Photo credits: David Reuter - Dennis McGovern - Wil Matthews - Markham Johnson
Updated:  5 Jan 2000 -- Editor  Dave Carr -- Also visit the NCNCA Feed Zone

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NCNCA Cyclocross News

The 1999-2000 NCNCA season is done--and now this site goes dormant until next fall.  What a cool season!
Thanks to everyone for their comments, support and contributions -- and for making this one of the best CX race seasons in memory. I'll leave you with this thought, from international 'cross stud Tim Johnson, espoir national champion. See you on the road! --Dave Carr

Tim Johnson's comments on Natz, from timjohnson.net: "Cyclocross is such a great sport! It's fast paced, terribly hard and the pain and agony of each and every racer is translated perfectly into the minds of those who watch. That is what is so cool about cross. That's why I love it. Ask anyone that saw the races in the Presidio. They'll tell you that those two days had some of the best bike racing ever. I'm not talking just cross races, but ANY bike racing."

        "I'd like to thank everyone who came to check out the race. The weekend contained far and away the best crowds I've ever raced in front of.  The bells that were handed out (3000 I think) created this continuous wave of sound that was augmented by the roaring crowd. The tunnel of noise that followed us around those 2 days were filled with an energy that is very hard for me to describe, but also something that I will likely never forget. Each time I went through the part of the course by the pits and expo/start finish area I didn't feel like I was even touching the ground.  It really felt incredible to be a part of the whole scene, never mind part of the race that was creating the whole thing." --Tim Johnson.

The Saturn machine at SF SuperCup, by Dennis McGovern.

The Presidio needs your support!

    "Help!  My friend Steve works for the Presidio and was actually the person who gave Galeforce the green light to go forward on the Natz venue. He is getting a negative response from a couple different communities about the event and some damage done to the area.  The chances of ever holding this again are very  slim.  So far the Presidio has only heard negative things.  If a few of us could take the time to write to the Presdio it would give us a fighting chance to retain this great race. Please take a few minutes and send him a note.  Thanks,  Luc Troussieux <marinbright@earthlink.net>"
    Mail letters to: Mr. Steve Overman,  The Presidio Trust,  PO Box 29052,  San Francisco,  CA  94129-0052; or email

Help send NorCal CX studs to Worlds

    USA Cycling has named several top NorCal cyclocrossers to the World's team for next month's championships in the Netherlands. Congratulations to Justin Robinson (Elite Men), Damon Kluck (Elite Men), Shari Kain (Elite Women), Andy Jacques-Maynes (Espoir Men), Ben Jacques-Maynes (Espoir Men), and Jackson Stewart (Espoir Men).
     But, we have a problem: USAC does not provide funds for these riders to attend Worlds. Each needs at least $3000 in travel funds to get themselves to Europe. There are a couple of groups who are helping to raise money.  Locally, Andy Volk of VooDoo Cycles has set up a raffle for a custom VooDoo 'cross frame, to be held at the Central Coast CX finals--see flyer.  Nationally, Patrick O'Grady and others have set up the American Cyclocross Foundation to help the whole US squad.  You've enjoyed watching and competing against these guys all year -- now lend a hand if you can.

Cyclocross Natz Wrapup:
Results from Galeforce; racer rants; stories from Velonews; John Elgart's reports on Master and Senior races; tons of pictures from ForwardThought, Cyclingnews.com, BayInsider, Fat Tire Fotos, Chain Reaction, MTBR, Pete Fagerlin, NCNCA's Dennis McGovern, and Iwan Tjioe. You can also review the preview. My interview with Kevin Merrigan got my name announced
on race PA--which is cool because I was doing too poorly in the race to get mentioned otherwise.--Ed.

Novice racer Q&A:
Q: How do I get started in cross?  A: Try this introduction.
Q: Do I need a license to race?  A: Read the license notes in the calendar.
Q: Where do I find a clinic?  A: Check the calendar again.

Q: Can I race on my mountain bike? A: Use the Surf City guidelines:
"Vehicle: Any complete, functioning bicycle with two wheels and knobbies.
Bar ends must be removed or turned backwards."
Also note: MTBs are not allowed in elite events at Super Cup races.

Q: What category should I enter? A: Categories are self-selected. Basic guidelines:
If you are new to racing, or a beginner MTB, or cat 5 on road, enter "C."
Sport MTB, or cat 4 or 3 road, try "B".   Expert MTB or a cat 2 road or higher should do A's.
If you don't like the category you picked, try another!

CX site editor and resident mudman: Dave Carr davidlcarr@aol.com Copyright © 1997-1999 NCNCA All Rights Reserved