Frozen Flatlands lives up to its name

Despite some chilly weather, Missoula had a fine turnout for the Frozen Flatlands omnium in Spokane April 5 and 6. Attached is a slide show of photos from the circuit race. It was good to see lots of green (NRO) and orange (TS/5VV) in evidence.

Riding the speedway course was awesome. The fast curves were soooo fun. The weather was fine for the riders if a little cold and wet for officials and spectators.

No such complaints about the weather for the Rocky Mountain Roubaix April 13 in Frenchtown. Thanks to all who turned out to race or volunteer on the course. It was beautiful.

Yellowstone roads starting to open for cyclists

Weather permitting, Yellowstone roads are cleared for riding -- and free of cars -- from Mammoth to Madison via Norris. On weekends, you can enter and exit from West Yellowstone. That means you could ride the full 54 miles from Gardiner to West Yellowstone (and back again if you're aching for a century ride.)

If you've never ridden in Yellowstone before the cars come, it can be a remarkable wonderland. The road from Gardiner to Cooke City is open all winter to wheeled traffic and so can be a bit busy, but this western road will only have maintenance vehicles, wildlife and you on it and the views are fabulous. This photo is from a snow coach this winter.

Be prepared to take care of your own maintenance, food and weather needs because help might be a long time coming. Otherwise, think about it. I'll be checking it out next week and will report back.

-- Nadia

Women's Clinic April 26 in Helena

Jane O’Driscoll, MBRA Women’s Coordinator is working on putting on a clinic for new women races or those who want a refresher on the road:

MBRA will be sponsoring and putting on “Intro to Women’s Bicycle Racing in MT” Clinic again this spring to help promote women in racing, grow our numbers, and promote the Cat 4 Challenge series. The clinic date is Saturday April 26 again in Helena. It will be a one day only event this year. Montana Velo has not yet expressed interest in putting on a RR on that Sunday (April 27) but even if they do, we will not be part of their event. Participants in the clinic may choose to stay to race on Sunday if MT Velo decides to put on a race that day, but it is currently not part of the calendar.

Trainer rides Mondays & Wednesdays

Missoula cyclists are getting together to ride twice a week on trainers.

* Monday night rides start at 6:30 p.m. at Tamara's house on Pony Place.

* The Five Valley Velo team is riding Wednesday nights at Missoula Bicycle Works. Riding starts at 6:30 sharp, so show up as early as 6 to set up and warm up. Use the alley door, the light'll be on for ya. NRO riders are welcome.

Wednesday night indoor rides start now

NRO will be meeting to ride on Wednesday nights at 6:30 at Tamara's house. (Yeah...I am sick of riding alone.)

Bring your trainer, bike, a towel to drip on, and your favorite workout tape or DVD.

We'll start Wednesday the 28th. If you feel like you're not ready, that's OK, join in when you are. Or just show up and wheeze with Nadia. She's not ready either.

Is there someone who would like to host a weekend ride? (Steve?) Let me know.

-- Tamara

Welcome to NRO's Communication Outpost

Welcome NRO racers and friends,

This blog will serve as an online resource for sharing race, training and festivities information. Anyone can comment on it. If you'd like to be able to add new postings, ask Nadia or Tamara and we'll make it happen.

NRO as a team is committed to getting riders in shape and on the road. We are serious riders, but not exclusive -- if you'd like to join, let us know by posting to this blog or emailing RideNRO@gmail.com.

This blog will continue to be improved with new features and design elements. If you've got a link you'd like to see added, feel free to post a suggestion. Watch this space for race schedules, training ride times and places and other useful information.

Meanwhile, ride when you can, roll when you have to. --- Nadia