It seems as though the next party scene is spring break, but the preparation for the party week of the year started Feb. 16. Little Five has the tradition like no other with riders like no other. In order for the tradition to continue there must be riders who are brand new to the track. These rookies must complete a new set of requirements. 

Standard rookie requirements for the spring semester are as follows. 

• Complete a minimum of 10 hours of biking during Rookie Week. 

• Must meet a minimum of 23 hours of biking between Rookie Week and the race.

• Participate in a minimum of two spring cycling events -- Friday Night Races series or Spring Cycling series.

• Pass the Rookie exam with a score of at least 75 percent.

• Attend every minute of Rookie Week available by the Rookie's school and work schedule.

• They have 30 minutes to get to the track after they finish their class or work and before they must be at class or work.

Rookie Week is not just one week. It goes from Feb 16 all the way until the 27th. Bikers must train three and a half hours every day, Monday through Thursday. Fridays require only two hours and fifteen minutes of training. The training requires dedication and a lot of time, but that is what Little 500 is all about -- the dedication to raise scholarships funds, to train year round, to sacrifice spring break and most of all, to sacrifice the party week of Little 500. 

Rookie Week is not just to see who is dedicated to the race, but to protect every rider who has dedicated themselves to what is -- according to ESPN -- the 26th most important sporting event to see before you die. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, the rookies become one step closer to riding in the race of a lifetime. 

Oh, wait, then the rookies have to complete the requirements of the rest of the riders. So good luck, rookies, and remember -- if you are not first, you're last.

Find more information about Little 500, buy tickets for Little 500, and more at http://www.iusf.indiana.edu/