Race preparation officially begins for new riders with 'Rookie Week'

Little 500 season officially began yesterday as the rookies took the track at Bill Armstrong Stadium for Rookie Week.\nAll rookie riders are required to practice this week to orient themselves to the finer points of the annual race.\n"It's a good week for the rookies to get their feet wet before the veterans come out to practice," said senior Riders' Council member Ryan Moore. "They will learn some of the things unique to Little Five, and it's just a good way for them to get comfortable."\nThe Riders' Council members realize mistakes will be made, so they want to allow the rookies the chance to gain their bearings with the track.\n"The point of rookie week is to allow rookies some time to get familiar with the track, what it feels like to get on it, getting on and off the bike, and how it feels to ride in a pack," senior Riders' Council member Alana Robertson said. "Only the rookies are out here, so the veterans aren't intimidating them."\nThe Riders Council members teach the riders a new fundamental each day. They want to give the riders a set of skills to prepare them for their first race. Each day's lesson will build off the previous lesson, Moore said. The Riders' Council members serve as mentors and instructors during the week.\n"We really just want to be here to teach them the skills, but also just answer any questions they have," Moore said. "I think you learn by doing, so we are here for whatever the rookies need from us."\nEven with a track full of rookies, taking the track for the first time can be intimidating for some riders.\n"I was scared at first, but once I got here it was great because they were telling us things to get us in the mode for the race," junior Renata Hacker said. "It wasn't scary anymore because everyone was doing the same thing as I was."\nWhile some riders were nervous, others were excited to get their first taste of Little 500.\n"I'm definitely excited about coming out," sophomore Kevin Devine said. "I really want to see where I compare with the other guys out here."\nFor the coaches, this week can be used to get their younger riders caught up to the veterans and add to team chemistry. It also can be used as a motivational tool for the teams.\n"It's a chance for them to come here and see what the other girls are like," Alpha Kappa Theta coach Tom Schowegler said. "Then they are like, 'wow, there are other people who are learning just like we are,' which is kind of nice. The hardest thing though, is that it's so cold out here for practice."\nDespite the fact that they are only getting one week of extra practice, the experience is crucial in making the next two months run as smoothly as possible.\n"What's really important is that they learn the track etiquette and to know you have to communicate and let other riders know where you are," Robertson said. "We want them to learn communication so there aren't big crashes in practice or race day"