Membership
For 2013 we are moving all registration online. Ontario Cycling (OCA) has made it mandatory for all clubs to use their online registration system. We will still be collecting signed waivers from ALL riders before their first race. If you need any assistance registering please contact either Mark or Will
PLEASE VISIT OUR REGISTRATION SITE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2013 BLACK SHEEP SEASON!
Click here to download the 2013 OCA Waiver
With the new registration process we have simplified our categories:
Early Bird Membership Fees BEFORE April 30,2013:
Student (18 and under) $60 (BlackSheep $21 plus $39 OCA insurance)
Adult $105 (BlackSheep $66 plus $39 OCA insurance)
Couple $160 (BlackSheep $82 plus 2x $39 OCA insurance)
Pay-As-You-Go $50 (BlackSheep $11 plus $39 OCA insurance) Includes all fun and social events as well as your first race. Additional races are $10 per XC Race and $5 per DH Race
Membership Fees AFTER April 30,2013:
Student (18 and under) $70 (BlackSheep $31 plus $39 OCA insurance)
Adult $125 (BlackSheep $86 plus $39 OCA insurance)
Couple $180 (BlackSheep $102 plus 2x $39 OCA insurance)
Pay-As-You-Go $50 (BlackSheep $11 plus $39 OCA insurance) Includes all fun and social events as well as your first race. Additional races are $10 per XC Race and $5 per DH Race
New Member Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some questions we typically hear from new members and of course . . . the answers!!
Q. Why does the Black Sheep Cycling Club exist?
A. Black Sheep is a not-for-profit bike club that exists solely to organize and run cycling races and events for its members, to provide opportunities to grow and develop as riders, to assist members in competing in out-of-town events, and to help grow cycling in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. Black Sheep is affiliated with the Ontario Cycling Association. For information about our history and the Executive, check out our about page.
Q: What types of events does the Club offer?
A: For 2011, we are running 3 types of events: Cross Country (XC), Downhill (DH), and Fun Events. We have a reciprocal agreement with the Thunder Bay Cycling Club (whose focus is road riding and racing) that allows our members to participate in road events for minimal cost. Similarly, Thunder Bay Cycling Club members can participate in Black Sheep events for minimal cost.
Q: What is XC?
A: Participants race on bike trails comprised of wider doubletrack and/or narrower singletrack, and require climbing, descending and cornering. The courses can be fast and open, slow and tight, relatively flat or quite hilly, or any combination. If you've hiked at Centennial Park, Shuniah Mines or the Cascades, you probably have a good sense of the typical terrain.
Q. What is DH?
A. Participants race against the clock on a pre-set closed course starting in 1 minute intervals. Depending on the race, results are determined based on best time of 2 runs. Races are held at the old Mt. McKay ski area with permission of the Fort William First Nation. By DH standards, the runs at Mt. McKay are not difficult but compared to normal trails, the DH runs at Mt. McKay are quite challenging with some drops, jumps and steep sections to descend. We recommend racers practice on the course (preferably with someone who knows the trails) and that they wear a full-face helmet (protects their face and mouth), shin pads and elbow pads. Some wear full shoulder and chest protection. For the most part, everyone races the same course so it is equally difficult for all . . . however, there are ride-arounds of some of the more difficult terrain so less experienced racers can take an easier (albeit slower) route.
Q. How do Fun Events work?
A. These are opportunities to ride as a group, learn new skills, try new venues, race in a fun team format, etc. In addition to the ever popular “Race for the Cheese” (team relay followed by cheezy prizes), we've been trying out some new events and of course, we’re always open to new ideas.
Q. How long do races last?
A for XC. Generally, early season XC races are shorter and later season races (as people are fitter) are longer.
Typical XC times:
|
Class |
Early Season Average Duration |
Late Season Average Duration |
|
Lambateur |
15 |
20 |
|
Sport |
30 |
40 |
|
Advanced |
45 |
55 |
|
Elite |
65 |
85 |
Typically, Elite class races are 3 – 4 laps and from 1.0 to 1.75 hours in duration. Advanced class races are 75% of the duration (2 – 3 laps vs 3 - 4 laps) of an Elite race. Sport class races are 1/3 the duration (1 lap vs 3 laps) of an Elite race, and will sometimes be run on a different course or with different segments. Lambateur class races are intended for our youngest members and they are often accompanied by parents.
A for DH. Racer single run times for DH races typically range from 2 to 4 minutes. Contrary to popular belief, DH races require quite a bit of pedalling so fitness is important. The fastest local racers also race XC and can sprint “all out” for 2+ minutes.
Q. What classes exist for racers?
A for XC. There are 4 classes of racing and a number of age categories. The classes are Lambateur, Sport, Advanced and Elite. There are no age groups in Lambateur. The age groups for Sport and Advanced are 0 - 15, 16 -20, 21 - 35, and 36+. The age groups for Elite are 16 -20, 21 - 35, and 36+. Results for females and males are tracked separately. As a result, there are quite a few categories.
A for DH: Classes include Lambateur, Sport and Advanced/Elite. We don't use age groups (not enough racers) but female and male results are tracked separately.
A for Fun Events: As the emphasis is on fun, we don't have any classes for fun races.
Q. How will my race class be determined?
A. Racers identify the default class in which they wish to compete and confirm it when registering for each race. For XCs, they are automatically put in the correct age group. For DHs, age group is not an issue. Typically, new racers start in Lambateur or Sport as it gives them an opportunity to learn racing in a less competitive group and how to ride with others (trails can get narrow at times and good etiquette is both encouraged and expected). However, some racers who are fit and ride a lot may start out in Advanced class. Racers usually figure out when they need to move into a higher category although sometimes their fellow racers need to tactfully “remind” them. As a general rule, if you’ve finished consistently in the top 3 of your class for an entire season and you’re still getting faster, it is time to move up to the next class. If you consistently finish top 3 in Advanced or Elite class, it is time to try some Ontario and Canada cup events.
Q. What kind of bike do I need?
A. You can (and some do) spend a lot of money on bikes but all you need to get started is a reliable and affordable bike. If you're not sure whether your bike is in good shape, take it into one of the local bike shops (Cyclepath, Fresh Air Experience, Petrie’s or Rollin Thunder) for a check-up and/or tune-up. If asked, the shops will usually give you an honest assessment of whether your bike is suitable for your size, skills, abilities and intended riding. Local shops won't try to sell you a new bike unless there is a safety concern (i.e. bike way too big/small, cracked frame, etc), the bike is totally unsuitable for you (i.e. is a road bike and not suitable for off-road racing), or if they think you'll end up spending more fixing/maintaining a bike than buying a new one.
Q. What other equipment do I require?
A. A solid snug fitting helmet is mandatory for all Blacksheep events. If you're not sure about your helmet, bring it into one of the shops and they can ensure it both fits and is adjusted properly. Other than a helmet, you should dress appropriately in lightweight and breathable shorts and short or long-sleeved shirt or jersey. Gloves are not required but some prefer them. Some like to wear sunglasses (clear or tinted) to keep dirt and branches from hitting their eyes but these are optional and not usually required until a racer gets quite fast. Don’t forget to bring some water for the XC races. Although not mandatory, you may want to carry a spare tire tube and chain link, a hand pump, and some tools so you can complete any minor repairs without having to walk/run back to your vehicle.
Q. How does the Blacksheep Club Membership work?
A. As indicated earlier, Blacksheep is a not-for-profit bike club. Every member of Blacksheep must also be a member of the Ontario Cycling Association which means payment of a mandatory annual fee ($30.75 for 2011), the majority of which covers insurance and a small amount for OCA affiliation. The Blacksheep collects this fee and pays it on behalf of each member. In addition, the membership and race fees we charge cover the costs of insurance, organizing and running races and events, trail maintenance, and award and prizes. For 2009, we've amended our membership fee and form based on feedback (our initial 2008 fee structure was not popular with some members, many of whom wanted a "pay-as-you-go" option) so the rates have changed a bit in various categories. The new "full inclusive" early registration rate for members from 7 - 12 years old is $40 (which includes mandatory Ontario Cycling Association insurance of $30.75 that the Club collects and pays on each member's behalf). All races and fun events are free. The new membership form and fee structure are posted on blacksheepmtb.com.
Q. How can I get involved and give back?
A. First and foremost, join the Club and attend events. Also, consider volunteering . . . the Club runs and succeeds based on the efforts of volunteers. Helping out with trail maintenance, race timing and course marshalling (making sure people go the right way) is a great way to meet other members and parents. Visit our volunteer page to find out how you can help the club succeed!
See you on the trails!!