The Cat's Hill Classic Information Blog

2007-05-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

Vehicle Parking: Racers and visitors, please do not park in any merchant lots!! Use the Park & Ride lot north of Highway 9 and street parking out side of the course.

Free bike parking is available at Turn 6.

2007-05-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

Follow this link for all information about the SugarCRM Cat's Hill Classic, including info about vehicle parking:

http://www.catshill.org/2007announce.html

Junior Mentoring

On race day - Cat's Hill junior racers and their parents are invited to join Jeff Angerman and Larry Nolan as they offer encouragement, and tactical advice for this year's event. Both Jeff and Larry currently race for the AMD-Discovery Channel Masters Cycling Team and both are former Cat's Hill winners (Jeff won the Masters 35+ 1/2/3 race in 2006 and was 2nd in the Pro race in 2003, and Larry won the Masters 35+ 1/2/3 races in 1994, 1998, 1999 and 2004). Jeff and Larry look forward to helping the junior racers (and their parents).
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Place: Corner 6, Tait and Bachman

Here are the topics they will cover (parents are welcome to listen in):

Getting mentally prepared for Cat's Hill-

Warming up for Cat's Hill-

Climbing Cat's Hill-

Descending Cat's Hill-

Things to watch for on the course-

Questions & Answers
The "mentoring" will be held with the Juniors (and their parents) at the 6th corner of the Cat's Hill course. Jeff and Larry will be talking, providing commentary as other categories go screaming by and answering questions. We will not ride this course nor will we head out for a warm-up ride. As this will be cutting into the warm-up time of the riders, please bring a turbo trainer or rollers with you. You can either finish your warm-up or do your own version of a “spin class” right in front of everyone! Try to stick to your optimum warm-up routine or ask Jeff and Larry about warm-up routines if you do not already have a solid warm-up routine.

Everyone else: not every junior rider will have a turbo trainer or rollers. If you can lend yours for a short period of time please bring either or both to the corner at 9:00 a.m.

***First, a plea from LGBRC: Racers - Please! We have received requests from residents to ask prospective racers to observe stop signs when they are practicing on the course, and to stay on the right side of the street on neighborhood roads (Ridgecrest, for example.) Since the race is dependent on cooperation from residents, let's all work together on courteous riding, so Cat's Hill will always be welcome in Los Gatos. Thanks, everyone!

Here are some tactics that apply to all racers, not just Juniors:

1) Setting realistic expectations- Cat's Hill is a great race because it's got a festive downtown setting, it's safe, and it's a great course! The hill keeps the riders honest, but most races are tactical with attacks and breaks. One way to keep riders in this sport longer is to have them set realistic expectations. Simply put, Cat's Hill is not a race like Land Park. Training and preparation for the two are not the same.

2) Teamwork- another great way to keep riders in this sport is to teach them their role in the team. As stated above, Cat's Hill can be a very tactical race. If you work out your team tactics before the race, even the rider that does not finish the race but helps out their team can feel good about their contribution.

3) Training- if Cat's Hill is an important race to you then specificity in your training may have looked something like this: 2 minutes just below AT, 30 seconds above AT, 30 seconds recovery... repeat for as many laps as your race.

4) Warm-Up as this is a "classic" criterium course, and the hills will zap your strength, you will want to warm-up before your race. Use Highway 9 in Los Gatos (towards Saratoga) as your warm up route (complete with bike lanes, but watch for traffic). If you do not have your ideal criterium warm-up routine established, talk to your teammates.

5) Preview the course- get to the race early, register and then walk the course at least once. Walking the course in reverse is best because you can see the riders more often and you can see how the riders take the course.

Good luck to everyone that is racing, especially the Juniors! Come on out and cheer for the Juniors if you have the time (11:15 and 11:30am).

Jeff and Larry****

2007-03-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

SugarCRM Cat's Hill Classic on-line registration is now open. The race categories fill up quickly, so sign up for your spot before it fills up. Go to the SugarCRM Cat's Hill website to click through to the registration area.

The SugarCRM Cat's Hill Kid's Race

Sponsored by Marlene Rodman and Nicolette Rodman Kelly of Sereno Group Realty

The legendary SugarCRM Cat's Hill Classic invites kids, up to age 9, to a special Kid's Race on the famous race course. The SugarCRM Cat’s Hill Classic will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Maybe your child is a potential Lance Armstrong, or maybe they just love riding their bike or trike. Bring ‘em to the Kid’s Race and let’s have fun together!

The Kid’s Race will be divided into two age groups: Ages 6 and younger, and Ages 7 through 9 years. The kids will get the thrill of crossing the Official Finish Line on Tait and Nicholson Avenues, with all the applause and official announcements. All participants will receive medals in this fun race. There are official Junior Category races for Ages 10 and up, which are listed on the Race Announcement at www.catshill.org/2007announce.html.

Registration for the Kid’s Race is from 8:30 am to 12:00 Noon. Parents will register their children at the Registration Area behind the Announcer’s Stand at the Start/Finish Line on the corner of Tait and Nicholson Avenues. Registration is free, and kids will receive a race number. Parents must sign a liability waiver. Helmets are mandatory for the Kid’s Race. Registration will close promptly at noon. The first 50 registrants will receive goodie bags. Parents will be asked to sign the standard athlete's release form.

2007-03-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

The SugarCRM Cat's Hill Classic criterium will be held on May 5, 2007 in Los Gatos, CA. Racing starts at 9:30 am and includes all categories from Junior to Master's to Elite.

The Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club, named the number one cycling club in the US, has presented the Cat's Hill Classic Bicycle Race continuously since 1974. The SugarCRM Cat's Hill Criterium is one of the oldest grass roots cycling races in the US.

The route is a clockwise loop that includes the incredibly steep 23% Cat’s Hill climb, plus six brutal 90-degree turns along the race course. Race lengths range from three to forty laps, depending on age and ability classifications.

The SugarCRM Cat's Hill Classic is held under USA Cycling (USAC) permit and is part of both the prestigious Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Race Series (LAJORS) and the Northern California Nevada Cycling Association (NCNCA) Prestige Series.

To read the Race Announcement, with categories and start times go here:
Race Announcement

For race info, race directions and additional information, visit the race website at www.catshill.org

2006-04-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have the Cat's Hill on your racing calendar! And bring your kids age 9 and under to the special Kid's Race. The legendary STBikes Cat’s Hill Classic Bicycle Race invites kids, through 9 years, to a special Kid’s Race, sponsored by Marlene Rodman and Nicolette Rodman Kelly of Intero Real Estate Services. The STBikes Cat’s Hill Classic will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2006. Maybe your child is a potential Lance Armstrong, or maybe they just love riding their bike or trike. Bring ‘em to the Kid’s Race and let’s have fun together!

The Kid’s Race will be divided into two age groups: Ages 6 and younger, and Ages 7 through 9 years. The kids will get the thrill of crossing the Official Finish Line on Tait and Nicholson Avenues, with all the applause and official announcements. All participants will receive medals in this fun race.

Registration for the Kid’s Race is from 8:30 am to 12:00 Noon. Parents will register their children at the Registration Area behind the Announcer’s Stand at the Start/Finish Line on the corner of Tait and Nicholson Avenues. Registration is free, and kids will receive a race number. Parents must sign a liability waiver. Helmets are mandatory for the Kid’s Race. Registration will close promptly at noon. The kid’s race is approximately 0.2 miles: about one long block.

The STBikes Cat’s Hill Classic Kid’s Race will start promptly at 12:30 pm on the corner of Bean and Tait Avenues, near St. Mary’s Church. After registering, parents and children will assemble at the Staging Area on Bean Avenue, outside the race course, between 12:00 noon and 12:15 pm. The course will be closed to kids until the Kid’s Race begins. Parents need to be aware that there will be riders racing on the course all day, so parents will need to bring their children on the sidewalk from the Registration Area to the Staging Area.

And here is the answer to a Newbie question about race lingo. Send your questions in, too!

Category 5 racers – beginner local racers
Category 4 racers – more experienced local racers
Category 3 racers – more experienced regional racers
Category Pro/1/2- very experienced national/international amateur and professional racers (e.g., Lance Armstrong)
Master - Over 30 years old. For this race, it’s over 35.
Espoir – 19 to 22 year old very experienced national/international amateur and professional racers
Prime (pronounced “preem”) - a prize within a race awarded to the first rider to cross the finish line on a given lap. Primes are announced to the riders by a bell at the beginning of the prime lap with credit given to the prime donator.

Racers - Please! We have received requests from residents to ask prospective racers to observe stop signs when they are practicing on the course, and to stay on the right side of the street on neighborhood roads (Ridgecrest, for example.) Since the race is dependent on cooperation from residents, let's all work together on courteous riding, so Cat's Hill will always be welcome in Los Gatos. Thanks, everyone!

2006-03-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

We would like to welcome ST Bicycle Store as the Title Sponsor for the 2006 Cat's Hill Classic. STBikes was voted 2005 Best Bike Shop in the Valley by Metro readers. So check out their website, or head on over to the store to say "howdy" and thank them for sponsoring our great Cat's Hill event.

If you have children ages 5 to 9 who love to ride bikes, stay tuned for news about a special event for kids at the 2006 STBikes Cat's Hill Classic on May 13, 2006...

2006-02-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

Registration for the 2006 Cat's Hill Classic is now open. Register early - some races fill up really early. Click HERE to go to the 33rd Annual Cat's Hill Classic Registration page on Active.com.
See you on the Cat's Hill!

2006-02-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

The Cat’s Hill Committee of the Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club has started our planning meetings for the 2006 Cat’s Hill Classic, to be held on May 13, 2006 in Los Gatos. This criterium has been held continuously since 1974, and is presented with the hard work of the LGBRC club members, and the support of Very Special Sponsors. We’re gearing up for this race and you should, too, for many tough laps of the 23% grade of Cat’s Hill.

Stay tuned for complete registration info, but mark your calendars now and register early - some races fill up real fast. Online registration will open early - so check back here or the website: 2006 Cat's Hill Classic. We will soon be updating the site with 2006 race info, but right now the 2005 info is still up while we are working out the details for 2006. The 2006 race flyer will be available soon...

If you are a M/W Junior through Pro/Elite 123, have we got a race for you! It’s also a great family spectator event, so come on out and bring your family and friends. Have them cheer you on from a prime viewing spot on Cat’s Hill.... You'll need it! As usual, send any questions to this blog, by clicking the email link on the right, and we’ll respond as soon as we can....

See you race day at the Cat’s...

2005-05-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

THE BIG DAY IS UPON US...

It is hard to believe, but the 2005 Testarossa Vineyards Cat's Hill Classic is tomorrow. If you are a participant, hopefully you are registered, rested up, and ready to race (sorry about the alliteration, it wasn't intentional)!

Hopefully you have gotten some good info from this blog. I apologize that I haven't been as fastidious about posting to it as I was last year, but it often seemed that everything to be said had already been said. Hopefully you had the inclination and the patience to scroll down through it to get the info and the answers you needed.

Tomorrow should be a great day, and we should enjoy some great racing. Whether you are a spectator, a participant, a sponsor, or just a curious onlooker, we are looking forward to seeing all of you at the 2005 Testarossa Vineyards Cat's Hill Classic!

2005-05-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

CAT 5 FIELD ALMOST FULL...

There are only 2 spots left in the Cat 5 field, so if you wait until race day to register it is unlikely that you will be racing. Act now!

The start sheets for all fields can be found on our website at www.catshill.org.

See you in two day!

Stephen Butler
Race Administrator
Volunteer Coordinator

2005-04-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

FIELD SIZES AS OF 4/29/05

The Category 5 field is almost full, so if you are a Cat 5 and want to race the 2005 Cat's Hill Classic you should register as soon as possible at http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1201819.

The Category 4 and Masters 35+ 4/5 field are approximately half full. Keep in mind that the Category 4 field almost filled up last year (96 out of 100 slots were filled), so you should still register ASAP.

Start sheets can be found by following the "Start Sheets as of ____" link at www. catshill.org.

See you on race day!

Stephen Butler
Race Administrator/Volunteer Coordinator

2005-04-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

Parking, wine tasting at Testarossa Vineyards

Parking will be available on race day at Testarossa Vineyards, with a cable car shuttle from the winery to the race beginning at 9:30 am. Wine-tasting for race spectators and participants will start at 11:00 am with the shuttle taking interested adults from the corner of Bean and Tait (see map) up to the winery, about a mile away.

2005-04-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

A WORD ABOUT REGISTRATION...

According to our Registration Coordinator, all categories still have plenty of openings. However, you should still register early to avoid potential heartbreak! As we start nearing the field limits, I will post that information here.
Registration is online only, and can be found here...

http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1201819

2005-04-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I have received some inquiries from new racers about whether the Cat's Hill Classic should be their first race. What follows is a post from last year in response to this very question...

FIRST-TIMER ADVICE

If you are new to the sport of bicycle racing, and the Cat's Hill Classic is going to be your first race, you might have a few questions or concerns. Feel free to drop me a line at catshillclassic@yahoo.com, and I'll do my best to answer any and all questions you might have.

But just for a few words of general advice, I would strongly encourage you to get out and practice the course. Race day is not the time to be seeing this course (and the hill!) for the first time. Practicing the course will give you a feel for the road surface (it isn't all good), and it will give you some practice on the shifting that you will need to do at the bottom of the hill.

While there is no hard and fast rule for what gearing you should use, practicing on the hill will give you a feel for what gear will get you all the way to the top and over to the slight rise on the other side. Also, positioning in the pack during the race is key. While it is definitely easier said than done, staying in the pack (and not hanging on at the back) is the best position to be in during the race. This protects you from the wind, and helps you ride at a more consistent pace. Those at the back are more subject to the caterpillar effect of slowing and speeding up and slowing and speeding up. In a nutshell, it is much easier to help set the pace than to have to react to the pace.

Lastly, make sure that you get in a good warm-up before the race starts! Allow yourself plenty of time before the race to find parking, to register, to get your number pinned on, and to warm up. And make sure you are properly hydrated and fueled up!

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you on race day!

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2005-04-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

Lodging for Cat's Hill Classic race weekend is available at special rates from Los Gatos Lodge.

Ph: 408-354-3300 The group code is: CGLGBR

50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Ph: 408-354-3300
Fax: 408-354-5451
Reservations: 800-231-8676
www.losgatoslodge.com

Mention the Cat's Hill Classic Bicycle Race for special rates on queen ($79), double ($99) or suites - 2 queens - ($129.00)

2005-02-28T16:28:00.000-08:00

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Online registration is now open at Active.com. Simply follow this link:

http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1201819

The routine is the same as last year...registration is on-line only (see info below from last year as to why we only have online registration. There is race-day registration, but keep in mind that a late fee will be charged after May 1st.

Above all, register early. Many categories (like Cat 4) fill up very quickly.

We look forward to seeing you on May 7!

2005-02-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

2005 Cats Hill Classic

It is hard to believe that it has almost been one year since the 2004 30th Anniversary Cats Hill Classic, but here we go again for 2005!

The Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club had our Cats Hill kick-off meeting on Monday, February 7. Excitement is high for this year's race, and things are already falling into place. Our title sponsor is Testarossa Vineyards, and almost all of the individual races have been sold to sponsors. The planning committee has been formed and is hard at work.

I will be posting more in the very near future, but below you can find a wealth of general information about the race...such as info about the course, about preparing for the race, and about registering for the race (and much much more!).

We look forward to seeing you at the 2005 Cats Hill Classic!
Stephen Butler

2004-05-07T14:56:00.001-07:00

A BIG THANK YOU
It is hard to believe, but race day of the 30th Anniversary Cat's Hill Classic is almost upon us. I would like to take this moment to thank everyone who has either read this blog or contributed information to it.
Hopefully this blog has been helpful to you. I would love to hear comments about it, be they positive or negative. Let me know if there was something that you wished had been talked about here but wasn't. If you have ideas for making it better next time around, I'd love to hear those, too. Just drop me a line at catshillclassic@yahoo.com

If you are racing tomorrow, ride safely and good luck.
If you are going as a spectator, enjoy the races.
Either way, we'll see you tomorrow at the Cat's Hill Classic!

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-05-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

A BIG THANK YOU
Race day of the 30th Anniversary Cat's Hill Classic is almost upon us! I would like to take this moment to thank everyone who has either read this blog or contributed information to be posted on it.
Hopefully this blog has been helpful to you. I would love to hear comments about it, be they positive or negative. Let me know if there was something that you wished had been talked about here but wasn't. If you have ideas for making it better next time around, I'd love to hear those, too. Just drop me a line at catshillclassic@yahoo.com
If you are racing tomorrow, good luck!
If you are going to be a spectator, enjoy the races!
Either way, we'll see you tomorrow at the Cat's Hill Classic!

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-05-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

LAST MINUTE REGISTRATION
Online registration through www.active.com is now officially closed. However, all fields except the Category 5 field have open spots. You will be able to register for these spots tomorrow. Here is where things currently stand:

Pro 1/2/Espoir - 30 spots open
Masters 35+ 1/2/3 - 56 spots open
Masters 35+ 4/5 - 44 spots open
Category 3 - 32 spots open
Category 4 - 9 spots open
Category 5 - FIELD LIMIT FULL - NO DAY-OF REGISTRATION
Juniors 15-16/17-18 - 32 spots open
Juniors 10-12/13-14 - 35 spots open
Women's 1/2/3 - 78 spots open
Women's 3/4 - 18 spots open

If you have any last-minute questions, feel free to email me at catshillclassic@yahoo.com. We'll see you tomorrow, and good luck!

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-05-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

TIME IS RUNNING OUT
Please be advised that online registration through active.com will be closed as of tonight, Thursday May 6. If you still wish to register for the 30th Anniversary Cat's Hill Classic, do it NOW.
The field limit for the Category 5 race has been reached, so no further registration will be allowed, even on race day. At last count, there were only 17 spots left for the Category 4 race.

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-05-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

MY CATEGORY IS FULL...IS THERE A WAITING LIST?
For categories that are filled, we will not be able to create a waiting list. In the event that someone informs our registration coordinator prior to race day that they cannot race, an entry will be opened up. However, this entry will be available on a first come/first served basis only on race day.
The problem with a waiting list is that if a slot opens up (for instance, on the Friday night before the race), there is no guarantee that the next person on the waiting list will actually show up on Saturday with his or her payment. We could check to see who didn't show up 20 minutes before the race, but there is no guarantee that they won't show up 5 minutes later. It becomes a logistical nightmare to be making edits to the Start Sheets after registration is closed prior to each race.
That being said, riders can swap on race day, but registration must be notified. You may not simply hand off your number to a friend. Riders may also give or sell number to another rider, but again, registration must be notified. And it goes without saying that any ride must either possess a current USCF license, or purchase a 1-day license on the day of the race.
If you still have questions, drop me a line at catshillclassic@yahoo.com

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-05-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

MEN'S CATEGORY 4 GETTING CLOSE TO FULL
If you are still thinking about registering for the Men's Cat 4 race, do it now. There are only 22 spots out of 100 left. Registration on active.com will be closed after tomorrow (Thursday, May 6). This means that there may be limited registration on race day, or there could be none. Don't take your chances, register today.

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-04-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

CATEGORY 5 HAS REACHED ITS LIMIT
As of today, May 4 2004, the Category 5 field limit has been reached. Active.com will no longer accept online registration, and there will be no race-day registration.
This race fills up quickly because it has a much smaller field limit than the other races. We're sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause, but we narrowly limit the Cat 5 field for the safety of the riders. If you missed out this year, be sure to register early next year!

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-04-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

A WORD ABOUT ONE-DAY LICENSES
If you are just getting into the world of bicycle racing, but you are not sure that you want to lay down the money for a full USCF license just yet, fear not. You can purchase a one-day license for the day that you will be racing.
If you register for a race through www.active.com (which is the only way to register for the Cat's Hill Classic, incidentally), this is extremely easy. One of the options as you go along through the online registration process is to purchase a one-day license. It costs a mere $5, and is good for that entire day, even if you register for multiple races (e.g. the Elite 4 category and the Masters 35+ 4/5 category).
If you have happened to register already on active.com but didn't purchase the one-day license at the time, don't worry. You will be able to purchase the license on race day when you sign in and pick up your number.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at catshillclassic@yahoo.com.

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-04-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

A WORD ABOUT GEARING
As we get ever closer to race day, you might be wondering "just what gear do I need to use to get up that hill???" Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule, and the best answer I can give is "it depends." It depends on your level of fitness and hill climbing ability. Some riders are good at hard, fast "power climbing" and will be able to power up it repeatedly in a 39/21 or 39/23. Others may wish to have a 26- or 27-tooth cog in the back to help ease the pain.

Keep in mind that this course requires very precise and technical shifting. After a long, fast straightaway (you will most likely be in your big chainring and pushing a high gear) you will make a left turn and immediately find yourself staring at the 23% grade of Cat's Hill. This means that you will have to instantly shift down to your small chainring and a very low gear. This is the prime "danger zone" for dropping your chain and finding yourself all alone as the rest of the pack struggles up the hill.
The top of the hill requires just as much technical shifting, as this is the time when many riders will attack. Now you will have to quickly shift back to your big chainring and back into a higher gear. I have found that the bigger the jumps that you have in your cassette, the greater the risk of throwing your chain.

There is no substitute for experience, though. As I have stressed below, you do not want to be riding Cat's Hill for the first time on race day. Take a ride to the lovely town of Los Gatos and give the course a try. Familiarize yourself with the course layout and the road surfaces, and especially give the hill a few tries. This will give you the best idea of what gearing you and your legs will need to get you up the hill however many times you will need to do it in your race.

Good luck, and we'll see you on race day!

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-04-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

A NOTE ABOUT WOMEN'S CAT 3 REGISTRATION
There have been numerous inquiries from women Cat 3 racers about which race they should register for. There is a combined Women's Cat 3/4 race at 1:45 pm that runs for 10 laps, and then there is a combined Women's Cat 1/2/3 race at 3:05 pm that runs for 1 hour plus 2 laps.
Women Cat 3 racers can elect to do the 3/4 race, the 1/2/3 race, or even both if they feel ambitious! Remember that participation in multiple categories entitles you to a registration discount of $10 per additional race.
You will want to take into consideration:
a) Your level of fitness/racing ability;
b) The length/intensity of race that you want to do; and
c) Whether you have Cat 4 or Cat 1/2 teammates that you wish to race with.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to drop me a note at catshillclassic@yahoo.com.

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-04-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

FIRST-TIMER ADVICE
If you are new to the sport of bicycle racing, and the 30th Anniversary Cat's Hill Classic is going to be your first race, you might have a few questions or concerns. Feel free to drop me a line at catshillclassic@yahoo.com, and I'll do my best to answer any and all questions you might have.
But just for a few words of general advice, I would strongly encourage you to get out and practice the course. Race day is not the time to be seeing this course (and the hill!) for the first time. Practicing the course will give you a feel for the road surface (it isn't all good), and it will give you some practice on the shifting that you will need to do at the bottom of the hill. While there is no hard and fast rule for what gearing you should use, practicing on the hill will give you a feel for what gear will get you all the way to the top and over to the slight rise on the other side.
Also, positioning in the pack during the race is key. While it is definitely easier said than done, staying in the pack (and not hanging on at the back) is the best position to be in during the race. This protects you from the wind, and helps you ride at a more consistent pace. Those at the back are more subject to the caterpillar effect of slowing and speeding up and slowing and speeding up. In a nutshell, it is much easier to help set the pace than to have to react to the pace.
Lastly, make sure that you get in a good warm-up before the race starts! Allow yourself plenty of time before the race to find parking, to register, to get your number pinned on, and to warm up. And make sure you are properly hydrated and fueled up!
Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you on race day!

Stephen J. Butler
Race Administrator

2004-04-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a question that we have received:
Why is there no mail in registration? Why can I only register online?

The Cat's Hill Classic takes over 75+ volunteers to organize and run. Nobody in the club is paid for any of their efforts. We (the Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club) pay the town of Los Gatos over $4,000 for the permit alone. We are lucky if we break even on the race.

Simply put, mail-in reg requires too much effort. If you've ever been involved with putting on a race then you'll know what I'm talking about. Since we've automated our registration, online pre-reg has virtually eliminated 40 man hours of work, allowing us to reduce our day-of race registration lines. This is the only reason.

We're hoping our online pre-registration only policy is not perceived as some kind of strong arm tactic to squeeze money out of our racers. We can assure it is not. We get no kick backs from Active.com. We at the LGBRC take pride in putting on the Cat's Hill and hope that you will race it regardless of some of our limitations.

Please feel free to give us your candid feedback on this subject. Simply drop us a line at catshillclassic@yahoo.com

Sincerely,

Scott K. Barth, LGBRC Cat's Hill Race Director
and
Stephen J. Butler, LGBRC Cat's Hill Race Administrator

2004-03-29T13:20:00.000-08:00

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the Cat's Hill Classic?
The race is on May 8, 2004

How do I register for the race?
You can register online by cutting and pasting the following link into your web browser:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1125111
There will also be registration the day of the event, but will cost an additional $5.

Speaking of which, how much does it cost?
Registration for the Category 5 race is $25
Registration for the Juniors races is $15
Registration for the Pro/1/2 race is $35
All others races are $30

Who is the Cat's Hill Classic put on by?
The Cat's Hill Classic is put on by the Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club (LGBRC).

Why should I race in the Cat's Hill Classic?
The Cat’s Hill race, with its 23% grade hill, is an internationally known event through out the cycling community. In fact, three time world champion and three time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond considers winning the 1978 Cat’s Hill Criterium one of his fondest memories.

How long is the course?
The course is roughly 1.2 miles, with 6 turns.

What is the course?
The Start/Finish is on Tait Avenue, making a right turn onto Bean, with another right turn onto Massol. A 90 degree left turn is then made onto Nicholson Avenue and up the Cat's Hill. This is a gut-wrenching 23% climb up to the top, 100 meters away. There is a right turn on Belmont Avenue, followed by a right turn onto Bachman Avenue for the fast descent. A high-speed right turn is then made back onto Tait for the finishing straight and the sprint.
A map and discussion of the course can be found at http://www.catshill.org/catscourse.html

How are the road surfaces?
While Cat's Hill has recently been repaved, the rest of the course has a fair amount of pavement separation, caused by the uplifting of the cement slabs that form the street surface. While this doesn't bother cars, it will easily catch a bicycle tire and possibly cause an inattentive rider to fall.

Should this be my first race?
While we wish to encourage as many people to participate in the race as possible, a word of caution is in order. As mentioned above, the road surfaces can be challenging, to say nothing of the climb up the Cat's Hill. It is a course that demands strong legs and strong bike-handling skills. Those who would like a kinder, gentler introduction to bike racing are encouraged to come out for the other race put on by the LGBRC, the Timpani Criterium. This race will be held in Santa Clara in August. More information on that race will be forthcoming....keep an eye on www.lgbrc.org for more information!

Do I need a license to race the Cat's Hill Classic?
A USCF license is required to race the Cat's Hill Classic. If you are a beginner and do not have a license, a 1-day license can be obtained when register online at www.active.com.

What are the junior gear limits?
1) A maximum gear of 52x14 will meet the requirement, with typical tires and wheels.
2) Many juniors buy special cassettes with a 14-tooth smallest cog, but it's okay use a standard cassette and adjust the derailleur so that any smaller cogs can't be used.
3) In spite of items 1 and 2, it's really the rollout distance that matters, not the gear teeth. The officials will roll each bike backwards for one crank revolution in the highest gear. The distance the bike travels must be no greater than 26 feet.
4) The limit will apply to all juniors at Cat's Hill. The officials will generally roll out every bike before the race, and all top finishers after the race.

What are the start times for the races?
Start times, lap and placement information can be found at http://www.catshill.org/2004announce.html

I have questions that this FAQ doesn’t answer. Who can I contact?
Simply drop a line to the Race Administrator at catshillclassic@yahoo.com. Your questions will be personally answered as soon as possible.

2004-03-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Race the Road - Not the Ruts!!

Cat's Hill paving looks great!

We are asking your club and/or individual riders to help with a donation to this project. Donations of any amount will help. Even $5. The Los Gatos Rotary Club will collect donations, and checks should be made payable to “Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club.” Just write “Cat’s Hill Road Improvement” on the comment line of your check. Please mail checks to Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club, P. O. Box 1328, Los Gatos, CA 95031 and e-mail bgordon@structint.com with the amount so that we can keep track of the rebuilding fund. This will also allow us to proudly announce all individual donors’ and club’s names during the Cat's Hill 30th Anniversary ceremonies on May 8.

The Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club and the Town of Los Gatos look forward to your support.

2004-02-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 30th Annual Cat's Hill Classic Info Blog. This is the spot to find out everything you wanted to know about racing the Cat's Hill Criterium. Don't be afraid to ask! Yes, it really does have a 23% grade climb!
Please send your questions to Cat's Hill Info . Your questions will be answered as quickly as possible.
The website for the Cat's Hill Classic is www. catshill.org , where you will find registration information, maps, photos, and history.
This historic race is presented by the Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club. Visit their website at www.lgbrc.org .

Thanks for visiting this Cat's Hill Classic Blog Spot, and we hope to see you on Saturday, May 8, 2004 in Los Gatos, CA. Be a racer or be a spectator, but be there for our 30th Birthday celebration!