2007 Rainbow Challenge Scheduled

The 2007 edition of the The Jetway Chevrolet Rainbow Ridge Challenge has been set for April 22nd in Fallon, Nevada.

This is the first race in the Northern Nevada Cup Series. An XC course with 6.1 miles loop with Pro/Semi-pro & Expert riders 3 laps, Sport riders 2 laps, Beginners riders 1 lap, and Junior riders ½ lap. Course with some climbing over jeep trails and extreme drops over single track.

More details, including registration, maps and pictures, available at their website.

Boggs II Update

From the organizers of the Boggs II race over at bikeMonkey.net:

"Five more days until Boggs II 8 Hour XC Race, and over 150 participants have registered for the event. It's raining right now in Boggs State Demonstration Forest, and the weather forecast is calling for Saturday to be reaching into the 70's. After two days of showers and then two more days of warm weather you guys are going to be witness to the best conditions that Boggs has to offer. So I have some important notes!

Online registration closes Wednesday
You can register for Boggs II online until Wednesday evening, after which time the form will no longer be available. However you may still register the night before the race if you show up Friday between 5:00pm and 10:00pm. On-site registration is $50.

Friday Night Sign-In
If you are already registered for the event you can sign in and pick up your swag bags with race numbers, etc. Friday night before the race between 5:00pm and 10:00pm. Sign-in is open Saturday morning between 7:00am and 8:00am. THIS IS A SHORT WINDOW so please try to get signed in as early as possible. SIGN-IN IS MANDATORY FOR ALL RIDERS

DIRECTIONS
Directions are available online from the Boggs II Registration web site or from the following link to Google Maps: DIRECTIONS

PLEDGES
One last reminder that with just a few days left it's still not too late to drum up a few pledges and do some seriously great work for the Sonoma County Bicycle Coaltion and the Sonoma County Trails Council - two organizations that are doing seriously great work for people a lot further away than just Sonoma County. These two organizations are serving as models for others to follow in their approach to solutions for reall issues with rapidly growing population in areas where recreational and riding opportunities exist. There is a limited amount of funding that will go to these organizations just through your registration for the event. But if you go out and raise a few extra $$ not only are you giving back to organizations that have made your riding opportunities a reality - you have a chance of winning some sweet gear, tents, mountain bikes, and the whole shebang (whatever that is)

That's it! You've got 5 days... then you're MINE. ;)

Regards,
Carlos Perez
Race Director"

For full details on the race, check the archives.

BikeMonkey Launches Sonoma Series 2007

bikeMonkey.net, the group behind Boggs II (and yes, I have a Boggs II update for tomorrow), has announced a new grassroots racing series in the North Bay. Dubbed Lake Sonoma Series 2007, it appears to be the successor to the highly popular Billy Cross races. From their announcement:

"I came to my first Billy Cross race several years ago after hearing about it from a friend. News about the event seemed to flourish by word of mouth. Today a few quick searches on the Internet reveals numerous stories of memorable laps belted out in the heat of summer. It was about a lot more than just the utterly sick 5-mile course that Ken Goldie helped to maintain.

Ken did a good thing with these races. It was simple fun - you showed up, you raced, you went home. He also did something else with Billy Cross - he unknowingly introduced us to a continuation of 'Grass-Roots Racing'. For me he planted a seed for what racing should be.

The "hand-built" sensation that Ken delivered with this race course is something that cannot be duplicated. But for the years of hard work and effort that he poured into them we want to start 2007 with an honorary event series to carry on with simple, down-to-earth grassy racing in Sonoma County."

The races will consist of one (beginner) to four (expert) laps of the 5 miles course and they start at 10 AM every fourth Saturday of the summer months. Full series details are available at their website, listed below.

Event: Lake Sonoma Series 2007
Dates: April 28th, May 26th, June 23rd, August 25th, September 22nd and October 27th, 2007
Location: Lake Sonoma's Liberty Glenn Campground in Geyserville, CA
Competition: XC
Cost: $20 per race ($20 discount if you register all at once)
URL: http://www.bikemonkey.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.sonomaSeries2007
License: none
Registration: bikeMonkey.net

2007 Nevada Cup

I saw this in a Reno area website, but haven't been able to confirm it. Figured I would run it anyway. Here are this year's Nevada Cup locations and dates:

• April 22: Jetway Chevrolet Rainbow Ridge Challenge [XC] (Fallon, Nevada)
• May 6: Pine Nut Cracker [XC] (Gardnerville, Nevada)
• June 2-3: Peavine Challenge [XC, DH] (Reno, Nevada)
• Aug 18-19: Sky Tavern [XC, DH] (near Reno on Mount Snow)

From the article, "Organizers announced the 2007 Nevada Cup series, which will determined the northern Nevada state mountain bike champions. Brent Hart of Reno Wheelman spoke about the series, "These courses were specifically chosen to challenge the advanced riders and at the same time allow beginning riders to feel comfortable to compete."

Series standing will be based on the total accumulated points from the series. In the event of a tie, the racer's place in the Series final race (Sky Tavern) will determine the final standing. In addition, the top 15 riders in each category/(age) class in each race will qualify for the US National Championships in Mt Snow, VT July 17-22, 2007. The Sky Tavern Classic qualifies for the 2008 USA National Championships.

I will be posting detailed information on each race over the next few days. Thanks to Cycling News for the announcement.

UPDATE (04/18/07): The Nevada Cup website has been posted.

LeBron James Invests In Cannondale

So this was just strange enough that I needed to post it:

Professional basketball player LeBron James has acquired minority ownership of Cannondale, giving the US manufacturer a tremendous shot in the arm.

Read the rest of the story over at Bike Hugger.

2007 Twilight Mountain Series Announced

The 2007 Twilight Mountain Series has been announced by Reno Wheelmen. The dates for this year's Reno/Carson City weeknight racing series are:

• April 26th: Hidden Valley, Reno
• May 10th: Keystone Canyon
• May 17th: Peavine Hillclimb
• May 24th: Keystone Canyon
• June 7th: Centennial Park, Carson City
• June 14th: River Banks
• June 21st: Peavine Hillclimb
• June 28th: Keystone Canyon (Finals)

All races are start at 6:30 PM and cost $5 to race (women and juniors free).

CHDH Shirts and Updates

The folks behind the Corral Hollow Downhill (CHDH) have been busy campers over the last few weeks. In addition to announcing a ton of new sponsors (new additions including Crank Bros, Specialized and SixSixOne), they have a free t-shirt for pre-registration:Also checkout the new finish line photos. Pre-registration is available here. Check out the archives for information on last year's CHDH.

Northstar At Tahoe Announce 2007 Opening

Live from the press release:

TRUCKEE, Calif. – March 26, 2007 – After a one-year hiatus, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort’s mountain bike park, the largest in Northern California, will reopen this summer offering five new trail segments, two full new trails, increased lift access with the addition of the Tahoe Zephyr Express, a new jump park, skills development areas, LiveWire, the resort’s first signature trail, and much more.

This year, with the addition of the new Tahoe Zephyr Express six-person express chairlift, riders will benefit from the resort’s ability to provide more uphill capacity than ever before. Providing access to more than 100 miles of trails, the Gondola Express, Vista Express and Tahoe Zephyr Express chairlifts make it easy for riders to experience the technical downhill and freestyle features they crave ...

... LiveWire, Northstar Resort’s first signature trail is scheduled to open mid-summer, permits pending, and will maintain an average of six feet in width, feature a grade ranging between 6 and 9 percent, and will be 1.5 miles long. The trail boasts tabletops and large berms throughout the course of the run, and will be the first fully irrigated mountain bike trail at the resort, helping to prevent dust clouds from erupting as riders make their way down.

New this year, Northstar Resort will also introduce Skills Development Areas, allowing those who want to get started with log and ladder rides to learn in less intimidating fashion as the features are much closer to the ground. A new jump park located at mid-mountain between the bases of the Vista Express and Tahoe Zephyr Express chairlifts will also provide riders with an opportunity to practice their latest tricks.

Northstar Resort’s Mountain Bike Park is scheduled to open for the summer season on June 29, 2007, and is scheduled to be open daily, weather and conditions permitting, through September 3 and Friday-Sunday until October 7. Daily operating hours will be 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m...

...For those with a competitive edge, Northstar Resort will again host the Downhill Race Series and the Cross-Country Race Series this summer, open to riders of all ages. Race dates and additional information can be found online at NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

See the full press release at Northstar's website.

Sea Otter Discount From Specialized

This originated in the Specialized Riders Club newsletter, but I don't see anything that would limit anyone from using it:

Get a 15%- 20% discount when you register online for the world’s greatest cycling event.

Visit the Sea Otter Classic website at www.seaotterclassic.com to register.Enter the following promotional code to receive your discount. Promo code: Specialized

Get your discount - sign up today! This offer is good from Mar 27th- 29th 2007 and does not apply to professional entries, team entries, or the Adventure Race.

Remember to thank your Specialized rep if you use this discount :>

Lemurian Preride

Redding Velo will be having a preride of the Lemurian long course this Sunday (3/25/07). Ride leaves Whiskeytown's Brandy Creek Marina parking lot at 9:00 sharp. Details are available on the Lemurian website.

Flat Mountain #3

I've missed the first two of these NorNevada races put on by the Reno Wheelmen, but you still have time to catch the last one this weekend. This XC race is being held in Centennial Park in Carson City, NV on March 24th, 2007. Registration opens at 10:30 AM.

Folding Mountain Bike Announced

For those of you who travel quite a bit, Blue Collar Mountain Biking has an announcement that might be of interest to you. Slingshot, maker of interesting bike frames, has announced a folding mountain bike dubbed the Slingshot Fold-Tech MTB.

At the heart of bike remains the famous SPT (Sling Power Technology) – an energy returning system which utilizes a composite flex board, stainless cable down tube and spring to provide the rider with un-matched performance and comfort. On the patented Fold-Tech MTB, a quick release “grenade pin” allows the cable to be removed – and prepares the bike for final folding. The frames pivot style collar sits over the seat tube – and upon removal of just one bolt – the collar (and attached front end of the bike) can swivel around itself into the compact folded position.

Consumers can select from four standard Fold-Tech stock bike kits – or request a custom parts build kit which will better suit rider preference. “The Fold-Tech frame remains the same regardless of the parts kit used to build the bike” said Joppe. “Our complete bike price range is $1,150 for our novice build – to $4,100 for our high-performance pro build. This allows the user to advance as a rider – giving the flexibility to upgrade parts as needed, without having to replace the frame”.

US Marathon Championship Announced

US Cycling has announced the 2007 and 2008 National Championship site for Marathon:

The “Firecracker 50” in Breckenridge, Colo. on July 4 has been designated as the 2007 and 2008 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships, the national governing body announced today.

The Fourth of July event will host national championship races for men and women in several marathon categories ... Entering its seventh year, The Firecracker 50 will also host several other non-National Championship mountain bike races for junior, beginner, sport and expert divisions for individuals and teams. A complete schedule of events and categories will be available soon at www.mavsports.com.

Competitors will ride two laps of a 25-mile loop and the event’s neutral start will once again be incorporated into the town’s Fourth of July parade on Main Street before venturing off road.

dhRENO Southridge Update

The folks over at dhRENO have been keeping tabs on the SoCal DH scene and have another update from the Southridge races.

Sea Otter & MotionBased

The folks over at the MotionBased Blog have posted some of the details of their 2007 Sea Otter course maps. Mostly stuff you've already seen, but this year they have tried to sync some YouTube helmet cams with their dot maps. With the Sea Otter XC course changing this year, it might be worth pulling it down and watching it.

While I am at it, Team Motionbased has announced their 2007 racing team in partnership with Jamis.

2007 TBF MTB Challenge Series Winners

TBF Racing has posted the winners of the 2007 MTB Challenge Series:

Novice Male: Ryan Grohs (20-29), Sean Davidson (30-39), David Graff (40-49), David Yount (50-59)
Novice Female: Shayna Powless (19-under), Denise Madland (30-39), Dee Larsen (40-49)
Single Speed Male: Erik Ebberoth (19-under), David Brandeberry (20-29), Mike Harrison (30-39), Alf Ebberoth (50-59)
Single Speed Female: Mairin Rooney (20-29)
Sport Male: Bryant Strause (19-under), Seth Peterson (20-29), Brian Liebelt (30-39), Christopher Holmes (40-49), Rick Timossi (50-59), Glenn Moore (60-69)
Sport Female: Yvette Crockell (40-49), Jenny Frayer (50-59)
Expert Male: Bob Delp (30-39), Keith DeFiebre (40-49), Paul Zarubin (50-59), Bob Blatner (60-69)
Expert Female: Renee Ridgley (20-29), Meiling Yee (40-49)

Congratulations to everyone.

RACE REPORT: MTB Challenge #3

The results for the final MTB Challenge of the season have been posted (overall only). Congratulations to Brian Rouse and Renee Ridgley, who appeared to be the first mens and womens expert finishers. Photos from the event are posted over at James Pratt Photography.

Skyline Park Scheduled For 2007

The 2007 Skyline Park MTB race in Napa, CA has been scheduled for May 20th, 2007. Although no updated details for the 2007 race are posted, they should be similar to 2006 specifics. Last year's details were as follows: The race, held on the former World Cup venue, benefits the Skyline Park trail system and the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League. The course is described as "A fun, demanding and challenging course. 8 miles & 1600 feet of climb per lap (subject to change) 80% single track. Uses parts of the 1999 World Cup course. Number of laps to be determined by category. Pro/Semi-pro/Expert 3 laps, Sport 2 laps, and Beginner/Junior 1 lap."

Event: Skyline Park MTB Race
Dates: May 20th, 2007
Location: 2201 Imola Avenue, Napa, CA [ MAP ]
Competition: XC
Cost: $30 ($35 day of race)
URL: http://www.eaglecyclingclub.org/mtbike.htm
License: TBD
Registration: Mail or onsite (limit 400 riders)

Details from last year's race are available in the archives.

RACE RESULTS: Sand Hill #2 (DS)

Results will be a few days, but Halfro.com has the photos from yesterday's dual slalom action at Sand Hill Spring Gravity #2.

2007 UCI MTB World Cup Eligibility

As per their normal communications style, USA Cycling has posted a terse press release about UCI eligibility:

With the upcoming 2007 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup season on the horizon, Competitors intending to compete in the Cross Country, 4-Cross and/or Downhill categories are reminded of the UCI regulations that govern who is eligible to participate. According to the UCI, athletes must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a minimum of 20 UCI points for the individual UCI Mountain Bike classification as of December 31 of the previous year (2006) for the format in question. (XC, DH, 4X).
• Obtain, during the current season, a minimum of 20 UCI points in the classification applicable for the qualification in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup event in which the rider wishes to participate.
• Riders belonging to a UCI Mountain Bike Trade Team. A maximum of 10 riders per format (XC, DH, 4X).

This doesn't apply to Marathon riders.

NorCal MTB Racing This Weekend: March 17 - 18

A bit of a breather after last weekend schedule but still two racing opportunities:

• In the Bay Area (East Bay) on Saturday, the Sand Hill Gravity Series continues. This weekend is the second race in the series and the format is dual slalom.
• On Sunday, it's back to XC racing with TBF's MTB Challenge #3. The MTB Challenge races are held at Folsom Lake in Granite Bay, CA (east of Sacramento on the way to Auburn).

Get out there and race. It's one month until Sea Otter.

2007 Cool MTB video

KingGeorgeC posted a video from last weekend's Cool MTB Race.
Other than the overuse of special effects and the complete lack of people stacking through the bog area, it's not bad. You can see the entire video here.

Misc Race Updates

Just a few misc NorCal racing updates to pass along:

• The folks over at Velo Promo have posted "Several other MTB races are planned; dates to be announced." on their website. Velo Promo, based in the Central California Valley near Angels Camp, puts on a few MTB races and a lot of road races. We'll keep our eyes peeled to see what comes of this.
• RideSFO has update the CHDH news page with even more sponsors and word that cash prizes have hit $900. Check it out.
• BikeMonkey has posted a few updates about the upcoming Boggs II. Over 100 people have already registered for this year's race.

Still no word on the Billy Cross races or a few other series.

RACE REPORT: 2007 Cool MTB Race

The results from this weekend's 2007 Cool MTB race have been posted ! It looks like an impressive turnout to the nicest weather race . . . ever maybe ? Anyway, check out this thread on MTBR for race reports and photos.
The course followed that what appears to be largely the same course as last year, with about the same distance.

Congratulations to Sierra's local Katherine Nash who won the Women's Pro/Expert over Heather Suahn and Aren Timmel who beat out David Yakaitis for the Men's Pro/Expert.

UPDATE (03/14/07): The folks over at Team Motionbased have also blogged their race report.

RACE REPORT: CCCX DH #2

The resultsfrom yesterday's 2nd CCCX downhill event are posted and RickR posted his pictures of the practice and race over on his SmugMug site. Halfro.com also have their photos online. The course looked new and clocked in at 2.1 miles with about 1000' drop.

It looked like a huge turnout with awesome weather. Congratulations to Curtis Beavers (WTB/Specialized) and Chrystal Tunnell (Morewood/SRAM/Cydesport) for winning the Pro/Semi-Pro categories.

UPDATE (03/14/07): Photoblake has posted his pics over at Flickr.

RACE REPORT: CCCX XC #4

Today was the first CCCX outside of Fort Ord. Held in Toro Park, the same place that the CCCX DH race are held (there's one on Sunday), the course had a slightly shorter loop with a bit more climbing (4.3 mile loop with 783 ft of climb per lap). Jeff Hecox posted a short race report and GPS log at MTBR, but no results yet. Results have been posted !

Ventana Factory Tour

SickLines.com has a nice link to Red Barn Bicycles blog tour of Sacramento area MTB manufacturer Ventana. Check it out, there are some cool pictures.

Singletrack MINDS Examines Marin Trails

Dirt Rag has news of a new documentary examining Marin trails conflict:

The film examines the roots of the Marin access conflict, and takes a look at the sometimes controversial solutions that are being applied to the present-day situation. Perspectives range from mountain bike pioneers Gary Fisher, Charlie Kelly and Wende Cragg to hiking advocates from the Sierra Club and Tamalpais Conservation Club. The Marin conflict is a local story with a universal theme, as hikers and bikers struggle to coexist in all corners of the world.

Singletrack MINDS is was produced and directed by Wendy Todd and Jason Watkins. They are in the process of entering the film in various festivals, and look forward to having their documentary shown in theaters, in front of hiking and biking enthusiasts. In the meantime, they are sending out DVD copies to be used as educational tools for various groups dealing with trail access issues. Copies are free, but they are asking that the requester cover shipping charges. You may request a copy and view the trailer at their website: www.poisonoakproductions.com.

Looks interesting.

RACE REPORT: 2007 Glory Hole

Results are in for Velo-Promo's 2007 Glory Hole race in Angels Camp, CA last weekend. I haven't seen any photos or race reports on this one, but congratulations to Chad Stoer (LGBRC) and Jule Porter (Velo Bella-Kona) who won the mens and womens Pro/Expert races.

RACE REPORT: CCCX XC #3

CCCX cross country race #3 results have been posted. Congrats to Larry Hibbard (Family Cycling Center) and Beverly Chaney (Roaring Mouse Cycles) who won the Expert/Semi-Pro/Pro Mens and Womens races, respectively.

From the reports, pictures and course layout, it looks like a fast and dry race.
Pictures and race reports are being compiled at this thread on MTBR.com.

RACE RESULTS: 2007 Sand Hill #1 (4x)

No race results for 2007 Spring Sand Hill #1 yet, but Halfro.com has posted their photos.

UPDATE (03/12/07): Race results have been posted.

Swobo & Niner Bikes Podcast

The Crooked Cog has a good podcast with Tim Parr of Swobo and Chris Sugai of Niner Bikes. Tim discusses Swobo's new line of bikes and Chris gives some updates on 29ers. You can play it at their site or subscribe via iTunes.

NorCal Racing This Weekend: March 3 - 4

The season is starting to get into full swing with some Bay Area, Central Coast and Central Cali racing:

• Angels Camp leads with Velo Promo's Glory Hole race this Saturday. It's rain or shine and starts at 9 AM for beginners.
  
• The 3rd CCCX cross country (XC) race is at Fort Ord this Saturday also.
• The opening race in the Sandhill Spring Gravity Series is Saturday in the East Bay. This weekend is 4x / mountaincross.
• Sunday is a high school only "CCCX High School Invitational" MTB race with the CCCX people.
  

It looks like it might actually be dry this weekend, so get out and race.

Northstar MTB Racing Returns For '07

After a one year absence, Northstar at Tahoe will again be hosting MTB racing in 2007.

As in years past, Northstar sponsors two sets of racing: Sunday downhill and Thursday night cross country. The dates for this year's races will be:

Downhill (DH) July 1 July 29 Aug 19 Sept 9 Sept 23

Cross Country (XC) July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26 August 2 August 9 August 16

No details on costs and courses, but I will post some of my race reports from 1995 2005 this weekend. Thanks for the heads up on this from the guys at dhRENO. Sicklines also has a nice little video showing off the DH course.