Thursday, February 26, 2009

2009 CCCX DH#1 Preview

The course preview has been unveiled for this weekend's 2009 CCCX DH opener:
DH Course #1: The CCCX DH Series 2009 version will open up with a high speed race route that is a blast to race on. The course opens up with an extremely fast fire road section that has some downhill rollers where gravity really takes over to produce crazy fast speeds. The course then ventures into some twisting single track and switch-back trails where breaking and tire choice & air pressure can make the difference between winning and losing. The course then rolls out into the finish area where it is a fast push for the line.
Here's the course map:
0B0286BC-1C5D-4BEF-AEE2-6380D5FA9355.jpg
Full details at the CCCX DH website.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

New DH Summer Series Set for Central Cali

johnfisher.pngJust got word that there will be a brand new downhill MTB series in the Central Valley this summer:

The John Fisher DH Summer Sizzle Race series will be a six race series held in Miami Creek OHV Park near Oakhurst, CA [MAP]. It is being organized by the same people that bring you The Lou and the new Buck Ridge Race.

There are still details being worked out (the Forest Service appears to be already onboard), but the courses are slated to be long 1.5 mile to 2.25 mile rides using the "Express Trail" as the basis. The proposed dates for the series are:
  • May 30-31 (DH& Skills Stage weekend)
  • June 28 (DH#2)
  • July 12 (DH#3)
  • July 26 (DH#4)
  • Aug 9 (DH#5)
  • Aug 23 (DH finale #6)
The race series will benefit John Fisher, past 3 time US National DH Champ and #2 in the UCI DH Masters World Championships 2006. He was injured skiing in 2007 and confined to a wheelchair.

More details on this as I hear them.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

NorCal MTB News Tidbits

Just a bunch of unrelated items stuck in my RSS reader that don't warrant their own post:
  • Downieville Classic Find Sponsor: SHIMANO takes leadership role and becomes Title Sponsor for 2009.
  • Burgers in Bonelli: A cookout trailer provided by California restaurant chain In N Out Burger will be on hand at the opening round of the U.S. Cup on March 1 at Bonelli Park in San Dimas, California. The burger chain will provide a free cheeseburger, drink and bag of chips to the first 500 registrants.
  • BikeReg.com is down ... apparently routine maintenance was not routine and as of Tuesday morning bikereg.com (registration service for many, many races) is still off the air: "BikeReg.com suffered a major hardware failure this weekend. We are working as quickly as possible to restore service." Let's hope they get things back to normal.
  • Global SRAM Truck Coming to Local Races: SRAM will be attending the Sea Otter Classic and the Ashland Super D.
  • Mountain Biking Video Game: "Word on the (Chinese) streets is Rockstar Games, the gang that brought us Grand Theft Auto, may be collaborating with Mongoose rider Steve Romaniak to develop a mountain biking video game. "
  • Kona "Shoot The Ride" Returns: "If you're a Kona fan, or bike fanatic in general, this is your chance to submit your best amateur photographs. Once the images are in, Kona will put them through the Kona ringer to see if they've got what it takes to emerge victorious ... The contest parameters are pretty loose: Beauty shot, some sort of bike connection, however distant or obvious, and that's it."
  • Passion Trail Bikes Turns 3: Celebrate their third birthday on March 7 & 8 by test riding any of 100 bikes.
  • dhRENO posts Mob N Mojave Report: pics, video and narrative wrap up from their racing trip down to Las Vegas.
  • US MTB Cup New Website Announced: The US MTB Cup has also posted a proper website.
Back to regular race news tomorrow.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

2009 MTB Challenge #2 Results

Results and photos have been posted for TBF's Mountain Bike Challenge #2 held this morning:Congrats to top Expert Male finisher Clint Claassen, top Expert Female Shayna Powless and first Singlespeeder Galen Shumaker.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Auburn DHer Joins Duncan Riffle Racing

Another local rider signs for the 2009 season:
Two-time national downhill champion Duncan Riffle will headline his own professional downhill racing team in 2009. Called Duncan Riffle Racing, the team includes Riffle, Brad Benedict and development rider Andy Benedict. Riffle, who hails from Santa Barbara, California, formerly rode with the Yeti and Honda-Ironhorse teams.

Brad Benedict, who hails from Auburn, California, won the 2008 National Mountain Bike Series downhill title. This year will mark his first full campaign on the World Cup circuit. Andy Benedict, who hails from Santa Barbara, is coached by Riffle and will target the domestic racing scene in 2009.
Via VeloNews.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Full 2009 Giant NorCal MTB Series Detailed

09NorCalSLogo.jpgI've posted bits and pieces of this before, but this is the compete 2009 Giant NorCal MTB series press release (with scoring rules):
With the sport of mountain biking having such deep roots in Northern California it is no wonder that the upper half of the state is so rich with grass-roots events. Known for epic “old-school” courses the heart and soul of mountain bike racing is still beating strong, thanks in part to Giant Bicycles, title sponsor of the 2009 Northern California Mountain Bike Series, consisting of nine cross-country events, five Super-D events, four downhill events and two short-track events.

This season long points series will culminate at the finals at the LaGrange Fall Classic in Weaverville. Champions in each category will be awarded with a 1st place medal, special Nor-Cal Series Socks from Sock Guy, and will be eligible to purchase a championship jersey. Medals will also be presented to those racers whose points have earned them second and third place.

Coordinated by Team Bigfoot, points tallies throughout the season will be posted at www.teambigfoot.net. Full details on the series are also at that website.

CROSS COUNTRY (Best 4 finishes + finals at LaGrange Fall Classic)
04/05: Napa Valley Dirt Classic
04/25: Lemurian Classic
05/02: CCCX
06/09: Skyline Park
06/28: CCCX (XC)
08/09: Howell Mountain Classic (XC)
09/25: Whiskeytown Classic
10/16: Lagrange Fall Classic

DOWNHILL (Best 2 finishes + finals at LaGrange Fall Classic)
03/22: CCCX
05/24: Gravity Day
06/21: CCCX
10/16: Lagrange Fall Classic

SUPER-D (Best 2 finishes + finals at LaGrange Fall Classic)
03/22: CCCX
05/24: Gravity Day
06/21: CCCX
09/25: Whiskeytown Classic
10/16: Lagrange Fall Classic

SHORT-TRACK (Both events count)
09/25: Whiskeytown Classic
10/16: Lagrange Fall Classic
The points structure will be a descending scale based on finishing place.

2009 NorCal HS MTB Schedule

Here is the official NorCal High School MTB calendar for 2009:
The 2009 series opener is held on a fun course featuring lots of single track over rolling hills in mountain biking’s classic Fort Ord venue. Riders will complete multiple laps of a circuit that is approximately 6.0 miles per lap.

The complete schedule for the 2009 Northern California High School Mountain Bike Racing League Series is as follows:

March 1: Central Coast Invitational 1, East Garrison, Fort Ord, Monterey
March 15: Granite Bay Invitational, Folsom Lake, Folsom
April 5: Mountain Goat Challenge, Pilarcitos Canyon, Fort Ord, Monterey
April 26: To be announced shortly
May 17: State Championship, Bogg’s Mountain, Cobb

Athletes may register for the 2009 Racing Series at http://norcalmtb.org/race/index.htm, where they can also view course maps, get directions and check out highlights from years past.
You can always find more information on high school MTB racing at their website http://norcalmtb.org/.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Wilderness First Aid Training Coming to Specialized HQ

A key part of MTB (and MTB racing) is self-reliance. While we focus most of our self-reliance on things like bike maintenance and food, it is almost inevitable that sometime, somewhere (probably far, far from help) we may need first aid -- for ourselves or a fellow rider. In that spirit, Specialized is sponsoring Wilderness First Aid Training:
Join the Specialized Advocacy Fund and Foster Calm - First Aid and Leadership Trainings for an innovative Wilderness First Aid Training! This 16-hour training is designed to prepare you to confidently and effectively respond to injuries and illness that can occur out on the trails. The training will focus on staying calm, making good decisions, and relevant hands-on practice. Upon successful completion, each participant will receive a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification valid for 3 years.

TOPICS COVERED
• Managing an accident scene out on the trail
• Patient assessment
• Shock & bleeding
• Head & spinal injuries
• Wound care
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Heat and cold illnesses
• And much more

Saturday & Sunday, May 30-31 2009
08:00 – 17:00 each day
*You must attend both days for certification*
COST: $149 - includes certification, breakfast and lunch both days.

Visit http://sites.google.com/site/specializedwfacourse/ to register.
This is a zero-profit event (100% to expenses related to hosting the seminar).

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Iron Angels Returns For 2009

497B607E-B288-449D-A086-E8E76634A76A.jpgAfter being cancelled in 2009 due to poor conditions at New Melones Reservoir, it appears the VeloPromo's Iron Angels is back for 2009. Although details are sketchy (the race page hasn't been updated for 2009), the race is planned for April 25th, 2009 near the Calaveras County fairgrounds.

We'll be updating the race calendar with more details as they become available. In the meantime, check out the archives for past Iron Angel race reports and details.

Tour of California: Merced to Clovis

After another soggy day of racing, Levi is still wearing the yellow jersey as the riders rolls from Merced to Clovis (Fresno) today.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Tour of California: San Jose to Modesto

So todays segment of the ATOC winds out of San Jose, up into the East Bay then turns East past Livermore on the way to Modesto in the central valley.



You can try and catch the race on http://tracker.amgentourofcalifornia.com/ assuming that their servers aren't melting down (the main site is down right now). The race starts at Noon PST.

Sand Hill Spring Gravity Update

Just a small update to Sand Hill's Spring Gravity series:
  • The March 21st date has been canceled due to a scheduling conflict.
  • The first two events have swapped their race formats. The March 7th race is now 4x/mountaincross and the March 14th race is now dual slalom.
  • Sand Hill has a live track cam so you can check out conditions before you get there.
The new race schedule is:
03/07/09: Sand Hill Spring Gravity (4X)
03/14/09: Sand Hill Spring Gravity (DS)
03/21/09: Sand Hill Spring Gravity(CANCELED)
03/28/09: Sand Hill Spring Gravity (4X)
04/04/09: Sand Hill Spring Gravity (DS)
The Sand Hill Spring Gravity series is held in Brentwood, CA (East SF Bay) at Sand Hill Ranch. You can find past results and other information in the archives.

Monday, February 16, 2009

2009 CCCX XC #1 Official Results

CCCX #1 at Fort Ord produced some outstanding racing action with well deserved winners in all divisions. The race course was peppered with constant rain and and off throughout the day. This made for some technical racing on a slippery track that featured many power sapping sections. Most of the trails held up well during the first races held at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. However, the Expert/Pro race which was contested last on the day, became a true battle of attrition for the riders. "Epic" could describe the hard racing that hit the riders going at it on a course that faced constant rain. Slide outs and equipment issues became common place in the wet conditions. Some riders could not finish, others came in one by one, all with a story to tell......

Results are up for the CCCX XC opener:Congrats to division winners on the day:
PRO/EXPERT WOMEN- Jamie Stamps- Another Bike Shop
PRO/SEMI-PRO MEN- Menso DeJong- Santa Cruz Bicycles
EXPERT 18 & under- Tylor Giger- Salinas H.S. Cowboy Racing
EXPERT 19-34- Brian Butler- Joselyn's/Burnham Racing
EXPERT 35-44- Alexander Rouch- Joselyn's/Burnham Racing
EXPERT 45-54- Scott Calley- VOS/Cycles Gladiator
EXPERT 60+ - Jeffrey Linder- Plus 3 Network.com
PRO/EXPERT SINGLE SPEED - Eric Thunstrom- SCCCC/Team Santa Cruz
SPORT 18 & under - Stephen Crowley- Cowboy Racing
SPORT MEN 19-34- Joseph Brody- Beaver Racing
SPORT MEN 35-44 - Frank Pinto- Joselyns
SPORT MEN 45-55- Jim Werle- Sterling Sports Group
SPORT MEN 55+ - Joseph Crabtree- Forest Hill Bike Shop
SPORT SINGLE SPEED- Tom Biggs- Ghost Tree Racing
CLYDESDALE- Daymon Prewitt- Me
SPORT WOMEN 34 & under- Sofia Gomez Villafane- Los Gatos H.S. MTB
SPORT WOMEN 35-44- Jen Lucia- SCCCC
SPORT WOMEN 45+- Sue Lovecchio- Velo Bella
JUNIOR MEN 14-18 - Nick Casaccia- Famiily Cycling
BEGINNING MEN 19-34 - Nathan Cuifford- Mountain View
BEGINNING MEN 35-44- Eric Ellis- Nipomo
BEGINNING MEN 45-54 - Bob Daw- WheelAway Cycle Center
JUNIOR MEN 13 & under - Jake Carrade- San Rafael
BEGINNING WOMEN 19+ - Thea Stein - Velo Girls
JUNIOR WOMEN 18 & under - Olivia Hays- Monterey Bay KingFishers

See the previous post for race reports and photos.

2009 CCCX XC #1 Race Report

No official results posted yet, but race reports and photos are trickling in from yesterday's CCCX XC opener:
25F871E4-4AE6-412C-A754-5BC846B8E3D9.jpg
As soon as the full results are up, I'll update this post.

Tour of California: Sausalito to Santa Cruz

The tour continues on today: across the Golden Gate, down the coast on Hwy 1 (and directly in front of the old NorCal MTB Racing HQ in Pacifica) before heading into Santa Cruz. Hopefully, the weather will be a bit nicer (and we might actually be able to see some of it on the TV) but I'm not counting on it.



It looks like a few local favorites are still in the midst of it (Levi's in 2nd).

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Tour of California: Davis to Santa Rosa

After yesterday's interesting run through the downtown streets of Sacramento (it even got Arnold out of his office), it's over to Davis and through Napa to Santa Rosa today.



For those of you braving the weather, make sure and check out the festivities in Santa Rosa. If you being a wuss (or just hoping that your house doesn't blow down), you can see the race of Versus TV or live on the 'internets (actually quite good).

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Tour of California: Sacramento Prologue

Hey, today is the start of the week plus long roadie extravaganza, The Amgen Tour of California.

Today, stop is Sacramento (near to NorCal MTB Racing HQ) and they are racing a prologue (which appears to be a glorified 2.4 mile time trial). I'll be wandering down just to see the former MTB racers (Floyd Landis is back) and maybe drink a few beers.

Here's the race map for today:



The first rider starts at 1:30 PM and it should all be done by 4PM.

Another Fork Recall: Marzocchi

marzocchi_fork.pngAnother MTB fork recall, this ones kinda scary:
The recalled Marzocchi Bicycle Forks were sold for installation on mountain bikes. The recall involves certain 2008 model year 888RC3 and 888RC3WC suspensions with date codes beginning with T07D07, T07D08, and T07D09.  The recalled Marzocchi Bicycle Forks are white or black with red and black artwork on the legs and were sold at a variety of bicycle parts distributors and retailers nationwide from July 2007 through September 2007 for between $1,000 and $1,700.
Via Marzocchi Important Recall.

Here's the scary part:
Marzocchi has learned that after a forceful landing, the suspension system can become completely compressed and “bottom out.” The piston rod may collapse under the load of the landing. The collapsed piston rod prevents the suspension system from extending and returning to its original configuration. The fork spring will remain compressed inside the fork leg.

WARNING: If an unqualified mechanic attempts to repair the suspension system, the fork may extend violently, ejecting the top cap or spring with significant force, resulting in personal injury.
This would not be good. If you have one of these forks, return it to your dealer or contact Techinfo@Marzocchiusa.com.

Friday, February 13, 2009

2009 CCCX XC Opener Preview

The 2009 CCCX XC series opens this Sunday at Fort Ord in Monterey.
xc72008me9.jpg


Here's a preview:
This Sunday's CCCX Cross Country race in Fort Ord, near Monterey, will be taking place rain or shine. However, it looks like rain is more possible then shine. Rain is in the forecast and it is sure to be a epic and memorable day of MTB racing. The trails and fire roads of the former Army base at Fort Ord can really hold water well, as the ground is very hard packed. Even if there is heavy rain, the riding will still be first class. The trails seem to get better with a little moisture.

The CCCX Series is in its 8th season of XC racing and NorCal riders can count on fun riding on well marked courses. New for 2009, the CCCX Series will be using some different trails in Ft Ord, and rumor has it the riding is better then ever. Race #1 will be run on a course very similar to the March 1st NorCal High School MTB League series opener. This gives the high school racers a good chance to preview what test they will face at race #1 of their NorCal series. Racing action starts at 9:00 a.m. with the Beg. divisions, 11:00 a.m. with the Sport divisions, and 1:00 p.m. with Expert/Pro racing. All info can be found at www.cccx.org. Photographer extraordinary Rick Rasmusen will be on hand filming all the action. His photo work is outstanding and can be accessed free of charge at his web site http://bikeguy.smugmug.com/.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Downieville Classic Update

136F0394-3648-4F18-9EC0-C8BE8945816E.jpgInteresting little update on the Downieville Classic website:
STAY TUNED for the following new developments:
  • Title Sponsor pulls-out and leaves event in jeopardy. Remaining sponsors asked to step-up.
  • Talks resume with sanctioning body over Official All-Mountain World Championships.
  • Saddle Tramps confirmed for July 11th street party.
  • Say goodbye to downhill only categories, it's All-Mountain, all the time.
  • Mark Weir threatens retirement from the event. Jason Moeschler pledges to try harder.
  • So some of this definitely sounds like some pre-race hype (do you need hype for a race that sells out within 1 hour ?) but it's interesting that the Downhill only registration may be over. I, for one, think that's great but ... there will certainly be some unhappy campers.

    Registration for the LOTTERY (?) is stated to open on March 15th at 8:00PM.

    2009 24 Hour National Championships Moved to Moab

    So this is just a rumor, but certainly an interesting one This has been confirmed by Velonews and USA Cycling:
    USA Cycling will officially announce later this week that the 2009 24 Hour National Championship race will be moved to Moab, Utah. The race will be held in conjunction with the 24 Hours of Moab on October 10-11 ... 24 Hours of Moab promoter Laird Knight confirmed with MTBracenews that Moab will indeed be the ulitmate location of the National Championship race."
    First reported over at MTB Race News. More coverage at USA Cycling.

    Wednesday, February 11, 2009

    2009 Big Sandy Registration Open

    reghead.jpgRegistration is now open for the 2009 Big Sandy:
    Registration is $40.00 this year, $30.00 for Juniors. There will be a $5.00 fee to sign up on race day ... No stamps, no envelope, just sign in and sign up: ONLINE REGISTRATION ... We are selling Commemorative T-Shirts this year. If you order one with registration its only $5.00, but you have to order it by March 20th ... MORE SINGLETRACK: That is the only way to describe this year’s race. Everyone will get more. For Pro and Cat 1 (expert) racers, we are adding the Pa’San Ridge Loop at Squaw Leap. We even added a special Long Course cat for Cat 2 (sport). this trail is too fun. starting off with a mile down to the river valley cross the bridge, well then you climb for about 3 miles and the top is kind of rocky, but you race mountain bikes so this is fun to you. Then you get 3-4 miles of the best singletrack you may find.
    The Big Sandy is a point to point XC race (23 or 15 miles) on April 4th, 2009 that celebrates the completion of the the Big Sandy bridge just North of Fresno [COURSE MAP].

    Read more over on their website at http://bigsandyrace.com/.

    Tuesday, February 10, 2009

    Buck Ridge Race Returns for 2009

    It looks like the Buck Ridge race has outlived SpatDog and will be contested again this year:
    BUCK RIDGE LIVES ON!

    The Buck Ridge XC Race is central California's premier course. The ideal figure 8 course with a mix of rolling single track, fire road and few technical sections makes for an exciting race for both racers and spectators. The start/finish area is conveniently located next to registration, parking and picnic areas. Come on out and enjoy the green rolling hills, scenic vistas and first class racing.

    The race has formerly hosted by Spatdog and Tri-Sport. Sick Promotions is keeping the race alive. The race format is very similar to years past. If you enjoyed the race in the past you won’t be disappointed in 2009.
    Online Registration is already open.

    Event: Buck Ridge Race
    Dates: March 8th, 2009
    Location: Lake Hensley, CA (north of Fresno) [ MAP ]
    Competition: XC
    URL: http://www.sickpromotions.net/

    You can get all the details at the Buck Ridge Race 2009 website.

    Monday, February 09, 2009

    2009 MTB Challenge #1 Race Report

    Quick update: overall results and divisional results posted.

    Sorry about the delay but got sidetracked before putting together my race report. To make up for it, here is some quick video of the end of the race with a bit of the awards:


    And here is my race report from the race:
    The theme for my race day was "late." Late to get up, late out of the house, late to register and late on the course. I got to the registration table with 10 minutes to spare but didn't manage to make it up line in time for my categories start. I decided to just take off with the Novice group and see how it went.

    Which was good, because even the Novice group was kicking my *ss. As someone else mentioned, the course was really quick and everyone looked to be in mid-season shape. Top experts were logging 25 minute laps (for 4 laps), Sports were in the 27 minute/lap range and some "Novices" were sub 30 minute/laps. Needless to say, I was not in any of those groups.

    I got a decent but not good first lap down and started to warm up in the second. In fact, I even pulled a negative lap time but the third lap was my Waterloo. On a course which mandates flowy, momentum riding, I was tired and out of sync with some lower back pain (apparently I am not in "mid-season shape"). Towards the end of the race, I was felt like I was going backwards while battling the headwinds on the final stretch.

    Net result: just missed racking up my first DFL of the season.
    I clocked the course at about 6 miles per lap (first lap was 1 mile longer due to lead over levy) and 650' climbing per lap. It was pretty much like last year's MTB Challenge except you took the Cyclocross start (away from parking area, up on the levy and then to the "normal" course. Here's what it looks like on the map:
    2009_mtb_challenge_1.jpg
    There are some photos on MTBR and Ron has posted his single speed race report on his new blog.

    The next MTB Challenge race is in two weeks (2/22).

    Sunday, February 08, 2009

    MTB Challenge #1 Preliminary Results

    UPDATE (11:30PM): overall results are in. And photos.

    Just got back from TBF's MTB Challenge #1 and I wanted to post some quick snaps of the preliminary results while they're still fresh. Click on the pictures to see them full size (so that you can read them).



    Remember these are just preliminary results (I know that some of the results were mis-classified) and the final results won't be posted until tomorrow night (probably).

    I'll have my race report with video and pictures later tonight.

    Short Track Not Included at Some US Cup Races

    Interesting to see MTB promoters moving away from Short Track, especially as Cyclocross interest is growing:
    After several years of inclusion in the national race series the Short Track Cross Country (STXC) will not be included at some events on the 2009 U.S. Cup circuit, including races that are part of the Pro XC Tour. Tom Spiegel, Director of west coast operations at the U.S. Cup said, "putting together a new series was a big undertaking time, money and energy were directed toward cross country [Olympic distance cross country]."

    For that reason, races on the U.S. Cup and Pro XC Tour schedule will have the option of including Short Track in their events at the promoters discretion, it will not be required. According to USA Cycling's Kelli Lusk, "The Pro XCT is structured around XC-Olympic (XCO), so it’s the only discipline being tabulated into the rankings." Although Short Track will not be included in the Pro XC Tour it will be included in the Mountain Bike National Championships in Sol Vista, Colorado.

    At this point, the Sea Otter Classic is the only race on the Pro XC Tour that will be hosting a Short Track race. The events in Fontana and Birmingham will not be including Short Track. Event schedules for the race dates in Colorado Springs, Mount Snow, Windham, and Las Vegas are not available at this time.
    Via MTB Race News.

    Saturday, February 07, 2009

    Prairie City Race Series Pre-reg Open

    Registration is open for this spring's Prairie City Race Series near Folsom, CA. The PCRS is one of the largest weekday XC race series in NorCal, often attracting over 400 riders.
    PcrsLogoMed.jpg
    On-line pre-registration is now open! Confirmed pre-registration list is HERE.

    NOTE: The 2009 Series will be limited to 500 racers per race.
    Via Prairie City Race Series website.

    Friday, February 06, 2009

    MTB Racing This Weekend: Feb 7-8 2009

    Not a huge weekend for MTB racing in NorCal, but there is a MTB Duathlon and the first race in the TBF MTB Challenge series going on outside Sacramento in Granite Bay.

    Weather for the races are looking a bit mixed: although there have been only light rains over the past day or so (I can almost see the course from where I am), the temperature has dropped down to more seasonal levels. Expect low 40F, possible light rain but tacky course conditions.

    Here's the full nationwide MTB race calendar for this weekend:
    02/07/09: Southridge Winter Series (SoCal)
    02/07/09: Global Bikes McDowell Meltdown (AZ)
    02/07/09: Chanoko Mountain Bike Duathlon #1 (NorCal)
    02/07/09: Dragon GAP Charity Winter Mountain Bike Race (MI)
    02/07/09: The Dirty Dozen™ 12 & 6 Hour (TX)
    02/08/09: MTB Challenge #1 (NorCal)
    02/08/09: Nothing but Noodles Winter Short Track Series (NC)

    Thursday, February 05, 2009

    Team Bigfoot's 2009 Endurance Series Schedule

    As promised on Tuesday, here are Team Bigfoot's Endurance dates for 2009:
    Team Bigfoot 2009 Endurance Series
    05/23: 12 Hours of Weaverville (Weaverville, CA)
    08/22: 12 Hours of Humboldt (Arcata, CA)
    09/05: Clikapudi Six To Midnight (Shasta Lake, CA)
    10/03: Whiskeytown 9-5 & 24 Hours of Whiskeytown (Whiskeytown Lake, CA)
    TBD (Maybe August): 12 Hours of Kirkwood (Lake Tahoe, CA)
    I'm very interested to see if they can pull of the 12 Hours of Kirkwood event.

    You can get find all these races under the tag "2009 team bigfoot endurance series" at mtbcalendar.com

    Wednesday, February 04, 2009

    Race & Party in Santa Rosa for Tour of California

    So you've probably heard by now that there is some kind of bike race coming to NorCal. We'll even though it is of the roadie persuasion, it looks like there might be some things worth seeing:
    velove_sprints.jpgvelove_map.jpgvelove_cross.jpg
    Mack sends word of what to do in Santa Rosa during their Tour of California stage:
    Two days of bikes and partying in Santa Rosa with the Tour of California at Velove!

    Saturday the 14th: my man Carlos and BikeMonkey put on Cyclocross Santa Rosa, the season finale! Marin Bikes will be there with several of their flossy new Cortina CX bikes that you can actually run the race on. Scandium and carbon with SRAM kit. I'll be helping to call the race so if i know who you are, prepare to be heckled!

    Sunday the 15th: Area teams face off four-wide on the new GoldSprints system from 12 noon - 4pm on the main stage in the Lagunitas beer garden. $5 pints of Lagunitas beers. I've got over $5,000 in CASH & PRIZES to give away so far...

    Then from 4pm - 5pm we watch the Tour leaders come in for the stage win on the JumboTron in the beer garden.

    From 5pm - 6pm the Broakland Krew from MontanoVelo will throw down a trick and skid exhibition and freestyle show. We'll play round of footdown for some swag and then we open the gates for a Trick & Skid Competition. We've got a whole city block closed off for this, washed and swept. Skid for accuracy and distance. Lots of prizes to give away, so bring your best moves.

    Then it's heads-up GoldSprints racing on the main stage until we run out of beer. Since I went all out and got FORTY kegs of Lagunitas coming it could be while!

    Sponsors kicking down are Marin Bikes, Montano Velo, Chuey, Sheila Moon, Hutchinson Tires and a few more I can't remember right now.
    It looks like the North Bay folks are setting a high bar for Tour of California festivities ...

    Tuesday, February 03, 2009

    Team Bigfoot Finalizes 2009 Giant NorCal Series

    Team Bigfoot has posted their 2009 race schedule along with this year's NorCal series events. It appears that this year's series will be sponsored by Giant Bicycles and will encompass 11 races stretching from Monterey/Salinas thru Weaverville, CA. Here are the dates for this year's races:
    Giant 2009 Northern California Series
    03/22: CCCX (DH/SuperD)
    04/05: Napa Valley Dirt Classic (XC)
    04/25: Lemurian Classic (XC)
    05/02: CCCX (XC)
    05/24: Gravity Day* (SuperD, DH)
    06/14: Skyline Park (XC)
    06/21: CCCX (XC but I think this is actually a DH/Super D)
    06/28: CCCX (XC)
    08/09: Howell Mountain Classic (XC)
    09/25: Whiskeytown Classic* (XC, ST, SuperD)
    10/16: Lagrange Fall Classic* (DH, XC, ST, SuperD)

    * the asterisk denotes Team Bigfoot events.
    You can find all these listed under the tag "2009 norcal series" over on mtbcalendar.com.

    I'll have Team Bigfoot's 2009 Endurance series dates tomorrow.

    Monday, February 02, 2009

    NorCal MTB Race Schedule On Your Dashboard

    As part of our never-ending research into race calendar technology, the folks here NorCal MTB Racing labs have come up with a treat for you Mac users: a widget for your Mac OS X Dashboard that displays all the upcoming races in the region.
    mtbcal-widget-front-v041.pngmtbcal-widget-back-v041.png
    With the widget, the race calendar is never more than just a click away. And while most of you will probably just want it for the NorCal races, you can actually monitor other regions like SoCal, Colorado or East Coast.

    You can download the widget at http://slashk.github.com/mtb-calendar-widget/. There are also instruction for installation there too.