On behalf of the Nebraska Cycling Association, its officers and board members, I would like to welcome you to the 2008 Nebraska Cycling season! For many it is the start of another season of racing, but for others, you may have raced once and still have a lot of questions. Whether you are brand new to bike racing or a veteran to the competitive scene...Your Race Starts Here!

So, what is the Nebraska Cycling Association (NCA)? You can think of us as your local link to USA Cycling, the national governing body for all sanctioned bike races held in the U.S. The NCA's mission is to be YOUR complete source for bicycle raacing information in Nebraska. Whether you're a mountain biker, road or cyclo-cross racer, promoter or official, our purpose is to serve and support you.

As the recognized Local Association (LA) for Nebraska by USA Cycling, we recieve $10 back from USA Cycling for every annual road license sold and $5 back on every off-road annual license sold. So, what do we do with that money? There are a number of plans that we have including ongoing communication with Nebraska riders about races, events and other NCA activities, swag for riders who purchase their annual license and the costs for hosting the NCA Awards Banquet at the end of the season. Our goal is to create an environment with Nebraska racing that allows riders of all levels and abilities to better understand and take part in our sport.

All of the races you see listed on our website, www.nebraskacycling.org are sanctioned by USA Cycling, which means they have met planning and organizational requirements to be insured by USA Cycling. Our promoters have all attended an NCA sponsored Race Promoters Clinic to learn how to provide the highest quality race experience for racers. This clinic, which is provided at no charge is also an outlet for promoters to share ideas, suggestions and other methods for providing the best possible experience for you. Every one of these races will have trained USA Cycling Race Officials that have been instructed on the guidelines and rules for the different disciplines of our sport according to the USA Cycling rulebook.

Bottom line: you can rest assured that we will provide a well-run and fair competitive race every time.

You might be saying, "Well OK, I understand the reasons for having a license, but what else is in it for me?"  

Good question and I am glad you asked because there is a lot in it for you.

Often times the benefits of being a USAC license holder are missed. Here are some of the benefits to being a card carrying member of USA Cycling:

• Save 10% on all Hampton / Hilton family properties
• Receive no annual fees plus a low introductory annual percentage rate and a credit line up to $100,000 on your Bank of America co-branded USA Cycling credit card
• Option to purchase low cost accident insurance through Adventure Advocates
• Option to purchase major medical insurance through Assurant Health
• 10% off track pro-frames with Teschner. Save an additional $265 with free shipping plus receive 1 free Teschner Team kit valued at $180
• 10% off wind tunnel testing sessions with Colorado Premier Training
• $25.00 off high-end custom insoles with eSoles
• Receive discounts with Liberty Mutual on car, homeowner and renter insurance
• Receive a 10% discount on USA Cycling clothing with X-P Apparel
• Save 10% on USA Cycling Development Foundation apparel
• Receive a 10% discount off custom banners and printing with ZAAVY
• Save 50% on all Habervision sunglasses and products
• Discounted membership at 24 Hour Fitness
• Save up to 15% with Hertz on your next car rental
• Receive a free athlete profile and a $10 discount on a premium account with SponsorHouse
• Receive a free gift with an annual subscription to VeloNews
• Save $10 on a 10-issue subscription to Her Sports + Fitness magazine
• Save 15% on race number & 10% on supplies with Rainbow Racing
• Save 10% on road and mountain bike tours at Western Spirit Cycling
• Receive a 10% discount on 53x11 Coffee and products
• Receive a 15% discount on Flexpower joint and muscle pain sports relief cream
• Save up to 15% off airline tickets from United Airlines
• Receive discounts on Specialized products*
  *Discount applies to USA Cycling Collegiate members only

And that is just what USA Cycling will do for you! When you present your USA Cycling license (or proof of purchase) at upcoming NCA events, we will give you an official NCA water bottle and wristband as our way of saying "thank you!" Not just that, as an annual license holder you have a voice and a vote to help direct future NCA endeavors.

Look for the Nebraska Cycling Association banner at these upcoming events to recieve your free water bottle and wristband:

• Saturday, March 22: NCA Criterium Training Race #1 - Raymond
• Saturday, March 29: NCA Criterium Training Race #2 - Norfolk
• Saturday, April 5: Psycowpath MTB #1 - Norfolk
• Sunday, April 6: NCA Criterium Training Race #3 - Omaha

Be sure to check back for updates on the Nebraska Cycling Association. If you would like to purchase or renew your USA Cycling race license, visit: www.usacycling.org

And for the latest Nebraska race news and features, visit: www.nebraskacyclingnews.com

It's 2008 and Your Race Starts Here!

John Lefler, Jr. - President/Race Permit Coordinator, Nebraska Cycling Association