Category: News

Kansas Mourns Loss of Long Time USAC Official Robert Helfrich

Long time USACycling race official and 2022 KCA Hall of Fame inductee Robert Helfrich, passed away January 19, 2023.  The Kansas Cycling Association would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and our gratitude for his contributions to the Kansas cycling community.

 

https://www.elliottmortuary.com/obituary/robert-helfrich

Ride On

 

USAC Rulebook Moment

USACycling Rulebook General Regulations Section 1J5(e)

Club Jerseys. In competition, no rider shall wear the emblem, inscription, or
uniform of any club or team which the rider is not eligible to represent, nor may a club/team create a jersey, design or emblems that might be confused with the US National Team or National Champion jersey.

As you’re renewing your USAC license for 2023, take a moment and verify your team affiliation in the member portal especially if you’re switching teams for the upcoming season.  This will help officials identify you properly and ensure you are compliant with the USACycling rule stated above. Race officials have the right to disqualify any competitor that is in violation of any section of the rulebook.  If you haven’t seen it lately (or ever!) see the link here.

 

USAC Pending Rule Changes for 2023

USA CYCLING’S TOP 3 PROPOSED REGULATION UPDATES & ADDITIONS FOR 2023

By: Bonnie Walker  December 20, 2022

Proposed regulation updates and additions for 2023.

USA Cycling will be proposing three major changes for 2023. These changes are being proposed for the protection, safety, and well-being of participants, spectators, officials, and/or race directors. The key suggested changes are in regards to Junior Gears, Rider Position, and Payment of Officials. They are as follows:

1. Update of regulation 1I4 Youth/Junior Gears to conform with UCI regulations by eliminating Junior gear restrictions for road events. Gear restrictions will still be required for track events.

  • 1I4. Youth/Junior Gears. The maximum chaingear ratio for Junior riders on the track is based on age. All tests for compliance shall be done using the “roll-out method*” There are no gear restrictions for Road, Cyclocross, or MTB races.

2. Addition of regulation 1I1(k) Rider Position regulation to conform with UCI regulations to prevent riders from being in a “puppy paws” or “superman” position on their bicycle.

  • 1I1(k) Rider Position. The rider shall normally assume a sitting position on the bicycle. This position requires that the only points of support are the following: the feet on the pedals, the hands on the handlebars, and the seat on the saddle.

3. Update of regulation 1G2(c) as it pertains to the timely payment for Race Officials.

  • 1G2(c) Payment for standard fees, meals per diem, and expenses for which a receipt has been provided shall be tendered by the Race Director before the conclusion of the race event. Payment for overtime and additional expenses for which receipts have been provided shall be tendered by the Race Director within 10 business days of the conclusion of the event or upon receipt of the final invoices and all applicable receipts, whichever is later.

A link to all the proposed changes for 2023 can be found here.

The 2022 Season Comes to a Close

The face of amateur bike racing was indelibly changed by the pandemic and ripples from the 2020 lockdown continue to affect many aspects of it.  A number of USACycling sanctioned events have faded into the periphery as gravel rose to fill the void and, with it, many longtime running local events have either suffered lower turnouts or have withered away.

There were plenty of bright spots, however, as many longtime events returned: The Spring Fling, Perry Dam, Jesse Blancarte, Bazaar, Wednesday Night Worlds, Joules CX, the 360 Cup, Boulevard CX and the Kansas Grass Track.  Several somewhat newer events also occurred: A Very Peculiar Criterium, the John Brown TT Series, Joules MTB and Meatball CX. Even with lower than normal turnouts, state championship events were held in Road, Track, Criterium and Cyclocross. (See this page for a full listing of 2022 results).

In 2022, we also honored three inductees into the Kansas Cycling Hall of Fame: Teresa Jarzemkoski, Mark Thomas and, posthumously, Paul Lichtenauer. Each offered a few words with Jon-Paul Shores honoring Mr. Lichtenauer and Paul’s longtime partner, Kim Larsen, accepting the award on his behalf. (Special thanks to Jesse Kadekawa Miguel for capturing the award photos).

KCA Calendar Coordinator Sam Loring is already working with promoters to design a robust road season in 2023. Thanks to all who raced, promoted, sponsored, supported, volunteered and officiated for making this season possible.

 

Ride On and Happy Holidays,

The Kansas Cycling Association Board

It’s Almost Time to Renew Your USAC License…

~It’s almost time to renew your USAC membership. A quick overview of the membership levels offered by USACycling. 

 

 

RIDE Membership

Designed for avid cyclists who just love to ride, the USA Cycling RIDE membership is a non-racing membership with built-in accident coverage from Spot. This $0 deductible $25,000 insurance policy provides 24/7/365 on-the-bike coverage during non-racing activities including charity rides, granfondos, group rides with your club, everyday commutes, and solo cycling adventures. Plus, you’ll gain immediate access to top-of-the-line discounts from industry partners and stay in the loop with the latest cycling news with bi-weekly editions of The Spoke, USA Cycling’s digital publication.

 

RIDE Membership ($69 Annually):

  • $0 deductible, $25,000 riding insurance (group rides, commutes, etc.)
  • Membership discounts from 200+ industry partners
  • VIP member perks at USA Cycling sanctioned events
  • Birthday discount to the USA Cycling Online Store
  • USA Cycling member news and updates

 

RACE Membership

 

A USA Cycling RACE membership includes a domestic racing license and immediate access to thousands of USA Cycling sanctioned events nationwide. Whether on the road, track, or trail, your competitive endeavors will contribute to your ongoing success. Unlike a one-day license, your annual membership allows you to track your progress and recognize improvements with our nationwide rankings system. Plus, with each race you complete, you’ll earn upgrade points that allow you to advance through our competitive pipeline and compete at a higher level.

 

RACE Membership ($99 Annually):

  • Domestic racing license (unlimited)
  • Event-specific racing insurance
  • Membership discounts from 200+ industry partners
  • Inclusion in national rankings platform
  • VIP member perks at USA Cycling sanctioned events
  • Birthday discount to the USA Cycling Online Store
  • USA Cycling member news and updates

RACE+ Membership

A USA Cycling RACE+ membership includes a domestic racing license and 24/7/365 on-the-bike accident insurance that protects you while riding, racing, and everything in between. With your domestic racing license, you’ll have immediate access to thousands of competitive events nationwide, including USA Cycling National Championships.

Unlike a one-day license, your annual membership allows you to track your progress and celebrate your success with our nationwide rankings system. Plus, with each race you complete, you’ll earn upgrade points that allow you to advance through our competitive pipeline and compete at a higher level.

 

RACE+ Membership ($139 Annually):

  • Domestic racing license (unlimited)
  • $0 deductible, $25,000 riding insurance (group rides, commutes, etc.)
  • $0 deductible, $25,000 racing insurance at USA Cycling sanctioned events*
  • Membership discounts from 200+ industry partners
  • Inclusion in national rankings platform
  • VIP member perks at USA Cycling sanctioned events
  • Birthday discount to the USA Cycling Online Store
  • USA Cycling member news and updates

Junior and Junior+ Membership

USA Cycling’s annual Junior membership is designed to help kids and teens take their cycling to the next level. Choose between a JUNIOR membership and a JUNIOR+ membership, which includes $0 deductible injury insurance from Spot and exclusive welcome gifts from USA Cycling.

A domestic racing license comes standard with both options and grants junior racers unlimited access to thousands of events across the country, including USA Cycling National Championships.

 

JUNIOR Membership (Free):

  • Domestic racing license (unlimited)
  • Membership discounts from 200+ industry partners
  • Access to talent identification camps and training programs
  • Inclusion in national rankings platform
  • VIP member perks at USA Cycling sanctioned events
  • Birthday discount to the USA Cycling Online Store

 

JUNIOR+ Membership ($40 Annually):

  • All JUNIOR benefits
  • $0 deductible, $25,000 riding insurance (around the block, commutes, etc.)
  • $0 deductible, $25,000 racing insurance at USA Cycling sanctioned events*

Collegiate and Collegiate+ Membership

Designed for members of club and varsity teams, USA Cycling’s annual collegiate membership grants student athletes immediate access to 2,500+ bike races across the country, including national championship events. Choose between the COLLEGIATE membership and a COLLEGIATE + membership, which includes $0 deductible injury insurance from Spot and exclusive welcome gifts from USA Cycling.

A domestic racing license comes standard with both membership options, and USA Cycling is available to help students form new collegiate racing clubs in schools without an organized cycling program.

 

COLLEGIATE Membership ($40 Annually):

  • Domestic racing license (unlimited)
  • Membership discounts from 200+ industry partners
  • Access to talent identification camps and training programs
  • Inclusion in national rankings platform
  • VIP member perks at USA Cycling sanctioned events
  • Birthday discount to the USA Cycling Online Store
  • USA Cycling member news and updates

 

COLLEGIATE+ Membership ($80 Annually):

  • All COLLEGIATE benefits
  • $0 deductible, $25,000 riding insurance (group rides, commutes, etc.)
  • $0 deductible, $25,000 racing insurance at USA Cycling sanctioned events*
  • USA Cycling neck gaiter and sticker

International and International+ Membership

Designed for individuals racing in UCI events on U.S. soil or abroad, USA Cycling’s International membership grants you immediate access to thousands of bike races across around the world. Choose between the INTERNATIONAL membership and an INTERNATIONAL+ membership, which includes $0 deductible injury insurance from Spot and exclusive welcome gifts from USA Cycling.

A UCI ID and international racing license comes standard with both membership options.

 

INTERNATIONAL Membership ($230 Annually):

  • Domestic racing license (unlimited)
  • Membership discounts from 200+ industry partners
  • Inclusion in national rankings platform
  • VIP member perks at USA Cycling sanctioned events
  • Birthday discount to the USA Cycling Online Store
  • USA Cycling member news and updates

 

INTERNATIONAL+ Membership ($270 Annually):

  • All INTERNATIONAL membership benefits
  • $0 deductible, $25,000 riding insurance (training rides, club rides, commutes, etc.)
  • $0 deductible, $25,000 racing insurance at USA Cycling sanctioned events*
  • USA Cycling neck gaiter and stickers

USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States. Proceeds from membership dues fund a variety of programs including grassroots racing, camps and clinics, and Olympic development programs.

 

*On-the-bike injury coverage is provided by Spot and covers riding, racing, training, and commuting. Spot covers up to $25,000 of your out-of-pocket medical bills per incident with $0 deductible and works whether you have health insurance or not. Learn more here.