Cross on the Rock 2015. Season #10. Newsletter #10.
There was a PLAGUE at Bear X-ing of people crossing the finish line (for
warm up or to go from one place to another) that were NOT racing DURING a
time while people WERE racing. KILL THAT PLAGUE PLEASE. Don’t cross the
finish line during other people’s races. Go around.
Another Bear X-Ing Note: I forgot to give a congratulations to Nicholas
Kupiak (Broad Street Cycles, Stucky Life, MIVA) for his win in Expert. Nick
has shown steady improvement over the last few years with 7th in
Intermediate his best ever placing in 2013 and an 8th his previous highest
in Expert. When Nick attacked on the last lap of Bear X-Ing you could hear
the roar in the Broad Street tent on the course and watch as spectators ran
from one part of the course to another to cheer him to the finish. A great
finish with a 1 second margin over Raphael Lalumiere (Russ Hayes). Second
expert race this year to be won overall on a single speed.
A double header in cyclocross is tough to pull off. Both as a racer and as
an organization. If you have raced for a while or want to race for a while
it is a good skill to have. Travelling to events is maximized when you can
get 2 races in on a weekend. COTR has not done one for a couple of years
but with the compacted season (because of SSCXWC) we thought it was a great
way to get 7 races in for the year. Make sure your gear is ready. Make
sure you pack your stuff (and your license). Bring some nice clothes for
Saturday night. Book a hotel room at the Ho Jo. Thanks for supporting your
series!
In this Newsletter:
1) Race (Kona Kup at Beban Park, Nanaimo. Saturday)
2) Party (Oak Bay Bikes. Saturday Night)
3) Race (My Little Pony Cross. Sunday)
4) The Pits
5) Want a free pass to SSXCWC from Mazda?
Don’t forget to quote Cross on the Rock (COTR) if you want an inexpensive
room for Saturday (possibly also Friday) night at the Howard Johnston
Harbourside Hotel.
Want an extra chance to win the Kona Private Jake this weekend? Double down
by volunteering at one of the events! E-mail Ron for My little Pony Cross:
. Hewitsonron@gmail.com and Corey for Kona Kup: cpiket68@hotmail.com In
order to be in the draw we need to have the volunteers names before the
weekend. (Volunteers don’t have to be there to win. Racers do).
1) Kona Kup at Beban Park, Nanaimo. Saturday. November 7th.
See Map Below
KONA bikes is sending their media guy out to film the event and talk to
people. Shine up your KONA if you ride one!
Oak Bay Bikes Nanaimo and KONA will be giving away a Private Jake. You want
to win…..you gotta race and you gotta be there! GREAT chances to walk
away with a nice new bike!! This bike also has sliding drop outs making it
EASY to convert for SSXCWC
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Beban park was the site of the first un-official cross
race north of Victoria on Vancouver Island in 2003. The course we designed
that year was more than 14 minutes per lap and the race of 5 people was won
by Robin Dutton. In 2004 we hosted the first ever sanctioned cross race on
Vancouver Island with Andrew Pinfold winning. We hosted a race there every
year from 2003 to 2012 including the National Championships in 2006 which
were the biggest ever up to that point in history.
The course this year will be a combination of old and new. Same start
straight away on the pavement. Same areas. Lots of new turns.
Returning will be the BMX track….but not the last straight away (it is not
cross bike friendly so remember that when pre-riding). The BMX track is
bigger than the last time we used it so ALWAYS USE CAUTION and ride within
your skill level both during practice and during your race.
We will also be incorporating the stairs that were built in 2006 for the
race and recently uncovered from 3 years of blackberries.
The sand riding ring will return.
With the weather forecast you can expect a bit of mud!
This is a TOUGH course that combines both fitness and skill where a great
overall cross racer normally has a solid result.
REGISTRATION, BATHROOMS and AWARDS: Registration will be in the same area as
the last few times we have had this event. The small red barn pretty much
smack in the middle of Beban park. We are debating on awards location so
stay tuned. There are quite a few bathrooms in many locations around Beban
park to use. Please do NOT go into bathrooms (or other areas) with muddy,
dirty shoes.
TEAM TENT AREA: This will be along the main first straight away. There will
be no in/out during the day. You must be IN before the races start. Keep
an eye for cones and respect the racers and volunteers when setting up.
Tents must be staked or tied down. This can be a very windy location.
PARKING: There is a massive amount of parking at Beban park. We recommend
the lot to the south of the race venue in the area of the lawn bowls, pitch
and put and tennis courts. We do NOT recommend the area to the north of the
course by the soccer field and that should be avoided.
BIKE WASH: The WD-40 Bike wash station will be set up at the end of Barn #2
on the North side of the upper course to the east of the sand riding ring.
Look for the tent and listen for the power washer. Bikes of racers that are
racing have line privileges during their races.
FOOD and BEVERAGE: The BUZZ coffee shop will have coffee on site Saturday
morning. Taco revolution will be on site as well for some great food
pre/post your race. Watch the hot sauce before you race!!
2) Social at Oak Bay Bikes Nanaimo. Saturday Night. November 7th.
Come chat with other racers, crew and bike people Saturday night after you
have cleaned up. Try to figure out who is who when they have regular
clothes on and no helmet. Have a social recovery beverage. Talk about
bikes, the liberal party or bikes.
Start time: 7:30
This social party is sponsored by MIVA (Mid Island Velo Association) and
Oak Bay Bikes Nanaimo
There will be Beer from Longwood Brewery and snacks.
Taco Revolution will also be there with tacos for sale.
Finish time: T.B.D.
Address: 3700 Island Hwy.
3) My Little Pony at Arbutus Meadows. Nanoose. Sunday. November 8th.
NOTE: Map was not adjusted/available when this newsletter had to go out so
it will be posted on the web site and FB when we get it.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Last year’s race utilized Arbutus Meadows in its
entirety. It was fast with long straightaways, lots of places to hide from
your nemisi and nemeseses. Super fun. 2015’s course be even super funner
because there is nowhere to hide. NOWHERE TO HIDE!!!! Heckling your fellow
racers is naturally encouraged through course design because this course is
compact, tight and flowy. Put on your turning tires and grease your headset.
Estimated distance is 2.8kms. Your mother in law will love it too because
she can heckle you I mean watch 80% of the race within a short walking
distance. Even with a walker. Did I mention there is NOWHERE TO HIDE??? Our
volunteers will enjoy a quick build and tear down as well. Please email race
director Ron Hewitson if you can help out. Hewitsonron@gmail.com.
REGISTRATION, BATHROOMS and AWARDS will NOT be in the large riding arena
like they were last year, rather in the far building. Please refer to the
attached map.
TEAM TENT AREA: same as the last 2 years which is along the pave climb. You
will need to be IN before the races start and you will not be allowed OUT
by vehicle until AFTER all the races. (Parking in that area is still to be
confirmed so make sure you talk to the parking crew)
IMPORTANT – PARKING: Parking will be the same as 2014, in the gravel area
beside the large riding arena. Look for parking officials wearing the orange
safety vests. Trust me, they are not to be trifled with. They do like bribes
however.
BIKE WASH : The little kids ‘Lil Nutcase race, WD-40 bike wash, finish line
and pits are all in the same area as last year the pave climb. Please refer
to the map.
FOOD and BEVERAGE: We are pleased to bring back the Limon Food Truck from
Parksville. We had so many positive comments last year from diners we had no
choice.
4) The Pits
I was asked to clarify the pits and outside assistance at COTR events. Let
us just say we are not the world cup. Our first priority is to try to get
people out racing, having a great time and finishing the races but in a fair
and competitive way.
The pits are for you to put spare gear in. Bikes, wheels, a seat…..what
ever you need.
If you have a mechanical on the course or want to change your bike the pits
is the place to do it.
You have to complete the course though meaning you can not cut the course to
get to the pits if you have a problem. If you are PAST the pits you can not
cut BACK to the pits to get help.
Many times the pit entrance is not perfect. We are not perfect….just do
the best you can and we should be OK.
IF you have a problem WAY far away from the pits and there just happens to
be someone there that might be able to give you a hand….what do you do?
Again see our priorities. No one wants to win a race or do better because
of the misfortune of others so again….do the best you can. We suggest you
pull over or off the course. Fix what you need to. Then re-enter the
course at the same location.
Always finish the course.
If you need any further clarity on this please fire me a note.
5) Want a free pass to SSXCWC from MAZDA?
Well we will be giving away a few more of these on Saturday at the KONA KUP.
Here is the gig. Half Track (same as the Zoom Zoom Half Track). Right
before the Kids half track happens. After the beginners finish. Line up in
front of registration. First male. First female. Then 2 more randoms.
One gear only. If you have already won a ticket Noir….you can ride to
support or block!