For those of you looking for sponsorship for next year's campaign:
Honey Stinger has introduced a new grassroots sponsorship program called “The Hive.”The Hive offers preferred pricing on Honey Stinger products and merchandise to athletes and teams identified by Honey Stinger as influential in their sport, region or community, according to a press release.
The program is open to individuals and teams in Honey Stinger’s targeted cycling, running and triathlon markets, but participants in all athletic disciplines are encouraged to apply. At present, The Hive is only available to U.S. residents.
Those interested in the program may apply via the online form available on Honey Stinger’s Web site, www.honeystinger.com, which includes a code of conduct that must be agreed upon by the applicant prior to submission. Honey Stinger’s marketing staff will review applications upon receipt.
Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News
For those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for NorCal:
This sounds kinda serious ...
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Seattle Bike Supply, has issued a voluntary recall of about 200 Redline D640 bikes.The head tube can separate from the frame, causing the rider to lose control and fall. This poses a risk of serious injury. SBS is aware of eight reports of head tubes separating from the frame, including four reports of minor scrapes and cuts.
This recall involves all 2008 Redline D640 bicycles. The bicycles were sold in black and have aluminum frames. "REDLINE" is written down the frame's tube. The model number is written on the frame's top tube.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and contact a local Redline bicycle dealer to receive a free frame replacement.
Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News
Nothing in California ...
The Kenda National Ultra Endurance (NUE) Series is adding three events for 2011, bringing the total for its tentative schedule to 11 rounds. In addition to its eight established venues, the series will visit Mountain View, Arkansas, Alta, Wyoming and Park City, Utah.What will remain constant is that series standings will continue to be determined by the best four of the now eleven possible results for each racer. Ties will be broken at the series finale at the Shenandoah Mountain 100 near Harrisonburg, Virginia, on Labor Day weekend.
The series schedule is tentative and subject to change as race organizers are still in the usual process of procuring forest service permits and other logistical race planning details.
2011 (NUE) National Ultra Endurance Series tentative schedule
April 30: Cohutta 100 Ducktown, Tennessee
May 14: Syllamo's Revenge 100, Mountain View, Arkansas
June 4: Mohican 100, Loudonville, Ohio
June 18: Lumberjack 100, Wellston, Michigan
July 16: Breckenridge 100, Breckenridge, Colorado
July 23: High Cascades 100, Bend, Oregon
July 30: Wilderness 101, State College, Pennsylvania
August 6: Pierre’s hole 100, Alta, Wyoming
August 20: Fool’s Gold 100, Dahlonega, Georgia
September 3: Park City Point to Point 80, Park City, Utah
September 4: Shenandoah Mountain100, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Read the entire article at Cyclingnews.com
2011 MTB Cross Country Dates
For those of you who haven't raced CCCX before, these races are held near Monterey, CA. More information can be found in the archives. More details (few at the current time) at CCCX Website.
Thanks to Kevin from Santa Cruz for the heads up.
If you're into cyclocross but couldn't make it to Bend this year, fire your computer Sunday afternoon:
Watch the Cyclo-cross Nationals elite races live online!USA Cycling will be presenting live streaming coverage of the men's and women's elite races from the 2010 Cyclo-cross National Championships on Sunday, December 12.
Schedule of Elite Races (coverage begins approximately 10 minutes before each race)
- Women's race - 12:30 p.m. PT
- Men's race - 2:30 p.m. PT
Via USA Cycling (use this link to watch)
Here is the preview of the CCCX DH Finale this weekend:
At press time, the course for the Series Final will be the extremely fast Hauer/Amaral trail. This race route opens with a bombing fire road roller coaster ride, with gravity heavy portions that streak the speeds upward of 40 miles per hour. The trail then dives into tree lined single track, with small jumps, berms, and off camber sections. More switchback trail send riders toward the lower portion of the route where there is some pedaling near the end. This course is one of the fastest and rolls down the most steep route of the series. Please remember that Toro Park features really good trail riding, so pedal hard, rip up the trails as fast as you can, and have fun doing it!
The race will be Sunday at Toro Park near Monterey, California.
Results from this weekend's CCCX DH #6 have been posted. Congrats to pro/semi-pro winner Ben Cruz (WTB-Fox Shox/NOB) and Women's pro winner Kelsey Anderson (LVMBC).
Photos from the race are available at Rick R's smugmug site.
For those of you not already asleep ... Murphy Mack has another North Bay ride/adventure for this weekend:
Hey fatty... how about getting off the couch Saturday and helping out the Marin County Food Bank?
It's a super fun bicycle-riding-scavenger-hunt that starts and ends in Fairfax.
Burn off those Thanksgiving calories and do something useful eh?
Join us at the Java Hut to start (at 10am on 11/27). If you don't have a good time I'll personally drag you out for an additional thirty miles or hills to ensure your satisfaction.
Maybe this means that some of the On One bikes will make it over to the US:
Planet X, a U.K. based Internet bicycle retailer, purchased all of Titus’ assets from Factors Southwest late Tuesday, November 23.Planet X sells pavement bikes under its Planet X brand and mountain bikes under its On One brand. Planet X does not sell mountain bikes on its U.S. Web site; only its pavement products are available.
Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News
If you recently picked one of these up, contact your dealer:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Giant Bicycle, have issued a voluntary recall of about 370 Anthem X 29ers from the 2011 model year.The frame can crack at the junction of the seat post and top tube, posing a fall hazard to riders. No incidents/injuries have been reported.
This recall involves 2011 model year Giant Anthem X 29er 1, 2 and 3 model bicycles. The bicycles were sold in small, medium and large. "Giant" and the model name are printed on the bicycle.
Consumers should immediately stop riding the recalled bicycles and contact any authorized Giant Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and repair.
Mark you calendar now... the next Enduro is Saturday, November 20th, 2010.See all the details at SF Enduro (details from the last SF Enduro are here). We'll post more details as they come ...
Route details are getting finalized now.
This is going to be a big one... not only is a fantastic Enduro event, it's also my 40th Birthday BBQ bash.
To accommodate more types of rider, I'm adding a medium and a short route too... you don't have to be able to do 10k in a day to play now!
I always wanted a Titus RacerX, but never got one:
“Our largest lender is foreclosing on an outstanding loan. Commencing immediately, they will initiate an orderly liquidation of company assets. Please direct any inquiries to support@titusti.com”
Titus has always been one of the more popular brands, however they have seen quite a bit of change in recent years. Titus Cycles founder Chris Cocalis left the company and started a new company (Pivot Cycles) not too long ago. Longstanding employees were recently “let go” a few weeks back. There was much writing in the Titus forum walls.
Via MTBR. More info over at Bicycle Retailer and Bike198 (after the obnoxious ads).
The dates for the 2011 Howell Mountain / Napa county cross country races have been announced:
You can find out more information about these races at their website or in the archives (NVDC and Howell Mountain).
Here's a preview of Sunday's CCCX DH #5, which is the continuation of the downhill series from earlier this year:
This Sunday's Downhill event at Toro Park will be using the Center Canyon Course, which is the race route that was created specifically for the CCCX DH races. This course is always ripping, fast, and fun! There is a mix of berms, off camber trails, small drop-in sections, and some natural jumps and rollers to keep things interesting. Traction has been super dry and slick toward the top of the course, but in the trees toward the lower canyon sections the dirt is grippy and in perfect shape. A little rain will only make this course better, because it has been overly dry at Toro Park recently. Practice is available on Saturday & Sunday, with racing starting at 12 noon.
All information on the racing plus current point totals for the 2010 season have been updated on the www.cccxcycling.com web site. Rick Rasmusen is scheduled to make a appearance to shoot his awesome photos, and there will be some video footage of the racing and practice session that will be recorded.
This year's expo will also have a cyclocross race from the Bike Monkey folks:
Cross Palace once again promises to be one of the hardest CX events around with a nasty cocktail of barriers, run-ups, and staircases straight to the sky ... We’re including admission to the SF Bike Expo ticket with your race registration, so you can absorb all the day’s bicycle delights. Check out the event website at www.crosspalace.com for advance registration, schedule of races, and directions.
It all starts tomorrow (Saturday 11/6/2010) at San Francisco's Cow Palace - $10 Pre-sale. $12 at the Door. A percentage of the door will go to building the potential bike park at McLaren Park.
For those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for NorCal:
More news on this weekend's cyclocross racing over at NCNCA CX blog.
Registration for next year's 2011 Sea Otter Classic is now open. As usual, the Sea Otter will feature cross country, downhill, super d (canceled due to BLM maintenance), dual slalom and (pro only) short track events on April 14-17, 2011 in Monterey, CA.
Click over to Sea Otter MTB registration to get signed up. Registration closes on April 10th, 2011, but if you register before midnight Pacific on Dec 31, 2010 you can get $10 off with the code "EarlyBird".
Although I was without my new cyclocross bike (in the shop over at Folsom Bike & Grind with some rear wheel repairs, thanks guys), I headed down the series opener for the Folsom Rodeo Cross. I've always wanted to race at night, and really like that the Rodeo grounds are so close to my house.
I've captured some video of the Men's A & B race, from near the first downhill in "Sherwood Forest."
Overall, a fine start to the season - good course (although a bit technical at night), good crowd and superb organization as always by Bicycling Events. I am pretty sure that I finished near the back of the pack, but I'm going to blame that on racing my SuperFly (2.2" wheel and all) :)
This year's 24 Hours of Gold is schedule for November 13th & 14th near Oroville, CA:
The Lake Oroville 24-HOURS of GOLD - The mother lode of 24-hour mountain bike racing.
- We offer exquisite trails surrounding a state-of-the-art campground.
- The 7.5 mile singletrack course twists and turns, climbs and drops through oaks and chaparral.
- Entry fee includes camping both Friday and Saturday nights.
- Race time is 10:00AM Saturday to 10:00AM Sunday
- Registration is allowed up to the day of the event, Nov. 13, provided we do not fill up before then.
- Some same day registration will be allowed depending on pre-registered numbers.
- Each rider is asked to display a red light rearward after dark.
- Course map posted.
The organizers have also added an 8 hour race. Full details available at Lake Oroville 24-HOURS of GOLD website.
I hope this means continued growth for the bike park and MTB racing:
Vail Resorts, Inc. today announced that it has closed on the acquisition of Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort in North Lake Tahoe, Calif., one of the premier mountain resort destinations in North America. Vail Resorts acquired the stock of the companies that operate Northstar-at-Tahoe from Booth Creek Resort Properties LLC and other sellers for total consideration of $63 million ... Vail Resorts now operates two mountain resorts in the Lake Tahoe region, also operating Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe. The Sierra-at-Tahoe resort is not part of the acquisition and will continue to be operated by Booth Creek.
"We believe guests of Heavenly and Northstar will greatly appreciate the flexibility to enjoy both the north and south shores of Lake Tahoe as we introduce pass and lift tickets products that offer access to both resorts starting with this coming 2010-2011 ski season."
Via PRNewswire
With this year's MTB Singlespeed Worlds over (see race report here), everyone is off to Ireland for next year's race:
Immediately after the finish of the 2010 Singlespeed mountain bike Worlds on Saturday in Rotorua, New Zealand, the top two remaining candidates for hosting the 2011 Worlds faced off. Ireland defeated South Africa in the horizontal bungee contest deciding next year's hosting rights.
Four members of each team bungee'd out to place a can of Speights [ed: fairly tasty Kiwi beer] on the ground before being dragged back by the bungee cord.
Read the whole story at Cyclingnews.com.
Oh yeah, local Kiwi Garth Weinberg (pictured at right, courtesy of Mike Breen) won the Men's title and Aussie Heather Logie claimed the Women's crown.
The good folks at Global Biorhythm has released the preliminary schedule for next year. It looks like most of the events have moved more towards the summertime, with Coolest 24 slipping into June and the Tahoe Sierra 100 coming up to August:
The 2011 race calendar is open for changes due to permits and regulations within National Forests and Private and State run organization.
- May 21st, 2011: Boggs MTB Mountain Bash, Cobb, CA (Three lap, two lap and one lap courses in Single Track Heaven)
- June 11/12th, 2011: HP Coolest 24 & 8 Hour Race Against Cancer, Royal Gorge Ski Resort, Soda Springs, CA
- July 16/17th, 2011: Boggs 24 & 8 hour Race, Cobb, CA (Single Track Heaven)
- August 13th, 2011: Tahoe Sierra 100, Royal Gorge, Soda Springs, CA (New Course)
- Sept 3rd/4th/5th, 2011: Copper Creek MTB Mountain Festival, Greenville, CA (Big Family Event)
- Sept 24th, 2011: Sugar Pine 50 & and 8hr MTB Endurance Race. Foresthill, CA (Single Track Hades)
Via Global Biorhythm Events website.
Although not really a race (or NorCal for that matter), this weekend is the annual Kernville Fat Tire Festival down near Bakersfield, CA:
Kernville is where it's at for our 19th annual Kernville Fat Tire Festival staged over three days, October 22, 23 and 24, 2010. 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 uses the Sequoia National Forest for a playground, come play with us!
Via Kernville Fat Tire Festival website.
It's that time of year again! We are gearing up for our annual benefit dinner: Cyclefest 2010. This year the NorCal League is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the event is going to be spectacular. Come join us for cocktails, dinner and a fabulous auction with special guest, two-time National Champion, World Cup Pro and Olympic athlete Mary McConneloug. The event will be held at the Mill Valley Community Center on November 6, 2010 from 6:00-10:00. All proceeds from this event go directly to the creation of quality, youth mountain bike riding and racing programs.
Sorry about the false alarm - it turns out the resumption of the CCCX Downhill series has been pushed back to November 6th due to scheduling conflicts:
DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS WITH THE FINAL WEEKEND OF RIDING AT NORTHSTAR, THE CCCX DH RACE ON OCTOBER 17 HAD TO BE CANCELLED. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR FUTURE UPDATES.
Via CCCX Blog.
That was quick:
Interbike flipflopped its decision late today to move the industry's tradeshow to Anahaim in early August, saying instead it would return to Las Vegas.The 2011 indoor show will be Sept. 14-16 at the Sands Convention Center, preceded by Outdoor Demo at Bootleg Canyon on Sept. 12-13.
"The announcement that we were moving the show dates and location elicited a very real response that surveys and discussions alone couldn't accomplish," said Andy Tompkins, Interbike show director. "Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to this year's show and the countless conversations we've personally had with exhibitors and retailers regarding the future dates and location of Interbike, we are reversing our earlier decision to move the 2011 show to Anaheim in August. We are hearing loud and clear that, at this time, the industry prefers September dates and the convenience of Las Vegas."
The 2012 show also will be held at the Sands in Las Vegas September 19-21 with the Demo September 17-18.
Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News
Great articles and pictures of last weekend's Race 4 Tara:
Here's the video from PinkBike:
For those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for NorCal:
For more in-depth coverage of this weekend's cyclocross races, head over to the NCNCA CX blog.
The Amgen Tour of California (yes, a roadie pro race not MTB) just announced their stage hosts for 2011:
Whether you like road races or not, the tour certainly brings a lot of attention to cycling here in NorCal.
Good news about the 2011 Downieville Classic:
July 8 - 10, 2011
Exciting news regarding 2011 - We have received word from our local Forest Service that we can indeed keep the Downieville Classic happening in July.
Via Downieville Classic website.
USA Cycling will now offer registration services for promoters:
After the successful development and implementation of an online registration system for its National Championship events, USA Cycling will offer its online event registration system for all USA Cycling sanctioned events in 2011. The system, which is designed to streamline the process and lower the cost of online registration, will be available to USA Cycling promoters beginning Dec. 1, 2010.
USA Cycling’s customized online event registration completes a full suite of online services designed to better serve promoters and riders. The suite of services will consolidate the entire online event sanctioning process from beginning to end, including:
- Event permitting
- Online registration with pre-populated license information pulled directly from USA Cycling’s database so there is no need for riders to set up a separate account for registration
- Sale of one-day licenses online
- Ability to file post-event reports online
If a promoter uses all of the online services available for permitting a USA Cycling event, he or she will be able to resolve their event account without writing a check or using a credit card. The necessary permit fees will simply be deducted from rider registration fees using the online system.
USA Cycling will continue to allow promoters to use online event registration through their preferred provider.
The online registration system will debut Dec. 1, 2010. For more information on USA Cycling’s online registration system, contact a USA Cycling Membership Representative at registration@usacycling.org or 719-434-4288.
Via USA Cycling website.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1/23/11 | MTB Kickstart, Classic and Challenge #1 |
| 2/6/11 | MTB Kickstart, Classic and Challenge #2 |
| 2/20/11 | MTB Kickstart, Classic and Challenge #3 |
| 10/23/11 | The TBF MTB 50 Miler |
For those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for NorCal:
This just made it up on the calendar yesterday, but the UC Berkeley MTB racing team is holding a multi-day / multi-site / multi-race event this weekend:
I believe that both events are open to both collegiate and USA Cycling racers. The full details are available on this flyer [PDF].
They've also created a short promo video:
UC Berkeley Bike Race 2010 Promo from Jacob SB on Vimeo.
This Sunday (10/3/10) brings another edition of the Locust / MCBC Fun Ride -- "Private Locust":
Private property. There's a fair amount of it in Marin county. Usually, there's a locked gate and you can't ride through it. Wouldn't it be cool if someone got the property owners to throw open the gates and let us in?
Especially if it's right in Marin County... giant redwoods, rolling ridgelines, twisty private fireroads and some steep stuff both up and down? It's almost like ... Endor.
Be at the Java Hut in Fairfax at 9:00 and get a cup of coffee and sign up. We roll out at 10 sharp.
As usual, Superstar local riders, friendly faces and good times. Memorable aid stations and lots of snacks and refreshments. We've got loads of prizes from you favorites and a fresh new t shirt too.
The money goes to SFBC so they can continue to make a difference. Only $15!
Pre-ride data coming soon - Mixed terrain. Fireroads, roads and the occasional rock. Ride profile... Six Flags Rollercoaster. Miles and miles of places and stuff you've never seen. Several chances to let go of the brakes entirely...
Bring a bag with some dry clothes too... there's a chow down/gulp down/bro down at the finish.
More information at Locust Ride blog.
Next year's Pro Cross Country dates are up:
USA Cycling announced today the 2011 edition of the USA Cycling Pro Mountain Bike Cross Country Tour (Pro XCT). With seven total events in 2011, the Pro XCT calendar will provide world-class athletes with a national stage on which to accumulate UCI ranking points and top prize purses.“The 2011 Pro XCT will expand slightly over the 2010 version, offering one of the best calendars of quality UCI mountain bike races we’ve had in many years,” stated USA Cycling CEO Steve Johnson. “We are committed to our long-stated goals of providing athletes with consistent top-level competition opportunities, increasing exposure for mountain biking domestically, and maximizing U.S. start spots at the sport’s highest stages; and the Pro XCT national calendar provides a sustainable platform to help accomplish these goals.”
2011 USA Cycling Pro Cross Country Mountain Bike Tour
- March 12: US Cup Triple Crown Bonelli Park (San Dimas, Ca)
- March 26: US Cup Triple Crown Fontana City National (Fontana, CA)
- April 16: Sea Otter Classic (Monterey, CA)
- April 30: Mellow Johnny’s Classic (Dripping Springs, TX)
- June 18: Sand Creek Intl. (Colorado Springs, CO)
- June 25: Subaru Cup (Mt. Morris, WI)
- July 24: Missoula, Montana XC (Missoula, MT)
Read the whole article at USA Cycling.
For those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for Norcal:
Something out of the ordinary for your October schedule:
The Stick Hop is back! Classic Observed Trials Competition in SF
The Stick Hop Classic @ Candlestick Point Park in SF on Oct. 16th 2010
Registration starts at 9:30 competition start at 11:00 am
- beg stock and mod bikes
- sport stock and mod bikes
- expert stock and mod bikes
- pro open
- vintage open
come and watch or ride it's all free there will be medal for the top three rider in each class
I think this is one of the few observed trials competitions that we've ever had on the calendar. There is a Facebook page setup for more info.
I may not have been paying attention: TBF Racing's CLIF MTB Challenge has been canceled. TBF Racing's last MTB race of the season will be the MTB 50 Miler on October 24th, 2010.
For those of you about to Cyclocross, Mr. Mack is throwing a kickoff party in SF tonight with CX Goldsprints to boot:
NorCal CX Season Kickoff Party!
Teams form all over NorCal will be descending on SF to push each other around and see who's the fastest... Come Friday night, September 17th (7 pm at 1090 Folsom Street, SF, CA) and get in on the fun. Team competition racing CX style GoldSprints.
Just $15 gets you beers and food all night, non boozy drinks too. All included for $15! DJ's all night. Prizes galore. Check out the sponsor list... we'll probably have TOO MUCH STUFF TO GIVE AWAY.
If you're coming from the East Bay or the South Bay, the venue is the Marin Bike's new factory store in downtown SF. SUPER EZ freeway access and tons of free, easy parking. After the event jump back on the freeway and you're in the rocket chair all the way home. Secure bike parking too.
Some people have asked me... "What's cyclocross style GoldSprints?" We set the distance at 800 meters. You race until you're at the 400 meter mark, jump off the GoldSprint bike, pick up a pixie bike and run a lap around the barriers and then you're back on the Sprint bike finishing the 400 meter distance to the end. We'll run a few heats of standard 500 meter races too as this is also a qualifying event for the 2010 GoldSprints World Championships being held in Las Vegas Thursday night during InterBike. It could be your ticket to fame and glory!
For those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for NorCal:
Thanks to Rocky for the heads up on a new late season MTB race festival for those of you in far northern Cali (specifically Arcata/Eureka):
Mark your calendars for Halloween weekend, Oct. 30 and 31, 2010. The ghosts and goblins will spook us all for the Race for the Ridge Festival in the Arcata Community Forest.Race for the Ridge Trail Festival is a two day fund raising event supporting new trails in Arcata Community Forest. The long range goal is to join Sunny Brae Forest to West End road through a series of connected trails. The festival will feature a cross country mountain bike race, short track mountain bike races, Super D mountain bike race, kids bike races, a 5k running race, family fun ride, tricks, treats, ghosts, goblins, food, music, entertainment, and maybe special guest appearances from Ichabod Crane and the Headless Bikeman.
Funds from the event will support the City of Arcata’s Ridge Trail Project, a hiking, biking and equestrian trail from Sunny Brea to West End Road.
Via Race for the Ridge Trail blog.
YIPPE!WOO HOO!HURRAH!This is the same venue as last weekend's Folsom Cyclebration XC.
The 2010 Fall FLASH race #4 will be held at a different venue: Folsom Prison and Rodeo grounds!
The details of this event on Sept. 15, 2010 are still being worked out. Stay tuned to the website for more information.
http://www.racemtb.com/
It's a simply huge weekend for NorCal MTB racing: Four national quality races all up and down the I-80 corridor:
On the bright side, this is certainly closer than the East Coast:
USA Cycling is splitting the cross country and gravity portions of its mountain bike national championships into two separate events beginning in 2011. USA Cycling announced on Wednesday that Sun Valley, Idaho, will host the USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships for the next two years on July 14-17, 2011 and July 12-15, 2012. A location for the downhill, four cross and dual slalom contests has yet to be determined.USA Cycling said splitting the nationals for the disciplines would help it better meet the needs of endurance and gravity athletes alike.
In its first two years at its very own venue, the 2011 and 2012 cross country nationals will be organized by Breakaway Promotions and will include the Olympic-style cross country, short track cross country, and Super D competitions.
Via Cyclingnews.com.
Congrats to the BikeMonkey crew for pulling off the epic 2010 SoNoMas race:
Thank you for a successful 2010 event! Levi Leipheimer of Team Radioshack wins at 2 hours, 57 minutes, 48 seconds. He was closely marked by Christopher Jones of Team Type 1 who finished +6 minutes exactly. Results are posted. Photos are here.
Next up for North Bay racers: Annadel on September 11th & 12th, 2010.
Don't get too excited - it would be SoCal:
Interbike 2011 will be staged at the start of August 2011 in either Anaheim or Salt Lake City The 2010 Interbike will be the last to be staged in Las Vegas. The event will move to early August. Interbike has been staged in Las Vegas for 14 years, having previously being staged at the Anaheim showground, next to Disneyland. An announcement about a show date switch was expected two weeks ago but never came.
Via News by BikeBiz
The annual Bidwell Bump (which apparently has been trademarked this year :) is returning to the Chico, CA area for a full day of XC and SuperD racing:
The Bidwell Bump™ will be held on Saturday, September 18th in Upper Bidwell Park located in Chico, CA. The event offers a four class Cross Country ("XC") race and a Super Downhill (Super D) event for Pro and Expert riders.
The race entry fee is $20 per race ($30 if you wish to enter both the XC and Super D events). Because of the race location, we do not have the telecommunication services to support credit/debit card transactions.
Given the The Bidwell Bump™ is not currently a USA Cycling Race, no license is needed to enter and compete in the event.
Cross Country (XC) Race start is at 8:00am in Parking Lot B. Participants are asked to use available parking lots in and around the race start area and over in 5 Mile recreation area. The XC event is broken out into four classes; Expert, Pro, Sport, and Beginner. There will be a group start for each class.
The Super D (SD) Race is for Expert and Professional riders only. The race start is located at "Green Gate" off of Hwy 32. The race begins at 2:00PM with riders starting in 1 minute intervals.
Via The Bidwell Bump™ Mountain Bike Races in Chico, CA
For those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for NorCal:
Via Bike Monkey.
I'll keep this short and sweet... as sweet as 35 miles of extremely challenging single-track can be.
SoNoMas is turning 2 on Sunday, the 29th of August, and you're presence is requested. We are throwing down in a big way to make this event the biggest, best, and most challenging single-day cross-country race we can concoct. How are we going to do that? You be the judge.
Registration includes the afformentioned 35 miles--all of them, a couple of staffed rest stops with grub and joy, a solid EMT staff in case of any misshaps (you ride safe out there), a mass road start, camping, breakfast, lunch, beer, classy die-cast medals to the top 3 in each category, and a thick wad of cash for the top 10 professional athletes in both the mens and womens categories.Pre-registration guarantees you that T-Shirt, otherwise your favorite volunteer gets it if you show up on race-day asking for a spot. If you're planning on coming, help us plan too and REGISTER TODAY
rideSFO is bringing back the SF Bike Expo for the third year:
The 3rd annual San Francisco Bay Area Bicycle Expo returns on November 6th, 2010 at the Cow Palace (in SF). Last year, we turned the bicycle world upside down. We paired low rider bicycles with BMX bikes, showcased bike fashion, put on the first mountain bike dirt jump competition in San Francisco and ran a cyclocross race right next to those high flyers. This year, we bring it all back plus more!The SF BIKE EXPO has 8 main events and features, keeping attendees in circulation around the two halls and outdoor facilities.
- Andrew Taylor’s Showdown: San Francisco’s Only Mountain Bike Dirt Jump Comp
- Pedal Savvy Fashion Show: A true bike fashion resource by Gwendolyn Lee Productions.
- The Cross Palace Cyclocross Race: A huge hit at the 2009 introduction! The race produced by Santa Rosa’s Bike Monkey actually goes in and back out of the Cow Palace.
- BMX Jam: Hosted by local apparel leaders Avant Garde.
- Low Rider Arcade: Art meets passion as the low rider community shows off their work.
- Behind Bars Inc. Custom and Vintage Bicycle Show: Classic metal and insane creations hosted by San Jose’s Behind Bars.
- Vendor Expo Area: The Industry Trade Show hall that allows vendors to show off the latest and greatest bikes, gear, apparel, parts, and offerings to a very eager public.
- Community Swap Meet: The swap hall is separated from the Vendor Expo area, and is the place to be for bargains and hard to find parts from independent sellers, bike shops looking to clear out older merchandise, and companies that recognize the need for an avenue to move discontinued products.
If you missed it last year, this is your opportunity to catch it again. Save the date November, 6th at the Cow Palace and look for more events and features to be added soon! Registration is open for Vendors, Bike Shops and Individuals. Please visit SF Bike Expo online TODAY!
I'm a little late on adding this, but the Caspar Classic is back for 2010:
Mendocino Coast Cyclists will once again host this year’s Caspar Classic Mountain Bike Race held on Sunday, September 5th. A new and exciting race course has been designed to challenge all participants. The official start of the race course will be in the same location as in the past on the Caspar Logging Rd (Road 500) and junction of Road 600. Registration will open at 9:00am with the race commencing at 10:30am. Come and enjoy a great day at the Mendocino coast while racing or just watching some of the best riders in Northern California when past winners Brain Astell and Mary Allen take to the trail. A great way to round out the Labor Day weekend!Entry Fee: $25 $12.50 Juniors (17 and under with parental consent)
Directions: From Hwy 1 at Caspar go east on Fern Creek road ¼ of a mile to Caspar Orchard road turn right and proceed to dirt road (Road 500), continue on road 500 for one mile to junction of Road 600 and staging area. Be aware of large speed bumps on Road 500.
For further information please contact Stan Miklose at (707) 964-4661 or email miklose@mcn.org
For those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for Norcal:
A fast course, favorable weather conditions and a blistering pace helped Levi Leipheimer crush by 12 minutes the Leadville Trail 100 course record set by his Radio Shack teammate Lance Armstrong last year.Via Singletrack.com
The fast tempo also saw second-place finisher Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Subaru-Trek) top Armstrong’s time by 3 minutes 30 seconds. Leipheimer stopped the clock at 6:16:37 and JHK at 6:25:21. Armstrong’s time in 2009 was 6:28:50.“That was just ridiculous. I don’t know if I’ve suffered that much before,” Leipheimer said moments after crossing the line in downtown Leadville, Colorado, elevation 10,200 feet.
Third place was cross-country national champion Todd Wells (Specialized Factory Racing). Wells finished in 6:30:31, just under 14 minutes behind Leipheimer. Six-time Leadville 100 winner Dave Weins (Topeak-Ergon) came across the line in fourth with Jeremiah Bishop (Cannondale Factory Racing) immediately behind in fifth. Wiens and Bishop crossed at 6:33:54.
According to Murphy, another MCBC / Locust Ride has been scheduled for later this month:
This one is CX flavored. Roads, fire roads, smooth dirt... only 200-300 yards of rough stuff. Plan on about four hours.
As always, there'a a party at the end with lots of food and beer. Only $15 and the money goes to MCBC.
As usual, I believe this ride starts at the Java Hut in Fairfax at 9:30am on Sunday, August 22nd, 2010.
Thanks for eagle-eyed readers Keith and Tim for the word that this year's Bogg Mountain Bash (scheduled for August 21sth) has been cancelled due to issues with the park.
The 2010 edition of the University of Nevada's Sky Tavern XC MTB race will be held this Saturday (August 14th, 2010) at the Sky Tavern Ski area near Mount Rose Ski Area (north of Incline Village, south of Reno).
The course has been described as "High in the Tahoe Sierras, this course is a technical 6 mile loop at the Sky Tavern ski area. The trail starts off with a steep fire road climb up to some tight, winding single track that finishes with a fast open descent. The trail will be the same as in years past."
As in past year's, the race will be the 3rd race in the Nevada State Championship Cross Country Series. Full details are available on the flier at Sky Tavern Nevada cup Race Info Flier (PDF).
Congrats to Menso De Jong, Paul Janney and Sarah Maile who won the Men's Open, Singlespeed and Women's Open categories at yesterday's Howell Mountain Challenge.
Full results are posted at http://web2.puc.edu/Pioneers/HMC/.
Joshua has sent in the details for this year's Parkfield Classic down in Los Olivos, CA:
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Wheelmen Present the 21st Parkfield Classic
September 25th and 26th
In its 21st annual running, the 2010 Parkfield Classic will be the best one yet. Great courses, awesome people, and fun times await those who make the journey to the “earthquake capital of the world” for this year's edition. The Wheelmen have been hard at work making sure the courses are groomed, the prized pint glasses (and maybe some new surprise glasses) are ready, and the barbecues fired up. As they say in Parkfield, “Be there when it happens!”.
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 as well as a brand new trials demo, along with camping and all around good time. This year's addition takes place on the weekend of Spetember 25th and 26th, with gates opening on Friday the 24th 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 check out http://www.cpslowheelmen.org/parkfield. For general Parkfield information on lodging and services please visit http://www.parkfield.com. All proceeds benefit the Cal Poly Wheelmen, a non-profit collegiate biking club. Questions and comments may be directed to Joshua and Patrick at parkfieldmtbrace (at) gmail (dot) com.
RAFFLE!
Have your chance at awesome prizes. Prizes this year will be epic as is par for our course ranging from free tubes thrown to the audience all the way up to a new Marzocchi Fork.
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 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
The course you have grown to love 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 the modified course from last year. Bring your lungs and your passing gears — we’re putting in more room for longer, harder drag races and including those technical sections to keep things exciting. 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!
Race Fees
USAC categories: 30-40
Juniors: 20-30
Collegiate: 15
One day USA CYCLING licenses will be available for purchase by Cat2/3 riders
Parking/Camping is $10.00 per a vehicles plus $10 for trailers.
All entrants, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, must sign guest waivers, or will be asked to leave the event. NO FIRES.
Be smart and bring: Plenty of water, toilet paper, food, and camping equipment. Camping is primitive, but campgrounds have basic flush toilets and working showers. For the less adventuresome, lodging is available at the Parkfield Inn: (805) 463-2421. Be sure to call early because they will fill up fast!
If you are heading down to the Howell Mountain Challenge this weekend in Angwin, bring some extra money as Fork Catering will be providing healthy organic meals to athletes:
The menu we will have in addition to various beverages is:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches on Whole Wheat Sourdough with avocado. sun dried tomato aioli and thick cut potato chips $7
- Sesame Ginger Baked Tofu and Tempeh Salad: Rice Noodles, Asparagus, Napa and Purple Cabbage, Carrots, Sugar Snap Peas, Lime and Ginger Soy Dressing $7
- Bowl of Organic Pinto Beans and Brown Rice with guac, salsa, sour cream and cheddar $5
Remember to bring cash for food.
Whew ... that was a good nap. Sorry for not posting something, but I've been on vacation. Expect a flurry of posts today but first, for those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for NorCal:
For those of you making your weekend plans, here is quick rundown of this weekend's MTB racing schedule for NorCal:
Also don't forget the North Bay for the Marin County Fun Ride this weekend.
If you are heading into the North Bay for the Marin County Fun Ride this weekend, you might want to check this out:
Gestalt Haus of Fairfax is a cafe/bar longtime overdue in Fairfax (28 Bolinas, Fairfax CA); a town at the heart of some amazing mountain biking and road cycling. Gestalt is themed to celebrate the cycling community, serving a great post-ride meal of hot German Sausages, and quality Californian and European brews. Dirty or sweaty, it doesn't matter, all are welcome. There are hooks on the wall for hanging your bikes, old bike memorabilia (e.g. Gorgeous SyCip with bar levels as break shifters), and picnic benches for seating that resemble an indoor beer garden. All ages are welcome, so whether it's a family ride or a night ride with the bro's, check them out at their website or on Facebook.
Gestalt Haus is open Monday 530pm-Midnight, Tuesday-Friday: 530pm- 2am, Saturday: 11am-2am, Sunday: 11am-Midnight.
Keith DeFiebre scanned through all results posted and came up with a list of NorCal riders who made the "Podium" at the USA MTB National Championships this past weekend in Colorado, held at the SolVista Bike Park on Granby Ranch. Looks like 46 times a Northern California MTB racer was called up to the podium at the high altitude USA National Championships. Colorado might have dominated the results pages, but NorCal made a giant impression on the racing and the riders listed below all deserve a huge round of applause! Congratulations!
1st- Dario Fredrick San Anselmo Men - CAT 1 - 40-44- XC
1st- Helene Drumm San Anselmo Women - Open - 40-99- Super D
1st- Chris Thibodeau Grass Valley Men - Open - 19-29- Super D
1st- Kate Courtney Kentfield Women - CAT 1 - 15-16- XC
1st- Abbie Durkee Inverness Women - CAT 1 - 35-39- XC
1st- Sven BeerFairfax Men - CAT 2 - 15-18- XC
1st- Ryan Stevens Novato Men - CAT 2 - 15-18- DH
1st- Mark Ferry El Dorado Hills Men- CAT 2 - 40-44- XC
1st- Josie Nordrum Corte madera Women CAT 3- 15-18- XC
5th- Bradley Benedict Auburn Men - Pro DH
3rd- Christopher Ravina Novato Men - Open - 1-18- Super D
4th- Mason Bond Cedar Ridge Men - Open - 1-18- Super D
5th- Max Houtzager Ross Men - Open - 1-18- Super D
3rd- Evan Ames Sutter Men - Open - 19-29- Super D
2nd- Chuck Ross Grass Valley Men - Open - 40-49- Super D
4th- Victoria Yoham San Raphael Women - Open - 15-18- Super D
5th- Kelsey Anderson Novato Women - Open - 15-18- Super D
2nd- Michelle Monroe Salinas Women - Open - 30-39- Super D
4th- Donald Myrah San Jose Men - CAT 1 - 30-99- Short Track
2nd- Helene Drumm San Anselmo Women - CAT 1- Short Track
4th- Donald Myrah San Jose Men - CAT 1 - 30-99- XC
2nd- Helene Drumm San Anselmo Women - CAT 1- XC
3rd- Christopher Ravina Novato Men - CAT 1 - 15-16- DH
5th- Austin Benge Angwin Men - CAT 1 - 15-16- DH
4th- Evan Geankoplis Goldriver Men - CAT 1 - 19-24- DH
5th- Josh Brown Kings Beach Men - CAT 1 - 19-24- DH
4th- Jeff Bowers San Jose Men - CAT 1 - 25-29- DH
5th- Craig Anderson Novato Men - CAT 1 - 45-49- DH
2nd- Kelsey Anderson Novato Women - CAT 1 - 15-18- DH
3rd- Annemarie Hennes Santa Cruz Women - CAT 1 - 30-39- DH
3rd- Thomas Ravina Novato Men - CAT 1 - 15-18- MX
5th- Menso de Jong Cupertino Men - Singlespeed- XC
5th- Patrick Charlton Mill Valley Men - CAT 1 - 19-24- XC
3rd- Chuck Ross Grass Valley Men - CAT 1 - 40-44- XC
5th- Dee Larsen Sacramento Women - Masters - 50-54- XC
2nd- Gary Bridges San Carlos Men - Masters - 65-69- XC
2nd- Ronald Riley Aptos Men - Masters - 70-99- XC
4th- Annemarie Hennes Santa Cruz Women - CAT 1- MX
3rd- Tony Smith San Rafael Men - CAT 1 - 17-18- XC
4th- William Curtis San Rafael Men - CAT 1 - 17-18- XC
5th- Christopher Bennett El Cerrito Men - CAT 1 - 17-18- XC
5th- Bryan Duke Salinas Men - CAT 1 - 15-16- XC
2nd- Sofia Hamilton San Anselmo Women - CAT 1 - 17-18- XC
2nd- Eliel Anttila Mill Valley Men - CAT 2 - 15-18- XC
5th- Jacob Albrecht Soquel Men - CAT 2 - 15-18- XC
2nd- Justin Abbott Pleasant Hill Men - CAT 2 - 19-29- XC
3rd- Talbott Houk Monte Sereno Men- CAT 2 - 50-45- XC
3rd- Richard Kirby Santa Rosa Men CAT 3 - 30-39 - XC
According to this email from Murphy, there is another Two Wheel Locust / MCBC Fun Ride this weekend:
THIS course is RE-DONKLOUSLY FUN!!! More shade, less grind! See you there? 1/3 road, 1/3 rocks & 1/3 dirt.
Ride starts at 9:30 AM on Sunday (7/25/2010) at the Java Hut in Marin FAIRFAX and again benefits the Marin County Bike Coalition. Bring $15 to support the MCBC.
Race Special Interview: Keith DeFiebre goes behind the scenes with Mark Weir regarding his 8th victory in the 2010 Downieville DH race.
DeFiebre: Congratulations Mark on victory #8 at the Downieville DH race. This victory must have been very special?
Weir: Thanks Keith. Each year the competition seems to get better and the race itself is more prestigious then ever before. After two years of watching other riders claim high honors it is now great to be back on top. The best riders in the USA come to Downieville each year, like my team mate Jason Moeschler(WTB), Nathan Riddle(SRAM), Adam Craig(Giant-Rabobank), and Ross Schnell(Trek). It is survival of the fastest and most fit out there and I was determined to prove I am the champ!
DeFiebre: Tell me about your winning set up, what did you run on race day?
Weir: First I want to thank all my key sponsors- WTB, Shimano, Santa Cruz Bicycles, & Fox Racing Shox. For race day I went with my Santa Cruz Nomad- equiped with a Coil Shock, and on the front I ran Fox Racing's awesome 36 Float front fork. I had Shimano XTR for my controls, a 10 speed rear cog 11-36 and a 40 tooth chain ring on the front. The 40 tooth chain ring was a little stiff on the uphill sections, but I knew it was key to fight through the pain and push a big gear on the climb. I ran the WTB Stryker XC Wheels mounted with the heavy version of the Wolverine 2.2 All Mountain TCS tires and a WTB Valcon Carbon saddle. I wanted to run the 900 gram dual compound tires that were more heavy, but also more resistant to flats. I am super lucky that all of my sponsors make the best stuff on the market, and I get to race the very best equipment available.
DeFiebre: You started off 2010 with a few victories at the CCCX DH races in Monterey, then you ripped off wins at the Spring Thaw event and Ashland's 12 Mile Super D race. You were on a winning streak heading into Downieville, did this give you a touch more confidence before the main event?
Weir: In the past, when I am going good, I have posted some serious win streaks from event to event. Of course this gives me confidence and shows me my training is right, my diet is right, and my power is in order. I never get caught out thinking I can just show up and win. You know better then anyone Keith, to win races there is no secret formula. You have to work dam hard to succeed, train incredibly hard to be your best, then still come up with more desire and more focus to go fast when your on course. At the top level we all have talent. It is things like family support, mental strength, and inner peace that can make the difference between being first place or being bitter your not first place at the end of the day.
DeFiebre: After 8 victories in the Downieville DH race, you will forever be linked to this event. You must have mad respect for the trail systems there and how far MTB racing and riding has progressed over the years in Downieville.
Weir: Trail stewardship is the key to Downieville's successful future. I respect those trails more then I can say. Yuba Expeditions and the people of Downieville have a great thing going and I will always be a advocate of the trail systems and the super riding Downieville offers. The Downieville Classic is now a huge event. It is key for everyone to enjoy the trials properly and to show that MTB riding is positive for the community. When I race there, I am having fun on every single switchback, not looking to cut corners or make some new race day portion of trail for a faster line. If everyone respects the trails then the future of MTB riding in Downieville will be strong, and the racing will be fare.
DeFiebre: It must have been great to have your son Gus up on the podium with you! You really looked like a proud dad?
Weir: Gus will be faster then me on a bike! All he thinks about is riding, he really is amazing. I can not do what I do without the support of my wife, my family, and my friends. Being able to bring Gus up on the top step of the podium with me brings joy to my heart!
Thanks to Keith DeFiebre for this interview. Official results from the this year's race are available at Cross Country, Downhill and All-Mountain.
