Cranky Monkey Mountain Bike Race

Women’s & Juniors’ Intro to Crit Racing @ Chocolate City Criterium

Visit www.chocolatecitycrit.com for more information

This 3-week clinic is designed to help beginner women and junior riders safely enter the sport of bike racing and feel prepared to line up at Chocolate City Criterium.

No racing experience is required. This clinic is for riders who are curious about racing, new to criteriums, or looking for a supportive environment to learn basic race skills on the actual CCC course.

Clinic Schedule

Clinics will take place on Wednesday evenings from approximately 6:00–7:00 PM on the Chocolate City Criterium course.

• Week 1: Wednesday, July 29 — Intro to racing, bike handling, cornering, and race readiness

• Week 2: Wednesday, August 5 — Pack skills, drafting, contact confidence, and race positioning

• Week 3: Wednesday, August 12 — Race starts, hot laps, bell lap practice, and controlled race simulation

Please arrive early for check-in. Week 3 check-in may open earlier to allow for USA Cycling license verification.

Who Should Register

This clinic is intended for beginner women and junior riders who are interested in road bike racing or considering racing Chocolate City Criterium but unsure where to start.

Riders should have a road-racing legal bike under USA Cycling rules. Helmets are required. Aero bars are not permitted.

What to Expect

Each session will begin with a 10-minute rider briefing, followed by rotating skill stations and controlled group riding. Riders will be grouped by comfort level so true beginners can learn at an appropriate pace while more confident riders can progress into more advanced drills.

Clinic topics include:

• Basic bike handling and confidence

• Cone drills and bottle pick-ups

• Cornering fundamentals

• Drafting and spacing

• Paceline basics

• Bump and touch drills

• Moving safely in a pack

• Race starts and staging

• Hot laps and race-speed cornering

• Bell lap and finish-line practice

USA Cycling Sanctioned Final Session

The final clinic on Wednesday, August 12 will be USA Cycling sanctioned. Eligible riders who attend and hold a valid USA Cycling license may be eligible for upgrade points, subject to USA Cycling requirements.

Riders without a USA Cycling license may still participate in the clinic, but only eligible licensed riders may receive USA Cycling upgrade credit.

Chocolate City Criterium Race Entry Discount

Riders who complete the clinic series will receive 50% off entry into Chocolate City Criterium.

The discount is intended to support riders entering beginner-appropriate women’s and junior fields at CCC. Field eligibility still applies based on age, category, license status, and USA Cycling rules.

We're back for another year!

Cyclocross season is just around the corner, and now is the time to start preparing!

We'll have programs for both beginner and experienced racers alike!

Just like on race day, the clinic will be held rain or shine.

Beginners Group

This is for the true CX beginner. Sign up here if one (or more) of these describe you:

• You've been curious about giving cyclocross a try but didn't know where to start.

• You've raced for three or fewer seasons and haven't upgraded past Cat 4 yet.

We'll cover everything you need to get started: equipment, race day prep, fundamental skills, training strategies, and more.

There is a nominal registration fee for this field. We've done our best to keep the price as low as possible for beginners - come give cyclocross a try!

If you don't have a USA Cycling racing license, you will need a one-day license ($15) for this event. You can purchase this at checkout.

Experienced Group

Already have experience on the course, but looking for a refresher on skills or want feedback on what you're already doing? We'll have experienced, pro-racer coaches working with you in small groups to get ready for the season. Sign up for this if you feel like you've got the basics down, have a few seasons under your belt, or don't otherwise fit into the Beginner category.

Not sure what to register for?

Reach out to us using the “Contact Us” link below and we'll figure it out with you!

FAQ

1. What if I've never tried cyclocross before?

This is the perfect opportunity to give it a try! The Beginners group will cover everything you need to give racing a try, plus the fundamental skills you will use in all of your races. We'll also provide ongoing resources throughout the season to help you progress.

2. I'm a junior and I'd love to attend, but it's not letting me register! What gives?

Unfortunately, we don't have the resources to host juniors at this clinic. All participants must be 18 years old on the date of the event (NOT racing age). Fortunately, there are some great resources in the DC-Baltimore area for junior racers. Check out Rock Creek Velo (RCV) and Baltimore Youth Cycling (BYC) for programs they are running.

3. What bike should I bring? What if I don't have a cyclocross bike?

While a cyclocross bike is great, don't worry if you don't have one. Gravel bikes are also great for cyclocross, as are mountain bikes. If you have a hybrid style bike, that can also be great. Road bikes don't generally have the greatest clearance for the bigger tires used in cyclocross. A lot of people race with clipless pedals (which are great), but flat pedal are also great. But if you're not sure what you have will work (or if you don't yet have the perfect bike), reach out to us and we'll figure something great out! Bikes are great!

4. Wait, why is the beginner clinic cheaper?

One of the main goals of this clinic is to get new people into the sport, so we are subsidizing the beginner fee. (If you think you're being clever by registering for the beginner level to save a few bucks, don't worry - we'll be checking Cross Results.) ;)

5. I'm not sure what to register for - help!

Contact us using the link below and we'll figure it out. But in general, the beginner group is really just for those who are starting their journey in cyclocross - Cat 4/Novice and have raced 3 or fewer seasons. If you've already upgraded to Cat 3 (or beyond), or have more than 3 years of racing experience, that's probably not you, so go ahead and register for the experienced group. The main difference will be the subsidized registration fee - if you end up being a better fit for the beginner group, we'll shuffle things around day-of to make sure you get the most out of the experience!

6. What do I get for my registration fee?

The registration fee covers the insurance and permit fees for USAC. We'll also be providing lunch and some snacks. And we'll have a professional mechanic on hand to deal with any bike troubles. And we want to help cover our coaches’ travel and incidental expenses. Anything left over will go toward further encouraging the growth of the local cyclocross scene. As many have learned, there's no money to be made in local cyclocross - it's all for the love of the sport. (And as a wise woman has said, “If I end up paying someone $80 to force me to practice for 8 hours, that's money well spent.”)

7. Do I need a USAC license?

Yes! All participants will need a current USA Cycling (USAC) license! If you've had one previously and it's expired, now is a great time to renew. And if you've never had one, you can get a novice one-day license during registration.

8. What kinds of things will we cover?

We'll have a mix of short lessons, followed by on-the-bike practice. Skills covered will include race starts, dismounts and remounts, cornering techniques, barriers, bike shouldering, and hand-ups. More advanced racers may cover additional skills, like bunny hopping, as time allows. We'll also spend some time during lunch talking about bikes/tires/tech, training, nutrition, and race-day prep.

9. Who's putting this thing on?

The clinic is being put on by folks from Crosshairs Cycling Club and Bluemont Connection Cyclocross, as well as a choice selection of Mid-Atlantic cyclocross heavy hitters for coaching expertise.

Our coaches this year will be:

Rachel Rubino (Haute Factory Racing)

Cole Oberman (Haute Factory Racing)

Kelly Roberson (Haute Factory Racing)

Mike Birner (Sportif Coaching Group)

Taylor Jones (Crosshairs Cycling)

Craig Etheridge (C3 Wagner Roofing)

10. I have another question!

Hit the “Contact Us” button on the bottom of the page and we'll get you an answer!

ABOUT THIS EVENT

The BSU Bike Tour is a ride with a cause! Celebrating 11 years, we blend fitness with philanthropy, turning pedal power into scholarships. Join us virtually or in Bowie, MD, and make dreams soar at Bowie State University. Your ride fuels futures!

The BSU Bike Tour has a blend of traditional and virtual ride options. Organized by the Bowie Metropolitan Alumni Chapter (BMAC) of the Bowie State University National Alumni Association, this event serves as a scholarship fundraiser for students at Bowie State University. Scheduled for Saturday, August 22nd, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, the tour invites cyclists worldwide to participate in this exciting and meaningful event. Whether you choose to ride in person or virtually, you'll be contributing to a great cause while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cycling enthusiasts.

Participants in the traditional tour may choose 20, 40, 62, and 100-mile routes, each featuring designated rest stops. The check-in registration table will open at 6:30 a.m. and is located at Vista Gardens Marketplace, 10201 Martin Luther King Jr Highway, Bowie, MD 20720. For those opting for the virtual tour, participants can ride any route or distance of their choice. Everyone is welcome to join.

Please be advised that photographs will be taken at the event, your likeness may be utilized in electronic postings or future advertisements for Bike Tour. If you do not wish for your image or likeness to be used, kindly send an email to [email protected] to notify the Bike Tour Committee.

GOAL

The BSU Bike Tour wants at least 500 registered cyclists to come enjoy a fully supported biking event and raise funds for BSU students.

EVENT SCHEDULE (Rain or Sunshine)

Date: Saturday, August 22nd, 2026

Ride Time Window is 7:00am - 3:30pm. Eastern Time

Note: Even though route departure times are listed, riders can depart on their course at anytime, after they check in at the registration table. Understand that event support and rest stops are available based on the start times listed below. Be mindful of your riding abilities to ensure ride support is available for your entire ride distance.

6:30 - 10:00am Registration table opens (No Onsite Registration on ride day)

7:00 - 8:00am 100 mile riders depart

8:00am 62 mile riders depart

9:00am 40 mile riders depart

9:30am 20 mile riders depart

3:00pm Estimated shut down of last rest stop (Based on riders coming through the last stop)

3:30pm Estimated time that all ride support will cease (Based on accounting for all riders)

ROUTES

For the virtual tour you can create your own adventure and ride wherever you choose, however, some suggested distances are 18 miles and 65 miles to match Bowie State University's founding year (1865).

For the traditional tour, we have 20, 40, 62, and 100 mile routes with rest stops. The start and end point for all routes is Vista Gardens Market Place, 10201 Martin Luther King Jr Highway, Bowie, MD.

Ride With GPS Route links:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47064713 20 miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47064539 40 miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50289316 62 miles

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47063579 100 miles

AMENITIES

Ride GPS, Road Route Marking, Rest Stops, SAG Service

REGISTRATION FEES

• Early Registration: $50 (March 1st - May 31st)

• Regular Registration: $70 (June 1st - August 21st)

• Onsite/Day-of Registration, on August 22nd, cost $90. Onsite registration requires the use of registrants' personal electronic devices.

• Registration Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. (NOTE: If a health emergency or in case of severe weather, or restrictions mandated by local, state or federal government agencies, the BBT Committee reserves the right to cancel/alter/modify the tour for any safety concerns. In any case, we do not refund tour registration fees or transfer registrations to another tour year. In the unlikely case a tour is canceled, you may claim your registration fee as a tax-deducible donation.

• Registrations received after August 7th will not receive tee-shirts.

NOTE: On-line registration will close at 10am Eastern Time on August 22nd. Onsite/Day-of Registration, on August 22nd, cost $90.

For questions, email us at [email protected]

INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION

• Ride Rest Stops (Refreshment snacks, drinks, and restrooms, minor first aide items, hand air pumps)

• Support and Gear (SAG) Service

• Bike Tech Support (At registration table start area)

• Hard Copy Map/Cue Sheets (If needed, beyond Ride with GPS)

• T-Shirt (Registered riders, who do not pick up their shirt on the day of the event, must pay postage to have tee-shirts mailed to an address.) Registrations received after August 7th will not receive tee-shirts.

• Event Wristband

• After Ride Meal

(TBD) DRAWINGs for registered cyclists, who check in on-site, on ride day

For virtual tour registrants, a registration package will be mailed to you. Registrations received after August 7th will not receive a tee-sheet

For traditional tour registrants, pick-up your registration package when you check-in on the event date at the registration table. Contact the Bike Tour committee at [email protected] to make arrangements to receive registration packages not picked up on ride day; mailing of any traditional ride packages WILL REQUIRE PAYMENT FOR POSTAGE.

ADDITIONAL PURCHASES

Additional t-shirts for the BSU Bike Tour are available for purchase through this registration site. T-shirts can be purchased by anyone, even if you do not plan to ride in the event.

The BSU Bike Tour has a new 2026 kit on sale. Please click on the enclosed link to have your kit sent directly to your address. The store closes on July 6th. https://sender3.zohoinsights-crm.com/ck1/2d6f.327230a/e07f5460-5f66-11f1-b105-5254005934b4/4acc489630ce02324e0b64bec64d2bfbb69ddbe4/1?e=6RvF1w0JtaZaCUislCavFVGkERipT5iBqcbfROpI%2FhJlELjDmCzzwUwveu2z%2BMCeB1tfLBGjN3T2NWj66HgWOte1mxMYyijHGvlCgyPKeD0%3D

[image.jpeg] [8fcd3d97-323f-4a83-bb7b-8bd5e70b71af.png]

DONATIONS

Anyone can make a donation, even if you're unable to ride in the event. Remember, this is a fundraiser for BSU scholarships.

VOLUNTEERS

The Tour welcomes volunteers to assist with this fundraiser for student scholarships. To help with this event, please view the linked Google Doc to see the positions and descriptions of what is needed to support this event. As a thank you, please provide your tee-shirt size on the Google Doc. The positions with no name listed are open. Fill out all the information requested. Thank you. Link: Volunteers for 2026 Bike Ride

EVENT SPONSORS (Updated as sponsors commit)

• TBD

VENDORs

Select vendors are welcome to the event but must be vetted by the BBT Committee. There is no charge to vend but we do ask for a donation to help raise funds for students; this is a ride with a purpose. All vendors must post their request to vend on the linked Google Doc NLT August 7th. The Google Doc entry must include the name of the business, goods or services the business provides, website information (if applicable), and a name and contact information for a person that can receive the permission confirmation to set up at the event and to confirm the set-up location in the Bike Tour's Registration Area. Link: VENDORS FOR 2026 BIKE TOUR

BIKE ORGANIZATIONS

Bike clubs and organizations are welcome to set up tent tops in the Bike Tour's reserved parking lot area. Space allocation request must be placed on the linked Google Doc NLT August 7th. The information must include the name of the biking organization and contact information for the person that will receive the confirmation to set up at the event and to confirm the reserved space around the Bike Tour's Registration Area. Link: BIKE CLUB & ORGANIZATIONS

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

To make this bike tour fun and exciting, registrants are encouraged to post photos/videos at the beginning and end of your ride. Share your experience with other riders from all over the globe. Take a picture wearing your bike tour t-shirt. Send your pics to [email protected]. If you send any pictures to our email address, it is understood that you are giving your consent for the images to be posted to our website and/or social media platforms.

SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Obey all traffic laws, including your area's bicycle laws.

• If you are riding with a group, ride single file as required by law.

• All riders are required to wear an ANSI/SNELL/CPSC approved helmet.

• Please be courteous to others sharing the road with you.

• Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and have the consent of a parent or guardian to participate in the event.

• All minors must be under adult supervision at all times.

• An electronic ride waiver is required to complete the registration.

BY COMPLETING YOUR REGISTRATION and PAYMENT FOR THIS EVENT YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:

Waiver and Release

Waiver and Release. Participants RELEASE, WAIVE, FOREVER DISCHARGE AND HOLD HARMLESS, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the Bowie Metropolitan Alumni Chapter of the Bowie State University National Alumni Association, its officers, members, agents, volunteers, related entities, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Indemnitees”) from any and all liability, claims, causes of actions, and demands of any kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise now or in the future in connection with Participants’ participation in the Bowie Metropolitan Alumni Chapter of the Bowie State University National Alumni Association Bike Ride. Participants understand and agree that this Release discharges the Indemnitees from any liability or claim that Participants may have against the Indemnitees with respect to bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from Participants’ participation in the Bowie Metropolitan Alumni Chapter of the Bowie State University National

Alumni Association, howsoever arising or caused, including THROUGH THE NEGLIGENCE OF INDEMNITEES. Participants expressly waive any right to a trial by judge or jury that Participants may otherwise have with regard to any claim or liability related to Participants’ participation in the Bowie Metropolitan Alumni Chapter of the Bowie State University National Alumni Association Bike Ride.

WELCOME! Squadra Coppi is excited to welcome racers, families, friends, and spectators to the inaugural Corsa Coppi Criterium at Chinquapin Park in Alexandria, VA. Located in the heart of Alexandria, the event features a fast and technical loop course, closed to vehicle traffic, that is suitable for riders of all categories. We look forward to hosting a competitive and enjoyable day of racing while showcasing one of Alexandria's premier recreational destinations.

THE COURSE: The race will be contested on a 0.5-mile closed-loop course utilizing Chinquapin Dr. around Chinquapin Park. The course features smooth pavement, multiple turns, and excellent spectator viewing opportunities. Riders should familiarize themselves with the course prior to racing and are encouraged to participate in any scheduled course preview sessions.

COURSE ADDRESS:

Chinquapin Park

3210 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22302

DIRECTIONS: Chinquapin Park is conveniently located in Alexandria, Virginia, just minutes from Interstate 395, Duke Street, and Old Town Alexandria. Participants are encouraged to use Google Maps navigation to the event address listed above.

PARKING: Parking will be available at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria:

First Baptist Church of Alexandria

2932 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22302

Please respect all parking instructions, posted signage, and volunteer direction. Our ability to continue using these facilities depends on participants parking only in approved areas and leaving the facilities clean and undamaged.

LICENSING: USAC Road rules apply. A racing license is required to enter; please provide your USAC license # when registering online, and be prepared to show your license at check-in. Unlicensed riders may race only in categories that are open to Novice (Cat. 5) riders, and will be charged an additional $15 in their BikeReg shopping cart for a 1-Day license.

ENTRY FEES: The entry fee for Juniors (Racing Age 9-18) is $20.00 for all races they are eligible to enter. The entry fee for all other riders is $50.00 for the first race and $25.00 for additional races. Note that the multi-entry discount is applied automatically only when the entries are purchased in the same BikeReg shopping cart; otherwise use the 'Contact Us' link below to request a partial refund for the second race. For second entries purchased on race day, inquire at the day-of registration table for a coupon code to receive the discount at checkout. BikeReg assesses a service charge for each entry purchased. A surcharge of $10.00 will be assessed for adult riders purchasing their first entry on race day; for Junior riders the surcharge will be $5.00. Entry fees are non-refundable.

RACE DAY REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN: Race-day registration and rider check-in will be located near the start/finish area. Riders must check in and collect their race numbers prior to competing. Check-in will open at least 1 hour prior to the start of the first scheduled race and will close 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of each race.

Please arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking, check-in, number pickup, and course familiarization.

Entry fees will be collected only through BikeReg. There will be no in-person sales at the event. Riders who pre-register by the Thursday 8:30 AM closing of pre-registration will have pre-assigned bibs, and will receive email notification of their bib numbers prior to race day; riders who register after the page re-opens will be assigned bibs at the event. If you are pre-registered, please memorize your bib number; if you have a USA Cycling Annual license, please pull the license up on your phone before you get in line to check in.

PRO TIP #1: don't wait until you go to register (or worse, until race day) to renew your USAC racing license, as it can take a couple of days for the renewal to propagate through the USAC system before BikeReg (and we!) can see it.

PRO TIP #2: hands-down, the best way to always have your USAC racing license on-hand is to add it to your Google or Apple wallet. Login to your USAC account to get started.

If you miss the closing of pre-registration, you must complete the registration process on BikeReg when the page re-opens, then wait to receive your confirmation email before getting in line to check in at the event. Present your confirmation, along with your USA Cycling racing license (or if you are racing on a 1-Day license, your BikeReg receipt), and we will issue your bib. Registration will be open for each category until 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the race. Don't be “that guy/gal” – plan ahead and arrive timely!

START TIMES: All race start times are estimates and may be adjusted based on race-day conditions, field sizes, or unforeseen circumstances. Participants should listen for announcements and remain near the staging area prior to their scheduled events.

WEATHER: The event will be held rain or shine. Race officials reserve the right to modify, shorten, delay, or cancel races if conditions are determined to be unsafe.

COMBINED CATEGORY RACES will race together as one field, and will be uploaded to USA Cycling and road-results as a single field, but will be scored separately for podiums and prize lists. The Junior fields will start separately by 2 age groups, and will be scored separately. The Masters 45+ field will start 1 minute ahead of the Masters 55+/65+ field, and each age group will be scored separately for podiums and prize lists.

SPECTATORS: Spectators are encouraged to attend and enjoy the racing from designated viewing areas around the course. Please remain clear of the race roadway and follow all instructions from race officials and volunteers.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS: We would like to thank Alexandria City High School, First Baptist Church of Alexandria, the City of Alexandria, our volunteers, sponsors and local cycling community for helping make this event possible.

QUESTIONS: for registration or eligibility inquiries, contact [email protected]; for general race inquiries, contact [email protected].

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MABRA ROAD SERIES INFORMATION

Details and rules for the MABRA Road Series may be found in the series announcement:

https://www.mabra.org/post/we-are-thrilled-to-announce-the-2026-mabra-road-series

Information on other events in the MABRA Road Series may be found at:

https://tinyurl.com/MABRARoadSeries2026

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