2009 Northstar Downhill Race #1 Results

I forgot about this when it happened, but dhRENO was there with full report, pictures and results:

Dave Bright took the gold in the Expert 40+ in spite of crashing on his race run and dislocating his thumb! Plus he was at the ER the day before having drilled a hole thru his middle finger while repairing his RV!

See the full report at Northstar 2009 Downhill Race #1 « dhRENO.

The next Northstar DH race is July 26th.

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.

2009 Northstar at Tahoe Summer DH, Super D and XC Series

The folks from Northstar at Tahoe kicked down all the details on all their summer MTB racing series and it's going to be full season up in Tahoe: the DH and XC series are back along with a new Super D series (The dates used in this post are the newest dates, as of 3/14/09).

Downhill Series (DH)

Over 20 divisions for men, women and juniors, beginner through open class. Top three in each division receive awards. Cash prize to men’s and women’s open classes and Northstar Resort mountain bike tickets will be raffled off at each event! Raffle and awards are scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. on the Verizon Wireless Music Stage at the Skating Rink.

• Sunday, June 21 (All classes: upper to middle Karpiel. Expert / Pro: lower Dogbone (slabs), to bottom of Karpiel (vietnam), to stadium jump finish. Sport / Beginner: lower Phodogg, to stadium jump finish.)
• Sunday, July 26 (All classes: Gypsy)
• Sunday, August 9 (Expert / Pro: Dogbone, top to bottom, to stadium jump finish. Sport / Beginner: upper Karpiel, to Speed Control, to Phodogg, to staduim jump finish.)
• Sunday, September 20 (All classes: Boondocks, top to bottom.)
• Sunday, October 4 (3rd Annual Live Wire Classic)

Registration is $30 ($40 for open class) and will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. in the Village at Northstar ™ Season Pass & Tickets Office the morning of the event. Racer lift tickets are $30 (must have proof of registration). Lifts open to competitors at 9:00 a.m. and the first race begins at 12:00 p.m. Format will be a 1 run race. USA Cycling license is not required. Helmets are required.

Super D Series (NEW)

Super D is best described as a downhill cross country race.

• Saturday, July 25
• Saturday, August 8
• Saturday, September 19

Northstars Super D races will begin at 3:30 at the Top of either the Tahoe Zephyr or Vista Express Chair lifts and finish in the village. Super D is a hybrid event combining aspects of the disciplines of Cross Country and Downhill racing. These courses are typically not as technical in nature as Downhill races; testing both a rider’s endurance and bike handing skills. Most competitors will choose a 4-6 inch travel trail bike to compete on. This is a great event a lot of people can enjoy. There isn't a whole lot of climbing so you don't have to be in great shape, although it doesn't hurt, and you don't need a full downhill bike to make it down.

Cross-Country Bike Races (XC)

Try your luck in this fun, recreational mountain bike race for all ages and abilities. Courses are suitable for beginners through experts. Awards are given out at the conclusion of the series based on cumulative points. A generous raffle is held each week. Helmets are required.

• Thursday, July 2
• Thursday, July 9
• Thursday, July 16
• Thursday, July 23
• Thursday, July 30
• Thursday, August 6
• Thursday, August 13

The race fee $15 per racer or $70 for the seven race series. Registration is 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. with the race time at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Stop by Big Wave Burritos & Wraps after the race for the awards raffle and Thursday Local Racer's Food & Drink Special.

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.

New DH Summer Series Set for Central Cali

Just 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.

Downieville Classic Update

Interesting 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.

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.

2009 CCCX Downhill Race Series

With a brief lull for some extended cyclocross racing, CCCX racing is returning with a vengeance for 2009. I'll go thru the downhill races first, then the XC races in my next post. The 2009 DH schedule is as follows:

• Race #1: Sunday February 15
• Race #2: Sunday March 1
• Race #3: Sunday March 22
• Race #4: Saturday April 11
• Race #5: Sunday May 3
• Race #6: Sunday May 31
• Race #7: Sunday June 14
• Race #8: Sunday June 21

Although these are the 2009 dates, most of the 2008 rules, locations and prices are still in effect. All races will be held in Toro Park (near Monterey, CA) and will cost $25 for juniors and $35 for women or men.
See the full race list and rules over at 2009 CCCX Downhill Race Series. To see past year's coverage, try the CCCX DH archives.

2008 Lagrange Fall Classic Results

I'm a bit late on this, but here are the results from last weekend's Lagrange Fall Classic:

• Super-D Results
• XC Results
• DH Results

Via Team Bigfoot website.

2009 Sea Otter Classic Schedule Published

The Sea Otter folks have published the schedule (PDF) for next year's kickoff down in Monterey, CA.

No major surprises but they have continued with the "let's get the slow amateurs off the course early" scheduling on the XC races again this year. Beginners (which I think are cat 3 now) are on a weekend-warrior friendly Friday afternoon at 1 pm and Sport (cat 2) start at 7:30 AM on Saturday. Super D is also on Friday.

2008 Parkfield Classic Results

Results from the 2008 Parkfield Classic have been posted (PDF):

• Cross Country
• Dual Slalom
• Short Track
• Downhill

Photos are posted around the internets but these and these are pretty choice.

2008 Northstar Live Wire Classic Results

Northstar at Tahoe has posted the results for yesterday's Live Wire Classic (PDF).

Congrats to Female Open winner Asa Salas and Pro Men's winner Tim Krentz.

Robert Lowe has posted some great photos on his smugmug site. The photo below is just one of dozens.

Live Wire Classic Weather Update

For those of you heading up the mountain for Sunday's Northstar at Tahoe Live Wire Classic, you take a look at the weather update before you leave. There is talk of snow at higher elevations.

Check out http://tahoemountainbiking.ning.com/ or call 530.562.2268 for the most current and up to date information.

UPDATE (11:45AM): Northstar has closed the MTB Park today: "Due to environmental concerns we have decided to not open today. When it rains and we create mud we have the chance of that mud being washed into the sensitive drianages that surround the bike park. Protecting our environment is our number 1 priority. We all do our very best to try and have the park open and be able to provide a top quality riding experience. We hope to be open tomorrow and still hold the 2nd annual Live Wire Classic. A decision on opening will be made by 8:30 am."

2009 USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Calendars

Next year's USA Cycling race schedule is out and other than the Sea Otter were out in the cold:

"USA Cycling announced today the 34 races that will comprise the third annual USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Calendars. With the 2008 calendar champions yet to be crowned in the disciplines of cross country and ultra-endurance, USA Cycling is looking toward the future with the announcement of the 2009 Cross Country, Gravity and Ultra-Endurance National Calendars.

Consisting of 19 events across 13 states, the cross country calendar will kick off with the Fontana United States Cup in Fontana, California on March 20 and will once again stretch seven months to the last weekend in October when the Piney Hills Classic in Ruston, La. concludes the calendar.  In between, several notable events including seven United States Cup series races are included.

The eight-event gravity calendar, which features downhill, 4-cross, super D and dual slalom events, will span five states. With similar category designations, there is one category-1 event and three category-2 events on the 2009 calendar. 

The ultra endurance calendar consists of 62-mile races, marathons, eight, 12- and 24-hour races. The seven-race calendar will once again kick off with the Mas O Menos 100K in Terlingua, Texas on February 4th and wrap up at the National Mountain Bike Oktoberfest in Davison, N.C. on October 24-25.

For the complete USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Calendars, click on the links below:
Cross Country: https://www.usacycling.org/forms/mtb/09_MBNCschedule_XC2.pdf
Gravity: https://www.usacycling.org/forms/mtb/09_MBNCschedule_Gravity2.pdf
Ultra Endurance: https://www.usacycling.org/forms/mtb/09_MBNC_Schedule_UE2.pdf"

You can view the entire press release at USA Cycling. I'll post all the schedules this weekend.

NorthStar End of Season Update

An end of the season update from the folks up the mountain at Northstar:

If you haven’t stopped talking berms, fall lines, and log drops since Northstar® Resort’s Mountain Bike Park opened, we can relate. And if you are looking for a repeat for next summer we are offering 2009 Mountain Bike Season Passes at this summer’s rate if you purchase by October 5. That’s a $50 savings! Prices will go up to $279 after October 5.

Just a reminder, the Northstar Mountain Bike Park is open Saturdays and Sundays through October 5 and the Jump Park is completely open!

The last race of the Northstar season will be the 2nd Annual Live Wire Classic on October 5th.

2008 Northstar DH #4 Results

Results from Sunday's Northstar DH #4 race have been posted (PDF). This race was held on Gypsy for the first time.

In the female open race, Tenille Smith edged Asa Salas by 3/10th of a second (3:50.5 to 3:50.8) for the win. Mikey Sylvestri beat the Men's Pro field by almost 6 seconds for his win.

I haven't seen any pics or race reports, but dhRENO will probably have something up soon.

The final race of the Northstar season is October 5th, the 2nd Annual LiveWire Classic.

2008 Sky Tavern Classic

The folks up the hill at dhRENO have posted the details on the upcoming Sky Tavern Classic scheduled for September 27th & 28th near Reno, Nevada. Some of the details:

"Sky Tavern Race
September 27th & 28th, 2008
HOSTED BY NEVADA CYCLING
SKY TAVERN RESORT RENO, NEVADA

Racing: On Saturday will be XC and Sunday the dh with both collegiate and NORBA categories.

Cross Country: The course features a steady climb, followed by about 1.5 miles of up-and-down single track.  Then, a fast single-track descent with lots of dg, a short climb, and more mixed descending to lodge.  Each lap is ~6 miles.  XC will begin at 10am on Saturday.

Downhill: Technical dg single-track followed by short road section into final section of tight single-track through trees.  Course time is about 2.5 minutes.  Collegiate MC/WB and NORBA Beginners will skip upper single-track and use road instead."

Click over to Sky Tavern DH Race « dhRENO for the full details.

2008 Parkfield Classic

This year's Parkfield Classic dates have been set for October 4th and 5th in Parkfield, CA. The Classic is organized by the Cal Poly Wheelmen and features four races over the two days:

• Cross Country (Saturday Morning, sponsored by Affinity Chiropractic Center): Burly, lung busting, screaming fire-road course, point to point. We're sending our creative minds out to see what new twists we can deliver to this old faithful course. We're sending people off bright and early again this year. ALL NORBA/USAC XC Racers get a BBQ ticket included with their race. Distances: Beginner: 9 miles, Sport: 15 miles, Pro/Expert: 24 miles.
• Dual Slalom (Saturday afternoon, sponsored by Art's Cyclery): Dual Slalom Qualifiers and Head to Head races. Head to head races on separate courses join in the middle for lots of spectator friendly action.
• Short Track (Sunday morning, sponsored by Foothill Cyclery): looks like it will be similar to last year's course. We will hold it on the flat course from last year, so be ready for physically demanding race.
• Downhill (Sunday, sponsored by Sponsor it!): Sweet Glorious Single Track. What else can you say. Single Run format. Bypass options are given for most obstacles. Expert course different than Sport course.

You can find out more information (and possibly register online, although I can't find the link) at the Parkfield Classic website.

You can also find reports from previous year's Parkfield Classics in the archives.

2008 Northstar DH #3 Results

Results are up for last weekend's Northstar DH race:

"Results for August 10th (PDF)

* Expert / Pro: Dogbone, top to bottom, to stadium jump finish.
* Sport / Beginner: upper Karpiel, to Speed Control, to Phodogg, to staduim jump finish."

Via Northstar at Tahoe Mountain Bike Events.

Congrats to Jon Wilson and Tasa Herndun, who I believe won the Men's and Women's Open categories, respectively.

dhRENO has pictures and video of the race.

2008 Northstar DH #2

Results have been posted (in PDF) for this weekend's second race in the Northstar at Tahoe DH series. Congratulations to Tasa Herndon and Jon Wilson, who won the Women's Open and Men's Pro divisions, respectively.

Photos are posted over at RIck R's SmugMug site.