FAQs
Being transparent is a primary goal of your NCNCA Board of Directors. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked and the answers to each. If you have a question not listed here, there’s a good chance others have the same question. Please get in touch so we can make sure to provide an answer.
GENERAL
Q: What is the geographic NCNCA district?
A: Simply put, it’s Northern California and part of Nevada. But the technical answer is it’s the area of the State of Nevada defined by zip codes beginning with 89300 and ending with 89899, and the area of the State of California encompassing Monterey, Kings, Inyo, and Tulare Counties and all counties to the north of those counties.
Q: Who is on the NCNCA Board and what are their responsibilities?
A: The NCNCA Board of Directors is a group of nine volunteers who represent the needs of the NCNCA and manage its functions. It consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and additional members who serve as committee liaisons. The board meets once a month to report on and discuss financials, race schedules, special events, and more. The first part of every board meeting is open for public comments and all are welcome to attend. Check the NCNCA website for date and location information. You can also reach the Board of Directors through the contact information listed here.
Q: How is the Board of Directors elected?
A: First a little background information: “members” of the NCNCA are clubs, not individual racers. Clubs register with the NCNCA at the beginning of every year in order to enjoy the benefits of membership. One benefit is the right to vote for the board of directors. Each club has a named representative who casts the vote. If you’re not sure who your representative is, ask your club president so you can give input into how your club votes.
RACING
Q: Why do road races start so early in the morning?
A: Reason #1: Safety! For most road races, less traffic on the roads during earlier starts creates a safer racing environment. During the summer, earlier starts help us avoid the hottest part of the day. For most loop road races, starting the fastest group first means fewer group interactions on the course, which means safer races. Because P/1/2 races are usually longest, the early starts make for a shorter overall day for staff, officials, and CHP (and therefore less expense).
Q: Why does NCNCA allow multiple races on the same day?
A: NCNCA strongly encourages promoters to communicate with each other to avoid multiple events in the same area, on the same day. However, we don’t have the ultimate power to regulate the race calendar, as USAC is in charge of issuing permits and will do so regardless of conflicts in scheduling. We do our best to encourage promoters to come to an agreement and not hold races on the same day.
Q: Why aren’t clubs required to put on races anymore?
A: In the past, NCNCA member clubs were required to put on one race per year. This was a real burden for smaller clubs with fewer resources and members, and it created an incentive not to join NCNCA.
Our district is very fortunate to have a number of larger clubs who voluntarily step up to host races. We greatly appreciate the many hours that they spend planning, getting permits, coordinating volunteers and officials, and running operations day-of.
Q: If NCNCA doesn’t require clubs to put on a race, what can my small club do to help?
A: Volunteer your services at races that struggle to find enough volunteers. Reach out to any promoter or race director on the NCNCA calendar if you want more specific details on what that race needs. We also suggest clubs of all sizes make volunteering a requirement, as we are all responsible for keeping NCNCA racing strong.
Q: Does the NCNCA rent tents to event promoters?
A: Yes, free of charge! NCNCA member clubs can contact our equipment coordinator to book their free use of up to five of our pop-up tents.
DEVELOPMENT
Q: What does the NCNCA do to encourage new racers?
A: In partnership with VeloPromo, the Early Birds program is USAC’s and the NCNCA’s introduction to racing skills for beginners. Every Sunday in January in Fremont, CA a group of NCNCA coaches, mentors, and racers give back to the community by leading skills drills followed by mentored practice races. New racers of all ages and skill levels can learn the ropes of racing safely in a pack. Part of this program includes a Meet The Teams Day, where new riders can meet and get to know regional teams.
The NCNCA and its Board of Directors is also available to answer any questions new racers might have, as well as help a new racer find local group rides or local cycling clubs if possible.
Q: How does the mentor program work and how can I get involved? Does it extend past Cat 5 riders?
A: The mentor program is a great way for more experienced racers to give back to our community. Mentors ride along with Cat 5 races and offer feedback and correction post-race.
The program starts every year at the Early Birds and extends into the race season for events with Cat 5 racers. Of course, mentoring continues unofficially through every category when more experienced racers respectfully help others learn skills or safe racing practices.
To become a mentor or learn more, contact the Mentor Coordinator at mentor@ncnca.com, come to the Early Birds Beginner Racer Program, or check the NCNCA Facebook page for mentor requests in December.
Q: What does the NCNCA do to encourage women’s racing and masters women’s racing?
A: The NCNCA Women’s Series encourages women to start racing and stay in the sport in a variety of ways. Clinics for potential new racers, special prizes for Women’s Series winners, and social activities are just a few examples. We also host a podcast, Our Work Works, which features interviews of new and seasoned local racers. Check out the podcast and our Women’s Series race calendar under the Women’s tab at ncnca.org and be sure to like the NCNCA Women’s Facebook page to stay connected.
Q: How does NCNCA support junior racing?
A: We recognize the importance of growing the next generation of bike racers in NCNCA, which is why we have a board member specifically dedicated to the Junior committee. This board member works with race promoters to encourage the inclusion of junior categories and participation in the Junior Series race program. Juniors also race at a reduced cost (typically $15-$20) at many NCNCA races and the NCNCA offers a stipend to promoters who include junior races that fulfill certain minimum requirements.
Q: Is NCNCA involved in cross and track racing? What about gravel and mtb?
A: The NCNCA has a long history of supporting cyclocross and track racing. The Board of DiIrectors has offered grants for both cyclocross and track athletes in past years, and has offered support for cyclocross promoters to host USA Cycling-sanctioned cross events, including the NCNCA District Cyclocross Championship race each year. NCNCA is eager to work with gravel and mountain bike promoters to support their events when feasible.