Sunday, November 27, 2005

Final weekend for Bay Area Super Prestige CycloCross Series

Final weekend for Bay Area Super Prestige CycloCross Series

Bring those series numbers with you for our season-ending final weekend of racing

So far our season has been dry and dusty – 1st at Candlestick, then last weekend in Golden Gate Park but we may have seen the last of those ‘cross conditions for this season – our weather forecast for this coming week is very interesting – possibly 3 days of rain this week and that’s going to make for a fascinating final weekend at Coyote Point.

We’ve got a special performance enhancer on Sunday – for our final race of the 2005 season, double points will be awarded in Sunday’s CCCP beach run special and our sponsor partners have offered some super prizes for categories to challenge each other until the final seconds of the race.

Kelly Bike Co. is sponsoring ‘cross frames and forks for the winners of Men’s Cateogry “B” and Women’s Category “B”. Currently Mighty Max Spirin holds the lead after 2 second place finishes at Candlestick. In the Women’s competition Katrina Baumsteiger, with a win and a 2nd place is the leader.

For our Men’s Category “C”, our traditional Bianchi “Axis” full ‘cross bike is the prize waiting for sunday’s finale and we have a dogfight on our hands with 4 riders within 2 points of each other.

Roaring Mouse Cycles has provided a Felt ‘cross frame in Women’s Cat. “C” for the top prize in the category, and currently Julian Foley enjoys a strong lead.

Please check the website for current point standings and we’ll see you for Saturday’s Bianchi ‘cross – (all celeste/all the time) and Sunday’s tribute to the World’s best singers at CCCP – Cyclo Cross @ Coyote Point.

And while I was walking/talking with the ranger today, discussing course layout and verboten areas, she mentioned that the abandoned restaurant that we race past has plans for a rejuvenation – how far in the future that may occur is still being determined. Alec and I will take careful looks at the area to see if we still can race on our classic circuit if the restaurant is open for lunch/brunch. We’ll keep you in the loop.

2005 Sponsor Partners of the Bay Area Super Prestige Series

Bianchi
Truvativ
Summit Bikes
Ritchey Logic
Palo Alto Bicycles
Sheila Moon
Big Swingin' Cycles
Kelly Bikes
Sports Basement
Clif Bar
Roaring Mouse Cycles

http://www.pilarcitos.com

Tom & Alec Simpson
Pilarcitos Cyclesports

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Manzanita Park in Prundeale to Host CCCX #4

The Central Coast Cyco-Cross Series race #4 will be held this coming Sunday, November 27, at beautiful Manzanita Park in Prunedale. This park has hosted the District championships in the past, and it has some great views of Monterey and Salinas Valley. The course is a very good route that combines a little of everything for the Cyclo-Cross racer. There is a climb that features a long pavement section that converts into a dirt road, there is a small section of single track and some riding around the soccer fields and there is even a few lush grass sections to ride on to satisfy the pure bread cross racer in all of us. The CCCX series was negotiating a race to be held on the world famous Pebble Beach golf course, as the series has placed one race in Pebble Beach before. But we would have had to match the 500$ per golf round fee for each entry so that is on hold for now! But the course coming this Sunday is a great route and a really great Park to have a race. Series leaders look to continue their fine riding, and cash will be paid out at the finish to Elite Men, Elite Women, and 35+ A Men. With custom medals going to top placings in all divisions. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and lets be thankful for a chance to race! Hope to see you there!

Friday, November 18, 2005

GP Clark Natwick - San Francisco, CA Golden Gate Park + classic photos!

GP Clark Natwick - San Francisco, CA Golden Gate Park
Final Event in 2005 Crank Bros. US GP of CycloCross

(scroll down for photos)

On Sunday Clark Natwick gets to take a rare trip in a time machine when he arrives in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park for the final round of the Crank Bros. US Grand Prix of Cyclocross. It was 30 years ago when Natwick entered his final tune up event in Golden Gate Park before the first ever US Cyclocross Championships, held later in December across the bay in Berkeley’s Tilden Park in the pre-carbon era - toe straps, soccer cleats, bar end shifters – it was pioneer cyclocross days. Although only a few bits of that Polo Field course are still recognizable they will all be included in Sunday’s circuit. Starting with his first Nationals podium in 1975 behind Champ Jim Gentes, Natwick became one of the most decorated US racers in history, with 5 National titles and 11 medals in his bag. And on Sunday, he’ll be presenting medals for his own event, the GP Clark Natwick.

An homage to one of Northern California’s pioneers in the sport, as well as US National ‘cross coach, the GP Clark Natwick is a far cry from the 70’s and 80’s when the majority of events had minimal infrastructure and maximum enthusiasm. When he walks inside Golden Gate Park’s famous Polo Fields, he’ll see the sport as it has evolved in the 21st century, much of it thanks to his early efforts to create a National series of events to annually attract the best US talent, the original “SuperCup Series”. The top US series is now structured according to UCI regulations as the Crank Bros. US GP of Cyclocross presents the US version in a manner every bit as sophisticated as some European events.

Natwick will host a couple of current US stars at the start line for the Elite Junior event. With a berth on the US World Championship team on the line, Natwick will introduce a couple of his protégés with a story of their own to inspire the field. 1999 Natwick took the US team to Poprad, Czech Republic and came home with the first ever medals for the US – and 1999 Junior World Champ Matt Kelly will let these kids know the medals in Holland can be theirs, too. Tim Johnson, 3rd in Poprad in the U-23 behind Belgian Superstar Bart Wellens, will add his 2 cents worth before he and Kelly start their warm-ups for their 2:30 Elite Men’s final round.

Natwick’s first exposure to World Championships came in 1977 when he, Laurence Malone, Joe Ryan, and team mechanic Ralph Kornahrens arrived in Hannover, Germany for a Worlds most noticeable for Malone’s acrobatic bunny-hopping of the barricades on the course – Germany was electrified with the flying American. No flights were possible in 1978 when the Worlds landed in Spain in Basque country. Ralph Kornahrens remembers rain, rain, rain and mud. In the pre-power wash days, mud meant a bucket and brush to get equipment clean for the next lap. And meanwhile back home in Northern California Natwick started a career on the road in ’78 with a podium finish in the “Contienda de las Colinas” - at the time the 10-stage event in Santa Cruz was the longest in the country.

Post-Cyclocross Natwick enjoyed a Pro Mountain Bike career as one of Thomas Frischknecht’s team mates on the Ritchey Team in the early 90’s before his current passion, training/teaching/coaching athletes at Mill Valley’s Endurance Sports took center stage.
Natwicks career coaching palmares match up very well against his competitive career with stints as:
Coach for USA Olympic training center development cycling training camps.
Coach for USA Olympic training center world team preparation cycling training camps.
Coach for USA Olympic training center elite cycling training camps.
USA Cycling National Cyclo Cross team coach 1991- 1999, 2001.
USA Cycling National Mt. Bike team assistant coach 1991 & 1998.
Head coach for Peninsula Velo Cycling Club, San Mateo.

USA Cycling Team Member of 7 UCI Cyclo Cross World Championships.
USA Cycling team Member of 2 UCI Mt. Bike World Championships.
11 National Championship Medals (5G, 5S & 1B)


Sunday’s weather forecast still predicts sunny clear skies with a course that’s dry except for shaded corners and temperatures in the 60’s. And to make sure Clark Natwick really feels at home in the 1975-era Golden Gate Park for his race, the hottest sounds of San Francisco from that era will get featured air time on the race PA system. The course is just a few feet away from the meadows where Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Chambers Brothers, The Doors, and Santana once played outdoor concerts – and they’ll get tickets to the GP Clark Natwick time machine, too. Far out, man!

Information:
Tom Simpson
Pilarcitos Cyclesports
info@pilarcitos.com
650.302.6310

Photos


December, 1977 at the Northern California Championships, Pacifica, California – photo by Ray Stafford

Start line of the 1st National Cyclocross championships, Tilden Park, Berkeley, California. Natwick is wearing #12, just to the right of eventual winner Jim Gentes #11

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Grand Prix Clark Natwick in Golden Gate Park

I changed the date of this posting to move up in the Blog list - JF

Just 2 weeks away (ok, just a few days now actually...) from the finale of the Crank Bros. US Grand Prix of 'Cross hits town with the big circus - and Golden Gate Park is looking spectacular. For a complete view of your own, check our website for all course details for the GP Clark Natwick, Round 6 of the Crank Bros series from our "Tech Guide"

http://www.pilarcitos.com/GPClarkNatwick.html

Inside this big file you'll find all the pertinent details of a Cat. 1 UCI event, including course maps, start/finish line details, the "Who's on First" cast of offical characters running the event, schedules, parking locations, official prize lists, and much, much more.

We urge you to register early on www.bikereg.com so you can spend less time in line and more time warming up. There's also a $5 late fee for day of event entries so...please help out our registration squad and use our helpful technology.

Parking inside Golden Gate Park - this huge urban park is heavily used by soccer players, folks walking their dogs, dogs walking their folks and others just plain enjoying the spectacular locale. They all will be using the same on-street parking places you want. We urge you to come early. For those of you who enjoyed racing last year you'll remember heaps of people on a great sunday in the park.

For teams who are interested in Tent Spaces adjacent to our Starting Grid, it's just $50 for a 10' x 10' space - please send us an e-mail - info@pilarcitos.com so we can get you signed up. Need more than 10' x 10'? The 20' x 10' space is just $75 - acres of room to meet your teammates, set up the trainers, and get ready for Richard Fries to call you to the Red Bull arch for your start on the Polo Field Track.

Team Roaring Mouse is going to be sending out squads of their teammates on saturday as we set up a complex but rewarding course - it incorporates much of last year's circuit but adds more length - we're looking at a 3,500 yard lap that keeps most of your favorite terrain from last year - with a couple new wrinkles thrown in. Lots of passing space on W. Middle Drive and the Polo Field track itself.

More details to come in the next 2 weeks - get online and Register! Don't forget the $5 Late Fee for Day of Race registrations.

For all the information you need, check out the GP Clark Natwick webpage:
http://www.pilarcitos.com/GPClarkNatwick.html

Tom & Alec Simpson
Pilarcitos Cyclesports

USGP#5 Technical document - Velo Bella Race/Course Info

Looks like a great course for a great race in Watsonville.

From Sabine Dukes:

"The bigwigs at UCI insisted we make a technical document for our race. So, we packed it full of info and had a little fun with it too.

http://www.velobella.org/pdf/Surf_City_USGP_Tech_Doc.pdf "

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Good Job To All The Racers

From Dusty Downs:

The CCCX Cross Series would like to say great job to all the winners from this past weekends race, and to everyone who took part in the event put on by Team Santa Cruz! It was a good race and all the individuals who compete are winners in their own right! First place finishers from this event look ready for the districts this Saturday, and dont forget about CCCX#3 held this Sunday after the districts! Congratulations to this past weekends winners......Elite Women- Sarah Kerlin, B Women- Janel Lodge, Master 35+ Women- Andi Mackie, Master 45+ Women- Betty Jordan, Elite Men- Ben Jauques Maynes, Single Speed- Philip Simis, 35+ Master A Men- Henry Krammer, 45+ Master A Men- Larry Hibbard, 55+ A Men Frank Cuaresma, B Men- Andrew Hammond, 35+ B Men- Mark Slavonia, 45+ B Men Bruce Lodge, 55+ B Men- Michael Gomez, C Men- Matthias Behrends, C Women- Winona Hubbard, Junior 13& Under- Dylan MacDonald, Junior Women- Nikki Hiltz, Junior Men- Jeremy Blalock.........Good Racing to everyone!!!

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

A Big Weekend of Cross at Sac REVISED

A Big Weekend of Cross at Sac

This weekend (Nov 12-13) Sacramento CX will be hosting the Norcal District Championship at Granite Beach on Saturday. Then on Sunday, we will have the Sac CX Finals at Negro Bar.

The Districts Course at Granite Beach will explore some new territory at this venue with some climbing and the “Valley of Death”. Expect a fast and sandy course with laps in the 8-10 minute range. This year Sac Cyclocross and Voler will be awarding District Champion jerseys to the winners of all the Champion Events.

Sundays Sac CX Finals at Negro Bar will have $3500 in prizes, and will count for double points. We will also be giving out the Sac Series Overall Prizes and the Sac CX Winner’s Jerseys. And there’s the All Around Trophy as well.

For more info on a great weekend of cross go the http://www.velocommunity.com/sacramentocx/news.htm


--John Elgart

Also, from Gordon Ong:

November 12th, Cycling-training.com is hostingthe District Cyclo-cross championships. Districtchampion categories are A's for Women and Men, Masters35,45,55 for men and women and Juniors. Non-championevents are Category C for Women and Men and Category Bfor Men. "Unofficial" Singlespeed districtchampionship will be offered by top singlespeed riderand they will race with the A's. See the schedule onthe Sacramento Cross website.
This course is different from the traditional"Sandpit" Granite Beach course. Rich Maile andCycling-training.com have laid out a nice big loop ofpavement, grass, natural and man-made forced dismountsand some singletrack and some wide dirt roads. Thecourse will have East coast style grassy chicanes,Belgian sand sections and a Nor-cal jungle sectionaptly called "Mike and Dirk's Gulley of Death".

Sac Finals Sunday - Stick Around for It!

The Sac folks will be making it worth your while to stay in town for Sunday's Sac race:

"Team Bicycles Plus / North Rim Adventure Sports, sponsored by Specialized / Sierra Nevada, will provide an additional $3500.00 in prize list products courtesy of our sponsors Specialized (www.Specialized.com ), Bicycles Plus (www.onlinecycling.com ), Ludicrous (www.ludicrousenergy.com ), and Kinesys (www.kinesys.com ). Bicycles Plus will also provide and staff a mechanics tent at the race site to provide assistance to any rider with mechanical issues."

-Steve Griffiths

Race Info:
http://www.velocommunity.com/sacramentocx/about.htm

Velo Bella Bike Giveaway - Calling all Beginner Women!

Would you like an opportunity to win a brand new fully built Lemond Poprad cyclocross bike!
http://www.lemondbikes.com/2006_bikes/poprad.shtml
(yes! the one in the picture!)

Thanks to the amazing generousity of Bicycle Trip,
http://bicycletrip.com/site/intro.cfm

if we get at least 15 women to race the Category C event, we are planning to give away this fantastic bike during the C women awards ceremony at our cyclocross race on Saturday, November 19th in Watsonville.

You do not have to win. You don't even have to make it to the podium. You just need to show up and race. The winner will be choosen by random drawing based on those Women Category C racers that finished the event. The drawing will be held during the C women podium awards.

If you have ever competed at a B level, Women 35, or As in any cyclocross race, ever, you are not eligible. This promotion is being held to encourage newcomers to give this quirky sport a try.

If you are not a newcomer, then send this message to some friends you've been meaning to sway into racing. If you are a newcomer, then shoot, what are you waiting for? We're talking a BRAND NEW BIKE here ladies.

Category C women race at 9:25a.m.. They will get their own start and there will only be Women B, Women 35+ and Junior women out on the course at that time. The course is tough, but its not scary (although that run up is a bitch) The atmosphere will be full on bella style, even if it rains, expect fun, mischief and coconut bras. And of course, all the support and encouragement that goes along with that type of mayhem. Mountain bikes are perfectly fine to race on, just remove your bottle cages and your bar ends.

This race is also some kind of big deal event, so come early and race and then stay for all the excitement as the nations top cyclocrossers face each other in the afternoon. Lots of prime opportunities for boy and girl watching.

And remember, we need at least 15 women on the line, so bribe your friends into joining you.

More information on Surf City races here
http://www.velobella.org/rides_surf_city.htm

Info and registration for the Watsonville race here (please pre-register!)
http://www.bikereg.com/races/register.asp?EventID=2678

and the world's most fabulous technical document is here (no offense Tom)
http://www.velobella.org/pdf/Surf_City_USGP_Tech_Doc.pdf

Due to the race being held on a Saturday, we will not be able to hold a clinic before this event, but I encourage anyone with questions to email us and we'll tell you all you need to know. And then some.

See you there.

Sabine
www.velobella.org

p.s. If you are even in the neighborhood of Bicycle Trip (in Santa Cruz) please stop in and thank them for their amazing support of cyclocross. Buy something too.

Monday, November 07, 2005

TEAM CLIF BAR's Cyclocross Sumo Suit Challenge

Coming to the CLIF BAR Headquarters Thursday, November 17th.
CLIF BAR is excited to celebrate the 2005 Cyclocross Season by presenting:

TEAM CLIF BAR's Cyclocross Sumo Suit Challenge

On the evening of Thursday November 17th, before the weekend's U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross races in Watsonville and San Francisco, we'll pop the caps on some tasty beverages and fire up the pizza oven; then we'll sit back for an evening unlike any other ever before experienced on this planet.

What do cyclocross and sumo suits have in common? Beats the heck out of us. But if we've gotta stretch for an answer to that crafty question let's go with this: If there's anything that comes close to the fun of cyclocross it could very well be watching a bunch of goofballs in sumo suits wrestle each other for a good cause.

Please join us!

Hang out with fellow cyclocross fans, chat it up with the folks from CLIF BAR, and meet TEAM CLIF BAR Cyclocross riders Mark McCormack & Jesse Anthony - all while helping to support the Fast Freddie Foundation.

Over delicious Cheese Board Pizza, refreshing Sac Brew Co. Beer and other delightful beverages, folks will have the opportunity to bid on some extraordinary items during the evening's silent auction. After dinner, the stage event will begin with the introduction of the TEAM CLIF BAR Cyclocross athletes and a couple special guests. When the talking ends the games begin. The gloves come off, the goofy suits go on, and we'll watch folks wrestle their little hearts out as they compete for the illustrious title of:

Cyclocross Sumo Suit Challenge Champion of the World!

Hurry and RSVP! Attendance is limited to 250 people, so RSVPs are required.
$20 (per person) gets you in the door for food and festivities. Net proceeds from the evening will go to the Fast Freddie Foundation.

Evening Agenda
6:00pm-7:00pm: Pizza & beverages for all/fund-raising silent auction
7:00pm-7:10pm: Welcome intro & Take-a-Seat Time
7:15pm-8:00pm: Meet Mark & Jesse
8:00pm-9:30pm: Behold! TCB's Cyclocross Sumo Suit Challenge

Please RSVP to sumosuitchallenge@clifbar.com
We will respond to the first 250 RSVPs with a confirmation email that includes instructions for payment and directions to the event.
When the event is full we will send that information by email to any RSVPs that we are unable to accommodate.
No reservations will be taken by phone.

TEAM CLIF BAR Cyclocross is proud to be sponsored/supported by:
Voler Team Apparel
Felt Racing
Giro
fi’zi:k
Mavic

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Huh? Cross race this Sunday? FIAC? huh?

"PR" From David Gill:

OK, I have received a bunch of emails about the cyclocross race this Sunday 11/6/05 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville.

The three main questions I've received are:

- is the race happening?
- what the heck is FIAC?
- do I need a license?

Here's the deal: it *is* happening and has not been canceled. FIAC is the Federation of Independent Associations for Cycling. Right now there are three cycling organizations that are members of FIAC: ABR, OBRA, and ACA. NCNCA was also a member just a few scant years ago, when all the political brouhaha was going on with USAC. Well, NCNCA went back to the fold but FIAC lives and thrives. Check http://www.fiac.us/ for more info on FIAC.

As far as licenses, it really depends on your category. There only two official FIAC National Championship Categories: Elite Men and Elite Women. To be eligible for National Champion status (and the Stars & Stripes jerseys we have for the winners), Elite riders must hold a FIAC-affiliated annual license (ABR, OBRA, or ACA).

Annual licenses are NOT necessary to compete, but are mandatory if one wishes to become FIAC National CX Champion. Annual ABR licenses will be available at the race site for $20 and are good until 12/31/06. Otherwise, each racer must hold a one-day ABR license (available onsite, free). The rest of the (non-Championship) categories require riders to sign up for the one-day ABR license (again, these are FREE. No $10 one-day licenses here...)

Sure, these National Championships won't be as "big" in terms of the cyclocross circus that will prove to be the case this coming December in Rhode Island. Not that that's a bad thing, but hey- this Sunday's race is being promoted by Team Santa Cruz. These are the Laid-Back Natz.

The course at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville will feature the famous runup; how could it not? As far as classic cross conditions, well, it is Northern California. We won't get the desired mud factor until January or February. Speaking of which, why don't we have cross racing during cross weather? Team Santa Cruz is also putting a race on January 15th, so let's just keep our fingers "crossed" on that one, shall we?

OK, back on track. What's it going to take for people to read the NCNCA cross calendar properly? Oh, I know: remove the canceled races. Thanks John!

See you there,

David Gill
http://www.cyclocross.cx/

p.s. Team Santa Cruz are a member club not only of FIAC, but NCNCA and USAC as well. We promote the Santa Cruz Criterium, several Time Trials throughout the year, and are definitely on board with "The Program." But if your club got the opportunity to host an official Nationals, what would you do??

Districts Schedule on Sac CX Site

The Districts schedule is up on the Sac website. Would you put a note on ncnca cx? However, it isn’t clear that there are in fact women master categories; 35 and 45, running with the women A’s.

See Sac Site for more details.

http://www.velocommunity.com/sacramentocx/about.htm

-Linda Elgart

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Golden Gate Park Getting Polished!


Just 18 days away before the finale of the Crank Bros. US Grand Prix of 'Cross hits town with the big circus - and Golden Gate Park is looking spectacular. For a complete view of your own, check our website for all course details for the GP Clark Natwick, Round 6 of the Crank Bros series from our "Tech Guide"

http://www.pilarcitos.com/GPClarkNatwick.html

Inside this big file (give it a moment or to load - it's nearly 2 megs) you'll find all the pertinent details of a Cat. 1 UCI event, including course maps, start/finish line details, the "Who's on First" cast of offical characters running the event, schedules, parking locations, official prize lists, and much, much more.

We urge you to register early on www.bikereg.com so you can spend less time in line and more time warming up. There's also a $5 late fee for day of event entries so...please help out our registration squad and use our helpful technology.

Parking inside Golden Gate Park - this huge urban park is heavily used by soccer players, folks walking their dogs, dogs walking their folks and others just plain enjoying the spectacular locale. They all will be using the same on-street parking places you want. We urge you to come early. For those of you who enjoyed racing last year you'll remember heaps of people on a great sunday in the park.

For teams who are interested in Tent Spaces adjacent to our Starting Grid, it's just $50 for a 10' x 10' space - please send us an e-mail - info@pilarcitos.com so we can get you signed up. Need more than 10' x 10'? The 20' x 10' space is just $75 - acres of room to meet your teammates, set up the trainers, and get ready for Richard Fries to call you to the Red Bull arch for oyur start on the Polo Field Track.

Team Roaring Mouse is going to be sending out squads of their teammates on saturday as we set up a complex but rewarding course - it incorporates much of last year's circuit but adds more length - we're looking at a 3,500 yard lap that keeps most of your favorite terrain from last year - with a couple new wrinkles thrown in. Lots of passing space on W. Middle Drive and the Polo Field track itself.

More details to come in the next 2 weeks - get online and Register!

Tom & Alec Simpson

Fresno Fall/Winter Cyclocross Series

It’s time for the 2nd Annual Fresno Fall/Winter Cyclocross Series at Woodward Park. We’ve doubled the number of races to 6 this year. Besides two Saturday day races, we’ve brought back the very popular Saturday night race. It was a muddy good time last year. We also have 3 Wednesday night training races this year on an abbreviated course. These will be low-key, cheap and fun ways to clear the cobwebs mid-week. Entry fees are half price for these races. For all of the night races lights are required but they are on safe, well-marked courses. For more info contact jpsnodab@sbcglobal.net or call 559-970-2754.

See pdf doc with details at:
http://www.ncnca.org/cyclocross/2005/docs/fresnoflyer.pdf