@marc definitely interested in race clinic and breakdown

@marc I'd be down for the race clinic. I don't think I'm ready to race but I'm definitely ready to learn! 

@Marc, yes please to the Central Park race clinic. I won't be racing the first race in the Dev series (I know bad-ass Erika is, though, and has raced in CP in the past), so I can't speak for everyone--but I would vote to keep the date as you initially had it, March 15 or 16.

The 15th or 16th both work for me w/ a slight preference for the 16th (one of the Trooper David Brinkerhoff races is on the 15th).

I vote for the 16th too. Can't make the 15th.

Sounds like the 16th is the best date for everyone! So we'll "make it so."

For those of you racing the week earlier don't worry about not having this clinic under your belt. You'll actually have somewhat of an advantage because going into our ride through you'll remember things from your race and be able to contextualize what we're talking about even better.

Just go out there, ride safely, heads-up, keep your arms and bodies flexible for gently absorbing any incidental contact, hammer off the front if you are feeling really nervous (as opposed to trying to hide in the back) and get those winter cobwebs out of your legs in anticipation of a great season where I expect to see lots of posts from the Stan's No Tubes ladies talking about how the Kissena women are crushing it.

Another good option: Mentor JP Partland routinely rides in CP on Friday around 11 ish (there's a thread dedicated to these rides in the rare case he cancels, or changes the time, and knows the racing, the course dynamics, etc. in CP really really well too.

thank you!

I will hopefully make it.
I will try to get out for some rides beforehand and see how I (my wrist) is feeling.

I think I might be the only lady racing CP before your clinic @Marc. Can't wait to get out there with the rest of the ladies later on in the spring! I've raced CP before and quite enjoy it. Will remember to keep my head up and hammer off the front (but then quickly hide behind Jessica Meany or Julia Simon, or one of the other Amazons who smash those rollers and flats). If you wouldn't mind, I do have some questions about Tavern finishes (I've only ever experienced Engineers Gate and Cat's Paw finishes). First, where exactly is the Tavern finish? 67th or 65th? Does a breakaway usually form on the last Harlem Hill climb and attempt to stay away down the west side rollers? And when does the sprint start? It's uphill a bit, no?

Erika,

Erika,

True confession, I've actually never done a CP race with a Tavern finish. So I'll rely on you to show me where it is so we can talk about how to approach the finish for the CP clinic. That said, JP is right the trickiest bit will making sure you are in good position for the final curves. It will be relatively easy to move up early enough to get yourself in good position for the finishing sprint, the challenge will be maintaining that top 10-ish wheel position on a very fast sinewy section. Key will be leaving yourself an escape route from your main position as the field starts to crash over you like waves on the beach. You'll be surfing, constantly moving forward. The last part of the race will take enormous amounts of energy to keep your position. The best most universal bit of advice I've ever gotten is a mantra that I say over and over and over to myself, "IF YOU ARE NOT MOVING FORWARD...YOU ARE MOVING BACKWARDS."

Even if they don't have intermediate sprints at the Tavern finish, consider making a move there or thereabouts, early, during the course of the race, to see what your legs are capable and what kind of gearing/positioning is necessary for good finish on the last lap.

Thanks JP and Marc! I was going to assume that hill breakaways get gobbled up in Tavern finishes just like all the others. I'm going to have to refamiliarize myself with those curves. For east side finishes, the west side rollers are usually where a few surges happen but not too much jockeying for position. Good call on the early moves to test gearing/positioning. (And Marc, thanks for the very thorough response to my questions in the GT thread). 

Am I the only one lurking here waiting for the suggestions to pour in for #ballerhashtag?

Trust me, I had reservations about that too @Gwynna. But now nothing sounds sweeter than a @KissenaCycling #bellelap. Has a nice "roll call" feel to it too.

@Gwynna i like that hashtag belle lap.
and the term : )

thanks @Erika!

My pleasure. Now for the glamour shots and bios. I'm thinking something "racy."

Okay, so I'm procrastinating at work. Here's a quick write-up format that we might want to use:

Erika Tarte said:

. Couple months ago on a Rapha women's ride, a woman asked me whether the KCC ladies needed to unanimously vote in new members. We don't want to be that club.

Good LORD!  No, we are NOT that club, thank goodness...

I'm interested as well. Not sure if I'll be racing that one since I wasn't planning on racing this early in the season but would like to join for a walk-through of the course for future CP races.

Great to hear that @Paige! 

I feel like I'm a lil late to respond...but I'm totally down for a CP clinic on the 16th. I'm ready to dive into this head first! I have no idea what i'm doing (partial lie), but you fake it till you make it, right?