Slight Course Changes/Improvements!

The course this year remains largely unchanged with two exceptions: 1) The START is moved about 150 meters north on New Century Parkway, and 2) The FINISH is moved about 150 meters south on New Century Parkway.  The course length remains 10 kilometers, and both the start and finish will be closer to parking/registration.  This will also give a longer straightaway to the finish.  Both the start and finish will be well-marked, and updated maps will be available to view at registration.  We think this is a slight improvement of the course on many levels!  See the map here or click on the link to the right.  See you Sunday!

When can you ignore this sign?  On May 28th!  There is road work being done at the intersection of 159th Street and Old Kansas City Road, which is east of the course turnaround and does not affect the Blancarte Time Trial Course.  This sign is at the intersection of New Century Parkway and "Industrial Road" or "North Loop Road," depending on which online map/street sign you prefer.  Obviously, use caution on the outbound right turn from New Century Parkway onto North Loop Road to avoid this sign, as well as the left turn from North Loop Road back onto New Century Parkway; staying to the right of the double-yellow line when making your left turn (a USAC rule on an open course) will ensure safety.  As always, this turn will be monitored by a Sheriff's Deputy and a Course Marshall.

10.0K Course Video

Here is a video of the Blancarte TT course.  The start is on New Century Parkway heading north.  At about 2.5 miles there is a right turn onto North Loop Road eastbound.  North Loop Road quickly makes a curve heading southbound into the COUNTER-CLOCKWISE turnaround at 159th St.  The route is then retraced back.  The finish is on southbound New Century Parkway and is just before you reach the registration area at the New Century Fieldhouse.

Other Tidbits (aka In Case You Were Wondering...Part 2)

Remember that the Blancarte 10K Time Trial course is an open course...check back for more course details later.  We are once again fortunate to have the presence and assistance of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office,  a course map is available in the link to the right, a video will soon be posted, and printed maps will be available at registration to view or take with you.

Remember that on an open course you must stay to the right of the yellow line at all times. Also, you must maintain a distance of 25 meters (80 feet) behind the rider ahead of you.  A pass (from 25 meters behind a rider to 25 meters ahead of that rider) should be accomplished within a distance of 500 meters.  Also, you should maintain 2 meters (7 feet) between yourself and another rider when passing.  Of course, riders are very rarely penalized for these infractions unless done willfully and blatantly; on the other hand, 1) we can all compete in the spirit of these rules and 2) you now know a few other pieces of cycling trivia!

Another gem from the USAC Rule Book: Sleeveless Jerseys ARE allowed in Individual Time Trials!

In Case You Were Wondering...

"WHAT TIME DO I START?" ...an excellent question!  Although USAC rules specify that a starting list with times "should" be available one hour prior to the start of an Individual Time Trial, we (and others...with the endorsement of our USAC Officials) traditionally have it available 15-20 minutes prior to the first start--or about 8:45 am for the Blancarte Time Trial.  This way, the time between the close of registration (8:30) and the start of the race (9:00) is minimized.
But the primary reason start times can not be pre-determined is explained in three words: Race Day Registration.  The opportunity to register on the day of the race provides convenience for many racers, and that, combined with the continuous starting of riders at 1-minute intervals AND the fact that all riders in each Category and Masters/Juniors Class compete consecutively, makes the determination of start times before the close of registration impossible.  By the way, I doubt that there are many occupational stressors which exceed that of the Registrar and Chief Referee between the time registration closes and the publication of the start list!

The 2017 Jesse Blancarte 10K Time Trial is scheduled for Sunday, May 28th, 2017.  Much has remained the same...the venue is the New Century Air Center in Gardner, Kansas and the first rider will be off at 9:00 am!  Registration opens Tuesday, February 14th here for $25; race day registration costs $35 and is from 7:00-8:30 on May 28th.

We are honored to once again be included in the KBAR/KBAT series this year!

Get your training in gear and plan to join us for this annual Memorial Day weekend tradition!

Lost & Found: The Short List

I have a Camelback Podium Chill bottle in my possession.  If it's yours, and you'd like it back, let me know and I will get it to you!