Knightly News For 2011-11-15

The FCYCT-Scarlet Knights WORS season came to an end on Saturday, October 23^rd at the WORS banquet. It was a great place for the team to reflect and connect one last time in 2011.  The biggest prize of the season was the kids winning the overall team award for the Junior Division.  Individual highlights included Jacob winning first place in the 13-14 year old division with Alex finishing second and Grant finishing third.  In the overall Junior Male 11-12 year old division, Aaron finished with a very strong 2^nd place, Ben in 4^th, Cole in 5^th, and Dylan in 7^th.  Katy wrapped up a great season with 4^th place overall in the Junior Female 9-10 year olds.  Daniel finished just 18 points from a top five overall with a very strong second half of the season to finish 8^th in the Citizen (category 3) 14 & under category.   All are very respectable results for a group of kids who are just getting their feet wet in the sport. 

Looking back at WORS 2011, some of my memories are a very cold day in Iola.  Rhinelander brings memories of a rainy spaghetti team dinner at a camper, along with a couple of team members learning that it is not easy for mom to drive you across the state so you can race.  Of course who will ever forget a boom of thunder during the night that left no one sleeping in Rhinelander!   The Wausau race confirmed the team was to be taken seriously.  Mt Morris was a late Saturday afternoon race that tested the kids improving technical skills.    Chippewa Valley saw the sun shine just before the start and made a short technical course very tricky which led to several team members falling and learning how to overcome it.  Alterra tested the kids’ climbing skills and became a breakthrough race for several riders.   At the Battle of Camrock, team members struggled in the start gate which forced them to fight back for position through the race.  The River Falls Border Battle was a great family weekend of camping and was a team favorite.   We are sorry to see River Falls absent in the 2012 schedule.  The Reforestation Ramble lived up to its reputation as a ‘put it in the big ring’ and hammer race.    Treadfest was another weekend of family camping and racing on a great course.  Bear Paw- how can I not mention the rain and how the kids looked after the race?  I think this race showed how courageous these kids were as several parents passed on racing in the rain but all 9 kids stepped up to the start line.  Wigwam was a wonderfully warm, sunny day that was a perfect race to end the season.   It also included a record number of parents racing and included potential for new team members and growth in 2012.

As I reflected on the inaugural season on my way home from Wigwam, I gave thanks that there were no serious injuries to any kids.  I also thought that as parents, we grow as well. I remember being apprehensive early in the season about sending my son and others out to race on some courses.  I also remember getting the kids together for a good warm up in Rhinelander.   However, by the last race at Wigwam, we left it up to them to make sure they were warmed up and ready to race.   During my drive home from Wigwam, I also found myself smiling more than a grown man probably should.  I have a group of 9 kids to thank for that.  

Knightly News From WORS #10 Treadfest in Lake Geneva, WI

I have often wondered when a youth goes from just riding his or her bike to an “age of racing”.  This point in growth has nothing to do with a child’s “racing age”.  Some youth seem to do this at their first race, no matter what age.  They seem to have instant success from their very first race.  I think Jacob on our team is a good example of this.  Some youth struggle from their first race on, as they seem to have very real fears such as crashing or getting lost on the course while racing.   I think my son grew to the “age of racing” sometime in midseason 2010.  He was struggling to get on the podium and just missed this goal race after race in the second half of the 2010 season.  I think his big breakthrough occurred at the Franklin race of 2010.  He went into the race with a strategy of being the first kid up the big hill at the start of the race and riding the second hill so he would not lose anytime to those behind.   His planning seemed to work as he finally stepped up on the podium at this race.  His “age of racing” continued the rest of the season (and continues today) with a highlight of a second place finish at the last race of the 2010 season in Sheboygan.

In 2011, my son seems to really understand what it means to suffer in a race, race hard, recover, and pick it up again.   He now develops actual race strategy to compete with two other kids who are close to his ability.  He might not be competing for a top three place, but he comes up with a strategy for each race to finish as high in the rankings as he can.  

I have seen this same development with Dylan this past season.  He now has a strategy going into each race.  At River Falls, he wanted to have a lead at the bottom of the hill in hopes of still being close to his competition at the top.  He now shifts correctly and dismounts are minimal during a race and if they occur he runs up the hill until he can get back on.  He also keeps his momentum and rides/jumps over obstacles rather than slowing down and going around them.  Dylan confirmed he has arrived to the “age of racing” by finishing 4^th at Treadfest in Lake Geneva a couple of weeks ago.

I think this is what “age of racing” is really all about.  Not so much winning but planning a race, even if that planning is to start slow and let the race come to the racer and finish with a stronger second half of the race than the first half.  I think “age of racing” is planning to race for the highest finishing position you can possibly get.   As an adult, my greatest joy I get from the team is when I see a youth develop to an “age of racing”.

At Treadfest in Lake Geneva, the Scarlet Knights’ success continued with the following results:

Junior Girls 10 and under
Katy McDicken 4^th place, 8^th overall

Junior Boys 11-12 years old
Dylan Eggebrecht 4^th place, 9^th overall
Ben Smith 5^th place, 10^th overall

Junior Boys 13-14
Jacob Ahles 1^st place, 2^nd overall
Alex Halfman 2^nd place, 8^th overall
Grant Slocum 3^rd place, 21^st oveall

Citizen 14 and under
Daniel Gretzinger 6^th place, 68^th overall

Knightly News For 2011-09-06

Great WORS video, I counted 5 Scarlet Knights.


http://vimeo.com/28225712

Knightly News From WORS #7 Battle of Camrock in Rockdale, WI on Augus 7th, 2011

 A couple of big hills and tight turns were in store for the FCYCT-The Scarlet Knights at the WORS #7 race of the season.  The course was dry and dusty during Saturdays pre-ride and but was in great shape after a light overnight rain made for fast conditions.  Jacob continued his strong season with a second place in his age group and second place overall in the 14 and under age group.  Aaron and Ben returned to racing this week with strong showings of 2nd and 9^th in the 11-12 year old age group.  After a weekend of struggling to find his rhythm in Franklin Cole bounced to break the top ten overall and take 4^th in his age group.  Dylan and Grant both fought back after a rough start in the starting gate to secure team points finishing 19^th and 32nd.  Katy broke the top ten in the female 14 under age group with a 10th place finish and best of all she appeared to not have any battle scares this week.    In a finish that had fans standing and cheering on the last hill Daniel again battled a fellow age group competitor to finish in 9^th place.    

Knightly News From WORS #5 Chippewa Valley Firecracker in Eau Claire, WI on July 10th, 2011

Short, fast with lots of single track is the way the junior riders described the Chippewa Valley Firecracker on July 10^th, 2011.   Comments from a parent who experienced a WORS pre-ride for the first time included: “It was the first time I pre-rode any of their courses.  WOW!  It has given me a whole new perspective of what they do in the WORS races.  The boys say it is one of the easiest and shortest courses in the WORS races, but I thought it was pretty demanding.  I really had to focus so I didn’t run in to any trees or roots, and I wasn’t brave enough to go over the jumps.  I was amazed to see the boys zipping through the woods and flying over logs!”(Source of parent quote unknown unless they are willing to tell you!!).

The Juniors started the day after a early morning heavy shower of rain dropped the humidity and temperature just enough to fool them into a false sense of comfort.  By the time the race started the course was drying but the air was getting heavier and hotter.  Two riders impressed with great improvement again in their riding style and willingness to show that they can dig deep when the anaerobic hurt starts to creep in.  Grant was one rider who impressed by moving his way up to the top half  of the 14 and juniors by finishing 17^th out of 35 kids.  Dylan was slowed by a crash and fought back to finish moments later in 20^th.  These two have really improved since the first races of the year.  Cole didn’t miss a step as he continues to consistently fight for top ten places by fighting back after a crash to finish 8^th.  Alex finished one better in 7^th and Jacob once again was the top team finisher in 4^th place. In the girls race I don’t think there are too many kids who can smile while their heart rate is in the red zone other then Katy.  She was 9^th of 14 kids in the girls 14 and under age group and continues to learn bike handling and shifting skills that will pay off in the races to come.

As the humidity and heat began to get to the uncomfortable level the Citizen 14 and under age group were given the GOOO from Don.  Daniel worked through some slick track conditions and faster older riders approaching from a later wave to finish 10^th out of 15 kids. Another fun day of riding and improvement by all the Scarlet Knight riders!!

FCYCT-The Scarlet Knights, WORS.org Racing Series Junior Team

The following riders have joined the FCYCT-The Scarlet Knights, WORS.org Racing Series Junior Team.  Their results will count towards WORS Team overall points. Best of luck and remember every place farther up the results you can finish is worth more team points. 

Megan Senderhauf #6011
Katy McDicken #6029
Daniel Gretzinger #4031
Aaron Smith #6006
Ben Smith #6008
Dylan Eggebrecht #6024
Cole McDicken #6028
Jacob Ahles #6033
Grant Slocum #6021
Alex Halfman #6030

Knightly News From WORS #4 Mt Morris, Nordic Mountain Ski Hill on Saturday June 25th, 2011

 The Scarlet Knights brought a team of eight to what is often referred to as the most technically demanding WORS course of the season.  Nordic Mountain is known for its rocky, rooted, steep climbs and corner-filled descents.  Add a wide-open, fast, flat field section and you’ve got one exciting track!  This is a course that does not give the riders a moment to recover or their minds a chance to lose concentration.    All eight team members raced the USA Cycling Junior 14 & under race on a beautiful summer Saturday evening.    Jacob continued to have an outstanding rookie season, finishing 8^th out of 30 starts and in doing so, took a solid hold in the WORS overall Junior 13-14 age group.   Aaron Smith wrapped up the top 10 and made a statement for the WORS overall Junior 11-12 year-old group with his performance.  Daniel fought back from a rough start and moved up steadily during the race to finish 11^th and is now 7^th overall in the WORS Citizen 14 and under group.   Showing great improvement in the second season of racing, Cole and Dylan showed they know how to fight for every position and team points, finishing 16^th and 20^th respectively.   It seems hard to believe that just one year ago, they both struggled with the descents on this course and this year they rode them aggressively.  Ben Smith struggled through a rough outing and finished 17^th.  A great lesson learned by Ben is to never give up and pack it in.  Hang in to the end and hope the race can come to you and let the legs and lungs come around.  Even with his rough outing, Ben continues to knock on the door for a top two spot in the WORS Junior 11-12 year old group.  In Grant’s first full season of racing, he continues to learn valuable bike handling skills, shifting skills, and how to dig deep when the earth begins to go vertical.  He finished 27^th on a course that saw him crash at least once, get up and tell his dad with a smile on his face, “See Dad!  That’s what happens when I try to ride over things.”  Katy once again showed incredible bike handling skills and impressed us all with how much fight can come from a small package.  She was cheered on by the entire team as she crossed the finish line with a smile on her face to finish 10^th in the girls 14 and under category.  An evening of pizza at the Stone Yard finished off a great day.

WORS Results

Knightly News From WORS #3 Big Ring Classic at Nine Mile Forest in Wausau, WI

The larger-than-usual crowd was filled with anticipation as the series leaders were announced and instructed to approach the start line at the Big Ring Classic in Wausau on Sunday, June 12, 2011.  With the notable absence of three of their teammates – Daniel, Grant, and Katy – the Scarlet Knights were more determined than ever to score as many points as possible for their team.  That drive was made clear early on as soon as “GOOOOOOOOOOO!” filled the air.  The six Scarlet Knight uniforms of red and black had an impressive early lead over the remaining seventeen Junior male racers ages 11-14. 

The boys fought their hardest throughout the race.  The course was filled with several big, long hills and a great variety of single-track and double-track which had many fast turns and a fun jump for the boys to be air born.  Jacob continued to show determination and skill with each race as he earned his first-ever first place victory in the Junior male category ages 13-14 with an impressive finish time of 26:47.7.  Alex Halfman, who was also in that category, finished a strong third with a time of 29:55.5.  As usual, Alex could be seen riding the course with a look of pure joy on his face.

In the Junior male category ages 11-12, it was a close fight to the finish line.  Ben, another racer, and Aaron battled it out as the ring of cow bells and encouraging yells filled the air.  When it was all said and done, though, it was Ben’s race to be had with a time of 27:31.8.  Aaron finished a solid third place, just 10 seconds behind Ben.  Cole and Dylan continued to add to the team’s impressive standings by earning 8^th and 9^th place respectively out of a field of 17 males in their age group.  Cole wished he had access to all parts of the course on his early morning preride, but is now familiar with the course and looking forward to next year’s Big Ring Classic.  Dylan was frustrated that his chain fell off his bike several times during gear shifting, causing him to lose precious positioning mid-race (it’s a good thing that the Godfather taught the boys how to put their chains back on!).  Despite this, Dylan was proud of his performance.  “This was my best race yet of the season.  I felt more confident and know that my endurance is increasing. I had a great time!”  Congratulations to each of the boys!

Junior 11-12 years (males)

First Place: Ben Smith

Third Place: Aaron Smith

Eighth Place: Cole McDicken

Ninth Place: Dylan Eggebrecht

Junior 13-14 years (males)

First Place: Jacob Ahles

Third Place: Alex Halfman

Knightly News from WORS Race #2 May 22, 2011 Camp Tasomas-Rhinelander, WI

The Scarlet Knights inaugural season continued with WORS #2: Crystal Lake Classic on May 22, 2011 at Tesomas Scout Camp in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  A steady rain on Saturday afternoon and evening created some prerace anxiety for both racers and parents as we all wondered what the course conditions would be like on Sunday morning.   The sun prevailed on race day and, as expected, the race was on as scheduled. 

The Scarlet Knights were well represented with six riders in the Junior race and one in the Citizen race.  The Junior race turned out to be the race of brothers as Aaron and Ben Smith continued to push each other.  Both rode very strong to finish second and third overall in the Junior 14 and under category.  Dylan and Grant continued to show improvement by getting through some tough muddy conditions and finishing eighth and second respectively in their age group.  A wrong turn by Jacob and Alex gave them a longer ride as they rode one lap of the Sport course instead of the Junior course.  In the Citizen race, Daniel continued to show that he can compete with the big boys and went on to finish 6th in the 14 and under age group.   

Grant had a smile on his face while saying in the middle of the Junior race, “There is the hugest puddle back there!”  This confirmed that WORS racing is all about challenging ourselves and having fun.  Results were as follows:

Junior 11-12 Years (Male)Aaron Smith: first place (second place overall 14 & under)
Ben Smith: second place (third place overall 14 & under)
Dylan Eggebrecht: eighth place

Junior 13-14 Years (Male)
Grant Slocum: second place
Jacob Ahles: third place
Alex Halfman: fourth place

Citizen 14 Years & Under (Male)
Daniel Gretzinger: sixth place

Pictures From the Iola WORS Race

Pictures provided by Diane Smith from the Iola WORS race

Post #1

Welcome to the Fox Cities Youth Cycling Team - The Scarlet Knights blog site. This is the inaugural post and as you may be able to tell those of us who post on this site are far from experienced bloggers. We are however, parents of the Scarlet Knights and we're proud to share the experiences and success of our kids with anyone interested in reading.

The Fox Cities Youth Cycling Team is the brainchild of John Gretzinger - AKA "the Godfather" (if you haven't seen "Old School" I highly recommend you check it out...parents only!). So the Godfather thought it would be great to organize a team of age 8 to 18 year old youth to enjoy the sport of cycling via the Wisconsin Off-Road Series www.wors.org as well as road biking. Cycling is a lifetime sport and getting kids involved in a team atmosphere at a young age is the best way to build excitement in the sport as well as build fitness, a healthy lifestyle and a love of competition.

The foundation of the team began in the summers of 2009 and 2010 when five fourth and fifth grade friends began racing in WORS. After the 2010 season we started to full a formal team together when a mission statement, code of conduct, team guidelines were established and sponsors were asked to take part in the new team endeavor. The first race of the 2011 WORS season was in Iola, Wisconsin and it brought all nine new team members together for the first time. The Scarlet Knights had an impressive debut with the following results:

JUNIORS

Female 9 – 10

Third place (Katy, in her first race!)

Male 11 – 12

Third place (Ben)

Fourth place (Aaron)

Sixth place (Cole)

Twelfth place (Dylan)

Male 13 – 14

Second place (Jacob, in his first race!)

Third place (Alex)

Fifth place (Grant)

CITIZEN

Male 14 and under

Eighth place – (Daniel, in his first Citizen race!)



The Godfather


If you'd like to learn more about the Fox Cities Youth Cycling Team please visit our website www.fcyct.org and click on the "Contact" link.