NorCal Quarterly, Fall 2007

Dear Cycling Enthusiast:

As we gear up for the 2008 season of high school mountain biking I want to take this time to thank everyone for their support, 2007 was a fantastic year for the League.

Our staff bring so much enthusiasm and dedication to the League efforts, I want to thank them for all their work: Nadine Budbill, Jeff Ghiselin, Beth Murdock, Katie DeClerq, Jen Zahigian and Alex Weissman. I want to thank our President Austin McInerny and the entire Board of Directors (www.norcalmtb.org/about/board.htm), all the other volunteers, and especially the stalwart coaches and ride leaders who are out their doing their amazing work with the kids.

We owe an enormous thanks to our sponsors, particularly Camelbak, Creation Engine, DreamWorks, Fox Racing Shox, Galaxy Granola, Gary Fisher, HappyGoFun, Hincapie Sportswear, Mike’s Bikes, NCNCA, Ritchey Design, Tecnu Extreme, Specialized, The Pedaler, Total Body Fitness, USA Cycling Development Foundation, Whole Athlete, and WTB. These companies are making big investments in our youth and really deserve our loyalty.

You just have to love Northern California not just because of the great roads, trails, and year round riding weather -- but because the great folks in this cycling community. As cycling really is the best cure for most forms of holiday grumpiness, I look forward to see folks out there!

Thanks for reading our newsletter, which features new ways to get involved with the League and be a part of our next exciting season.

Have a great holiday season,

Matt Fritzinger
League Director

Contents:
1. CYCLEFEST DINNER TAKES OVER WEEKEND
2. LEAGUE'S BIG HOLIDAY GIFT
3. POPULAR LEAGUE SYCHRO JACKETS NOW IN STOCK!
4. CHILENO VALLEY CYCLING CLASSIC ON YOUTUBE
5. 2008 LYCRA DRIVE STARTS IN JANUARY
6. ANOTHER WAY TO HAVE FUN MOUNTAIN BIKING
7. WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE TAILORED FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS
8. LEAGUE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS WRITE THE BOOK

1. CYCLEFEST DINNER TAKES OVER WEEKEND
The CycleFest Dinner with Bob Roll took the League to the next level; it turned into a full weekend of events, which raised $70,000 in support of the League's fast growing programs. In addition to the Saturday night dinner, McGuire Real Estate hosted a fabulous cocktail party Friday night and ZteaM organized a group ride on Sunday morning allowing as many as 700 people to partake in the 2007 CycleFest weekend. Bob Roll was in good form and everyone seemed to have a blast hearing his stories. We especially want to thank our official dinner sponsors, Clif Bar, Fox Racing Shox, Touchstone Climbing and Fitness, Access 4 Bikes, BTC Marin, Cal Giant Strawberry, Galaxy Granola, Gu Sports, Keene Builders, Inc., Mako/DeMarco Energy Bar, Marin Cyclists, McGuire Real Estate, Mike's Bikes, Missing Link Bicycle Cooperative, ZteaM Cycling, 2 Wheel Sport Bicycle Consignment. For a complete list of donors, guest list, and photos go to: www.norcalmtb.org/spon/benifit_dinner_2007/index.htm

2. LEAGUE'S BIG HOLIDAY GIFT
If we can get 500 people to take 5-10 minutes and sign up for eScrip, it could cover our monthly cost of rent! eScrip is a program where up to 10% of your credit card purchases are donated to the League. That's right (for zero cost) you can help support the League with your credit card and club card purchases year round! To sign up simply go to the following link, you will need the League's Group ID: 500000755

secure.escrip.com/jsp/supporter/registration/step1.jsp

Electronic Scrip Incorporated (ESI) is a California-based corporation dedicated to establishing relationships between commerce and community -- to provide resources to organizations and projects that support children. ESI introduced the eScrip program in 1999 and has distributed over $120 million to schools and youth organizations across the country.

3. POPULAR LEAGUE SYCHRO JACKETS NOW IN STOCK!
Men's and Women's Mountain Hardwear jackets are available for the low price of $155 (retail is $199). Do your Holiday shopping from home - the NorCal jacket and our t-shirt make great gifts for the cyclist and non-cyclists in your family. Easy to purchase online at our secure site and no parking lot hassles.

To see Alex and Katie sporting the new colors and sizes available go to:

www.norcalmtb.org/store/index.htm

These jacket are perfect for nearly all types of Bay Area weather and make a great gift. Superior weather resistance in a sleek, technical package. Conduit™ Soft Shell laminate holds wind and water on the outside and warmth on the inside. Weather protective exterior taping and a fleece inner deliver performance and style.

4. CHILENO VALLEY CYCLING CLASSIC ON YOUTUBE
We're very pleased to share this video of the first annual Chileno Valley Cycling Classic. We want to thank all our fine ride sponsors, especially Baumann Ranch, Bontrager, Catering by Venezia, Clif Bar, Crank Bros, Gary Fisher, Mike's Bikes, Orbea, Specialized and 2 Wheel Bicycle Consignment. The video was filmed and produced by John Clancy-Tone. Registration for the 2008 CVCC will open in March.
Video: www.norcalmtb.org/events/ride2007/index.htm

5. 2008 LYCRA DRIVE STARTS IN JANUARY
If you have unused cycling gear, consider giving that gear a new life with the NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League. The League accepts all types of cycling gear. Cycling shoes, shorts, jerseys, gloves, warmers, mountain bikes, road bikes -- all gear will go directly to the kids or sold to purchase the equipment that's needed to give everyone a chance at racing in the League. Stay tuned for a complete list of bike shops where you can drop off your gear.

6. ANOTHER WAY TO HAVE FUN MOUNTAIN BIKING
For 2008 the League would like to start building a crew of Course Marshals that have more extensive training. The training is available at our new Wilderness First Aid course. If you are interested in becoming an official Course Marshal, we hope you will join us for our December 8th/9th WFA course in Fairfax. The cost of the course will be reimbursed for individuals who marshal at four or more races. The course is a fun and rewarding experience that prepares one for all kinds of emergencies. To sign up for the course go to:
www.norcalmtb.org/events/wfa/index.htm

7. WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE TAILORED FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS
Join the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League and Foster Calm www.fostercalm.com for an innovative Wilderness First Aid training created by and for mountain bike coaches and ride leaders. This 16-hour training is designed to prepare mountain bike coaches and anyone who rides bicycles in the wilderness to confidently and effectively respond to injuries and illness that can occur while riding. The training will focus on staying calm, making good decisions, and relevant hands-on practice, including on-the-trail scenarios specifically designed for mountain bike coaches. Upon completion, each participant will receive a Wilderness First Aid-Mountain Bike (WFA-MTB) Certification good for 3 years. To sign up visit: www.norcalmtb.org/events/wfa/index.htm

8. LEAGUE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS WRITE THE BOOK
The League is proud to be currently publishing a major revision to our original manual, “Starting, Managing and Coaching a High School Mountain Bike Team, The Manual of the NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League.” As of today, Chapter 3 is available: "RISK MANAGEMENT & SAFETY CONCERNS." The manual is posted on our coaches resource page: www.norcalmtb.org/teams/coach.htm