Monday, December 28, 2009

New Bay Area Winter Series from SB Racing

The folks who brought you last year's South Valley Bike and Run Club races in the South Bay are back with a Winter XC series:
We just wanted to let your riders know about a great XC MTB Winter Series, a terrific time to check their early season fitness in action!The first event will be a great way to check your early season fitness. Good climbs, fun technical single track and fast fire roads. Many of you have ridden Santa Teresa and will have an idea of what to expect...It's pretty much everything you would want in a fun and challenging mountain bike race! All events will be USA Cycling Sanctioned.
All the details are on their new site at http://www.sbracing.org/ and I'll enter them into the calendar.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Preliminary 2010 Team Bigfoot Schedule

ChristmasCard2009.jpgTeam Bigfoot posted a Christmas present for far Northern California MTB racers with a preliminary 2010 schedule:
OUR 2010 SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED IN EARLY JANUARY
The Northern California Mountain Bike Championship Series will be back, with a few new venues in the series!

The Team Bigfoot Endurance Series will be back, with a few new venues there too! Check back for details.

HERE ARE A FEW EVENTS THAT ARE ALREADY SCHEDULED
Good to see that the Kirkwood event(s) will be continued and expanded.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Boggs V Dates

Help out the folks at BikeMonkey plan this year's Boggs V date:
What we’re struggling with right now is the date! We have two options, and rather than assume, we’d like to know what you all feel about them.

So if you’re a future Boggs V participant and you had your choice, on the table are:
  • April 3rd (Easter weekend) — our first choice
  • March 27th (NOT Easter weekend) — our second choice
Keep in mind that April 3rd is 1 week before the Napa Valley Dirt Classic. We don’t want to impose on such a long-standing event so we stayed away from April 10th out of respect for the race that gave me my first introduction and serious beat-down to mountain bike racing back in the day.
Via Boggs V « Bike Monkey Magazine

Friday, December 18, 2009

US Cup Re-announced 2010 Dates

us-cup-logo.pngA little more clarity on the 2010 US Cup schedule:
The US Cup is pleased to announce the 2010 dates for its inaugural Triple Crown All Mountain Series.
 
The opening round of the US Cup Triple Crown All Mountain Series will be held at Bonelli Park on March 13-14.  The second round will incorporate the Mountain States Cup series at Chalk Creek Stampede May 15-16 and the final has been awarded to Massanutten resort on June 19-20th.  This concept embraces all parts of the country and we hope the racers will be excited to see a US Cup triple crown come to their home town race.

“The Triple Crown All Mountain series will test the rider’s ability in multiple disciplines to declare the Triple Crown All Mountain winner.  We have decided to make this series more appealing to the riders, sponsors and media by incorporating Cross Country, Super D and Short Track into the series concept," continues Kady.  “A rider’s best 2 of 3 events will be calculated to crown a winner at each race and ultimately the overall series Champion.” 
 
In addition the US Cup will continue with its network of Kenda Cup’s, that act as local and regional qualifiers. The Kenda Cup’s feature over 15 locations across the US, from Ashland Oregon to French Lick Indiana. The US Cup Invitational shootout will be on September 11-12, The US Cup will also manage a high level west coast based series that incorporates the Triple Crown opener, Pro XCT race and other California favorite venues.
 
Look for more details on Triple Crown scheduled payout and presenting and naming sponsors of this inaugural event as well as updates to our ever growing Kenda Cup qualifiers.
Via US CUP Mountain Bike Race Series

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

2009 Red Hills Rumble

I don't know any more about this race than what I've read on MTBR and their website, but it sounds interesting:
The Trogs are hosting an MTB TT and Food Drive on December 20th at Red Hills Rec Area (ed: South of Sonora). It'll be cold, maybe wet, definitely brutal. Red Hills is a favorite winter riding and this winter we're going to combine a fun day on the bikes with a food drive.
Check out the website for details: http://www.trogspace.com/redhills.

2010 US Mountain Bike Nationals Confirmed For Colorado

7A5624B0-2607-4EE2-BA92-9930EFF57765.jpgUSAC chooses Colorado ... blah, blah, blah ... Colorado ... blah, blah:
USA Cycling confirmed that the 2010 Mountain Bike National Championships, scheduled for the weekend of July 15-18, will return to Sol Vista in Granby, Colorado. When 2010 the US National Championship calendar was released in recent weeks, USAC had confirmed only that the mountain bike nationals would be somewhere in Colorado, with no certainty that they would return to Granby.
Via 2010 US Mountain Bike Nationals Confirmed For Granby, Colorado

Monday, December 14, 2009

2010 Prairie City Race Series Dates

pcrs.pngThe dates for next Spring's Prairie City Race Series (PCRS) have been posted:
12 races Wednesday evenings from March 1st until June 23, 2010 (We will count your 10 best finishes toward your points total) NOTICE!!! There will NOT be a race on May 26 due to the Hang Town Motorcycle Races!

MARCH: 31
APRIL: 7, 14, 21*, 28
MAY: 5, 12,** 19 (NO RACE the 26th!)
JUNE: 2***, 9, 16, 23
This XC series runs weekly on Wednesday nights near Folsom, CA. Every race has a different course design, but all of them consist of several laps (depending on skill) of two to four miles in length. The races are held at Prairie City Off Highway Vehicle Park [ MAP ] near Folsom, CA (just east of Sacramento on Hwy 50). Prairie City OHV is a off-roads motorsports (i.e. Motocross) mecca where the annual Hang Town Motorcycle Races are held. You race over the same enduro style course, with numerous steep, short climbs and quick descents on the hardpack trail. Check out the race gallery photos for a better idea of the course conditions. Better yet, check out the previous several year's archives and see GPS maps of the actual courses.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

CCCX DH Canceled!

Today's CCCX Downhill has been canceled due to the weather (thanks Julia).

Saturday, December 12, 2009

CCCX DH #4 Preview

With all the rain over the last week or so, this could get muddy:
Recent rains will only make the race course better after a very dry year at Toro Park. The race will be taking place rain or shine with an excellent course planned for the proceedings. The course will feature portions of a new trail that was used for race #2 of the CCCX Series. The new trail features many aspects of DH and All Mountain trail riding. Many riders have contributed to the building of certain sections of this new trail. There were even work crews out this very week making new additions to the race route for Sunday's event. If it is moist a slippery from some rain on race day, the action will only be more EPIC! Hope to see you there! Please do not walk up the course backwards, and please have fun!
Via 2009 CCCX Downhill Race Series

NorCal High School League Looking for New Exec

The NorCal League is looking for a new Executive Director:
The Northern California High School Cycling League is looking for a new executive director to replace the founder and outgoing executive director, Matt Fritzinger, who is moving on to build the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).

Having founded and built the NorCal League, Fritzinger is now finding all his time taken up by work at the national level. "I've been trying to manage the two, but we knew this wouldn't work, and it isn't working. The interest for building League's is ramping up faster than expected. Just in the last few days we've been having conversations with folks in Oregon, Wisconsin and Georgia and they don't want to wait."

The executive director's job has a broad scope that includes fund and sponsor development, risk management leadership, program planning and implementation, human resources management, operations planning and management, financial management, community relations and advocacy, and also board relations.

Candidates with experience in non-profit leadership, success in fundraising, and a passion for mountain biking are being sought. A job description can be downloaded from the homepage at www.norcalmtb.org and applications with a cover letter and resume should go to info@norcalmtb.org. No phone calls please.
Via NorCal HS League

Thursday, December 10, 2009

USAC and MTB Cup Split Over ProXCT

proxct.pngOh, the drama.

If you haven't been following the interwebs this week, here is what you've missed:
The people behind the US MTB Cup (and the ProXCT, which is US mountain biking's one year old Pro Tour) and the USAC (USA Cycling, which used to sponsor NORBA and is the Olympic governing representation for US Cycling) had a falling out over the cost/scheduling of UCI (i.e. World Championship Pro Tour) events. USA Cycling (which I will call USAC from now on) wants demands them, US MTB Cup people say they are too expensive and only benefits a small handful of riders (both probably true).
You can read the expert analysis of the donnybrook at Velonews and CyclingNews.

So what does this mean for NorCal racers ? Probably nada.

USAC will have an abbreviated ProXCT Series to keep their precious UCI points (and save face):
USA Cycling will continue the 2010 Pro XCT with the nation’s three remaining UCI inscripted events: the Bump ‘N Grind in Birmingham, Alabama on June 5; the Subaru Cup, slated for June 26 in Wautoma, Wisconsin; and the Carmichael Training Systems International Classic in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 10.
The US MTB Cup people will press on with their series also:
“The US Cup is now working on the soon-to-be-released US Cup Mountain Bike Racing League (US Cup MBRL),” said Tedro. “We have over 20 events committed to being a part of the US Cup MBRL and we are very excited about that.”
Tedro said that the company plans to release details of the series later this week.
This will probably include the first three events (all SoCal-based) from the earlier announced ProXCT schedule.

For 99% of MTB racers (and maybe 100% in NorCal), this whole kerfuffle means nothing other than the name of the sponsors on the banners. However, it does continue to demonstrate that MTB racing has failed to gain a critical mass here in the US (which may be good or bad depending on your view). This is now the third major split/reorg/failure of Pro MTB racing series in the last five years (NORBA, NMBS, ProXCT) ...

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

2010 Skyline Park MTB Race

According to informed sources (thanx Scott!), this year's annual Skyline MTB Race has been scheduled for June 13th, 2010.

The website hasn't been update with all the details, but I would be that most of the major particulars haven't changed much. You can check out previous year's coverage in the archives.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Sea Otter Discount for December

logo2009.pngIf you can register this month, you can save a few bones:
To help us celebrate the holiday season, take $10 off your entry fee. Just use Coupon Code SOCHOLIDAY01 when you register for your favorite Sea Otter event. This offer is good through Dec 31, 2009.
Via Sea Otter Classic website.

Monday, December 07, 2009

2010 CCCX MTB XC Race Series

1082C7DA-1989-4391-98D4-5DD6BBE8445D.jpgThe 2010 CCCX Cross Country (XC) race schedule has been posted:
  • Race #1: SUN February 14
  • Race #2: SAT February 27
  • Race #3: SUN March 14
  • Race #4: SAT March 27
  • Race #5: SAT April 3
  • Race #6: SAT May 15
  • Race #7: SAT June 12
  • Race #8: SUN June 27
The locations are still TBD, but you can bet they will probably be similar to past years (maybe Fort Ord and Toro Park). I'll update this once we get the locations.

See the full details at 2010 CCCX Mountain-Bike Race Series or look at past year's race results in the archives.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Northstar/Giant Grassroots MTB Team

538399E3-70AA-4C47-9D63-A485A16ECD49.jpgAnother chance to get sponsored for next year's racing season:
Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort and Giant Bicycles are pleased to offer a special grassroots program that reaches out to competitive mountain bike athletes eager to promote the soul, passion and genuine love for the sport.

This program will provide a great box of tools to help recreational competitive athletes in California and neighboring states reach their full potential at local and regional mountain bike race events. Selected athletes will have the opportunity to purchase a Giant bicycle, Northstar-at-Tahoe Mountain Bike Park Season Pass, Team Jersey and other fine swag benefits at a preferred package price.

We are looking for humble athletes who will be great ambassadors, in the expert level categories with riding styles from downhill to endurance, for the Northstar-at-Tahoe and Giant Bicycle brands, who are approachable and knowledgeable, and who are passionate about converting all walks of life to the sport of mountain biking. We look to support athletes who are driven when it comes to achieving goals, helping the community, conquering obstacles, and relishing success.

To apply to the grassroots sponsorship program we would like to hear your definition of mountain biking and competing. What defines you as an athlete and a mountain biker? Submit a cover letter along with a resume to help us learn more about your passion and goals for the sport. In the resume, please outline races you have competed in along with your accomplished results. Email your resume and cover letter information to Justin Swett at justinswett@hotmail.com.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

New USA Cycling Rules for 2010

7A5624B0-2607-4EE2-BA92-9930EFF57765.jpgUSA Cycling, governing body behind many MTB races in the NorCal, has updated a few rules for the 2010 MTB racing season:
The 2010 rule book defines technical assistance zones for mountain bike races and specifies which races these zones are permitted in:
  • 6D1. Feed/Technical Assistance Zones are permitted in the following events: Ultra-Endurance Events (Marathon, 6-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour events), UCI Cross Country (XCO) events (UCI classes only), Cross Country National Championships for the UCI classes (Pro men, Pro women, Junior 17-18 men, and Junior 17-18 women). Note that when the category 1 junior 15-16 year old juniors are on the course at the same time as the category 1 junior 17-18 riders, they will also have access to Technical Assistance Zones.
  • 6D2. Authorised technical assistance during a race consists of repairs to or the replacement of any part of the bicycle other than the frame. Bike changes are not permitted and the rider must cross the finishing line with the same handlebar number plate that he had at the start.
It was also decided that Stars-and-Stripes jerseys will no longer be awarded in the “competition” classes at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships. Competition class winners will, beginning in 2010, receive medals only.

Along with the aforementioned change came a restructure of the masters categories for Mountain Bike Nationals with the men’s 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70+, and the women 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, and 60+ fields being moved out of the “competition” class and into the “championship” class.

Other noteworthy results from the mountain bike trustee meeting include a single-speed class being added to the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships; the junior 15-18 field being split in two (15-16 and 17-18) for national championship cross country and downhill contests; and non UCI-class competitions at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships being opened to permanent residents as well as U.S. citizens.
Via USA Cycling

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

2010 Downieville Classic Tentative Dates

It looks like there might be break in the impasse around the scheduling of this year's Downieville Classic:136F0394-3648-4F18-9EC0-C8BE8945816E.jpg
DOWNIEVILLE CLASSIC MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE and FESTIVAL
Tentative Dates = July 9-11, 2010
If we are successful in our negotiations and are fortunate enough to receive a special-use permit for 2010, registration will open immediately. Fyi... this will be the last time the event occurs in the month of July
Via Downieville Classic

Coolest 24 Joins LIVESTRONG

Very cool to hear that one of our local races has hooked up with Lance Armstrong and his LIVESTRONG foundation:
The staff at Global Biorhythm events is proud to announce that the 2010 Coolest 24 Race Against Cancer will be part of the Lance Armstrong’s Foundation LIVESTRONG. We are very happy to join thousands of LAF supporters around the world in raising money to help fight cancer. The Coolest 24 has raised over $174,000 in the last 4 years. The Coolest 24 race against cancer has become the largest ultra endurance MTB fund-raising event in the country.
Via Global Biorhythm Events

Monday, November 30, 2009

CCCX DH #3 Results

1082C7DA-1989-4391-98D4-5DD6BBE8445D.jpgThis weekend's 2009 CCCX DH #3 Results have been posted. Congrats to Mark Weir (WTB/Santa Cruz/FoxShox) who edged out Jeff Kendall-Weed (bicycleweed.com) for the Men's Pro/Semi-Pro crown and Kelly Johnson (Chainsmoke) who beat Rosie Bernard (ABS) for the Women's Expert win.

Race photos by Nate Phillips have also been posted.

Friday, November 27, 2009

CCCX DH #3 Moved To Sunday!

A late change to this weekend's CCCX Downhill race near Monterey:

The race will be SUNDAY not Saturday, due some scheduling conflicts

Here's the course preview:
This Sunday's DH course will be approximately 3 miles long and descend 1100 vertical feet. The trail is nicknamed by the locals as "Rail Trail". Basically it is a railing, twisting & turning trail where holding your line at high speed is key to fast times. The Route starts on a very fast fire road, then drops into 2 miles of railing single track trails. The trail network features many tight turns, high speed turns, natural drops, berms, all on very fast single track. There is also some strength check sections where pedaling and fitness determine who can reach the highest speeds. This route has been a favorite during each of the previous CCCX DH Series and is used at least once each season. Please remember the race is on Sunday!
Again, the race is Sunday. Sunday, Sunday, Sunday.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

2010 US ProXCT Series

proxct.pngThe dates for this year's Pro XC Tour have been announced, and not surprisely, NorCal has been excluded:
The American national cross country series, known in its current incarnation as the US ProXCT presented by US Cup, finalized its dates and venues for 2010. The series will visit six venues starting in March in California and ending in July in Colorado. Along the way, racers will also stop in Alabama and Wisconsin.

Three venues are not returning to the series. They include the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, the Snow Shootout in Mount Snow, Vermont, and the Windham Cup in Windham, New York, which is hosting the 2010 World Cup final.

2010 USA Cycling's ProXCT presented by the US Cup

March 13-14: Bonelli Park, California (UCI 2 XCO)
March 27-28: Fontana, California (UCI 1 XCO)
May 16: Big Bear, California (UCI XCO 3)
June 5-6: Bump N Grind, Birmingham, Alabama (UCI 1 XCO)
June 26-27: WORS Subaru Cup, Mt. Morris, Wisconsin (UCI 2 XCO)
July 10-11: Finals - Carmichael Training Systems International Classic, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Via 2010 US ProXCT Series Dates Set.

Monday, November 23, 2009

2010 Race 4 Tara Announced

01A7F11A-1E72-4EA6-BEF6-28A75CBFEFC1.jpgI must be off Northstar's christmas card list because this press release dropped this weekend:
Tara Llanes of the Race for Tara and Andy Buckley the director of Northstar Mountain have announced that October 2-3, 2010 as the official date of the Race for Tara 4. Once again the race will be held at the beautiful Northstar Resort at Tahoe in Tahoe, California.

The Race for Tara started three years ago by Brian and Thayne Bolin after champion downhill mountain biker, Tara Llanes, suffered a horrific crash while racing at the Jeep King of the Mountain event in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The event was started to help raise funds for Llanes and her ever-growing medical costs. In its first year Llanes was still in the hospital and only able to call in on the loudspeaker to say, "thank you" to everyone that participated. In the second year Llanes was actually able to drive to the race and show her appreciation to everyone. At this year's event, Llanes was able to not only be at the event, but she was able to participate and race down the mountain in a 4-wheeler DH bike. Now heading into it’s fourth year Llanes would like to give back more than ever.

The Mega DH course is back. Downieville DH Champ and WTB top pro, Mark Weir, was quoted as saying, “It was the most well balanced course the U.S. has ever had.” The 10-minute long course will test the endurance and skill of every participant. The courses will vary depending on the level of rider. There will be a $35 donation for all beginners, intermediates, and experts and a $40 donation for all semi-pro and pro.
Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

Friday, November 20, 2009

2010 Commencal Grassroots Program

More chances to get your racing sponsored in 2010:
Commencal is now accepting resumes for 2010 sponsorship. We are looking for top talent for our 2010 Grassroots program. If you think that you have what it takes send your resume or video to sponsorship@bti-usa.com or mail it to:
Commencal Grassroots
1216 Mercantile Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Commencal is proud to build the best race bikes in the world, and is looking for the best riders to spread that vibe in the US. In your resume please include:
  • What discipline you race, and what Commencal model would best suit you.
  • What level are you racing? Past race results?
  • Goals for the future?
  • Age?

  • Hometown?
  • How will you represent Commencal in 2010?
  • What do you do in your area to help the sport grow?
Please make sure to provide a return address and email. Deadline 12/31/09
Via Decline Magazine.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

2009 Folsom Rodeo Cross Series

A6B59F0F-DCF2-4B85-99FC-5648443CB109.jpgThe folks behind the ever popular Prairie City Race Series have introduced a new winter Cyclocross series for the Sacramento area:
Introducing the all NEW Folsom Rodeo Cross 2009 Series

The most fun you will have on your bike all week!

This is a brand new series being held at the Folsom Rodeo grounds. A challenging course has been laid out and anyone with a bicycle is welcome. So grab your cross bike... your mountain bike... or your neighbors bike. Come out and join in the fun at the all new Folsom Rodeo Cross.

Weekday NIGHT! Under the lights!!
Shorter course within the lighted arena area.

Weekend DAYS! Under the sun!
Includes all of the Weekday night course plus surrounding trails outside the rodeo grounds.
All the dates are on the sidebar or BICYCLINGEVENTS.COM.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

CCCX Fall DH #2 Results

1082C7DA-1989-4391-98D4-5DD6BBE8445D.jpgResults for today's CCCX Fall Downhill Race #2 are already posted.

Congrats to Mark Weir (WTB/Santa Cruz/FoxShox) who edged Jeff Kendall-Weed (bicycleweed.com) for the Men's Pro crown, Nick Barton (Supercede) who took the Singlespeed category and Cathy Chevron, winner of the Women's Expert.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Easton Stem Recall

In case you have one of these:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Easton Sports, has announced a voluntary recall on about 6,400 bikes with EA30 stems.

The bicycle stem can crack and cause the rider to lose control, posing a risk of serious injury if the rider falls. The company received a report of a stem breaking, causing a minor injury to the rider.

This recall involves all Raleigh 2007, XXIX 700c MTN, RX1.0, Diamondback 2007, Mission, and Sortie bicycles with EA30 stems. The EA30 stems are black with white-and-gray graphics and feature a four-bolt stem face cap."EA30" is printed on the stem. EA30 stems sold as aftermarket items are included in this recall.

They were sold at independent bicycle dealers nationwide from August 2007 through August 2009 for between $500 and $1,200. Aftermarket stems were sold from August 2007 through September 2009 for about $30. The stems were manufactured in China.

Consumers should immediately stop riding the bicycles and contact any authorized Easton Sports for a free replacement stem.
Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

Monday, November 09, 2009

2010 USA Cycling MTB Championship Calendar

7A5624B0-2607-4EE2-BA92-9930EFF57765.jpgSites (mostly) and dates are out for the 2010 USA Cycling National Championships:
USA Cycling announced today the dates and locations for the majority of its 2010 National Championship events. Next year, sixteen events will provide professional and amateur cyclists of all ages with opportunities to race for Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in five disciplines of competitive cycling. Of the fourteen events whose locations have been determined, nine are returning to their 2009 locations and five are headed to new host cities.

In June, ultra-endurance off roaders will make their way to Davis, W. Va., where the USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships will be held in conjunction with the 24 Hours of Big Bear. Scheduled for June 12-13, the competition will award Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in nine individual or team categories.

Fourteen more national titles will be up for grabs on the Fourth of July as ultra-endurance riders celebrate our nation’s independence at the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships. The event returns to Breckenridge, Colo. for 2010 to be held in conjunction with the Firecracker 50.

Fat tire enthusiasts will head to a site yet be determined in the Rocky Mountains to battle it out on the dirt at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships, July 15-18. The event will award national titles to pros and amateurs in several disciplines of off-road racing including cross country, downhill, short track cross country, four-cross, single speed, and super D.

Student-athletes will meet again the following month for the second national championship event of their season – the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships. Slated for October 14-17, the event will return to the Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort in Truckee, Calif. where coeds will fight for bragging rights in cross country, short track cross country, downhill, and four-cross contests.

All unconfirmed dates and locations will be announced as soon as they become available.

2010 USA Cycling National Championship Calendar
June 12-13: USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships – Hazelton, W. Va.
July 15-18: USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships – TBA, Colo.
July 4: USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships - Breckenridge, Colo.
October 14-17: USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships – Truckee, Calif.
Via www.usacycling.org.

Very interesting that there isn't a venue for the MTB Nationals ... I bet there is a story behind that.

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Sea Otter Adds Gran Fondo and Collegiate Cats

logo2009.pngSome new events from this year's Sea Otter Classic:
The Sea Otter Classic has added two new elements for 2010: a Gran Fondo and collegiate cycling categories ... Gran Fondo, or "Big Ride" as it's known in Italy, falls somewhere in between a century tour and a race. Open to all categories of riders, the Gran Fondo challenges you not to compete with your fellow cyclists, but to push yourself against the clock and the elements, all while taking in scenic views and enjoying great food ... The Gran Fondo will offer three fully supported ride distances: a 28-mile coastal route, a 45-mile coastal route and, for the more experienced riders, a 100-mile inland route. The short and middle distances wind along the coastal communities of Marina, Seaside, Monterey and Pacific Grove.

To ensure that there is no shortage of team rivalry at Sea Otter, open collegiate categories have been added to the 19-mile mountain bike Cross Country race scheduled for Sunday, April 18, 2010. Circuit racing will also play host to the young athletes, as a men's open collegiate category will be held on the famed Laguna Seca Raceway on Saturday, April 17, 2010."
Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

Friday, November 06, 2009

Fox Racing Shox Looking To Sponsor

With the 2009 season winding down, it's time to start looking towards 2010 and figuring out who's going to pay for all those entry fees:
FOX is a racing company and we support race events on a technical and grassroots level across the US and globe. If you have a team or are a rider that has what it takes, we want help with your success by sponsoring you with the best performing suspension on the market.

FOX Racing Shox is currently accepting Mountain Bike racing sponsorship applications for the 2010 race season. The deadline is December 19th, 2009. You can also submit your Resume to us via regular mail, details are at the end of this page.
Via FOX RACING SHOX.


Thursday, November 05, 2009

‘Race Across the Sky’ Encore

If you missed it last month, you've got another chance:
After its national, one-night-only debut on Oct. 22, the documentary “Race Across the Sky” will play one more time.
“Race Across the Sky” features the 2009 Leadville Trail 100, Lance Armstrong, Dave Wiens and a cast of thousands of adventurous souls taking on the epic high-elevation race out of Leadville, Colorado.
The encore showing is back to select movie theaters nationwide for only one night on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. EST/ 7 p.m. CST/ 9 p.m. MST and 8 p.m. PST.
Via Competitor.com.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Sea Otter Classic Registration Opens Today

logo2009.pngGet after it:
Sea Otter Classic 2010 registration opens up on November 2.

To help us celebrate our 20th Anniversary, take $10 off your entry fee. Just use Coupon Code SOC20YEAR01 when you register for your favorite Sea Otter event. This offer is good through November 30, 2009. We look forward to see you in April at the Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM!
You can register at the Sea Otter Classic website.

Monday, October 26, 2009

2009 TBF 50 Miler Results

370D0A17-6EE9-4C74-85D9-7DE857E4F27A.jpgPhotos and results are up for yesterday's inaugural TBF Racing 50 Miler:Congrats to top mens finishers Clint Claassen (1), Nate Byrom (2) and Greg Anderson (3). Dawn Infurna-Bean was the first womens finisher.

2009 Fall CCCX DH #1 Results

1082C7DA-1989-4391-98D4-5DD6BBE8445D.jpgThe results for this weekend's CCCX DH opener have been posted. Congratulations to Ian Massey (Stone Racing WTB) and Annemarie Hennes (Family Cycling Center) and Kiran MacKinnon (CCCX) who were the fastest Man, Woman and Junior (respectively).

Nate Philips blog has some photos from the race.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

NorCal MTB Racing This Weekend: Oct 24 - 25, 2009

Sorry about the lack of updates this week, I've been laid out with the H1N1 (or is it just the flu ? how do I know the difference ? should I care ?) since Monday morning. As I still don't feel that well, I'll keep it short and sweet:
  • CCCX Fall DH #1 (Near Monterey on Saturday): consistently one of the best attended series in Northern California, this is the kickoff for the fall 2009 series. The course is described as "It is going to be a super fast course for the CCCX Fall/Winter DH Series opener. Speeds will be extremely high as recent rains have helped improve the traction on most of the trails. There will be some tricky turns added and some break check spots where tire traction will be tested. This course has some screaming fast spots in it where gravity takes over and it feels like your riding at freeway speed. Plus some slow sections of trail where line choice and rider control will dictate who is best. Most of all it is going to be fun!" Peruse the archives for extensive pics and past race results.
  • DAWN OF THE SHRED!!! (Yreka, CA/Mt Shasta, CA on Saturday): I've read the website for this three times and I am still not sure exactly what all is going on here. But I think you will have a good time. I looks like there may be bacon involved.
  • TBF 50-Mile MTB Challenge (Granite Bay near Sacramento on Sunday): TBF Racing (organizers of the early season XC races) branches out with the looong course race to close out there 2009 schedule.
  • BASP CX #2 (CX race in San Mateo, CA on Sunday): A cyclocross race in the Bay Area at Coyote Point.
  • Homegrown Cyclocross #1 (Woodward Park in Fresno on Sunday): More CX, Central Valley style. They have the best flyer of the week and a sweet deal for the willing.
Stay well.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

CycleFest to Support NorCal HS MTB

58F91077-EFFA-4D7A-A3A8-78F2BF32C619.jpgNorCal HS MTB will hold their annual fundraiser next month:
The Bay Area’s cycling social event of the season, the NorCal League’s CycleFest 2009 will feature the CEO of Slipstream Sports, Jonathan Vaughters, as its special guest at its main annual fundraiser, a three-day gathering, November 6-8 in Mill Valley.

Also on show at the CycleFest dinner will be a vintage poster show displaying European poster art with a cycling theme. Elizabeth Norris of Vintage European Posters (www.vepca.com) will be displaying a portion of her collection of original posters from as early as 1890.

The CycleFest 2009 schedule is as follows:
Friday, November 6th: Cocktail reception with Jonathan Vaughters in Mill Valley
Saturday, November 7th: Benefit dinner, silent auction and vintage poster show, hosted by Jonathan Vaughters at the Mill Valley Community Center
Sunday, November 8th: Scenic road ride in Marin countryside with Jonathan Vaughters.

Proceeds from the ticket sales and silent auction go to supporting the Northern California High School Mountain Bike League, so be sure to purchase one for your friend/spouse/partner too! Regular tickets are $150.00, and Patron tickets, which include an intimate cocktail hour with Vaughters, are $195.00. All tickets are available online at http://norcalmtb.org/.

2010 SSWC Date

I believe that this website says that next year's SingleSpeed World Championship will be held on October 22nd, 2010 in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

2009 Collegiate MTB Nationals

7A5624B0-2607-4EE2-BA92-9930EFF57765.jpgI don't usually fully cover the college MTB racing scene, but the US Championships are being held just up the road from me at Northstar this weekend (and I know a lot of college racers read the site):
Collegiate riders from around the nation are getting ready to converge on the Northstar at Tahoe resort near Truckee, Calif. to race for national titles at the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships, the second national championship event of the 2009/2010 collegiate cycling season.

The event, slated for October 16-18, is being hosted by the University of Nevada at Reno and will award a total of twenty-two national titles, including the overall team omniums in Divisions I and II. Fort Lewis College and Appalachian State University will look to defend the coveted team crowns they earned a year ago in Banner Elk, N.C.

In addition to all the racing on tap, the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championship Banquet will take place on Saturday night at the Mid-Mountain Lodge. The banquet will feature guest speaker Katerina Nash, a graduate of the University of Nevada at Reno, and will also provide a great opportunity for riders to meet USA Cycling’s new High School and Collegiate Program Manager, Jeffrey Hansen.
Via USA Cycling.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

SRAM To Sponsor Sea Otter

1A864361-1282-4100-B7B5-552805017909.jpgGood news:
SRAM has signed a four-year agreement to be the presenting sponsor of the Sea Otter Classic.

SRAM's industry leadership and broad reach across all aspects of cycling make it the perfect company for presenting sponsorship of Sea Otter. The partnership guarantees continued growth of the event as it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

"SRAM has been a sponsor and supporter of the Sea Otter Classic since 1995. Much of the success Sea Otter has enjoyed is directly attributable to their generosity," said Frank Yohannan, president of the Sea Otter Classic. "With SRAM's support, we'll continue to present one of the world's premiere cycling events and, more importantly, to introduce a new generation of young people to the wonderful sport of cycling. We look forward to many years of hosting the Sea Otter Classic... Powered by SRAM!"
Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

Monday, October 12, 2009

2010 Global Biorhythm Events

Close on the heels of this season's "Leave No Trace" series ender (this weekend's Knickerbocker 50mi/8hr), preliminary dates and races for next year's series have been announced:
2010 Global Biorhythm Events Schedule
  • May 1-2: Coolest 8 & 24 Hour Race Against Cancer (Cool, CA) **
  • June 6: Cool Mountain Bike Race (Cool, CA) **
  • June 19: Oak Tree Super Deeee (Auburn, CA)
  • July 18: Boggs 8 & 24 Hour (Cobb, CA) **
  • July 31: Sugarpine Mountain Bike Race (Foresthill, CA) **
  • August 14: Oak Tree Super Deeee II (Auburn, CA)
  • August 21: Boggs Mountain Bash (Cobb, CA) **
  • September 4-6: Tahoe Sierra 100 (Ice Lakes Lodge, Soda Springs, CA).
    Three day stage race OPTION. Racers have the option of doing just the 100, or the three day stage race. Solo racers doing all three days. Or teams of two doing all three stages both racers doing the three stages. Or teams of three with each racer doing one stage each.) **
(**) 2010 Leave No Trace Series races
Via Global Biorhythm Events.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Kernville Fat Tire Fest Next Weekend

Just a heads up for those of you looking for a non-racing MTB weekend/roadtrip to close out the season:
18th Annual Kernville Fat Tire Festival
October 16-18, 2009

Kernville is where it's at for our 18th annual Kernville Fat Tire Festival staged over three days, October 16, 17 and 18, 2009. Come join us for one, two or three days of total immersion in biking activities for all riding abilities. Bring your riding club or come to meet other riding enthusiasts, just like you.

The town of Kernville (MAP) uses the Sequoia National Forest for a playground, come play with us!
Check out the full details at Mountain River website.

Sand Hill Ranch Sold

Sad new out of the Bay Area:
Tom Anderson had his gate person announce last week to all of the riders that he has sold the ranch. It is in Escrow, which is an in-between phase until the new owner takes over. Until that time, we are still running as usual.
Obviously, the ranch has been on the market for a while but still quite a loss to the Bay Area gravity community.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

2009 Parkfield Classic Results

Results from last weekend's Parkfield Classic have been posted:
Well, another Parkfield has come and passed, and what a Parkfield it was! A big thanks to everyone who came out and helped make our 20th annual possible.
You can also see some pics here.

Friday, October 09, 2009

NorCal MTB Racing This Weekend: Oct 10 - 11, 2009

It's a "quality over quantity" weekend for racing:If you're not racing, you should think about heading up to the Marin Biketoberfest, which marries two of the finest things in life on Saturday.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

2009 CCCX Fall DH Series Announced

1082C7DA-1989-4391-98D4-5DD6BBE8445D.jpgThe CCCX downhill racing series is returning from the summer hiatus with a vengeance for this winter. Here is the fall/winter DH schedule:All races will be held in Toro Park (near Monterey, CA) and will cost $25 for juniors and $35 for women or men.

You can find more information about this series in the archive.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Race For Tara III Coming This Weekend


I just got word that everything is a "go" for this race, even with the low temperatures up in Truckee:
This weekend, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort will serve as host to the 3rd Annual 'Race for Tara,' a benefit DH race weekend to raise funds for the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Foundation to find a cure for spinal cord injury.

This year's event will kick-off with race practice on Saturday, October 10 and a party at sundown in the Village at Northstar™ featuring a DJ, video screening, raffle and beer for participants 21+. The race will begin at 11 a.m. sharp on Sunday, October 11 with sport and beginner, 4-wheel, and professional and expert divisions competing on a four mile long course featuring a 1,800 foot descent that begins at Northstar® Resort's summit and ends at mid-mountain (see this page for the complete course for each category).

Donations to participate in the race are $35 for beginner, sport and expert divisions, and $40 for semi-pro and pro classes. In addition, Northstar Resort will offer discounted lift tickets for $25 to registered riders on both Saturday and Sunday of the event weekend. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division, and GIANT Bicycles is sponsoring a $2,500 Pro prize purse.

Among the Pro racers who are expected to compete are US National Short Track Champion Adam Craig and his Giant MTB teammates Carl Decker and Jared Rando, Former US National Downhill Champion Cody Warren, and a possible guest appearance by local rider and multiple X-Games gold medalist Shaun Palmer. The event will conclude Sunday with a huge raffle that at previous 'Race for Tara' events has been the highlight of the race weekend.
Obviously, this is a great race and Northstar has taken it up a notch with the Saturday night party (see here for details). I'll be heading up to help support the cause.

Friday, October 02, 2009

NorCal MTB Racing This Weekend: Oct 3 -4, 2009

Racing is starting to wind down for the year, so for this weekend's calendar I am opening it up nationwide. In case, you are looking for a serious roadtrip:

10/03/09: Whiskeytown 9-5 / 24 (NorCal, near Redding)
10/03/09: Parkfield Classic (Central CA, near nothing [ed: kidding])
10/03/09: Road Apple Rally (NM)
10/03/09: Bryan Texas Utilities Power Pedal (TX)
10/03/09: Fall Tilt in Telluride (CO)
10/03/09: SoCal Fat Tire Epic 50 (SoCal)
10/04/09: Northstar DH (Live Wire Classic) (Truckee, CA)
10/04/09: Wolf River Rendezvous (WI)
10/04/09: Leaf Blower (NJ)
10/04/09: North Texas XC #3 Rowlett Creek (TX)
10/04/09: BASP CX #1 (Bay Area Cyclocross)


Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Santa Cruz Demo Day

If you're in the Santa Cruz coast area this weekend ...
Santa Cruz Bicycles Mega-Demo
Saturday, October 3rd 2009
Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz, Ca

A big yellow truck full of ALMOST brand new bikes will be coming home to Santa Cruz following the Interbike tradeshow, and we are going to be hosting a day-long, hands-on, frenzy of demo rides at Wilder Ranch. Bikes available for riding will include everything we make except for Stigmatas and Chameleons, but will be skewed toward our newer bikes. In other words, a big pile of carbon fiber Tallboys, Blur XCs and Blur LTs will be on hand, as well as a giant stack of aluminum LTs, Nomads, Driver 8s, V-10s (yeah, we know, Wilder isn't exactly the perfect venue for V-10s and Driver 8s, but they'll be there anyway). We'll also have a pretty solid sampling of all our single pivot range (with an emphasis on Hecklers and Superlights). We're talking over 70 bikes here.

This demo will be FREE to all who show up, and we'd like to point out that all these BARELY RIDDEN demo bikes will also be for sale at SCREAMING DEAL pricing.
Via Santa Cruz Bicycles - October Demos '09!

Monday, September 28, 2009

2009 Clif Bar Challenge Results

370D0A17-6EE9-4C74-85D9-7DE857E4F27A.jpgResults from this weekend's Clif Bar Challenge (by TBF Racing) have been posted: No pictures as of yet.

2010 US Cup To Add Venues

us-cup-logo.pngAccording to MTB Race News, next year's US Cup is expanding:
While the 2010 US Cup schedule has yet to be released MTBracenews has learned that two new venues will be added to next year's series. Included in the 2010 US Cup races will be Mt. Morris, Wisconsin and Bonelli Park, California.

Mt. Morris hosts the Subaru Cup and is part of the Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS). WORS is the largest mountain bike racing series in the United States. Just last week, WORS director Don Edberg told MTBracenews, "WORS has had another great year in 2009, for the first time since 2002 we are set to increase our numbers. Right now we are averaging about 680 racers per event."
Via MTB Race News: Eatough To Retire After Moab, US Cup 2010 Adds New Venues

Sunday, September 27, 2009

New Zealand To Host 2010 Singlespeed Worlds

At last weekend's Singlespeed World Championships in Durango, next year's site was chosen:
New Zealand's Rotorua will host the 2010 edition of the Singlespeed World Championships. The North Island city was selected after New Zealand won a tense and unconventional bidding process at at the singlespeed worlds in Durango, Colorado, this past weekend.
Via Cyclingnews.com.

For those of you who haven't been to Rotorua, it is spectacular.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

NorCal HS Program Going Nationwide

58F91077-EFFA-4D7A-A3A8-78F2BF32C619.jpgCool news from the people behind the NorCal High School league:
The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is launching October 1 as a new organization to promote and facilitate interscholastic high school mountain biking in the USA.

With Specialized Bicycle Components stepping in as the National Founding Sponsor, and the Easton Sports Development Foundation II stepping up its backing of the SoCal League to include a sponsorship match program at the national level, the fast emerging national association shows it has earned the trust and support of major industry players.

While the search for sponsorship continues in the quest to fully meet operating costs, a Trailblazer’s Team of individual benefactors has been established to provide additional support in getting – and keeping – the association off the ground. Early members of this important group include Charles Moore of McGuire Real Estate and Scott Tedro of Sho-Air International.

NICA has grown out of the highly successful NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League, which is now entering its tenth year. The launch of NICA follows the successful first year of the NorCal League spin-off, the SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League.

The new association is led by NorCal League founder, Matt Fritzinger, and will commence its work with four state or regional chapters. The initial states and regions are Northern California, Southern California, Colorado, and Washington.
Click over to the new website for full details.

Friday, September 25, 2009

NorCal MTB Racing This Weekend: Sept 26 - 27

It's another big weekend of racing, with races spread across NorCal to attend:After this weekend, there are only two big weekends of racing left.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Parkfield Classic Website

Full details (and an updated website) are available for the October 3rd & 4th Parkfield Classic down in central California.
parkfield.png

Style Coming to 2009 SF Bike Expo

Not quite sure what to make of this ...
We are pleased to announce the BikeStyle Fashion Show presented by Momentum Magazine happening November 21st, 2009 at the SF Bike Expo.
bikestyle.jpg
In other rideSFO news, their grand opening party is slated for October 3rd at their new home in Oakland.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Northstar DH & SuperD Results

538399E3-70AA-4C47-9D63-A485A16ECD49.jpgNorthstar at Tahoe's weekend of gravity racing is over and the results are posted up on their website:The final race in the Northstar DH series is October 4th -- The Livewire Classic.


Sunday, September 20, 2009

Giant NorCal MTB Championship Wrapping Up

WTClassicShortTrack.jpgThe last two races of the Giant Northern California Mountain Bike Championship are coming up, with the penultimate round, the Whiskeytown Classic, at Whiskeytown Lake over the weekend of September 25-27. This season-long series is coordinated by event promotions company Team Bigfoot, headed by Vic Armijo. The series finals will be the famed Lagrange Fall Classic in Weaverville October 16-18 where category championships will be awarded in Cross-Country, Downhill and Super-D. Champions will receive medals, a pair of commemorative socks from Sock Guy and will be eligible to purchase championship jerseys at dealer cost of $60.
  • The Whiskeytown Classic kicks off on the afternoon of Friday Sept. 25 with a Short-Track Cross-Country that’s held on a super-fun 3/10 mile course with a fire-road climb and a flowy single-track descent.
    Saturday’s Cross-Country is on a ten-mile, 80% single-track course. Beginners will do one lap, sport riders will do two and experts and pros will do three. “Whiskeytown Lake has become a favorite destination for Northern California mountain bikers,” Armijo says, “This is some of the best mountain bike riding in the state,” he says, “The trails and ditches built during the gold mining era are so much fun to ride!” The Whiskeytown Classic concludes with the Super-D on Sunday afternoon on a course that’s almost entirely single-track, has some great flowing sections, a rock-garden and only a couple of short climbs. An all-mountain bike is the hot set-up.
  • The series wraps up three weeks later at the Lagrange Fall Classic. That weekend starts Friday, October 16 with a Super-D that many have called the best in the state! It’s mostly single-track, has some of the best flow of any course around and it’s lonnng…winning times will be around 28 minutes! Saturday’s Cross Country is on an epic fun course! Again, it’s mostly single-track trails that were dug by hand during the gold rush days of the 1850’s. The beginners get a 14 mile loop, all others get 22 mile of fun! Sunday morning is the Short-Track Cross-Country on a fast course with an oh-so-steep downhill. The series concludes Sunday afternoon with the famed Lagrange Downhill. It’s a long course that starts way up near the top of Weaver Bolly Mountain. Expert times will be almost eight minutes! There’s a bit of everything on this one, steep and loose, fast and smooth, twisty and technical, and a creek jump.
For information visit http://www.teambigfoot.net.

Friday, September 18, 2009

NorCal MTB Racing This Weekend: 9/19 - 9/20

Full, full slate of racin' this weekend, and not just in the greater Folsom area:
  1. 09/19/09 (SAT): Lake Sonoma Series (XC)
  2. 09/19/09 (SAT): Northstar Super D (SD)
  3. 09/19/09 (SAT): Loma Rica MTB Dirt Crit (ST)
  4. 09/19/09 (SAT): Henry Coe Mountain Bike Challenge (XC)
  5. 09/20/09 (SUN): Northstar DH (DH)
  6. 09/20/09 (SUN): ASC MTB Elevation Classic (XC)
  7. 09/20/09 (SUN): CCCX Cyclocross (CX)
And thanks to advanced alien techology, here are the races on the map:

Thursday, September 17, 2009

2009 PCRS Fall Flash Finale Results

pcrs.pngLast night was the finale of the Prairie City Race Series Fall Flash and all the details have been posted:The PCRS starts up again in the fall (although they hinted at a possible winter CX series).

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

2009 Cyclebration Stage Results

The 2009 Folsom Cyclebration MTB Stage Race results are posted here: http://www.racemtb.com/CbMtb2009StageResults.htm.

The stage race consisted of the time trial, cross country and short track races at least weekend's festival.

Congrats to Expert winners:
Expert Men 50+: Rob Stark
Expert Men 40-49: Dean Meyer
Expert Men 30-39: Michael Lefrancois
Expert Men 18-29: Clint Claassen
Expert Women: Natalie Morris
Expert SS: Ron Shevock (who just edged Jeff Barker by 2 pts)


2009 Tahoe Sierra 50/100 Results

LeaveNoTrace_logo.jpgThe results for last weekend's epic Tahoe Sierra 50/100 are posted (PDF).

Congrats to the Pro Winners:
Pro Men
  1. DAVID JUAREZ 7:24:44 (MONA VIE CANNONDALE)
  2. CORY WALLACE 7:47:57
  3. AREN TIMMEL 8:04:40 (TEAM CHICO)
Pro Women
  1. LOUISE KOBIN 8:57:50
  2. MARG FEDYNA 9:22:02 (EDMONTON ROAD/TRACK CLUB)
  3. KAREN POTTER 9:37:57 (BIKECTCOM/DANIELSON ADV)
Pro Singlespeed Men
  1. JARED FRANZOIA 9:53:08 (KINETIC CYCLES)
  2. MIKE HARRISON 9:58:21 (BREAKAWAY BIKES)
  3. THOMAS ANDERSON 10:04:45 (BIKE SALES AND SERVICE)
Pro Singlespeed Women
  1. LINDA ECKHART 10:49:47 (DIRT CITY)
  2. DAWN INFURNA-BEAN 11:26:28 (VICTORY VELO)
Also congrats to Eric Snyder and Shelly Monroe, who won the mens and womens pro 50 mile race, respectively.

Monday, September 14, 2009

2009 Mammoth Bar DH

mammoth_bar_dh.jpgResults from this weekend's Mammoth Bar DH have been posted.

Congrats to Waylon Smith (Pro Men) and Joanne Petterson (Pro Women).

2009 Folsom Cyclebration

3C671314-B396-4FD9-B612-7EA263041563.jpgThis weekend was the huge Folsom Cyclebration (2 MTB races, CX races, festivals, road races, etc.) and the race results for XC and time trial have been posted (short track will probably be coming soon).

Congrats to Clint Claassen, who appears to have beaten all comers with 00:16:02 time trial. Sarah Maile posted the Women's best time trial with a 0:18:26.

Lots of photos are posted:More it becomes available.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Niner Jet 9 Recall

If you're riding one of the effected frames (see below for details), you should stop riding immediately:
In light of test results and after many hours of discussion on how best to serve our loyal customers, we decided to voluntarily recall Jet 9 frames with serial numbers from P8071682 to P8400454. These frames risk welding defects in the front and rear triangles that may lead to a premature failure of the frame. Unfortunately, there is no way to visually check for these weld defects. We must require that you stop riding the frame immediately because a failure could occur at any time.
More info at Niner Bikes. They seem like they are doing the right thing here.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

2009 Galena Fest Hits Reno on Sept 27th

On September 27, 2009 Reno community members will be gathering at Galena Creek Regional Park for the outdoor fundraiser, Galena Fest. Galena Fest focuses on two major mountain bike races, The Bloody Rose and The Thorn. There are also several other family friendly events including mountain bike races for kids, a sand castle contest, beer provided by Buckbean Brewery and a barbecue.
The Bloody Rose provides mountain bikers with two of the hardest challenges in the western United States. 11.7 miles in length at an average of 6.5 percent gradient, the course throws in several sections steeper than 15 percent, mixing in single track, fire roads, and sections of pavement.

The first true test for riders is a 15 percent grade aptly named “Wall of Death”, knobby tires fighting for traction on the sandy surface. Continuing up the mountain, survivors will pass over the highest year-round road in the Sierras, get a brief downhill respite, then commence a death march up NFD 051.
galenafest-topo.jpg

The next four miles are as much about survival as they are about speed. Riders will be cursing the small downhill when they make the final hairpin for the last quarter mile climb. When “Funeral Hill” ramps up to 16 percent, riders have to dodge softball-sized rocks and sear their lungs at almost two miles above sea level. Many will be getting off to walk. Those that make it up almost 4,000 feet to the 10,128 ft summit will be treated to amazing views of Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley and a special finisher’s T-shirt.
The Thorn is a shorter, 5 mile version of this hillclimb. For more information, visit www.renogalenafest.com.

Thanks to Brita from Social Media Associate for the heads up.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

2009 NorCal CycleFest Coming in November

The NorCal High School MTB League is hosting their annual fundraiser:
The Bay Area’s cycling social event of the season, the NorCal League’s CycleFest 2009 will feature the CEO of Slipstream Sports, Jonathan Vaughters, as its special guest at its main annual fundraiser, a three-day gathering, November 6-8 in Mill Valley.

Vaughters, formerly a Europe-based pro rider, has a reputation for fostering talented young riders and helping them through the difficult years when they progress from the junior level to ground zero in the senior ranks. The philosophy of his team has always been to do things differently while maintaining a strong ethical position, to which end he pioneered a transparent, drug-free cycling team early in the new millennium.

Proceeds from the ticket sales and silent auction go to supporting the Northern California High School Mountain Bike League, so be sure to purchase one for your friend/spouse/partner too! Regular tickets are $150.00, and Patron tickets, which include an intimate cocktail hour with Vaughters, are $195.00. Tickets purchased before September 16th will receive a discounted price of $125/$170. All tickets are available online at http://norcalmtb.org/spon/dinner_2009/index.htm.
For more information on the League, visit http://www.norcalmtb.org.

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Red Bill & Kona Riders in SF Bay

Okay, there used to be video posted here ... but I couldn't take it auto-playing everytime I loaded the page. So you'll need to click thru the picture (or link) to watch it.
redbull-alcatraz.png
By way of Bike Magazine.

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Wrench Science Introduces SingleSpeed Store

Berkeley-based Wrench Science has extended their web-based custom bike builder to include singlespeeds.
wrench_ss.png
You can now use their website to build up Ventana, Niner, Moots, Indy Fabrications and Ibis frames san gears. Pretty slick.

2009 PCRS Fall #3 Results

Results have been posted for last night's Prairie City Fall Flash #3. There are also photos and more photos as always.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Redding Bike Park

It looks like Redding, CA may be on their way to getting their own bike park:
We have blessings from the City to get started with the planning phase. Unfortunately, in the current economy all they can offer is blessings, so we're applying for grants and working hard to get donations. And since we're now a 510c3 nonprofit, you can now donate via Paypal at the website above (here). The city can't help us with anything so we will have to find the money to pay for everything starting from the environmental review, through permits, construction, you name it.

The site is flat with a slight slope in one direction. It will have a start hill, sets of dirt jumps of all sizes, a more freeride oriented section, and some singletrack with lots of technical trail features. It will also connect to the Sacramento River Trail via the new bike path they are building from Hilltop to Turtle Bay.
Via Redding Bike Park. This park would join the already popular parks at Northstar, Folsom and Fresno.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Weeknight Racing Results

Some of the weeknight racing results are posted:I don't see the last Howarth Dirt Crit results ...

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

2009 Summit Shorty Summer Series

shortylogo.jpgUgghh ... here's another series I missed, even after they reminded me .... Tonight is the 3rd to last (tertultimate ?) race in Summit Bicycle's Summit Shorty Summer Series:
The Summit Shorty is back in 2009 for more short course XC racing! Due to popular demand, we will do a spring and a summer series this year. The racing happens Tuesday evenings atop the hill at McInnis Park. The spring race series ran for six Tuesday evenings, beginning May 5th. The Summer Series races are 8/4, 8/11, 8/18, 8/25, 9/1 and 9/8.

Registration opens at 5:00 PM on race day and the race is $10 per person, per race. Each class is limited to 35 riders.
Again, the race is TONIGHT (Tuesday, August 25th).

Kirkwood Summer Series

Untitled.pngI completely missed this Kirkwood race series (they already had one a week or so ago), but the final is coming up on Labor Day weekend:
Join us this summer for five (ed: okay, only two left) fantastic mountain biking events! We began the race season on Saturday August 1st with the Kirkwood Nine-to-Five Endurance Race. Take part in our Friday Night X-C Races or Saturday Super-D events on August 14th and 15th and September 4th and 5th.

FRIDAY NIGHT X-C
Friday Night X-C races begin at 5pm and will run until we're finished. Join us post-race for an after party and awards in Bub's. Registration is just $10.

SATURDAY SUPER-D
The hottest thing on the race circuit this year, Super-D is a combination of cross country and downhill racing. Big bikes aren't required - you can run the full course on a cross country bike if you so choose. Races begin at 4pm, registration is just $10 for pass holders or $40 includes a lift ticket.
Via Kirkwood MTB website.

Monday, August 24, 2009

2009 12 Hours of Humboldt Results

Results for Saturday's 12 Hours of Humboldt have been posted over at Team Bigfoot's website. Congratulations to Mark Osborn and Chris Horton who both recorded 13 laps (although I think Chris won on time), and Elizabeth Crocker, who recorded the most solo female laps.

There's a thread on MTBR with pictures and a race report at Tri-Sports Racing.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

VeloNews Launches Singletrack.com

VeloNews has launched a MTB oriented site:
Competitor Group, Inc. (ed: the people who recently bought VeloNews) has launched an online publication focused on the mountain bike lifestyle at Singletrack.com.

Singletrack.com aims to be the first and last word on all flavors of mountain biking,” said Jamie Bate, the site’s new editor. “It’s not a narrow take on one discipline or another, but an entertaining and informative site that all ages and styles will want to check out daily. We’re not about copping attitudes. We’re about sharing the experience.”

Singletrack.com will also leverage the editorial and technical resources of VeloNews and VeloNews.com with respected names such as Lennard Zinn, Matt Pacocha and Zack Vestal contributing to the content package.
Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

Friday, August 21, 2009

John Fisher DH Finals/Party

Sunday is the finals of the John Fisher DH Series and there's going to be a party:
We will be running a 2 race format with an combined time. We will be using 2 courses, the first of two run will start on the Express Trail course. The 2nd course and run take place next to Kamook Staging area, Starting on Martin crossing over to Powerline down to 41. Our shuttle will be running starting @ 9:00am. First racer will start at Express @ 12:00 noon. After all riders are done with the Express run all riders will take a run on Martin/Powerline to complet our two runs. Best of two combined times will be our winner.
JF-matt-jump8-9-09 064.jpg

We have a great raffle set up, riders that have raced at the series will get one ticket per race attended. Tickets will be on sale starting @ $5.00 for one ticket, 5 for $10.00, 10 for $20.00. Raffle will take place after the awards.

This series has been set up to help our friend John Fisher get a much needed Handicap Van, I want to thank everyone that has come out to race and helped us help John, Thank you and please come out the Finals to help us reach our goal and get John and his twins a Van. Thank you all again and see you all this weekend at the John Fisher Benefit DH Summer Sizzle Race Series. There will be a After/party, BBQ, RedBull Drinks/Beer following race, so come out have some fun with John and the rest of us, Grogg's Irish Pub has donated a keg of Sierra Nevada Beer for Sunday's after party, racers get Free Beer.....
The John Fisher DH series is held in Miami Creek OHV Park near Oakhurst, CA. More information at the Sick Promotions website.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

RACE REPORT: 2009 PCRS Fall Flash #1

After a summer mostly full of knee problems, I returned to racing tonight at the local weeknight series, Prairie City. It was a perfect night for racing -- the 100F temperatures never materialized. We used the standard northward course of about 3 miles in distance and 200 feet of climbing.

Results and picture are already posted .

I won't go into my race (let's just say I was happy with how I rode but I need to go a bit easier on my tires to actually finish...) but I did take some quick video:



Next race in the series in Wednesday, August 26th near Folsom, CA.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Weeknight Racing This Week

For those of you missing your racing fix from a light weekend, it's weeknight racing time:
If you miss out on the mid-week fun, don't worry. We'll have a preview of the big weekend ahead of us tomorrow.

Bidwell Bump Returns for 2009

bidwell_superd.jpegOops, I got this last week and forgot to post it.
Chico State is finally hosting a race! There will be 4 events:XC, SD, ST, and or course DH! They will be held at two venues for optimum riding! The XC race will be in Bidwell Park and so will the Super D! And the DH and Short track (Collegiate Only) will be held in Oroville (a neighboring town) 30 minutes south of Chico.
Via Chico State Cycling Home.

The races will be held on September 26 & 27th but no word on costliness yet. I've split these into two events on the calendar: DH/ST and SD/XC since they are so far apart.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Everyone Stacks

It's nice to know that everyone (even world champs) who races MTBs has that moment ...

Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt



Geoff Kabush stacking (although one could make a case for a yard sale with the impressive downhill trajectory of his ride) on the way to winning the XCT at Windham.

Monday, August 17, 2009

2009 Parkfield Classic

parkfield_withlogos_online.pngThe dates for this year's Parkfield Classic have surfaced:
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Wheelmen Present the 20th Parkfield Classic on October 3rd and 4th, 2009

Closing in on twenty years, the 2009 Parkfield Classic will be one to remember. Great courses, great people, and fun times await those who make the journey to the “earthquake capital of the world” for this year's addition.

Who/What/When/Where: The Parkfield Classic is presented by the Cal Poly SLO Wheelmen and includes a weekend of XC, DS, ST, and DH racing, along with camping and all around good time. This year's addition takes place on the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, with gates opening on Friday the 2nd at 4pm. The event is held on the V6 Ranch in Parkfield, California, located roughly between Paso Robles and Kettlemen City. For additional information about the race keep your eye on the soon to be updated parkfieldclassic.com. All proceeds benefit the Cal Poly Wheelmen, a non-profit collegiate mountain biking club.
  • Cross Country (Saturday Morning): Parkfield has just the right brew for you. We are one of the last few races that won’t send you out for loop after loop of the same course. All courses come with our own flavor: flowy single track, big lung busting fire road climbs and long, screaming fast descents. ALL NORBA/USAC XC Racers get a BBQ ticket included with their race. Distances: Cat 3: 9 miles, Cat 2: 15 miles, Pro/Cat 1: 24 miles.
  • Dual Slalom (Saturday Afternoon):A new course this year with separate tracks for each racer makes for intense competition all the way down the hill. Built up rollers and additional berms make this year’s course the best one yet. One qualifying run. The 16 fastest qualifiers in each category will go head to head in single elimination rounds. Fastest qualifier in each race gets lane choice.
  • Short Track (Sunday Morning):Fast paced and action packed XC racing that is as fun to watch as it is to race. Laps will be around a modified course from last year. Bring your lungs and your passing gears — we’re putting in more room for longer, harder drag races. NORBA/USAC racers will race with corresponding collegiate category due to time constraints.
  • Downhill (Sunday Morning/Afternoon): When we brew downhill, we use nothing but heaps of fresh single-track. We enrich the flavor with flowing turns, high speed G-outs, and exciting drops. For those preferring something stouter, we’ve got some harder and bolder lines, but always allow the option for smoother ones for the first timers. Single Run format. Bypass options are given for most obstacles. Pro/Cat 1 course different than Cat 2/3 course. Riders are encouraged to wear protective gear as necessary. All riders must ride within safe limits!
Read all the details over on Mtbr.com.

Thanks to race co-director Menso de Jong for the heads up.

Friday, August 14, 2009

2009 12Hrs of Humboldt Update

MadeInTheShade.jpgA quick update about next weekend's 12 Hours of Humboldt up in Arcata:
With temperatures throughout California reaching into the 90s and beyond, many endurance racers are looking forward to visiting Arcata for the 12 Hours of Humboldt, August 22, as a means of getting in some good racing while also escaping the sweltering heat-wave. The average August daily temperature in this corner of the north coast is in the high 60s! Factor in a course that almost entirely under the shade of giant redwood trees and it’s no wonder that most of the riders in this popular event come from out of the area.

The main venue is in Arcata’s Redwood Park. The pit area will be on the upper lawn where riders and teams will be able to put up tents, awnings, etc. Riders with children will be pleased to know that there’s a playground adjacent to the start/finish/transition The course will run through the Arcata Community Forest using a variety of trails. The 8-mile course is a fun mix of fireroad and flowing singletrakc, boasting 1400’ of elevation gain per lap. Mountain bike endurance hero Tinker Juarez has called the course “One of the best I’ve ridden.”

The event is not just for elite riders. Along with the elite solo riders there will also be relay teams of 2, 3 or 4 riders competing in several different categories based on age and rider ability.
Check out all the details at Team Bigfoot.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

2009 ASC MTB Elevation Classic Moved

The 2009 ASC MTB Elevation Classic has been moved back from this coming weekend to Sunday, September 20th. Registration is still over at BikeReg.

2009 Lake Oroville 24-Hours of Gold

B70BDB75-0BBF-4BA4-B23D-5A6F2C870348.jpgThe Lake Oroville Bicyclist Organization has announced this year's edition of their 24 hour race:
24 Hours of Gold '09
Nov. 14 & 15.
Free camping Nov. 13 & 14
Loafer Creek Group Campsites
Oroville, California

The mother lode of 24-hour mountain bike racing.

We offer exquisite trails surrounding a state of the art campground.

The seven and one half mile singletrack course twist and turns, climbs and drops through oaks and chaparral.

The Loafer Creek Group Camps are six secluded sites; each site has room for 25 persons with tent sites, BBQ grills, sink and counter. Some/limited RV parking available.
Entry fee includes camping both Friday and Saturday nights.
More information at Lake Oroville 24-Hours of Gold.