Start Times

I'll start with a quick update: A link to this blog is now up on the Aroostook Cup page of the Four Seasons website, so people should be able to find it fairly easily now. The race schedule for the season has also been posted on the same website. Please take a moment to check it out.

Now the start times question:
I don't see it as a necessity to have consistent start times. It is something we have done in the past, and I think there were some benefits. I also think there were some drawbacks. I would suggest that organizers choose their start time based on what works best for each individual race.

I think that a 9:00am start time allows people to race in the morning and still have time in the day for other things (especially if they have a longer drive home). It also lends itself to serving a lunch afterward if that is a part of your race. Afternoon races may accommodate those who attend church, and don't want to miss it for a ski race. Consistency in the schedule may make it easier for people to remember. Variation in the schedule may make it possible for a wider array of people to fit AC races into their schedules. I personally like racing in the morning, and in general, most races do begin early in the day. The snow is usually more consistent in the morning, and the temperatures more predictable.

As we figure out the best solution for start times for each race, it would be a good idea to post them on this blog. We will also be able to update the Four Seasons website with start times. That should allow everyone to figure out when the races start. If you already know your start time, it would be great to get it to Mike, so he can put it on the poster.

Please contribute to the blog by posting responses to keep this conversation thread going.

Austin Ross
Development Coach
Maine Winter Sports Center

Just testing this out on a new ( used)laptop. Learning lots about computers this year.

Sherry

Welcome to the Aroostook Cup Message Board

Dear Aroostook Cup Organizers,
Welcome to the new blog. This message board has been created for your convenience as you update, publicize, and discuss your Aroostook Cup races. This blog is an opportunity for you to communicate with other organizers. Sharing information and successful strategies for improving your races is an important means for making the Aroostook Cup successful in the long-run. It is my hope that this blog will facilitate that communication.

Additionally, as our races approach, this blog can be a good tool for disseminating updates and notices about each event. Please feel free to share information about race distances, start times, trail conditions, and any other information geared toward racers as well.

This blog will be visible to the public, so everyone will be able to come read it. However, only event organizers will be able to post messages on it. I will have a link added to this blog from the 4 Seasons website, so the public will be able to find it.

In order to post on the blog, you must register with blogger.com, which is an easy process. It only takes a minute, and it's free. If you need any help let me know. (austin@mainewsc.org)

I hope to hear from you all soon!

Austin Ross
Development Coach
Maine Winter Sports Center