2nd Annual Le Bon Doc Tour info
Submitted by Conn Day

July 16-22 - 7 days/10 stages

In some ways this will resemble the first mid summer event, with all clubs welcomed to pitch in and be a part of the production in any way possible. For example:

DICE will put on the last event of the tour with a race that will be much like the Hummer Hammer.

The ATLAS club has stepped up to take over race day duties at the West Branch RR.

HBA of Cedar Rapids will loan us their rights to the Tuesday night Hawkeye Downs for two stages.

Bike Tech has donated a helmet for the race end raffle.

And the Bees will be ever present to make it more complicated than it needs to be.

Bee rider, Ian Robinson has generously donated 3 helmets in the name of his company Edward Jones. Any one else wanting in will be greatly appreciated. The other way the race remains the same is that proceeds will go to raise funds to have a Build A Bear party for our little friends at the Childrens Hospital of Iowa City. This will be coordinated again by John Meehan.

For those of you that missed the party last year, please believe me, it was worth it.

Now for the changes...

This will be a much more energetic project than last years tour. Instead of 3 days/3 stages it will now be 7 days/10 very doable stages. None of the week nights will be more than 15 miles of racing with the slightly longer stages being on the last weekend. Each day will be recognized like all bee events with baked goods and beer as prizes. The over all award will be Tour winner jerseys given in 6 categories. Male elite, male limited, master elite, master limited, female and junior. You must race 4 days not races to qualify. Several days have 2 races.

Scoring:

Points will be dealt to IBRA in categories on a day to day basis. Points will go toward the drawing for the Bee Series in the same manner. The race for the jerseys will be totally separate as will the points for the tour raffles. I won't go into the points system for fear it will confuse John Adamson and cause him to lash out at me. It should be fun and interesting and give all a chance for the overall win. The winner will have his/her team colors as this years jersey color.

Stages:

This tour will be half time trial and half mass start. If you hate one or the other you can still compete.

Stage 1 Monday July 16

The Roc Doc Dam Fossil Rock. This course will not be ideal for a road bike or time trial bike . It is a 20k TT having both flat and large hill sections (I will consult coach Paul on bike choice, another reason to have a coach).

Stage 2 and 3 Tuesday July 17

The Doc's Slice of the Oval. These two stages are simple, ride hard, turn left repeat. A short 1/2 mile to 1 mile TT followed by a 14 mile 28 lap mass start race. (you are welcome to stay on for more oval racing).

Stage 4 and 5 Wednesday July 18

The Roc Docs Rolling Roc RR Two 7 mile mass start road races with almost violent little hills. Any one who has done our Hill Rat TT knows this course.

Stage 6 Thursday July 19

Tonight we sit in on the Flat RAT TT series. Pretty much just a flat 25 k TT.

Stage 7 Friday July 20

This will be done on part of the Lisbon TT course. It is about 12 miles, we will roll down to the Sutliff Bridge and back. A point of interest is that if there is a redneck nation this course goes right through it. If for no other reason just race to piss them off.

Stage 8 and 9 Saturday July 21

Roc Doc Road Rock (West Branch) This is a great road course. Rolling hills up and down from the Cedar River. You then finish with a 4 mile TT on the bike you did the RR on. This is a great race in itself added to 6 days of racing should separate the field in a big way.

Stage 10 Sunday July 22

This then is the last day for those left standing, cumulative fatigue may come into play. Donnie Miller from DICE will test these legs with a crit. The course will be over in Mt Joy on the Hummer Hammer course. This is the only mass start race of the event to be broken down and scored in categories. If only a few people have tested themselves in the entire stage we may run them separate and let the 1 day riders do their thing without tired riders getting in the way.

So remember, any 4 days in any combination or type of event and you will be scored as a tour finisher. The more you race, the better you should do and the more points you will have toward any raffle prizes. This race may or may not be worth taking vacation time for but local riders will be able to do it with a 9-5 job. For those out of town, this area has a ton of things for a family to do. Enjoy your day then come out in the evening and race. For those doing Ragbrai the next week, this will be a great warm up. Telling people you did a stage race the week before will sound impressive.

Cost:

The races will be our normal a day but if you want to sign up for the entire tour it will be for the week. Pre registration will be necessary for this cost. If we get 10 or more pre registered we will have tshirts made. You will need to fill out an event release form for each day and send them to Conn Day 1600 North Drive Ely, IA 52227 by June 15.

You must pre register to guarantee a finish shirt.

More info for the races can be found at www.twobeeracing.com for directions, times etc. Except Tuesday night at Hawkeye Downs go to www.hawkeyebike.com.

Any questions or input contact Conn at 319-848-9066 or 319-573-1011 or by email.