CCCX Super D This Sunday !

Just got an email from head CCCX honcho and this weekend's CCCX X-Fusion Super D race at Toro Park is definitely ON (even with the rain):

Call for rain on Sunday is now off!  Dirt is going to be ready to rip!  X-Fusion Super D Is On For This Sunday!

The dirt should be in excellent condition after some showers Friday and Sat. morning.

The course info has been updated at http://www.cccxcycling.com/2011TORODHCOURSEUPDATEPAGE.html

You can see the full details on the race at http://www.cccxcycling.com/2011DHPAGETORO.html

2010 CCCX Cross Country Series Opens Sunday

This weekend is the opener for the CCCX XC series at Fort Ord (near Monterey and Salinas, CA). Here's a preview of the opener and series:

This Sunday is the 1st race of the CCCX XC Series held in Ft Ord. Racer/promoter Keith DeFiebre said the trails in Ft Ord are in the best shape he has ever seen! Apparently after years of Keith maintaining the trails and forming the turns to keep riders in line, the trails have now set up to be better then ever.

The 5 mile loop features lots of twisting turns, some steep climbs, and many single track trails that bring a smile to your face when racing. First race starts at 9:00 a.m. with the Beginners division, Sport group starts at 11:00 a.m. and the Expert/Pro wave will go at 1:00 p.m.

The CCCX Series also has a new web site for all their races, with all the current info for the CCCX events posted. The new web address is www.cccxcycling.com.

Also, congratulations to Keith DeFiebre for being appointed as the new NCNCA V.P. of MTB & Cyclocross. New NCNCA President Lorri Lee Lown is a strong advocate of MTB rides and races, and Lown has a vision of continued growth for all that is MTB in NorCal. Lown selected DeFiebre to be a part of her new staff for the NCNCA to drive a long term goal of increasing the growth of MTB racing and riding in Northern California. This region has many strong events and experienced promoters: the CCCX DH/XC Series, the NorCal High School League, Team Bigfoot's races, Northstar at Tahoe DH/XC races, Napa's XC events, the Bike Monkey events, the Prairie City races, the Total Body Fitness events, the Sea Otter Classic and the Global Biorhythms events, are just a few of the success stories for MTB racing in NorCal. Hopefully Keith can bring some cohesion to NorCal's MTB schedule of DH and XC races, as well as work with USA Cycling to bring more attention to the needs of NorCal trail users.

2009 CCCX Fall DH Series Announced

The CCCX downhill racing series is returning from the summer hiatus with a vengeance for this winter. Here is the fall/winter DH schedule:

• 10/24/09: CCCX Fall DH #1
• 11/15/09: CCCX Fall DH #2
• 11/28/09: CCCX Fall DH #3
• 12/13/09: CCCX Fall DH #4
• 01/03/10: CCCX Fall DH #5
• 01/31/10: CCCX Fall DH #6

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.

2009 CCCX DH #6 Results

Jimmy Amaral (Point One Racing) and Sharon Hill (Murray Renaissance) were the fastest overall Male & Female racers at Toro Park on Sunday. The race route featured a new addition of trail that was super technical to start. It then became a major challenge as the racing went on due to the trail becoming completely blown out. This left riders with no other option but to break check on some nasty sections of trail and cling to the cliff edge, or simply slide off the disintegrated trail and down a ravine into thick bush. There were also multiple jumps, steep drops, and soft patches of dirt that became so loose that many riders fell victim to crashes and finished the race covered in dirt. In the end it was Amaral and Hill who put out solid runs on the technical route and walked away with cash for fastest on the day.

• Keith DeFiebre(GT Dirt Coalition/Calabazas) won the Single Speed division.
• Brian Zimmerman(Oaklyn Records/Hank & Frank) won the Hardtail division.
• Casey Kunselman of La Honda won the Clydesdale division.
• Nick Barton(Supercede) won the No Chain division.
• The fastest overall Junior was Max Rousch(Prime Designs/CCCX) of Monterey.

Top 5 fastest overall (all from Pro division)
1. Jimmy Amaral(Point One Racing) 3'13''.67
2. Ian Massey(Stone Racing/WTB) 3'14''.46
3. Nick Barton(Supecede) 3'16''.22
4. Allen Stoddard(Ride SFO Faction) 3'17''.70
5. John Hauer(Team X-Fusion/Intense) 3'17''.98

Top 5 fastest Women:
1. Sharon Hill (Murray Renaissance) 4.02''25
2. Amy Forward (Roaring Mouse Cycle) 4'07''.86
3. Kelsey Anderson (Loma Verde Mtn Bike Coalition) 4'09''.43
4. Anne Marie Hennes (Family Cycling Center) 4'14''.49
5. Kelly Moore (50/50 DH Race Team) 4'16''.01

Full results are available at http://cccx.org/dh/2009/race6/.

The 2009 CCCX DH Series final is scheduled for July 5 at Toro Park.

CCCX DH #6 Preview

This weekend is the second to last CCCX Downhill race. Here's a profile of the course:

The race route for this Sunday's event will be very special as a new portion of trail will be used for the first time in Toro Park history. The new section of trail has been created by Keith DeFiebre. The trail is still in its infancy so virgin trail riding and brand new single track will be used by CCCX racers for DH #6.

The course starts out on the regular portions of fast fire road and fun riding single track used in previous CCCX DH events. Then when the trail gets steep toward the lower slopes of Toro Park, the new section continues in a straight forward manner. The trail then proceeds down the canyon and flows into some very tight sections of riding. The riders will face high speed open sections that lead into some very low speed parts of the trail featuring off camber and twisting turns of a new cut riding route. The new cut sections will test all aspects of DH racing. The trail then finishes into a wide open area where high speeds will be at a premium.

The first timed run starts at noon on Sunday at Toro Park near Monterey, CA.

2009 CCCX #8 Results

Results are up for last weekend's CCCX XC #8:

9am Race - Beginner
11am Race - Sport
1pm Race - Expert/Pro

Congrats to Jim Hewett (Summit Bicycles) and Jamie Stamps (Another Bike Shop) who took the men's and women's pro categories. Also congrats to Cesar Chavez (Buy-cell.com) who came away with the pro singlespeed win.

2009 CCCX DH #3 Results

Dusty Downs , our trusty correspondent down in Monterey, reports on Sunday's CCCX DH #3:

Mark Weir (WTB/FOX) ripped apart the trails at Toro Park posting an outstanding race run to claim top honors on the day with a time of 5'24''.81 for the 3 mile route that the locals refer to as "Rail Trail". The course descends 1000 vertical feet and features many high speed single track sections. The fastest female racer was Sharon Hill (Murray Renaissance) with a time of 6'16''.92.

Keith DeFiebre (Gt Dirt Coalition) posted 3 wins on the day claiming the Hardtail division 5'59''.64, The Single Speed division 5'57''.19, and the Chainless race 6'45''.94. DeFiebre was also 5th place in the Pro division.

The Junior Expert winner was Max Rousch (Prime Design/CCCX) with a time of 5'51''.50.

Top 5 fastest overall (all from the Pro division)
1- Mark Weir (WTB/FOX) Novato 5'24''.81
2- Ian Massey (Stone Racing/WTB) Concord 5'38''.73
3- Nick Barton( Supecede) Richmond 5'46''.49
4- Allen Stoddard (Mom) Salinas 5'47''.19
5- Keith DeFiebre (GT Dirt Coalition) Prunedale 5'49''.06

Top 5 fastest Women-
1- Sharon Hill (Murray Renaissance) San Jose 6'16''.92
2- Kelly Johnsen (Chainsmoke) Mt. View 7'11''.77
3- Ashye Tuncer (Chainsmoke) Aptos 7'25''.34
4- Ashley Hernandez (CCCX) San Juan 7'32''.57
5- Kelly Moore (50/50 DH Race Team) Monterey 7'41''.92

full results are here.... http://cccx.org/dh/2009/race4/

The next race in the CCCX DH Series will be held on Sunday May 17 at Toro Park.

CCCX DH #3 Preview

Okay, Monday's post might have been a false alarm ... I was certainly not well yet. But I am now. Promise.

This Easter weekend has only one race on the schedule: CCCX DH #3 near Monterey, CA. Here's the preview of Saturday's race:

For race #3 there will be three people at the registration tables checking riders in on race day. This will make registration quicker for everyone. At the start line there will be 2 people organizing the starting order based on the sign in sheet for start times at registration. Please do not try and start earlier then your selected start time. Riders doing multiple divisions should go to front of the line so they can post multiple runs on the day without running late. The starter will have a list of the riders who signed up for more then one division.

The course for race #3 will be somewhat similar to race #1. It will be super fast at the start with the highest speeds of the course in the first 1 minute of the race. The recent rains combined with hours of trail work have made the race route extremely fast, with all the trails in great shape. The race route will have fire roads, single track, tight and open corners, and off camber sections to challenge each rider. The speeds will be high, yet there will also be some slow turns where riders need to practice break checking and work on tire traction in the corners. The times will be around 3 minutes plus- for this test of skill, ability and fitness.

While it's raining outside now, tomorrow's forecast is nothing but sunshine. Make sure to take advantage of it to get your last bit of training before next week's Sea Otter Classic.

2009 CCCX XC #4 Results

Once again our friendly correspondent Dusty Downs has the scoop on last weekend's CCCX XC #4:

Greg Heinz (Joselyns/Brunham Coaching) and Mary Ellen-Ash (Sugar CRM) claimed top honors this past weekend at the CCCX XC #4 race held at Toro Park near Monterey. The Toro Park course features a steady climb of 2.5 miles with nearly 1000 feet elevation gained, followed by a ripping descent back down to the start-finish area. Recent trail work by course builder Keith DeFiebre (GT Dirt Coalition) made the route extremely fun to ride with the additions of berms, easy flowing rollers where riders can catch some air, and overall general trail maintenance. Over 180 riders tackled the challenging course. There was also a brand new section of single track trail used near the start finish making Toro Park one of the more scenic courses in Nor-Cal. In the end Heinz and Ellen Ash were strongest on the day. Heinz had to hold off hard charging former World Champion Rob Anderson(Team Specialized Racing), and Chad DeHerra(Willow Glen Bikes) who were 2nd and 3rd in the Pro/Semi Pro Division. While Mary Ellen-Ash outkicked Sharon Hill(Murray/Renaissance) for the win by a mere six seconds at the line. Carolina Villafane(Buy-cell.com) was third in the Women's Pro/Expert Division.

Here is a list of all the race winners on the day, the next CCCX race is this coming Saturday April 4 in Monterey:
PRO/EXPERT WOMEN Mary-Ellen Ash Sugar CRM
PRO/SEMI-PRO Greg Heinz Joselyn's/Burnham Coachin
EXPERT 18 & under Matt Dion Pleasanton
EXPERT 19-34 Nico Cerna VOS Racing
EXPERT 35-44 John Pattullo CCCX
EXPERT 45-54 Tim Sawyer Bicycle Trip/Team Symantec
EXPERT 60+ Larry Broberg Team Bicycle Trip
PRO/EXPERT SINGLE SPEED Erik Ebberoth Ebben Bikes
SPORT 18 & under Alex Wild EVOMO/ Trailhead
SPORT MEN 19-34 Joseph Brody Beaver Racing
SPORT MEN 35-44 Shane Flynn Hwy 68 Hillbillies
SPORT MEN 45-55 Jim Werle Sterling Sports Group
SPORT MEN 55+ Joseph Crabtree Forest Hill Bike Shop
SPORT SINGLE SPEED Jason McDonald Specialized
CLYDESDALE Daymon Prewitt Me
SPORT WOMEN 34 & under Megan Zemny Team Roaring Mouse
SPORT WOMEN 45+ Henrietta Stern Hot Flash Chicks
JUNIOR MEN 14-18 Nick Casaccia Family Cycling Center
BEGINNING MEN 19-34 Jett Chandler Salinas
BEGINNING MEN 35-44 Colin Gilbert Cavanaugh Color/ Watsonville
BEGINNING MEN 45-54 Mark Knutson BSA Racing / SCCCC
BEGINNING MEN 55+ Rick Ortenblad Santa Cruz
JUNIOR MEN 13 & under Sagee Moyal Summit Bicycles
BEGINNING WOMEN 19+ Brianne Spiersch Joselyns
JUNIOR WOMEN 18 & under Rainee Chandler Salinas High Cowboys

Full results can be found here at
http://cccx.org/mtb/2009/race4/index.shtml

Join IMBA Happy Hour at the Sea Otter Classic

Just starting to check in with various parties and events that will be going on during this year's Sea Otter Classic:

RSVP for an IMBA Happy Hour and Film Premier of Freedom Riders:

Saturday April 18, 7-9 pm in the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay-Seaside

RSVP today for the IMBA California Benefit Party, featuring beer from New Belgium Brewery, yummy appetizers, and the premier of Freedom Riders, a new film by KGB Productions. Tickets to the event are only $10 at the door (cash only) with all proceeds going to support the important work of IMBA California.

Via the IMBA website.

2009 CCCX DH#2 Results

This weekend brought the second CCCX Downhill race and our own Dusty Downs was there:

Over 200 Downhill racers ventured to Toro Park for race #2 of the Central Coast Downhill Series on Sunday. A steady rain on Saturday night turned a dry course, into a perfectly watered down track that became grippy with great traction for most of the day. However, high winds in some of the fire road sections hit riders directly head-on making for aerodynamics and power output a premium for a fast time.

Mark Weir (WTB/Fox) produced the fastest time of the day. Weir delivered a blistering run, manhandling the course to the tune of a 3.33'98''. 2nd overall fastest was Colorado Springs resident and X-Fusion/Intense sponsored Ryan Condrashoff at 3.35'21''. Condrashoff's team mate John Hauer (Team X-Fusion/Intense) was 3rd fastest with a time of 3.36'53''.

Keith DeFiebre (GT Dirt Coalition/Calabazas Cyclery) was the Single Speed Division winner. Scott Seery (Team Wrong Way) topped the Hardtail Division. While Aaron Crozier of San Jose was the Clydesdale Division winner.

Fastest overall Woman on the day was Rosie Bernhard ( Another Bike Shop) with a time of 4.32'56''. Bernhard was followed by fast riding Heather McFadden (Chico) at 4.36'01''. While 3rd quickest female on the day was hard charging Kelly Moore (50/50 DH Race Team) riding to a time of 4.38'80''.

The top Junior rider was Alex Amaral (Fox Racing Shox/Point One Racing) who bombed down the hill with a time of 3.49'31''.

The next CCCX DH event will be held one week before the Sea Otter Classic on April 11.

All Division Winners:
PRO/SEMI PRO Mark Weir (WTB/Fox)
EXPERT WOMEN Rosie Bernhard (Another Bike Shop)
SINGLE SPEED Keith DeFiebre (GT Dirt Coalition/Calbazas)
HARDTAIL Scott Seery (Team Wrong Way)
CLYDESDALE Aaron Crozier (San Jose)
EXPERT MEN 19-34 Marshall Eames (WTB/Santa Cruz/ Fox Shox)
EXPERT MEN 35-44 Andrew Reams (Concord)
EXPERT MEN 45-54 Patrick Tidd (Hank & frank Bikes/Point One)
SPORT 19-34 Van Geslani (Team Possibilities)
SPORT 35-44 Tyler Mollring (Hwy 68 Hillbillies)
SPORT MEN 45-54 Mark Aley (BTU(Berkeley Trailors Union))
BEGINNER MEN 19-34 Kenny Boyd (Salinas)
BEGINNER MEN 35-44 Richard Long (Hwy 68 Hillbillies)
BEGINNER MEN 45-54 Jeff Vandamme (SCCCC)
MEN'S 55+ Michael Kauert (Mr. E's Racing)
SPORT WOMEN Heather McFadden (CHICO)
BEGINNING WOMEN Kelly Johnson (Chainsmoke)
JR. EXPERT Alex Amaral (Fox Racing Shox/Point One Racing)
JR. BOYS 16-18 Kiran Mackinnon (Aromas)
JR. BOYS 14-15 Mark Berweger (Santa Cruz)
JR. 13 & under Drew Rausch (Carmel Bicycle-Blue Whale Racing)
NO CHAIN T Asprey (Watta Bike)
PIXIE Kyle Krueger (Larkspur)

Full results can be found here- http://cccx.org/dh/2009/race2/dhrace2.shtml, Decline Magazine has a race report and Rick R has photos posted.

NorCal MTB Racing This Weekend: March 21 - 22, 2009

Two races in NorCal this weekend:

• Saturday is the first Lake Sonoma Series race of the year. This year's XC race series has a few changes (like a cap of 150 riders per race), but promises the same level of competition. Full details at BikeMonkey.


• Sunday is the second CCCX DH. Here's the course preview: "It has been very dry recently at Toro Park, and with rain in the forecast Saturday night the dirt could be perfect for racing on Sunday. The course starts out on a fast gradual fire road which spits riders into a tight-twisting single track. There has been trail work done on the berms in the turns, and this will make for some railing speeds in trail transition areas. Then there is a drop off section which leads to a power check riser where pedaling force is tested. Next are some drop in portions of the trail where breaking and line choice come into play. This is followed by a tight single track leading to a high speed fire road section. Which is then followed by more single track and more fire road sections leading to a high speed finish. This course tests a riders turning, breaking and power output over 4 minutes of fun riding Toro Park trails."

If you can't make either of these, you might want to check out the Big Sandy Pre-ride on Saturday. It'll be on the same trails starting at 8:45 AM.

2009 CCCX Downhill Opener Results

Race results from Sunday's CCCX DH opener have been posted:

CCCX DH #1 Results

Congrats to Ian Massey (Stone Racing/WTB) nipped Jimmy Amaral (Point One Racing) by 26/100th of a second, Brian Zimmerman who won the Hardtail honors and Kathy Pruitt (Jamis Bikes) who posted top Women's time.

UPDATE: Rick R's photos have also been posted.

2009 CCCX XC #2 Results

Results have been posted for Saturday's CCCX XC #2:

• 9am Race - Beginner
• 11am Race - Sport
• 1pm Race - Expert/Pro

Photos have been posted by Rick Rasmussen at his site.

Congrats to Men's Pro/Semi-Pro winner Greg Heinz (Joselyn's/Burnham Coaching), Men's Pro/Semi-Pro winner Singlespeed Erik Ebberoth (Ebben Bikes) and top Women's Expert finisher Carrie Edwards (Team Roaring Mouse).

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:

Full details at the CCCX DH website.

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:

• 9am Race - Beginner results
• 11am Race - Sport results
• 1pm Race - Expert/Pro results

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:

• MTBR Forum Race Reports
• Wayne Shen's Photos
• Rick R's Photos (the photo above is courtesy of Rick's collection)
• MotionBased GPS track of the race
• El Cerrito Racing's report

As soon as the full results are up, I'll update this post.

2009 CCCX XC Opener Preview

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

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/.

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.

Sea Otter Discount (Dec 15-21)

The good folks at the Sea Otter Classic have kicked down at 15% registration discount if you're quick about it:

Watch video to receive coupon code good for 15% off online registration Dec 15-21. Offer not valid on merchandise, camping or exhibitor registration.

And here is the video (or at least one of them):