Fall Programs Update: July 29
July 29, 2020
Hello BJC Nation!
Here’s an update for the fall season.
We’re in planning mode and intend to provide a range of fall programs across various disciplines and age groups with adaptations for COVID. We’re aiming to open registration around the 2nd week of August, and start practices around Sept. 7. (Sooner for some groups.)
The demands of running our current programs thru the virus has put us behind schedule for planning, but please know that we’re working hard to ensure BJC is here for you now, and in the fall season. We’ll implement a number of safety protocols including small groups, distancing, masks, staggered times and locations, and many other steps recommended by health officials. Read our Corona Precautions and Policies.
The fall season will include:
Cyclocross Devo: for ages 8-13ish very similar to last year. Tentative dates are Sept. 7 to Thanksgiving. Practices will be M/W or T/TH 4:30-6:30 pm, but we’ll adapt to school schedules as needed and may change the days and times to support our kids. Registration opens around the 2nd week of August and will be announced in advance. This program will fill very quickly.
MTB Devo: Historically we have not offered MTB Devo in the fall and instead encourage kids to try our very popular cyclocross program. But with the pandemic cancelling so many school activities, we’re looking at the possibility of a fall MTB Devo program. Stay tuned.
Cyclocross High School: for ages 14ish-19. The fall season will focus on cyclocross, but include MTB and Road rides when it makes sense. Practices will be Tues and Weds 4:30-6:30 pm, but we’ll adapt to school schedules as needed and may change practice days and times if it makes sense. We’ll also be very flexible with high school MTB teams and activities so athletes can participate in both. Tentative dates are Sept. 7 to CX Nationals. We’ll support the team at various MTB and Road races if they happen in August, September, and beyond. (e.g. Vail Town Series, Steamboat Stage Race, etc)
Shredders Gravity Team: will be similar to our summer season for ages 11-18. Tentative dates are mid-August to mid-October. The roster will be filled through an application process. Contact coach Ben Robles to apply ASAP as space is very limited.
Young Devo: We are also considering offering 1 day a week of Young Devo MTB for ages 6-8 starting in September. There are several factors we need to consider before we can commit to this program for the fall, stay tuned for updates. Bike Play for 5-6 yr olds will not be offered this fall.
Coaches Needed: We need far more coaches than usual in order to create smaller groups and protect our community. Qualified cycling coaches are encouraged to contact Pete.
Team Clothing Orders: We’ll open the online store for ordering sometime in early August. Meanwhile, we do have an inventory of kits for sale right now. Contact Pete to arrange immediate purchase. See this sheet for a list.
Redeeming Credits: If you have a credit from 2020 spring programs, you can use that to pay program fees. Contact us for details and registration coupon codes.
Price Changes: As a non-profit, BJC’s goal is always to keep your registration fees as cheap as possible. However, this year we’ve needed to double our coaching staff to create smaller groups, and our payroll and other operational costs have risen significantly. Additionally, donations, sponsorships, and fundraisers have dropped to almost zero. These economic challenges will force us to slightly increase prices for programs this fall.
Cancelations and Refunds: Due to the continued financial strain of the pandemic, we have modified our Cancelations and Refunds policy. In the event a program is canceled due to COVID-19 BEFORE the start of the program, we will issue a 50% refund to all registered participants. If a program is canceled due to COVID-19 AFTER the start of the program, NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS WILL BE GIVEN. Programs for high school athletes are unlikely to be cancelled even if the pandemic worsens, because we have a good system for virtual team activities and coaching even if practice is cancelled. But programs for ages under 14 can’t operate as effectively in a quarantine and will be paused or cancelled. We’ll always strive to adapt and improvise, and cancellation will only be an absolute last resort.
As we go forward, I want to remind you that BJC has a scholarship program and support network in place for those who need it. If you anticipate being in a financial position that would prohibit your kids from riding with BJC, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support.
As always, Pete
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Pete Webber, Executive Director