1/27/2005 - US Men at Masters Worlds

UCI World Masters Cyclo-Cross - 22/1/2005 - Zilvermeer Mol, Belgium

Dames/Ladies <1965 (7 riders)
6th JARZEMKOSKI Teresa

Heren/Hommes/Men 1956-1960 (31 riders)
7th KRAMER Henry
28th LODGE Bruce

Heren/Hommes/Men 1961-1965 (54 riders)
14th HOWLAND Mark
21st EASTWOOD David
33rd SMITH Kenneth
46th SCHOENING Paul

Heren/Hommes/Men 1966-1970 (43 riders)
9th BLACK Will
10th FELDMAN Richard
32nd HAITZ Tim
39th WALSH James

Heren/Hommes/Men 1951-1955
17th Chris Allen

Full results at http://www.aawbv.iplsoft.com/foto/fotopagina_WKMOL.html

1/14/2005 - You Want Mud?

You want mud? You got it.

Sunday's Peak Season Winter Cyclocross race course at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds in Watsonville will sport some of the best mud seen in a Norcal cx race this season- this isn't just some gimmick to get you out to the race, this is the real deal.

I don't know why we don't extend the cyclocross race season longer here in Norcal; this is the time of year we actually get the right conditions to emulate the courses of our muddy European heroes.

It looks like the four-person team relay race at 12 noon has created a lot of interest. I've had at least a dozen people tell me they are entering teams for the relay event, the proceeds of which will benefit the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC) in their "Free The Trail" efforts to help keep cycling legal in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos. Team Relay entries are $40 per team.

And the fact that we're crowning 13 separate Santa Cruz County Cyclocross Champions has a lot more folks coming out of the woodwork. One does not have to be a County resident to race in any category, but since we are awarding a special County CX Champion prize to the highest-placed County resident in each category, one does have to show proof of residency to become eligible for the Championship. No proof, no prize. Category winners who are not County residents still win a prize but are not official "Santa Cruz County Cyclocross Champions." Entry fee is $20, junior riders (two categories) are $10.

We have a plethora of prizes for your post-race pleasure. Possible prizes can be picked from the following proud patrons:

The Bicycle Trip, The Spokesman Bicycles, Another Bike Shop, Family Cycling
Center, Bonny Doon Vineyard, Rock Lobster Cycles, Hunter Cycles, Coffeetopia,
Water St. Stereo, Practical Business Applications, Engfer Pizza Works, The
Bagelry, Voler Team Apparel, Champion Nutrition, Staff Of Life Natural Foods,
Fox Racing Shox and Clifbar.

For more information and directions, check our Race flyer at http://www.cyclocross.cx

Thank you,

David Gill
Team Santa Cruz

1/12/2005 - Central Coast Cyclo-Cross Series Champions

After 2 weeks of solid rain, the stage was set for all the competitors at the final race of the Central Coast Cross Series held sunday Jan 9th in Ft Ord. And mother nature did not disappoint as a steady flow of moisture was in the air all night before the race and during most of the races. This led to some really crazy action for those trying to snatch any available points in this last race of the five race series. Abbiorca photos was nice enough to brave the conditions and they documented some of the action with some really nice digital picture work! Be sure and check out their web page for all the photos.

Congratulations to the division champions of the 2004 Central Coast Cyclo-Cross Series!

A Men- Cameron Falconer (Hunter cycles-dfL) Fairfax.
A Women- Hillary Daniels (Hunter cycles) Santa Cruz.
35+ A Men- Keith DeFiebre (Bay Bikes) Prunedale.
45+ A Men- Henry Kramer (Schwab cycles) Menlo Park.
35+ Women- Andi Macki (Vello Bella/Moots cycles) Walnut Creek.
B Women- Alyse Weyman (Vello Bella) Soquel.
B Men- Matt Kramer (Armadillo Willy's) Los Gatos.
35+ B Men- Paris Loader (Bay Bikes) Salinas.
45+ B Men- Kyle Samuels (Cal Giant) Watsonville.
C Men- Frank Thaxter San Luis Obispo.
Juniors- Jose Bonilla (Bicycle Trip) Watsonville.
Singlespeed- Bradley Koester (dfL) San Francisco

Full results are here.

The CCCX staff would also like to congradulate all the racers who attended the series this year! Everyone who competes is a winner and CCCX has been a great way to test your limits and work on your racing skills. Thanks to everyone for your support!

We will have a series review write up in a few days. And please check our web site cccx.org for dates and location of the 2005 CCCX Mtn Bikes Series starting in Feb.

-CCCX Staff

1/6/2005 - Central Coast Cross finals set for Sunday!

The final race of the Central Coast Cyclo-cross Series is set for this Sunday Jan. 9th, in the East Garrison area of Ft Ord. The sight will be the same as race #1 and race #4 of the series, where Andy Jacques-Maynes (Specialized) rode away from everyone else in the A field on the way to two wins. This area of the former army base is scheduled for a major housing development, and this will probably be the last time to compete in this venue as we know it. After finishing first in race #4 35+A Men, Dave Hejduk (Sycip Racing) requested a similar route for the final. With that request, the course will be fast with good climbs and fun downhills. There will be dirt sections, and mud sections, and lots of pavement. So now matter how bad the weather will be, there will be some fast sections!

Most series leaders have a solid grasp on their respected divisions. But there are a few divisions that are up for grabs and will come down to which racer finishes ahead of the other. As in the mens 45+B division, where the durable Kyle Samuels (Cal Giant) is clinging to a narrow lead over hard charging Bruce Lodge (Black Market), the ever present Scott DeLaurentis (SCCC/LeVillage Imports) and Steve Clifton (SCCCC). Also the wonderful Andi Mackie (Vello Bella/ Moots Cycles) has won 3 out of 4 races. But she missed one and is only 3 points ahead of the super consistent Beverly Chaney (Hot Flash Chicks). And in the popular Single Speed division it will be a show down for first in the last race of the series. Post Street of San Francisco cross legend Bradley koester (DFL) is in a dead lock with Monterey racer Micah Mozel (Joselyns), and who ever finishes ahead of the other will most likely end up series champion. So don’t miss all the action in this final curtain call for racing in the East Garrison area of Ft Ord. Hope to see you all there. For directions and times please check our web site at cccx.org.

-CCCX Staf

1/5/2005 - California Road Club donates $1,300 to Barb Howe for Cyclocross World Championships

Local team provides $1300 to fund trip to world competition

January 4, 2005 (Sausalito, CA) The California Road Club (CRC)-a San Francisco based cycling team-has donated $1300 to Barb Howe, 28 of Larkspur, CA, to help fund her trip to Belgium and Germany to compete in the Cyclocross World Championships. Barb, in only her second year of racing cyclocross has risen to the top-level, and was chosen by USA Cycling to represent the United States at the annual World Championship.

Despite the sport's rising popularity (Cyclocross was recently the front-page feature in the San Francisco Chronicle's Sunday Magazine), American athletes do not receive funding from USA Cycling to compete. USA Cycling's rules state that athletes only receive assistance when competing in Olympic sports. Therefore, Howe-like all other domestic cyclocross racers must find their own funding for the trip, as well as for maintenance and housing.

"Barb works at A Bicycle Odyssey in Sausalito, which has sponsored the California Road Club since our inception," said Bud Napolio, CRC spokesman." We are pleased to help Barb with her expenses, as she represents the essence of what our club is about." CRC's contribution of $1300 will add to the pool of money Barb has raised by herself, and through other generous contributions.

The contribution to Barb's trip coincided with the formal creation of CRC's new women's team. "We've just completed an outreach program to start a women's team," said Napolio. "This contribution fits in nicely with that effort."

About the California Road Club

The California Road Club (CRC) is a cycling team based in San Francisco, sponsored by Hill & Company Real Estate. The team participates in dozens of races in and around Northern California (and beyond), as well as organizing two marquee events: The Presidio Criterium and the Mt. Tam Hill Climb. For more information, please visit www.californiaroadclub.org or contact Bud Napolio at wanap@yahoo.com.

PHOTO - Tony Guffanti and Bud Napolio of CRC present Barb Howe with a check
for $1,300.

1/5/2005 - PureSweetHell Screenings

This coming weekend we are in Bakersfield for the finals of the SoCal series.

Saturday, January 8th
8pm Best Western Bakersfield

contact: wongwongway@aol.com

Following the final NorCal event of the season, and also a fundraiser for Velo Bellas heading to worlds:

Sunday January 16th
7pm Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz

contact: redcowboy66@yahoo.com

-Brian Vernor

(note: there is also a party after the Santa Cruz screening, see Velo Bella's website for more info: http://www.velobella.org)

 

1/5/2005 - Southern California Cross Cup Finals

The much anticipated finals of the Southern California Cross cup are upon us.The race will be held at Hart Park, Bakersfield CA. this Sunday January 9th. The rain is falling and the parcours is looking just splendid. Be prepared for all ranges of mud on the cross index. The course will be chalked on Saturday morning for preriding.

We are anticipating a good turnout and look forward to hosting some great racing for our Nor Cal friends. The prize list is good and the flyer can be found at www.kernwheelmen.org.

Dorothy Wong, the so cal cup superwoman, has organized a movie screening and pasta dinner at the Best Western hotel in Bakersfield. She has secured a room rate if you are coming from out of town. Here are the details and her email address:

WHEN: Saturday, 1/8/05
Dinner/Drawing/Videos @ Jungle Café.
$10 includes pasta buffet, drinks, desert, drawing & movie ticket.
Or $5 for drawing and movie ticket only. donation to LAF!
5:00pm Registration Opens @ Hotel
6:00pm Dinner Begins @ Jungle Cafe
7:30pm Door Prize Drawing
7:45pm SoCalCross Video
8:00pm Puresweethell CX Movie
9:00pm Goodnight

WHERE: Best Western Hill House/Jungle Café
700 Truxton Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, 661/327-4064
SCCX Group Rate=$59 plus tax - 2 Queen Beds non-smoking, up to 4 people, includes FREE Breakfast Buffet especially for SCCX Group! Hotel is approximately 8 miles to race venue.

Please RSVP - Dorothy: wongwongway@aol.com
Book hotel directly, mention SCCX Group for special rate no later than: Wednesday, 1/5 -- 2:00pm. 661/327-4064.

Thank you,
Sam Ames
Race Director

12/20/2004 - So. Cal Cross Cup features Lance Armstrong!

By Sam Ames

The growth and success of the Southern California Cyclocross Cup continues to draw big names, big fields and good races, but today's race at Pierce College in Woodland Hills featured 6 time tour champ Lance Armstrong and Tony Cruz of USPS, soon to be Discovery Channel.

With sunny California 80 degree weather, it was far from the rain and cold of two weeks prior. On a tough and somewhat "mountain bikey" course with lots of climbing, the men's elite field rolled of the line with a charge of 30+ riders, all with smiles as wide as Texas to be racing with Lance.

Newly crowned Masters National Champion in the 45+ category Mark Noble (complete with Santa beard and hat to celebrate the "Santa Cross") quickly took position along with Celo Pacific rider Brent Prenzlow, Amstrong and Cruz. The pace up the long and twisting climb was blistering and a gap soon formed. As the group weaved there way downhill and into the set of barriers it was clear that this wasn't Lance's first rodeo. He displayed great bike handling skills and good dismounting technique throughout the race. Both Cruz and Armstrong appeared to be riding stock Trek X01 cross bikes.

The group stayed somewhat together through the thwisty single track and back to the start finish area with Noble leading the charge and a calm Armstrong in tow. As the two riders powered up the steep start of the climb, the rest of the field, save for Cruz and Prenzlow were strung out all over the course. Noble and Armstrong rode neck and neck for several more laps with Prenzlow and Cruz making pace behind. Armstrong put in a move on the climb with 5 to go and gobbled up the rest of the now scattered field. Many a lapped rider could be heard saying, "Get a picture of Lance behind me!". Photos for the scrapbook, indeed. With the bell lap Armstrong had a 30 second lead and never let up. He rolled in for the win to a thunderous crowd. Mark Noble finished 2nd. with Prenzlow attacking Cruz to take a solid 3rd. place, Cruz 4th.

Lance graciously signed some autographs and took photos after a quick smooch and congratulations from girlfriend Sheyrl Crow. "I enjoyed the race and it was a good workout!" stated Armstrong. Promoter Gary Hanson of team Amgen/Scary Fast, complete with Santa outfit as well, was quite pleased to have Amstrong and Cruz in attendance and indicated the prize money won would be donated to a charity.

Full results and photos to follow.

The Southern California Cross Cup features two more races. January 2nd. on the central coast in Solvang, CA hosted by Mike Hecker and RideSB.com.

The big final race of the series takes place at the famous Hart Park European style course in Bakersfield, CA. hosted by Sam Ames and kernwheelmen.org.

12/14/2004 - Congrats to the Norcal/Nevada Top Tens!

New national champions are in BOLD.

Ok, I included folks from ALL of California and Nevada, because "those guys" don't have a website as great as ours down yonder. That being said, they're doing something right down there because all the Junior top tens are from the Scary Fast Racing Team in Southern Cali - kudos to the Scary Fast folks for getting the kids into the sport! We in Northern California need to take note.

MENDOZA, Raymond (8th, Junior Men 10-12)
RYAN, Morgan (8th, Junior Men 13-14)
RYAN, Kendall (3rd, Junior Women 10-14)
RYAN, Alexis (6th, Junior Women 10-14)
Baumsteiger, Trina (6th, B Women)
KERLIN, Sarah (5th, Elite Women)
VARDAROS, Christine (6th, Elite Women)
HOWE, Barbara (9th, Elite Women)
STEWART, Jackson (7th, Elite Men)
ROBINSON, Justin (1st, Master Men 30-34)
FUNKE, John (5th, Master Men 35-39)
PRENZLOW, Brent (7th, Master Men 35-39)
NOBLE, Mark (1st, Master Men 40-44)
COATS, James (3rd, Master Men 40-44)
MAILE, Rich (7th, Master Men 40-44)
KRAMER, Henry (4th, Master Men 45-49)
Kreiss, Norm (7th, Master Men 45-49)
GENTES, Jim (9th, Master Men 45-49)
ABELE, Mark (10th, Master Men 45-49)
ALLEN, Chris (8th, Master Men 50-54)
ELGART, John (2nd, Master Men 55-59)
CUARESMA, Frank (10th, Master Men 55-59)
Noe, Gary (2nd, Master Men 60+)
Willmore, Rilee (6th, Master Men 60+)
Kerlin, Sarah (1st, Master Women 30-34)
MCGOVERN, Hollie (5th, Master Women 30-34)
Adams, Julie (7th, Master Women 30-34)
COSTANTINI, Lauren (5th, Master Women 35-39)
Baumhefner, Allison (7th, Master Women 35-39)
MACKIE, Andrea (2nd, Master Women 40-44)
WONG, Dorothy (4th, Master Women 40-44)
MOON, Sheila (5th, Master Women 40-44)
BAUMSTEIGER, Katrina (9th, Master Women 40-44)
Elgart, Linda (5th, Master Women 45-49)
Hejduk, David (5th, Single Speed)
MAILE, Rich (6th, Single Speed)
ABELE, Mark (7th, Single Speed)
Metzger, Melodie (1st, Collegiate Women)

Excellent job to ALL finishers in all categories. Full results are HERE.

12/14/2004 - Trebon Almost Turns the Page (CX Nats Report by John Elgart)

Jonathan Page, fresh from his European campaign, won his 3rd consecutive CX Nationals by edging Ryan Trebon in muddy Portland. Trebon provided unexpected resistance to the prohibitive favorite. Only the Kona rider’s late race bobble allowed Page to open a 15 second gap and claim victory.

Early in the race Page (Cervelo) jumped to a quick 10 second lead over the huge Elite field. Following Page were Trebon (Kona), former National champ Todd Wells, Trebon’s teammate Barry Wicks and Jackson Stewart (Clif).

Page is a top 20 rider in Europe, and his Euro fitness showed. It looked like the oft repeated prediction that riders from the American circuit were all riding for 2nd place would come true.

But 2 laps in, Trebon bridged up to Page, and soon after Page found himself in the unexpected position of drafting the 6’4” Kona rider.

The two leaders opened a one minute gap on the next rider, Wells. But neither could detach himself as the lead alternated between the super sized Trebon and the diminutive Page.

Finally, with a lap and a half to go, Trebon had to dismount on a ride-up when he appeared to be impeded by a lapped rider. Page was immediately at 10 seconds—and Trebon was in a desperate chase.

In the end, Page held onto his championship, but just barely. Trebon had the moral victory. He is obviously a comer on the cross scene.

In the Women’s race a new face to cross, Katie Compton, surprised the favorites.

When last seen Compton was winning a Gold Medal in the Paralympics in the tandem pursuit. We happened to catch it on television – Katie and partner beat an Australian team. Yes, Katie was the captain.

After a super fast start that blew the field apart, the 3 favorites were off with Compton. They were Ann Knapp (formerly Grande from Kona), Gina Hall (Missing Link), and Olympian mountain biker Mary McConneloug.

When Compton attacked, for a moment it looked as if Knapp and Hall were watching one another. But very soon it was obvious that Compton was for real, and Knapp and Hall chased until Knapp bridged up to Compton’s wheel with 2 laps to go.

For that moment, it looked as though Knapp, the defending champ, was going to take control of the race, but shockingly she fell in the next corner.

Compton was given a 10 second lead, which she held to the finish. Knapp had lost her momentum and was caught and passed by Hall. McC came in at 4th another 10 seconds back.

Fifth place, in a surprise, was Sarah Kerlin (Velo Bella). Only last week Sarah was 1 place and 1 second ahead of Linda at Pilarcitos (Linda did think that Sarah must have been having an off day J)

Other notes:

NorCal (ie Sacto) Juniors: Adam Switters (Lombardis) crashed on the first lap, got his glove entangled in his shift lever, and wound up at the tail end of the field. He fought back to finish 14th. Eric Riggs (Lombardis) had a terrific start holding 2nd after half a lap, but faded to 10th.

My Trebon story: The Kona team, Trebon, Wicks and Eric Tonkin, showed up at one of our Sacramento crosses last season, and I had the privilege of being lapped by all 3. Trebon passed me before a dismount, and watching him run, it seemed a bit unfair to have legs that long. They took our top places and were very nice guys even though our prize list was miniscule (we did add some travel money afterward though.)

The Portland course: Against all forecasts, Portland finally dried out. A meteorological anomaly, the Sun, was seen in the Oregon sky. And some of the mud went away. I would say that the average speed in the Elite race was about twice as fast as any race from the ultra muddy day before.

Pictures from a Renaissance Fair, the Cross Crusade Scene: Cross is in our view the ultimate spectator sport. The crowd is so close to the riders, and the riders are so exposed -- going all out, mud covered, fighting the course, every expression and every mistake in plain view.

And in Portland, there was additional entertainment: A full on drum corps that broke into a thundering crescendo whenever the leaders came by. And a brass band, with punk/primitive/insane-clown majorettes and stilt walkers that provided the halftime show. It was the atmosphere of a Renaissance Fair combined with a pagan survival ritual. In Portland this is called the Cross Crusade. Yes, the religious overtones are appropriate.

Cross fans have special level of insanity. In Belgium the top riders have busloads of fans, attired in fan club jackets, carrying huge banners. They run alongside their favorites, inches away, ringing cow bells and shouting unintelligible encouragement. At Portland I stepped quickly aside to avoid these bell ringing flagellants.

On the Portland course, the huge crowd of spectators ran from vantage point to vantage point to follow the action. When Page and Trebon passed a roar went up, and the cowbells rang nonstop. Past the finish area spectators jammed the track only to part as riders flew through at 25 mph. The stilt walkers loomed overhead. The drummers pounded. Announcer Rich Fries blew out his amps -- but the scene spoke for itself. Only in Portland and only Cross.

12/13/2004 - Dirty Pictures...

Apparently Dave Carr wishes he had gone to Portland, because he is scouring the web for photos from the weekend and sending me the links (this is why my job is so easy). If you raced, chances are your muddy mug will appear on more than one one of the following websites in the next few days:

www.nweventphotography.com
www.moses-images.com
cyclingnews.com
roadbikephotos.com
abbiorca.com
Cross Crusade Photography Forum
bikemecca.com
velobella.org
http://www.usacycling.org/gallery/album04
http://www.clintonphoto.com/subjects/event%20photos/uscxnat04/
http://cyclocrossworld.com/Results.cfm (scroll down to Nationals)

11/30/2004 - Sacramento Series Completes 6th Season: Yeater and Elgart Take Overall Awards

The Sacramento CX Series completed its 6th season of grass roots cross with a 20% increase in ridership over previous years. In the overall competition former winners Davy Yeater (Monticello) claimed the Open A’s and Linda Elgart (Webcor/AltoVelo) the Women A’s titles. Davy won by taking the final race in Ione ahead of Dean Dealy (DiSalvo). Cameron Falconer (Hunter) had two wins but placed 3rd overall because he did only 3 races. Linda edged out Amrita O’Leary (Huangoche) and Hollie McGovern (Rad Racing).

Other category winners were Norm Kreiss (Missing Link) in 35+ A’s, Matt Obregon (The Bike Biz) in Junior A’s, Eric Zimmer (Livermore Cycle) in Open B’s, Kelly McDonald (CyclingTraining.com) in Women B’s, Jeremy Ferguson in Junior B’s, Keith Newsome in Men 30 B’s, Paul Falvey (AtletiPoliValenti) in Men 40 B’s, Craig Peterson (Ventana) in Men 50 B’s, Mike McDonald (Jaeger) in Men 60 B’s and Jim McDonald (The Bike Biz) in Open C’s.

Overall sponsors for the Sacramento Series in 2004 are Clif Bar and Voler Team Apparel. Secondary sponsors include Defeet Socks, The Bicycle Business, City Bicycle Works, East Sac Bike and Board, The Rest Stop, The Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop, BikeShop2U.com, CyclingTraining.com, Body Concepts, and Ray’s Cycle.

The 2004 Sacramento Series was 9 races, promoted by 9 different clubs, on 6 different venues. Next season we look forward to more venues and clubs, more sponsorship and more grass roots crossing.

--John Elgart

11/28/2004 - HOME DEPOT CENTER HOSTS SCARY FAST CALIFORNIA STATE CYCLOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Home Depot Center Sports Complex in Carson, CA, USA will host the Scary Fast California District 4 Cyclocross Championships December 5, 2004. The 1.2-mile course will have a variety of challenging elevations around the ADT Velodrome including two run-up sections.
This is the first Cyclocross event to be held at the Home Depot Center. Amgen Cycling Club will sponsor a Barbque and Beer Garden at the Expo Area in front of the Velodrome. A few of the registered companies to have booths in the Expo Area are Bianchi, Clif Bar, Red Bull, Kona/Pyramid Brewery, Felt Racing, Shimano, Smith Optics, Profile Designs, Bellwether Sports, Agoura Cycles, Ford Motor Co. and Rocket Power Parts.
Racing begins promptly at 11am. During the event, spectators are welcome to watch World Cup Track Racers who will be training on the Velodrome for the up coming UCI World Cup Track event which starts December 10, 2004.
For more information, visit www.scaryfastracing.com
For more info on up-coming UCI World Cup Track events, visit www.homedepotcenter.com

 

11/19/2004 - INFINEON RACEWAY CYCLOCROSS REVVED UP FOR SATURDAY

Master B, Single Speed and Kids Race Added

Howdy 'cross fans,

The second annual Sonoma Valley Cyclocross is all set to go for this coming Saturday, Nov. 27 at Infineon Raceway (Sears Point) in Sonoma. After last year's great opening we are back with a bigger, better, badder event for this year, with more race categories, larger prize lists and an amped-up course.

Here are some highlights:
- Master "B" race and Single Speed added
- Free Kids Race
- Super fun course with new grass and running sections added, plus last year's popular "Scala Diablo" and "Spaghetti Hill"
- Juniors pay only $5
- Sponsor Expo, free stuff, kart race spectating
- Great race-day prizes for all cats including premium wine, bike schwag, and other stuff, plus cash included in Men A, Women A and Juniors.

All the info is at: http://www.napavalleyvelo.org/svcx/

Cheers
Dave Carr

11/19/2004 - Golden Gate Park in 2005

Alec and I would like to thank the gazillions of riders, families, and general GG Park spectators for your interest in Round 3 of the Bay Area Super Prestige CycloCross Series - we were pooped by sunday night but we had a BLAST! An old racing friend from the '70's - Alex Konstantinoff of the SF FLying Wheels - rode home sunday afternoon and got his rakes and spent a couple of hours removing tire tracks - we can't thank you enough, Alex. Monday we spent raking/cleaning and general mitigation of the areas with the most impact - and then had the pleasure of listening to a very pleased and excited Sandy Lee from the SF Park/Rec's Special Events department. She came out sunday to watch and said we were more than welcome to return in 2005. So, when the Cat "C" men line up at Round #4 on Dec. 4th at Coyote Point, please seek out fellow racer #309 - that's Jeffrey Bramlett - it was through his introductions and encouragment that got us started on the Golden Gate Park path. Thanks, Jeffrey, thanks a ton.

We also would like to thank our customers for their patience on a big day. If you've been to any of our previous events, 'cross and road, you'll know that speedy results and award ceremonies are an essential feature of our races. We apologize for the unusual delay in getting results to you - we just had a couple glitches plus a huge turnout in our 9:00 am race. We also want to shower praise onto our scoring team on sunday - Steve Betts and Paula Mara probably have RSI's from the writers cramp of scoring over 350 entrants. We deliberately planned a conservative course for our 1st foray into the park and that created a shorter course than our officials would like - 2200 meters instead of something like 2500-2700 meters. Now that we have some credibility with the park we can shoot for more length in 2005.

So, let's get ready for Coyote Point and the Series Finale! Saturday's race will mimic last year's circuit with the Beach reserved for Sunday and the Category 1 UCI event. We're getting our awards podium and backdrop polished for the final awards ceremony when top places receive a slew of prizes from our sponsor partners.
See you at Coyote Point!

Alec and Tom Simpson
Pilarcitos Cyclesports

11/13/2004 - Sacramento Cross Series - Final Week-end, November 20, at Granite Beach; November 21, Howard Park, Ione (NEW COURSE!)

Today the Rio Strada guys (Gary Noe and Curtis Fowler), Linda and I set up the new course in Howard Park in Ione. We think that this will be a great course — and we can guarantee some mud for a change. Lap times will be 5-8 minutes depending on class, with 3 runs, a creek crossing, some pave, and some whoopy up-and-down.

Ione wil be Sunday November 21. Ione is 45 minutes from downtown Sac. Take the Watt exit off of Hwy 50, turn left on Hwy 16, right on Ione Road, left on Hwy 104 to Ione, then take Church St (Hwy 124) to Howard Park - half a mile from downtown Ione.

Ione is promoted by Rio Strada, Gary Noe: 916 570 3469, gnoe719@astound.net.

Saturday Nov 20 will be Sac CX #8 at Negro Bar, promoted by Darryl Moxley Team Armour Fitness/BikeShop2U.com 916 519 6305. The course this time will be the clockwise version with double stair runs.

Ione will the the Sac Finals and overall cash prizes will be given out. (We will soon post the overall rankings.)
Also, as a special treat, all racers at Ione will receive a SACRAMENTO CX COWBELL.
Cheers, John Elgart

RE: the mud — on the Carr Scale, the mud at Ione ranges from grade 5 goo to grade 9 soup.

From the Rio Strada Promoters:
We'd like to add that we believe the Ione course is going to be to almost everyone's liking. The paved section is very short, and @ 50% of the course is on grass; there's only like 1% single track - the rest is mostly double track or wide open sections, which means you can pass almost anytime. Also, around some trees and some buildings, near horse barns, and a section on the horse racing track: think Watsonville, or Alpenrose Dairy in Portland, if you made that trip a few weeks ago.

For race times, etc. see the NCNCA.org calendar, Sacramento Series.

Directions: from the Bay Area/Santa Cruz, go to Stockton. Take the 88 east from Stockton to the 104, left up to Ione. Howard Park is @ 1/4 mile east of Ione.

11/12/2004 - Eurocycling Imports - Dugast 28mm's in stock just in time for Nationals!

I just wanted to let you know we have some Dugast 28mm's in stock! We finally received a shipment yesterday. I reckon these will be the tyres to have at the Nationals with all that inevitable mud and rain. We will be bringing some up to the race on Sunday in Golden Gate Park and setting up our booth.

-Chris Allen, Eurocycling Imports.

11/12/2004 - Bay Area Super Prestige Round 3 - We're BACK in the Park!

It's been nearly 30 years since Golden Gate Park has hosted competitive cycling events - I can remember the 70's road event "The Clean Air Race" near the Park's Conservatory of Flowers - that glass Victorian hothouse at the eastern end of the park - or the CycloCross events promoted by Club Endspurt near the Polo Grounds. But after a significant series of meetings with the Park and Rec staff and their Special Events Group - we're coming back to the Park this Sunday with the 3rd Round of the Bay Area Super Prestige CycloCross.

Golden Gate Park is built on sand dunes - and much of sunday's venue will be using park trails and paths with a sandy base to them. Located near the east end of the Polo Grounds on Middle Drive west, our planned circuit has a hillier cross section than Candlestick Point. Our run-up will be a challenge - short but steep enough that dismount and climbing spurs will be "de rigeur".

After the first 2 Rounds were recorded, we've got 3 riders going for the Series Shut-Out. Men's Cat. B Aaron Beardsley from Big Swingin' Cycles has taken both Candlestick Rounds, just like Henry Kramer and Chris D'Aluisio in Masters 45+ and 35+. With a change in terrain we may see some new challengers for the Series titles that will be decided in December at the big Coyote Point Weekend. December 4th is "Bianchi 'Cross" when celeste will blossom throughout the park and Sunday, December 5th, the series finale, will also welcome home most of Northern California's continent-crossing Elite Men and Women from their East Coast quest for UCI points and potential World's berths at "CCCP - Cyclo Cross @ Coyote Point" our UCI Cat. 1 event that features over $5,500 in cash to Elite Men, Women, and Juniors.

For more info and directions to the Park, please check our website at
www.pilarcitos.com
Tom & Alec Simpson Pilarcitos Cyclesports

11/04/04 -Infineon CX to Benefit Ross Dillon Fund

I'm writing to get the word out that this year's Sonoma Valley CX at Infineon Raceway on Nov. 27 will be a benefit for the Ross Dillon Family Fund. Ross is a Sonoma county bike racer and regular at the Santa Rosa twilights who was struck and nearly killed by an inattentive driver near Sebastopol in 2002.
Before the accident Ross was a really nice guy with a great future and someone I knew personally. Despite major brain damage he is making a dramatic but very slow recovery and his family has huge bills for rehab. We will be making a minimum $500 contribution out of race proceeds, more if we get a good turnout. Riders can also make tax-deductible individual contributions on the fund's website: http://www.rossdillon.com.

Also FYI for masters racers we have added a Master B race (combined 35/45+).

All the info is at: http://www.napavalleyvelo.org/svcx/.

Thanks
Dave Carr
Infineon Raceway Cycling/Napa Valley Velo

10/29/04 - Spirit of Surf City Cyclocross Race

Just a reminder that the Spirit of Surf City Cyclocross race will be held this Sunday at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville CA. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., racing starts at 9:00 a.m. (DON'T FORGET TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK!)

You can pre-register until 9:00p.m. here:
http://www.bikereg.com/races/register.asp?EventID=1820
There will be no registration charge.

Race Flyer
http://www.velobella.org/pdf/SurfCityFlyer_2004.pdf

This is THE Halloween party to be at on Sunday. And racing action too!

Lots of tidbits:

The course - We will be using a variation of the traditional Rex Boyes course. Around the barns and up the long run-up, just the way you like it. The area was in good shape at the walk thru yesterday, even with the recent rains and should be perfect come race day.

The Race - All of your favorite race organizers will be on hand for your racing satisfaction. Jeff "Mr Surf City" Clark, will be helping with course design and logistics, Tom "I can count five categories doing multiple laps with my hands tied behind my back" Simonson on results, and Tom "the Golden Voice" Simpson will be bringing his stage and stuff.

The Prizes - Prizes will be in merchandise, cash or any combination of the two. The prize bags are stuffed to the gills with goodies. Thank the sponsors if you see them.

The Kid's race - The kid's race will be held on a specially designed 1/3 mile circuit. Lots of fun promised here and prizes to all participants. Costumes and giddiness encouraged. The kid's race is free, but all kids must be registered, with the appropriate waiver.

The Halloween Cat Fight - A duel between Velo Girls and Velo Bella has been opened up to any teams interested. Whichever team fields the most women racers wins lots of prizes, including a night of appetizers and cocktails for the team at Il Fornaio ($100 value), and of course, bragging (purring?) rights. Meeeeow!

The Costume Contest - There will be a costume contest "race" with prizes for the costumes we think deserve a prize, but feel free to wear your costume in your race as long as it doesn't compromise your safety or those around you. Or even if it does, go ahead and just be careful!

The First timers - All women who are racing cyclocross for the first time this season and who pre-register are eligible for a super special Velo Bella Cyclocross Survival Kit. These kits can be picked up at registration. First timers are encouraged to attend the clinic.

The Clinic - A clinic will be held at the venue at noon on Saturday, October 30th. The clinic will be 2-3 hours long and will focus on equipment, basic technique and practice on the race course. Refreshments will be served. The clinic cost is $15. Those who plan on attending should either pre-register or email me to rsvp.
The Music - Okay, we love Jeff Clark and all the traditions of Surf City, but pardon us we just HAD to take over the music. (No offense Jeff.) In addition to specially selected tunes to race by, we have a suprise special live performance by a certain frame building rock star and his band.

The Post Race BBQ - There will be a BBQ which starts at about noon that is FREE to all registered racers and $5 otherwise.

The Mischief and Mayhem - I have no idea what this means, but I enjoy writing it. I expect there will be some of it at the race though.

The CX Team - This race is a fundraiser for our awesome CX Elite team which has been representing NorCal in fine style lately. We need to send these gals to Nationals and maybe even Worlds! Thank you for your support.

The Sponsors - The sponsor response and support of this race has been phenomenal. Please thank them if you see them: Another Bike Shop, Chris King, Clif Bar, Family Cycling Center, GU Sports, Il Fornaio, Jeff Traugott Guitars, Jeremiah's Pick Coffee, Kelly Bikes, Pegasus Bicycle Works, Ritchey, Roaring Mouse Cycles, Roudon Smith Winery, Soulcraft, Scotts Valley Cyclesport, Sheila Moon, Studio 5, The Bicycle Trip, Truvativ, Velo Bella, WTB, and Wild Dingo.com

10/21/2004 - Bay Area Super Prestige Round 2 (and more!)

The 49'ers are resting this week (and do they ever need some rest) and the Bay Area Super Prestige CycloCross series returns to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area for Round 2 of the 2004 Series. I made an inspection of the site today, inbetween showers, and we're going to have classic 'cross conditions. Much of the site is sandy soil that drains quickly and much is still grassland and EVERYTHING is softer with a dust-free environment. Weekend weather predictions feature only intermittant showers, not rain, so come and have a glorious sunday! And I believe meatball sandwiches will be on the menu at Cafe Pilarcitos.

We'll be re-using some of the flatter grassland paths in round 2 but will ditch the previous run-ups to avoid deleterious impact to the venue. We'll be directing the course over and around some new ridges to make sure we spread the rider load around the park. Those of you who have followed the series in the past are aware of how tenuous the relationship of land managers and CycloCross venues can be and we're doing everything possible to offer great racing while minimizing rider impact on our courses and mitigating damage post-race.

2 great rumors to start spreading - Golden Gate Park and der great Frisch-meister!

We have an opportunity thanks to an introduction by Jeffrey Bramlett to submit an application for a special event inside Golden Gate Park. This has been a perpetual goal for Pilarcitos Cyclesports and prospects are favorable for a course near the Polo Grounds. We'll know by this weekends race and if successful, we'll use the Nov. 14th date. Cross your fingers.

And a note from Johannes Schmidt hallows a possible return trip to Coyote Point for the 2002 winner of CCCP - Thomas Frischknecht. Just imagine if Pontoni and Frischi are both here for the Cat 1 UCI event - a return match from the 1997 World Championships!

Hold onto your hats - and CCCP mufflers!

Tom & Alec Simpson
Pilarcitos Cyclesports
www.pilarcitos.com

10/21/2004 - First timers at Surf City?

Are you a woman racing cross for the first time this season? Know someone who wants to get into cross but just needs a little push? Well, check this: Velo Bella is offering a super special fantabulous Cyclocross Survival Kit FREE to all first time women cyclocross racers who pre-register for the Spirit of Surf City Cyclocross being held on Halloween.

Go to Bikereg.com to sign up and choose your Survivial kit under the merchandise options. http://www.bikereg.com/races/register.asp?EventID=1820

In addition to the fantabulous Cyclocross Survival Kit (of which the contents are super secret) we also promise the most fun racing you've ever had. For real. No excuses now.

Also, we will be holding a clinic the day before the race. This clinic will help you learn basic cyclocross skills in a supportive environment on the course used in the race. The clinic is held on October 30th at noon at the Watsonville Fairgrounds. The cost of the clinic is $15 and it is co-ed.

And yes, we are treating men and women inequitably on this. The prize list for women is larger than the mens. Please direct your emailed complaints about this to me where I will promptly snicker and hit delete.

Thanks to all of our sponsors for helping to keep the Spirit of Surf City alive. See you out there. Oh, and you might want to bring some garlic.

Sabine (Velo Bella)

Another Bike Shop, Chris King, Clif Bar, Family Cycling Center, GU Sports, Il Fornaio, Jeff Traugott Guitars, Jeremiah's Pick Coffee, Kelly Bikes, Pegasus Bicycle Works, Ritchey, Roaring Mouse Cycles, Roudon Smith Winery, Soulcraft, Scotts Valley Cyclesport, Sheila Moon, Studio 5, The Bicycle Trip, Truvativ, Velo Bella, WTB, and Wild Dingo.com

Rock Lobster/Jeff Traugott Guitars Cross Team PR

Here is the official team announcement for the Rock Lobster/Jeff Traugott guitars 'cross team for '04-05. Elite men: Simon Vickers (team capitain), Joshua Snead, Aaron Odell, Ben Dodge, Joe Walsh. Women: Cori Houston, Julie Brothers. Masters, Paul Sadoff, Alan T. Ott. Director sportif: Jeff Traugott. Sponsors: Jeff Traugott guitar co. Clothing. Rock Lobster cycles, frames. Easton Sports, tubing. Paul Component engineering, brakes and top-mount levers. Ritchey design, Pedal soft , parts. Giro design, helmets. Om room yoga center, studio time.

10/7/2004 - Reminder: NO Pilarcitos Race this Weekend

Please alert all 'cross-oriented friends of our change in date and venue
for Round 2 of the Bay Area Super Prestige CycloCross Series.

Originally scheduled for this sunday, we received a note from the
Fairgrounds management that they had another event booked for that
weekend and they couldn't acocmodate us. We have permission from the
Rangers at Candlestick Point State Rec. Area to return - and we will on
Sunday, October 24th. We'll have some of the course you saw a couple of
weeks ago, plus some new paths and even more little runs. Hope to see
you under the Red Bull Arch and battling the Bianchi Barricades and
challenging the Clif Bar hurdles!

Tom and Alec Simpson
Pilarcitos Cyclesports

10/6/2004 - VELO BELLA ANNOUNCES FIRST ALL FEMALE ELITE CX TEAM

The women of team Velo Bella announce their 2004 elite cyclocross team. The
first all-female team to compete on the national circuit, this six-woman squad
is preparing for domestic UCI events, such as the Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix
of Cyclocross, as well as U.S. Cross Nationals, and ultimately qualification for
the U.S. Worlds team. Lead by 2003 U.S. Cyclocross World’s Team member,
Christine Vardaros (Mill Valley, CA), the girls in pink and blue are proud to
represent what Velo Bella is known for: fun on the bike, grassroots development,
a whole lot of pain, and an excuse to wear a skin-tight body suit in the mud.

The team will race on Rock Lobster cyclocross bikes custom designed by Santa
Cruz CA rock star, Paul Sadoff. The bikes will feature the lovely new pink Chris
King headset. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the headset will be
donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Other sponsors include
Easton, Truvativ, Paul Components, Crank Brothers, PedalSoft, A Bicycle Odyssey,
and the incredible Sheila Moon.

The team has already found early season success with back to back UCI wins this
past weekend. Christine Vardaros won both the Michael Rabe Cyclocross race in
Michigan and the Whitmore’s Landscaping Super Cross Cup in New York. Locally,
members, Barbara Howe and Sarah Kerlin finished first and second in the ELITE
women's race in the Central Coast Cyclocross Series in California.

In addition to national racing, the team will be joined by dozens of local
racers who will compete in the Bay Area Super Prestige Series, Sacramento
Series, Georgia Cross Series, Verge Mid Atlantic Series and other events across
the country. Velo Bella is also promoting the Spirit of Surf City Cyclocross
Race on October 31st in Watsonville, CA as a fundraiser for the team and as an
excuse to do something outrageously fun on Halloween.

The Velo Bella Elite CX team members are:

Christine "Peanut" Vardaros (Mill Valley, CA)
Sarah "Bella Loca" Kerlin (Santa Cruz, CA)
Barbara "Barbarella" Howe (Marin, CA)
Erin "Biscuit'" Kassoy (Palo Alto, CA)
Melodie "Sweet Pea" Metzger (Berkeley, CA)
Sami "Freaky" Fournier (Washington, D.C.)

Velo Bella is a non-profit, grassroots, multidiscipline cycling team based out
of Watsonville, CA. The Velo Bella mission is to encourage women to get out and
ride a bike, race a bike, and to eventually grow the pool of talent and have a
lot of fun along the way. While the core Velo Bella Team is a committed group of
female racers, membership includes female cyclists interested in completing
their first race, century, or even group ride. More information on Velo Bella
can be found on their website: www.velobella.org.

-Sabine Dukes

9/21/2004 - Sycip/Big Swingin' Clinic Saturday

The Sycip/Big Swingin' Cyclocross Clinic will be held at 2pm this Saturday, Sept. 25 at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area (map). We will cover cyclocross skills (basic to advanced as necessary), preview the race course, and talk about racing and training. The fee is $10 (exeption: Juniors pay only $1 insurance fee). Please look for the Sycip and/or Big Swingin' Tent. Bring a bike, drinks (we should have water and Clif Bars), suitable clothing, and sunscreen. Here is the clinic PDF. See you there!

-John Funke, Dennis McGovern, Brian Bruckner

9/20/2004 - Pilarcitos Bay Area Super Prestige Series PR

The Pilacitos website is ALIVE! and kicking - with all the information regarding the 2004 "Bay Area Super Prestige CycloCross" series. We've added 2 new venues for the series, we revisit 2 of our favorites and have the big doubleheader UCI weekend scheduled for Coyote Point in December. As the season progresses we'll be adding more info, maps, graphics, and photos from the vaults of both Abbiorca and Pilarcitos and the Stafford archives from the early days of Northern California CycloCross. And we'll be adding our DVD of last year's CCCP race at Coyote Point - full of sand, mud, eucalyptus leaves and the pagentry that's NorCal 'cross - the TRUE heart of US CycloCross.

Hope to see you September 26th at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area - we've kicked the 49'ers out of town for our weekend when we kick off our 2004 season.

http://www.pilarcitos.com

-2004 Bay Area Super Prestige CycloCross

9/11/2004 - Alan Factory Team Roster - still looking for Norcal Riders for upcoming season

From Troy Barry:

I am writing to you with the desire to have the news of a new grassroots team (see roster below) announced on the site. I am a proffessional cyclist currently in contract with the team and I am looking to get others involved with the cyclo-cross sport by putting energy into a grassroots team. The bike company is an Italian frame maker, Alan. The importer, www.euromediagroup.us, has a pleathura of cycling products. The team is a grass roots cyclo-cross team allowing pro-deal pricing on all that euromedia imports. The team will be a nationally recognized team and will have a newsletter and team website for trip sharing, team housing in other towns. This team will be a norcal based team. Those whom are interested should contact me at the following address: twbarry@juno.com. I will be taking resume's and letter of interest currently with final decisions made over the next week or two. I am looking to put together a few riders in each category, including woman. The woman will be mailing resume's to the afforementioned address. However, Kate Lynch will be organising this team. She herself an Elite racer. Please forward for publication asap.

Alan Factory Team Roster
August 30, 2004
The Alan Factory Team, presented by Euromedia Group announces it’s final
roster and sponsor lineup for the upcoming Cyclocross Season. Based out of
Minneapolis, MN but covering 10 regions around the US, the team will be led
by elite team riders with grassroots programs in each of the regions. The
2004-05 elite roster is as follows:

Jed Schneider Athens, GA – SE Team Leader
Lisa Randall Athens, GA – SE Team Leader
Kevin Hankens Iowa City, IA – Midwest Team Leader
Renee Callaway Madison WI - Midwest Team Leader
Kristopher Auer Baltimore, MD – Mid Atlantic Team Leader
Matt Kraus Boston, MA – New England Team Leader
David Jordan Seattle, WA – PacNW Team Leader
Troy Barry San Fran., CA – NorCal Team Leader
Shawn Harshman Boulder, CO – Western Team Leader
Rebecca Much Durango, CO – Western Team
Brad Van Orden Flagstaff, AZ – SE Team Leader
Paul Schoening Minneapolis, MN – Midwest Team Leader
Bjorn Selander Hudson, WI – Midwest Team
Dag Selander Hudson, WI – Midwest Team
Jason MacDonald Monticello, MN – Midwest Team
Paul Thoresen Minneapolis, MN – Midwest Team
Colin Threinen Minneapolis, MN – Midwest Team
Tina Reashler Hudson, WI – Midwest Team

Adjunct Racers:
Adam Hodges Myerson New England – Cycle-Smart
Charlie Hayes Boulder, CO – Excel Sports Boulder

Grassroots sponsorships are still available in each of the regions and some territories are still open for elite team riders. Contact Euromedia Group at: 1.866.623.3073 for more information or email at: Euromedia@comcast.net

2004-05 Team Sponsors are:
Euromedia Group
Alan Bicycle Frames
Gensan Nutritionals
Maxxis Tires
GSG Technical Bike Wear
Crank Brothers Pedals
KED Helmet Systems
Barbieri Bicycle Accessories
Fizik’s Saddles
Thomson Industries
Ridetimes.com
Cyclesmart Coaching
American Classic Wheels
Tifosi Eyewear

8/30/2004 - Dugast cross tires now available in the Bay Area!

The ultimate cross tire by Dugast is now available! In stock is the Cross Typhoon which is an all-purpose competition tire. Radius control (integrated on the side of the tread) makes the tire carve through unpaved corners. The specially designed tread provides excellent grip under all circumstances and is only available from Dugast.

For more information or to order please visit www.eurocyclingimports.com or call (408)371-7067.

8/17/2004 - Cyclocross, cyclocross, cyclocross, and more cyclocross!

Woohoo! It's almost cross season! For those of you who don't know what cyclocross is, it's the fastest growing sport in cycling and it's just the bomb! You ride, you dismount, you run with your bike, you jump over barriers, you leap back onto your bike and you ride some more. Sand, grass, dirt, pavement, gravel, you name it! All you need is a cyclocross or mountain bike and the desire to go HARD!!!

If you'd like to see some photos from one of last year's races, go here -- http://www.velogirls.com/photos_racing_milagra.html. And don't forget to check out the photos of our national champion, Lori Cox, here -- http://www.fleetingmomentphotography.com/Lori_Nationals/

So, how do you get started?

Come to our women's cyclocross clinic on August 21st. Sheila Moon will teach you all the tricks and skills and we'll have a great time. It's free, it's fun, and all women are invited. You can find details at http://www.velogirls.com/current.html.

Sign up for our email group to stay up on race news and training -- http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/velogirlscyclocross.

Start training! The local cross season begins in just 50 days. Join me on Thursday evenings at Arastradero OSP to practice those skills and improve your fitness. We'll run, we'll ride, we'll leap around and have loads of fun. You can find details at http://www.velogirls.com/current.html.

Mark your calendar. The tentative race calendar is here -- http://www.ncnca.org/cyclocross/2004/

Oh, and on a personal note, I've got a sweet little cross bike for sale. It's a 55cm 2002 Lemond Poprad in perfect condition. If you've seen my house, you know why I'm selling (I've got more bikes right now than coffee cups). Talk to me!

-Lorri Lee Lown

8/17/2004 - Rocklobster/Jeff Traugott Guitars Clinics (updated 9/12)

All my clinics will meet in parking lot behind Palo Alto Bicycles and will go for about 1.5 hours. Contact me @ 650 328 7411, or 408 829 1074, or bendodge@hotmail.com.

Sundays in September will be meeting at 11:00 on the following - NO MORE SUNDAY CLINICS

Wednesdays will be at 5:30 on 9/1, 9/8, and 9/15 - PLEASE RSVP to bendodge@hotmail.com if you want to attend.

-Ben Dodge