've placed a couple of links on the site so that you can practice these stretches and poses before your bike fitting. Balancing the body will make all adjustments to the bicycle easier and make you a much more efficient cyclist. Other great sources are DVDs such as Yoga for Athletes (Velo Press). You should plan on adding another two to three hours to your training schedule, and to spending no less than half an hour everyday practicing.

See you at the races

Awaiting Spring

2010-02-10T15:16:00.002-06:00

Wow, it seems as if Winter will never end—December faded into January; January faded into February. Spring is around the corner, right? All of our off season training techniques, rollers, running, skiing, skating and swimming will begin to fade into memory as Spring wakes from its hibernation. To be honest, 2010 winter training has felt a bit like hibernating. It’s time to think about racing and riding. We hope that you’ll join us for our Spring training rides. Our Wednesday road rides begin March 31^st at 6:00pm, leaving from the shop. We’d like to see Sugar Bottom open for MTB rides in March too, but that might be a bit a bit optimistic. When it does open we’ll meet at 8:00am every Sunday by the main gate, unless Sugar is high water access only. Be sure to check the ICORR website icorrmtb.org or hotline 319.626.1160 for the latest updates. Of course, if you can't meet us Wednesday or Sunday give us a call 319.351.8337 to see who is going out for a ride.

WOB RACING FOR 2010

2010-01-01T18:41:00.004-06:00

Welcome to 2010, a brand new year and time to announce the big surprise. We know that many of our followers were hoping and even expecting to learn that WOB Racing secured a lucrative sponsorship deal and that we would be flying those colors alongside our title sponsor World of Bikes.

We sent sponsorship inquires and proposals hoping to gain valuable sponsorship dollars. Any racer will admit that cycling is expensive. Many of our requests were answered with emails reading, 'your small cadre of racers holds promise but currently we are not able to offer sponsorship to fledgling teams.' Our smaller sponsors, who generously offered equipment discounts in lieu of money required larger teams who could broadcast their brand at major cycling events.

Immediate reactions struck: the letters--narrative driven were too long, too colorful, too detailed. We just couldn't offer the results--a proven track record. Then the third and final thought, which really contains the first two struck: It's the economy, dollars are tight. Our three year tenure with midlevel results doesn't offer the confidence necessary for sponsorship. Our beautifully written proposals, with the prose of an MFA grad student, might have value in academia but in business succinct, results oriented writing trumps beautiful prose. It's all about time and clarity.

It would be easy to feel discouraged. And we hope that last year's team will understand, will view what could be seen as a setback as an opportunity. As night faded to day on December 31st, the opening lines of our proposals began to resonate: " WOB Racing is a grassroots team for those interested in racing, for those who want to experience the competition of racing without the pressure of winning results required by most teams. We're comrades, we're learning from each other, we're teaching the young to ride and keeping the old riding.

Those words were forgotten. Our brand identity began to deviate from our mission statement, one that parallels our title sponsors: "Cyclists serving cyclists".

For 2010 you'll see our new colors, black and red instead of green and black. You might even notice that we're testing new equipment, something our sponsorship agreements prevented. The freedom offered goes beyond the dollars that might have been--sure we'll miss them but we're freed of contractual agreements, free to try new stuff, and that is part of learning to ride, finding the stuff that works.

As we ride our trainers and rollers, lift weights, swim and skate through the dark winter months we'll remind ourselves who we are, "A grassroots cycling team racing for fun".

Happy New Year

2009-12-09T07:58:00.006-06:00

WOB Racing v.2010

We are revisiting our history, our foundation in 2006 and our future beyond 2009. Lots has changed. We've had terrific sponsors. We've had terrific team racers and club riders. We've won some great races, lost quite a few too. And most importantly we grew our parent brand image while having fun. 12-31-2009 is a day that resonates with racers, teams, and clubs, the day our licenses expire. We're using that date to launch WOB v.2010. At this time we're looking forward and reevaluating WOB Racing. For v.2010 we're looking at how the race community can best serve our parent's brand image. We're keeping things under wraps until December 31 so don't expect any teasers. But what you will see after that will be a new WOB Racing.

New colors. New brand. New riders. New philosophy.

Jingle Cross Rock 2009

2009-12-01T17:15:00.002-06:00

WOB Racing and Bikes To You survived JCR 09 with only two casualties, two bent derailleur hangers and two rear derailleurs--amazing how those road derailleurs explode when they hit the spokes. We were lucky. Friday night we had 10 or so requests for new derailleurs and hangers, Saturday at 7:00 Ryan was busy fixing bikes at the tent until we ran out of derailleurs. Levi was made hangers ( grinding and filing hangers to fit everything) at the shop. By Sunday things had calmed down--sloppy wet mud became peanut butter mud-- and we were only repairing chains and hangers. Rumor has it that there were 50 derailleurs replaced over the three days. Now it's time to rest: neutral support and racing have left us a bit bleary eyed. Until next season.

CX Season 2009

2009-09-03T14:54:00.001-05:00

Welcome CX Season 2009

As our unseasonably cool summer comes to an end—September rolling into autumn, our WOB Racing Crew and Bikes To You teams are excited about CX season, racing with friends, maintaining our fitness and regaining technique. Every ‘cross season since I began racing, I’ve tried to document a definitive history of cyclocross. However, the history of cyclocross seems to be buried under European lore and America’s acquisition of cyclocross in the 1970s. Cycling historians credit Daniel Gousseau as the ‘father’ of cyclocross; a young French soldier who rode through fields and forests on bicycle, while his general rode a horse. It is Gousseau who is given credit for the first French National Championship in 1902. Others historians credit Kevin Watson, a young man from Yorkshire, England, whose 1959 efforts became the Three Peaks 30 mile cyclocross race across rocky mountain faces. It is agreed upon that the “Criterium International” in 1924, organized west of Paris in the Forêt de Fausses-Reposes was the impetus that attracted the public and the official recognition from what is now the UCI: Suffer the Trou du Diable (Devil’s Hole).

Other cycling historians believe that in the early 1900s European cyclists would race each other to the next town through farmer's fields, over fences and any other shortcuts to make it to the next town first. Whether conjecture or fact, it is believed that the off road riding increased the intensity at which the cyclists were riding and improved bike handling abilities. The forced running sections and portages, helped deliver warm blood to the feet and toes, as well as exercise other groups of muscles.

Cyclists can attest to the benefits of cyclocross during the off season, just as much as we can justify the hours that we spend riding trainers from late December to early March by way of improved fitness.

What I offer is a personal history, while cyclocross may have its earliest “official” foundations in Europe, cyclocross is nothing more than riders remembering the way we began riding as children, across grassy fields, pushing muddied bikes over hills, hoping that we would find our ways home with aching muscles and the knowledge that we tried it over and over, added challenges along the way and invited friends to traverse open fields, soggy gravel roads, fences tied shut with bailing wire, to the short piece of chip and seal that led our way home. And there was mud caked to tires and frames, brake bosses clogged with the clayey soils of the Midwest; the rock strewn Eastcoast, and the wet sand of Golden gate park in the West. Remember those days?

So, it is with a sense of loyalty to the sport that we continue to carry our bikes across barriers, jump across creek beds, ride through sand, mud and run up hillsides with bikes in tow. Racing cross may lack terra firma often claimed by the Flemish, the French, the Italians, the Slovakians, the English and New Englanders but cyclocross is the cycling’s regolith—an unconsolidated history which may span the annals of cycling history and our childhood memories of cycling, and for many of us the fearless attempt to do something that seemed at once silly and necessary, to find our way home to hot cocoa and grilled cheese sandwiches, to dream of the future and of bicycling.

I will miss Guelph Cross this year in Southern Ontario, will miss the camaraderie of a hundred plus riders in a field and the joy of a late September morning, frost opening the lungs, tires slipping on wetted grass and mud, the off camber corners that challenged even the best XC mountain bikers. But we have a lot to look forward to this season with Dice Cycling continuing to hold some of the best races on the eastern half of Iowa, The Old Wooden Shoe, Corn Cross, Spooky Cross, and the State Championships in Central Iowa.

Giving Back

2009-07-30T12:41:00.002-05:00

I remember growing up in Eastern Iowa during the late 1980s and enjoying the freedom of riding on the road, using bean fields as makeshift cyclocross courses and mountain bike paths. I remember carving the quarter mile of single track in my parents woods with a mower, machete and garden shears, following the deer run. The trail is largely overgrown after years of neglect, but the memories of racing through the tight single track remain. Iowans didn't have Marin County, we built trails on in cornfields, behind the city limits and in environmentally sensitive areas. Eventually we converged, determined to build trail networks that reminded us of of those we had visited on the East coast and West coast. I can't remember when our local trail network began--maybe it was the early 1990s when a small group began looking at Sugar Bottom as a place to ride. The trails built upon ACE land are some of the finest in the Midwest. On occasion, I have met people from both coast who rave about the quality of the trail network and the varied strata. It's true. great trails and varied strata. This is one of the reasons that the Army Corp of Engineers established guidelines that included a minimum of 600 hours of volunteer trail work and asks that Sugar Bottom be closed when wet. I also remember 1998 when Mike and Jan Ritter held National Trail Days and taught the essentials of trail building and maintenance. Sugar Bottom developed quickly as did our service and our responsibility for maintaining to the trail network. I remember the end of their visit and the quiet sermon-like epiphany: "You make a difference as mountain bikers. You make a difference as trail builders and as stewards of the land. The public looks to you for support and to help keep our trails open." My IMBA Trail Builder certificate give me pause as I think back to the humble beginnings and to the future of our trails. I know that I haven't given back nearly enough over the years, making excuses to justify my lack of support: "have to work; have to visit family; have to race; have to ride." What I need to do, I mean really do is commit to giving back to the trail and to all the riders out there who have given back, whether it's picking up the empty gel packet or beer bottle trail side or coming out on their days off to trim overgrowth. I need to remember that it all makes a difference.

*****

Our 2009 Iowa summer has been atypical. We haven't felt the incessant Amazon-like humidity and oppressive heat. We've been blessed with a cold rainy June and July, that feels like the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. But like the Boundary Waters the trails have stayed damp, undergrowth has flourished and sections are feeling the neglect: too many riders and too few volunteers helping keep Sugar Bottom open.

*****

Our crew from World of Bikes, WOB Racing, LAMBA, ICORR and volunteer riders hit the trails with mowers, clippers, and shovels last night (29.07.09) to rein in the overgrowth and rutted sections. It was late when we finished. We're a bit tired today and have aching muscle and sore backs but are happy to have given back. To all those who helped build the original trail network and to the Army Corp of Engineers who have graciously allowed us to ride among the trees, rocks and roots, to ascend Cyclocross Hill, race through Hell Trail and to cross Troll Bridge, THANKS! To John, Paul, and so many others that we have seen on the trail cleaning debris, whacking weeds from the trail and cutting the multiflora rosebushes and blackberry bramble, THANKS!

To all of those riding the trail last night, who thanked us trail side, thank you and keep riding with the memories of all those who keep the trails open. Join us on a monthly Trail Day and feel free to call World of Bikes for more impromptu trail maintenance. To the riders who passed by chatting about ICORR and not recognizing us, remember you can make a difference too. We had twenty people out last night from across Eastern Iowa so it's not surprising you didn't know all of us. What is even better is that we had a handful on the crew who don't mountain bike but just wanted to give back, who know how happy it makes their friends and family to ride Sugar Bottom. Remember them when you ride. We recognized you from races, from riding the trails together, and the legends you carry. Get out and help keep our trails open. Imagine the influence your support could provide. Your faces are recognized across the state as top riders. Please Give Back. When other riders see your service they are likely to give back. We're all in this together.

Remember your beginnings as a cyclist. Remember the way the roads carried you away from home when you were ten. Remember the way you forget the day when your on the trail for three hours, the sound of your heart pounding, lungs crying for air, the slap of the chain, gears grinding, the sights and sounds of nature and the silence it brings to your aching mind. Remember to Give Back.

ICORR: http://icorrmtb.org/icorr

IMBA: http://www.imba.com

IMBA Trail Building: http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/

LAMBA: http://www.lambaonline.com/

FORC: http://www.qcforc.org/

WOB: worldofbikes.com

Contacts: Ryan: baker@worldofbikes.com

Mike: mike.clark@worldofbikes.com

2009 Update

2009-05-14T12:09:00.006-05:00

We've added a link to the U-I Cycling Club's Maps so that you may follow some of the local ride. I can't tell you who created them or who posted these but they will lead you on some terrific rides if you're new to the area.

In other news many of you have been inquiring about group rides from the shop. I wish that I could give a definitive answer and schedule for our rides, training and casual. As business picks up in the shop the routine is a little chaotic, add to that our varying levels and aspirations and, alas, the result becomes a series of individual and group rides without a clear structure. That said, we have two rides going out on Wednesdays, a fun ride for food and drink and another casual ride--something for recovery or camaraderie Please call us at 319.351.8337 and tell us you want to ride. We'll get someone out with you.

In other news World of Bikes is now cosponsor of "World of Bikes, Bikes To You" cycling. This is our serious team with individual sponsors and aspirations. Iowa Telecom, Michelin, and Giant Bicycles also act as sponsors for our WOB/BTW team. Come out and support them.

The WOB Racing Team continues its grassroots support of racers from the shop with the support of WOB, White Dog Auto, Schwalbe North America, Honey Stinger, Bontrager, and this year SRAM. We're also proud sponsors of the Old Capitol Criterium, the Sugar Bottom Scramble, and Jingle Cross.

We owe all of our sponsors a huge thanks and all of our friends, family and you our appreciation for the success that we have found as WOB Racing and WOB/BTW.

You'll notice that we've also fallen behind on our race highlight photos. If you have an opportunity please send us your photos for us to upload.

THE WOB BLOG RETURNS

2008-08-28T13:41:00.005-05:00

Yes, the WOB Blog continues to persist even in my absence. And there are a lot of things that have occurred during the spring and summer months of 2008. Being a shop based team we get caught up in things like selling and servicing bikes. It's all about One World and Two Wheels: commuters, tourers and racers have kept us busy. Sometimes it feels like there is little time to train with our family obligations and keeping everyone's bike on two wheels. But we ride; we train, and 'Cross season is upon us.

After the Sugar Bottom Scramble, September 21st, our focus will be trying to place and hopefully beat some of our old teammates.... Wish us luck as Will and Andrew have moved to Cat 2 Road racers for Bikes to You. They'll still be racing as Cat 4s in 'Cross until they earn their 'cross points. We miss them as team members, but are glad that they have found riders, training schedules and the intense comaraderie of a truly race base team. For us, WOB RACING CO is a way to encourage people to try racing and riding competitively under team colors and generous sponsorship from Schwalbe tires, Honey Stinger, Dedicated Athlete, and Bontrager.

In other news, our team kits are coming along very well. Sugoi's custom department did a great job, taking our attempts with Adobe Illustrator and turning them into works of art. Defeet has shipped our socks and you'll be seeing our riders wearing new kits, still in the familiar green, black and white but with a classic style and a WOB RACING logo which is actually visible.

One of the things that I have promised our sponsors is a review of some of the products that we are using this season--these will be forthcoming.

Thanks again for checking in with us. We're still here, training, getting stronger and ready to race.

WANT TO SPONSOR WOB?

2008-02-28T14:54:00.002-06:00

Welcome to our sponsorship inquiry page. If you’ve found your way here we suspect that you’re interested in of two things: learning more about WOB Racing Company and or are curious about sponsoring our club racers. Or maybe you have navigated your way here by accident—we’ll say it’s karma and curiosity, stick around.

To get you started, here’s a brief overview of WOB Racing Co, our roots and our goals and how you might help us continue to develop over the coming years. The last phrase might come as a surprise to many, a team planning to stick around for years. Of course the pros do it, and even a few local teams have enjoyed a decade of racing under their colors. We congratulate all who have stuck it out, sought sponsorship and have earned wins and titles. Our philosophy is a bit different. Like the pros and those who have weathered hundreds of races we plan on seeing our race team through thick and thin but here’s where we believe that we’re different: WOB Racing Company might be better classified as a farm team. We want to encourage all to race and to enjoy the competitive nature of racing and to grow as person and cyclist through the experience. Because we consider ourselves a farm team we’ll regularly cycle through racers as they find teams who fit their ultimate cycling goals. Our riders enjoy the camaraderie of cyclist of all ages and skill levels, discover new riding techniques and learn to challenge themselves beyond their perceived thresholds. Most importantly, we are community builders. What we receive from the Iowa City community we wish to give back, be it through bike rodeos, teaching young and old effective cycling technique and mentoring all cyclists in their discipline: racing, touring, commuting and cruising the boulevard we support them and “Health and happiness though cycling”. Even though our team is race oriented we hold group rides for all levels and styles. Our racers use the leisurely Sunday rides as recovery rides: 50, 60, 75 miles at a 12 mph average. They are also, as is everyone, welcome to join the fun rides—ambles through the local parks, a stop for ice cream or beer. Then there are our training rides that are dedicated to the team—fast, technical, skill building—mentally and physically challenging their core.

You might ask, were did we come from?

Our answer involves thirty-four years of history and of cyclists serving cyclists and the dreams of three of our racers being actualized during the summer of 2006 when Ryan Baker (owner of World of Bikes) along with the assistance of David Burke, Mike Clark, and Will Greenwood created WOB Racing Company envisioning a different kind of cycling club: Egalitarian, Egoless and Ethical, not the codes that many perceive when describing a cycling club or team. We are different. Based out of World of Bikes, Iowa City, IA our diverse background and our knowledge of cycling bring the community together. We do not prejudice the talents of one rider over another. Each rider is asked to challenge himself or herself beyond perceived limits and to excel. However, no rider receives preference, each receives the same training, the same level of support and encouragement. Ultimately their goals are the ones that we want to fulfill, whether it be to simply enter and compete in a race or to attempt to win one of the Iowa State Championships in their discipline. We believe that these beliefs and values feed the core and will ensure our longevity.

We are very pleased that you spent a few minutes getting to know a little about us. As a small local club we need help developing beyond our infancy and offer a unique advertising/goodwill opportunity for you. This opportunity includes everything from statewide public relations to the club riders’ immense appreciation. We welcome sponsors large and small, and we sincerely believe both sides can benefit from this pairing.

The tokens of appreciation that we can offer our Benefactors like you: We would like to assure you that while we are look forward to your support that we are equally as excited to offer support for your business through state wide public relations provided by riders’ appearances at numerous events throughout Iowa. Each cycle racing series includes a number of points races that culminate in a state championship race at the end of every season. The seasons that WOB Racing Co. will compete in are cross-country mountain bike, road and cyclocross, racing that take place spring, summer, and fall. As you know, these are important seasons to maintain and build awareness for our businesses. This only matters if the right people are aware. Cyclists and cycling enthusiasts are those people, who can be most aptly described as demanding exceptional quality and seeking specialized offerings. This demographic can be appreciated by all businesses. The public will notice our team riding with the comfort of you support and recognize the personal affinity the riders develop with individuals and businesses contributing to their racing season. This is not to say riders expect sponsorship to cover all their needs, but they appreciate everything they get. We welcome all sponsors, large and small, and know these partnerships can be very beneficial.

Additionally, in the works are the WOB Racing Co. and World of Bikes newsletter and website which will provide sponsors and our patrons with event schedules and race results; community outreach programs; sponsor promotions; new products that our riders and employees are using; rider bios; sponsor logos, and organized rides. We look forward to any donation that you can afford to offer.

Health and happiness through cycling

WOB RACING CO.
723 South Gilbert St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 351. 8337
mailto:mike.clark@worldofbikes.com

FAQ

2008-02-13T14:43:00.001-06:00

QUESTIONS THAT YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO ASK:

What can a Team do for me?
Cycling racing is a team sport. While your choices may be individual, the tactics and knowledge, gained by training and racing with a club can benefit all cyclists. Criteriums, Cyclocross, Mountain biking and road racing have similar elements and requirements. But, the best reasons to join are: Camaraderie; the ability to work and train with others, to Improve technique and tactics; the support of a shop, sponsors and community recognition.

Is there a Licensing body and which one do I need?

For all sanctioned events you’ll need a USCF license appropriate to your discipline and skill level: Every one starts at the beginner level and moves up with race sufficient points. Your cycling license expires every December 31^st. The USCF part of USA Cycling is the governing body that oversees and sanctions bicycle racing in United States. It provides insurance for you and the event organizers. Annual (Seniors, Juniors) and One-Day Licenses are available. All WOB Racing Co members must be annual members.

What are the USCF categories?
Racers are divided up into 3 groups, Juniors (10-18), Seniors (19-29), and Masters (typically +40) Seniors and Masters are placed in categories 1 through 5. A new racer begins in Category 5 (also called Citizens) and tries to move up through the ranks to Category 1. Seniors competition is by category Juniors and Master competitions are often broken down by age groups such as 10-14, 15-18 from Juniors, and 40+ and 50+ for Masters. Some events offer separate Women’s divisions as well. Racers can compete in any event for which they are qualified by group or category. For example a 42-year-old Category 3 racer can race in the Masters 40+ event and also enter the Seniors Category 3 event. Similarly a Category 4 Junior can enter the Juniors event and the Category 4 event.

What are the differences between Criteriums, Cyclocross, Road Races, and the Time Trial?

Cyclocross was developed in the 1920s in Europe by road racers who wanted a way of staying in shape during the off season. Cyclocross has gained much popularity recently as it combines the skills of criterium racing and mountain biking. It’s fast paced and spectator friendly. Like those racers in the 1920s, cyclocross in Iowa begins during the last weeks of September and ends in December.

Road Races are mass start events, typically thirty-five to sixty miles in length, held on the open road, sometimes they are held on a ‘circuit’ or circular course, several miles in length, and completed as multiple laps to finish. The road season is generally from March through August with Iowa’s primary events during the Memorial Day weekend.

Criteriums are mass start timed races held on a smaller loop course generally on a closed course within the city. The events last for a set number of minutes (generally 30-60 minutes per category) and when time has elapse the racers complete a few counted laps to the finish. Criteriums are fast and dangerous, held on courses generally one mile or shorted, involve sprints, high speed corners and racers shoulder to shoulder.

Time Trials are events where each individual racer is completing a prescribed course and is timed against the clock. Racers start at timed intervals rather than in a pack and their times are ranked after all contestants have completed the course. Events are generally 20 Km (12.25 miles) or longer.

What kind of bike racing does WOB Racing Co do?
We race in a variety of cycling events, primarily road and cyclocross.

When are your weekly training rides, and can I participate?
WOB Racing rides throughout the year. We’re generally out on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, weather dependent. Check our schedule at World of Bikes or email, mike.clark@worldofbikes for more information about rides. During the winter months we meet at the shop and ride trainers.

How old do you have to be to race bikes?
Any age can race. Racing is a matter of desire more than age. We encourage racers to begin as early as possible.

Why would I want to wear a cycling kit?
The kit is very important. They provide you support for working muscles and aid in muscle recovery. They cut wind resistance so you can ride faster with less effort. They provide protection by wicking perspiration to help cool your body on warm days and warm on those cool fall and winter days. More important they advertise our sponsors. They’re the ones who provide product and monetary support for WOB, and they’re our friends.

Should I shave my legs?
The simple answer is absolutely yes. Shaving is not just cosmetic. One of the earliest reasons given is, shaving keeps the legs cooler and aids sweat dissipation. The reason given more times than not is, when, you fall of your bike at race pace you’re going to meet the pavement, picking up all manner of nasty things. If your legs are shaven the risk of infection is lessened as cleaning the wounds is easier on smooth skin than the hairy tangle of blood and dirt on unshaven legs. Lastly, it looks cool and is simply a part of cycling tradition.

CLUB HISTORY

2008-02-12T13:13:00.000-06:00

Background

The WOB Racing CO. Club was founded in 2006 to provide cyclists the opportunity to improve skill and fitness levels through organized group training rides and networking opportunities.

We are a volunteer run, non-profit, high performance cycling club, formed by cyclists for cyclists. We welcome members who are looking to join a cycling club, as well as those who may already be members of another cycling club but are interested in riding with us.

It is only through an active club membership that we are able to offer our various club events. We rely on our club member volunteers to coordinate group rides, organize events, or otherwise manage club act ivities. We encourage club members to become involved in the operation of the club.

Many of our members compete in various sanctioned cycling events throughout the Midwest. Members compete as part of WOB RACING CO.

Our future club goals include organizing and promoting an USCF-sanctioned race series as part of the Iowa Cyclocross Series, Iowa Mountain Biking Series and the Iowa Road Racing Series. These races are open to club members as well as racers from across North America.

Focus

Our success and growth is a result of the participation of dedicated riders who utilize cycling as a training tool for either competition or general overall health and fitness. To better meet the needs and expectations of these riders, and provide a riding environment that is otherwise unfulfilled in the Iowa City, IA area, the club has adopted a high performance model.

This approach allows us to focus our limited resources on the development and support of competitive cyclists and serious recreational riders. As the club grows, our resources increase, and demand warrants, we plan on expanding our program.

Club Benefits

Weekly organized group training rides

Discounts on club clothing

Sponsor benefits for club members.