Newsletter #4 – AFTER the turkey.  It is the MUC OFF CUP weekend!!


MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2023.

Each individual race has local sponsors that support that one event but the series will not run without the amazing series sponsors that we have. Our title sponsor is MUC OFF.  We also have support from Eleven Speed Coffee, Island Cycles, Study Build, Riverway Dental, Hotel Zed, Frontrunners, Rock CityCycles and Goodr.  Please support our local as well as series sponsors when ever you have a chance.
CXUPER OCTOBER (name is a work in progress)
Between Cross on the Rock and the Tripleshot Cross Fondo we will be racing our CX bikes 5 times this month!  Throw in a few XC running events and the Royal Victoria Marathon weekend and this will be the most epic month EVER!!

  • Extra thanks this week to Dean Vinden and Higgins Heavy Equipment for helping with a few maintenance things with the COTR Trailer.  Very appreciated.

1. Cross on the Commons – Wrap Up.

Photos:  Some photos from the LAUNCH category from System Toast rider Flemming Sorvin.
Some photos from FigBug.
No photos from Patrick yet but we will post a link in the next newsletter and on the COTR socials.

Notes from the Race Director Roy
2023 Cross on the Commons – The Rear View

Thanks everyone for coming out to Arrowsmith Cycling Club’s 6th Cross on the Commons.  Cross On The Rock living large in li’l ol’ Qualicum Beach.  Great turn out for a great day of racing.

Thanks for all the feedback on what was considered to be a great course!  A good combination of techy single track, fast grassy sections for passing and the usual interest of riding the BMX track backwards.    Moisture conditions were also pretty prime, making for good grip but minimal deterioration.
The logstacles added a challenging (for some) bunny hop combination to the course but after 2 years they have been consigned to my wood pile and will serve another grand purpose.  Stoked to throw some steps in there for something different, thanks to winning the arm twisting contest with the Town of QB and the RDN.

Great to see a few representatives from Naked Factory Racing holding the fort.
And, those hams, for the podium finishers from the Super Masters race.  WTF Jack Mar, totally amazing, you constantly surprise me with your offerings.  CHAPEAU!

A special shout-out goes to the many volunteers that come out to make this race event really happen.  Special thanks to Dean Vinden and Ritchie Hughes for the help and support throughout the whole process.  A massive thank you to all!

Also, thanks to the Town of Qualicum Beach for wanting and making this race happen. They always do some course maintenance/improvements for the event as well as the use of tables, chairs and washrooms.  They also provide a site for a bike wash but I doubt anyone needed (or even knew about) it this year.

And last but not least, is the awesome support we received from many businesses in Qualicum Beach and Parksville that donated product, gift certificates and a whole lot more to a great event with locally roasted and ground free coffee and a fantastic prize table!

Please support them when you’re in the Oceanside area:

Dolly’s Home Hardware
Quality Foods
Mod Apparel
Big Grin Bikes
Q Burger
Silverwood Gifts
Fern and Cedar Brewing Company
True North Distilleries
Takeoff Adventure Rentals
Island Cycle – Parksville
Jack Marr – Island Cycle – Quadra Island
French Press Coffee Roasters – esp for the coffee
Creekmore’s Coffee
Thrifty Foods
Arrowsmith Bikes – Parksville/Nanaimo
Windsor Rentals
Qualicum Pet Foods
Richard Franklin – graphic design – COTC posters and banners

Onwards and upwards for #COTR2023!

Thanks everyone,
Roy

2. Cross on the Rock 2023 Race #3 – Nanaimo – Bowen Park – The Muc Off Cup – Preview.

REGISTRATION CLOSES: Sunday Night at 6:00 PM.  No on site registration. 

Do you want to win a Tacx Flux 2 Smart trainer from HLC Bike and Rock City Cycles?
Well then it is time to get Muc’d up!

Muc-Off is not “just” the title sponsor of the Cross on the Rock Series but they are also back as title sponsor of the Muc Off Cup once again this year! It is always great to have all their amazing products and Pete the Legend working hard washing bikes again (If needed). The Bowen park course is a classic. At the point of writing there is a REAL chance of “showers” for Monday.  The forecast has changed every day this week. There could be a little rain,  or a lot….or NONE but you should for certain keep an eye on that and have your mud tires and warm blankets ready.  We do not want to be caught off guard like the EPIC conditions of 2021. 

The course will be similar to the last few years with a road section start, into a  single track wooded climb, quick down hill, then onto the grass for lots of twists and turns before the infamous stairs and volley-ball court/sand section.  The volley ball court had a new perimeter fence installed around one side before last years race so the approach and path for that section will be similar to last year.  For the most part the course will be similar to previous years but once we get into the bowl area it is up to the crew setting up on how our adventure looks!

The Nanaimo track and field club will be using our course for a practice session as they did last year.  We will send their crew off at around 9:45 so keep an eye out for runners on the course if you are pre-riding at that time.  Give them some space!

The Stats!!
This race has some impressive stats over the history of the event.

  • Biggest race of all time!  2019
    • 5th biggest in 2018
    • 6th biggest in 2017
  • Biggest category of all time masters men 40-54 in 2019 with 88 racers
  • Most DNF’s EVER in 2014
    • 4th most DNFs in 2010
    • 10th most DNFs in 2011
  • LEAST DNF’s ever in 2016
    • 2nd least DNFs in 2019!
  • Two Time venue for the Provincial Cyclocross Championships
  • MOST RAIN ever during one of our races for the 2021 Masters Men’s race.  It was INSANE!!

Check out the results from 2022 here to re-live the action! 

Course Hazards

  • First of all the park is open to the public.  There are people everywhere and some will NOT be aware of the race or cyclists on course.  Keep your head up!!
  • We have a RUN practice race with the Nanaimo Track and Field Club at 9:45 so there will be runners on the course around that time.
  • Please be very cautious of the down-hill section after the pool.  This is the fastest section with some BIG trees that can break your shoulder or your head.
  • There are slippery sections, roots and trees and uneven ground all over the place and it will be WET
  • You MUST stay to the inside of the cones on the upper road near the tennis courts. This is very important as we are sharing the road with other park users.
  • The last hazard is the down-hill after the stair section. Please use caution, as it its steep and can be slippery.

Parking

  • There is LOTS of parking in the AREA of the race but maybe not RIGHT beside the registration/finish area.  You have a bike….you can park a little ways away.
  • The main Parking is located in the lot beside the Volley Ball courts off WALL STREET.  These spots are not marked so please don’t park like a donkey and mess it up for other people.  Organized rows!
  • Overflow parking can be found across the street at the Curling Club.
  • There is also some parking up by the park administration buildings by the tennis courts and then above that by the pool.
  • All spots are within 1 minute of the main race area.

Registration/Number pick up and race central

  • Will be located near the Volley Ball courts

ALWAYS: Please be courteous to other park users.

Team Tents

  • One row on the grass in front of parking area.
  • Then a second row against the curb in the parking lot.
  • STAKE YOUR TENTS!

Please do not put any tents on the opposite side of the course. Only event tents are allowed in that area.  Thanks

Food Truck.
For a food truck this year we have Jacks Grilles Cheese which will taste SO GOOD after racing!!

Prizes

Along with awesome MUC OFF products, a room night at Hotel Zed and some Goodr Glasses….HLC Bike and Rock City Cycles will be giving away a TACX FLUX 2 Smart Trainer!!!!

PLEASE ABSOLUTELY STAY OFF THE COURSE AFTER RACE DAY!

Lastly we can almost guarantee this…..NUMBERS ON YOUR LEFT!

Remember….registration CLOSES at 6:00 PM on Sunday.  LINK HERE.

Although the MUC OFF cup has never been voted as the #1 Cyclocross race in Canada by Cycling Canada we know that is because they have never been to our event.  If they had they would be voting the MUC OFF Cup the #1 race in Canada and Cross on the Rocks the #1 Cyclocross series in Canada.  That is just fact!

SEASON #17 COTR Schedule
DONE AND DUSTY – September 10th. Season opener in Cumberland at Coal Cross.
PERFECT FALL DAY – October 1st. Cross on the Commons in Qualicum.
October 9th. Nanaimo. Bowen park.
October 15th should be the Cross fondo.  If you have not done it.  You SHOULD do it!
October 22nd. Grand Opening of the Langford Bike Park Club house AND the Broad Street Cycles GP at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park.
October 29th. Hot Crossed Bunnies at Beban Park in Nanaimo
November 12th. CoweX series final at the Cowichan Fair Grounds!!

OTHER CYCLOCROSS of importance for 2023
Nanaimo Cross Practices  Tonight (October 5th) Rock City Cycling and Airhouse pracice is at BOWEN PARK at 5:45.  Meeting by the Duck Pond at the lower small parking lot sort of in the middle of the park.  For future sites keep your eye on the COTR Socials and Rock City Cycles Socials.

Victoria Cross Club  The BEST practice is practice races!  The longest running cyclocross events on Vancouver Island, BC and maybe Canada.  Check out this article written last year.  The “practices” stat next week and are on Wednesday Nights.  Check out their site here.

Cowichan Cross Practices.  We have HEARD that their are some practices happening mid island with the Dirt Groms but we will try to get confirmation.  Every Tuesday a spy at the Cowichan SD office sends up video of people practicing at the field beside their office.  So there is something going on!

Comox Valley Cross Practices  Sounds like the possible last one for the season is tonight in the Valley.  Here is the FB page

Provincial Championships. The Thrashers bike club will be putting this event on the THIRD (This is the update) weekend in November in the lower mainland.  This is the weekend between the COTR finals and the National Championships in Victoria.  Perfect time to dial in your fitness.  HOPEFULLY Cycling Canada has modified the nationals call up so that the provincials in each province contributes to call up at Nationals like it should.

Cyclocross National Championships are going to be November 24-25-26 We have now heard that they WILL return to Saanich.  They have just started to be more active on the socials this week.  Voted #1 by Cycling Canada but as noted…..Cycling Canada does not go to any other events do they?

Parting Shot
THREE PACKS OF POKEMON CARDS!!!!  Just for riding my bike.  A Rock City Cycles racer was PUMPED after the Riverway Dental Hot Lap race.

Newsletter #3 – Getting ready for SUPER October


MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2023.
Newsletter #3 – Getting ready for SUPER October

SEASON #17 is underway!!
The Mid Summer Menno race raised $2600 to KidSport.  Thank you to everyone that came out and supported this event!
Each event has local sponsors that support that one event but the series will not run without the amazing series sponsors that we have. Our title sponsor is MUC OFF.  We also have support from Eleven Speed Coffee, Island Cycles, Study Build, Riverway Dental, Hotel Zed, Frontrunners, Rock City Cycles and Goodr.  Please support our local as well as series sponsors when ever you have a chance.1. Coal Cross Wrap Up.
PHOTOS from Patrick LINK from Coal Cross

Norm’s Notes.

  • FYI results are posted live through the day on webscorer and then after the event moved to www.crossontherock.com
  • My bike has still not been washed.  It is still dusty!
  • So many racers in the OPEN men and Masters/Intermediate women’s categories!!
  • Come on Launch…….racers bring your friends out to try cross!
  • Tycho’s drink stand saved my life
  • 100+ races and we have never seen anything like Tim’s quad whirly whirl.  It was amazing!
  • So great to see everyone out!!  The racing was HOT!
  • Seemed like there were a lot of mechanical issues.  Coal Cross last year was ranked one of the tamest races of all time…..this year not so much!
  • Some new faces at the front of the races!  Always great to see!!

Notes from the Race Director Tom

The opening round of COTR was a great success from our end. A special thanks to Brett and Sinead Whitehead, Beth Pechter, Sonja Hanelt, Nataile Wright, Allison Mathers, Scott McGregor, Phil, Sam & Nico Schum, Dan Lehton, Chuck Ashton, Mark Purcell, Gray Tunnah, Erica Spizawka, Alex Smith, Gavin MacPhail, Dominique McGrady, Loki Motai, and everyone who helped with course tear down after the last race. A big thanks to Tim Roberts for designing and implementing the quad whirly whirl, or as some have coined it, “The Tim’s Drive Thru”.
I hope I didn’t miss anyone, but this event brings out so many amazing community volunteers, and I hope you all realize how your positive attitudes are contagious and improve the attitudes and lives of others.
A huge thanks to our Coal Cross event sponsors as well: Biblio Taco, Blue Toque Sports, Easton/RaceFace, and Trail Bicycles. Please thank these awesome sponsors by ordering a delicious burrito, buying some pre-owned outdoor gear, buying a wheelset or bike parts, and taking your bike in for service with them… all at the same time.
Highlights for me: watching Gray Tunnah hop the barriers, watching the Masters Women’s field fighting each other for gummy worm hand-ups, seeing Drew and Joele out racing again.
Lowlights: Cumberland kids tampering with the course overnight, getting beat by kids who were just being born when I was 22.
See you in Qualicum!

2. Cross on the Commons – Qualicum Beach PREVIEW!!
We have an early preview for you for Race #2 of the 2023 season!  Qualicum Beach is ready for us!!

Registration is OPEN and you can register up to 6:00pm the night before the race.

Location:  Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St.

Parking:  At the Civic Centre, Skateboard Park or on Jones St.

Registration:  Near the kids playground and the Team Tent area

Team Tents:  Same as last couple of years.  Parallel to the paved path that separates lower and middle playing fields.  (NO team tents at the Skateboard parking lot)  Drop your tent/gear off then park in the lot at the end of Park Rd.  Do not spike tent supports within 1 metre of the paved path due to buried irrigation.

Course Description:  Similar to last year’s race but with a couple of new kinks.  Race start near the most northerly (lower) playing field and run slightly uphill towards the kid’s playground.  A clockwise direction on the same grass, same BMX, same goat path, same forested sections.  Sadly, not the same sand!  Will the ‘logsticals’ be back?  Hot/dry or wet/muddy??  Come and find out.

Washrooms:  Situated in a standalone building adjacent to the paved path.  QB calls it the Fieldhouse and it’s very close to the Registration/Team Tent area.

NOTE #1:  Bike wash over at the civic centre, side facing the skateboard park.

NOTE #2:  The Dude’s Dogs (CASH ONLY) food truck will be onsite for your dining pleasure.

SEASON #17 COTR Schedule

September 10th. Season opener in Cumberland at Coal Cross.  Make it a double header with the Dodge X Off Road triathlon on the Saturday.
October 1st. Cross on the Commons in Qualicum.
October 9th. Nanaimo. Bowen park.
October 15th should be the Cross fondo.  If you have not done it.  You SHOULD do it!
October 22nd. Grand Opening of the Langford Bike Park Club house AND the Broad Street Cycles GP at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park.
October 29th. Hot Crossed Bunnies at Beban Park in Nanaimo
November 12th. CoweX series final at the Cowichan Fair Grounds!!

OTHER CYCLOCROSS of importance for 2023
Nanaimo Cross Practices  return for the first time since 2019 with the help of Rock City Cycling and Airhouse.  Thursday nights at 6:00pm at Beban Park near the center of the park where we start the Hot Crossed Bunnies race.  For future sites keep your eye on the COTR Socials and Rock City Cycles Socials.

Victoria Cross Club  The BEST practice is practice races!  The longest running cyclocross events on Vancouver Island, BC and maybe Canada.  Check out this article written last year.  The “practices” stat next week and are on Wednesday Nights.  Check out their site here.

Cowichan Cross Practices.  We have HEARD that their are some practices happening mid island with the Dirt Groms but we will try to get confirmation.  Every Tuesday a spy at the Cowichan SD office sends up video of people practicing at the field beside their office.  So there is something going on!

Comox Valley Cross Practices  Wednesday nights in the Valley.  Here is the FB page

Provincial Championships. The Thrashers bike club will be putting this event on the THIRD (This is the update) weekend in November in the lower mainland.  This is the weekend between the COTR finals and the National Championships in Victoria.  Perfect time to dial in your fitness.  HOPEFULLY Cycling Canada has modified the nationals call up so that the provincials in each province contributes to call up at Nationals like it should.

Cyclocross National Championships are going to be November 24-25-26 We have now heard that they WILL return to Saanich.

Parting Shot

MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2023. Newsletter #2 – Race Week!

CROSS IS HERE!!!Season #17 open up this weekend with Coal Cross in Cumberland.

Registration is OPEN until 6:00 Saturday night.  Then it is CLOSED.  So do NOT leave it until 5:59pm on Saturday as you will not get registered!

The Course: Some slight modifications to last year’s course are in the works, but expect a fast and mostly flat course to open the 2023 Muc Off – COTR season. Village Park is hosting us again with one of the best COTR courses, local sponsors: Biblio Taco, Blue Toque, Trail Bicycles, and Easton/Raceface will be supporting our event with great prizes along with our series sponsor: Muc Off, Hotel Zed,   11 Speed Coffee, Island Cycles, Riverway Dental, Study Build, Frontrunners,  Rock City Cycles.

This event supports the Trail Bicycles youth race team as well.

The weather forecast looks good, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all there.

Number pick up will be in the order of races.  We will have a LOT of numbers to get through so please don’t try to line up for your 2:00 race at 10am!!

If you can help out on race day please send Brett and e-mail to: brettjwhitehead@gmail.com

As always if everyone can pitch it to tear down and pack up then we can be doing awards and on our way quicker.

Not 100% sure if Biblio Taco is OPEN this Sunday.  We will try to find out.

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SEASON #17 COTR Schedule

September 10th. Season opener in Cumberland at Coal Cross.  Make it a double header with the Dodge X Off Road triathlon on the Saturday.
October 1st. This is supposed to be Cross on the Commons in Qualicum.  Will confirm soon.
October 9th. Nanaimo. Bowen park. Almost same as normal. We are going to try to sort out a YOUTH – CLUB CUP challenge. It was suggested by one of the coaches of the vancouver DEVO team so we will try to run this with our event.
October 15th should be the Cross fondo.  If you have not done it.  You SHOULD do it!
October 22nd. Grand Opening of the Langford Bike Park Club house AND the Broad Street Cycles GP at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park.
October 29th. Hot Crossed Bunnies at Beban Park
November 12th. CoweX series final at the Cowichan Fair Grounds!!

OTHER CYCLOCROSS of importance for 2023
Nanaimo Cross Practices  return for the first time since 2019 with the help of Rock City Cycling and Airhouse.  Thursday nights at 6:00pm to start. They are going to start September 7th at Beban Park near the center of the park where we start the Hot Crossed Bunnies race.  For future sites keep your eye on the COTR Socials and Rock City Cycles Socials.

Victoria Cross Club  The BEST practice is practice races!  The longest running cyclocross events on Vancouver Island, BC and maybe Canada.  Check out this article written last year.  The “practices” stat next week and are on Wednesday Nights.  Check out their site here.

Cowichan Cross Practices.  We have HEARD that their are some practices happening mid island with the Dirt Groms but we will try to get confirmation.

Comox Valley Cross Practices  Wednesday nights in the Valley.  Here is the FB page

Provincial Championships. The Thrashers bike club will be putting this event on the first weekend in November in the lower mainland.  We do not have a race that weekend so it will be a great time for a road trip.

Cyclocross National Championships are going to be November 24-25-26 We have heard that they may not be held in Saanich for 2024 so that is still to be confirmed.

Parting Shot
If you missed the Mid Summer Menno event it was a GREAT night.
We look forward to seeing everyone this Sunday in Cumberland or later in the race season.

MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2023. Newsletter #1 – Race Week!




OK THERE IS A NEW LOGO coming for Season #17.  We are interrupting our normal summer activities earlier to get some pre-season work done for Cross on the Rock.  Stay tuned.

Congratulations to Emilly Johnston and Carter Woods for their National MTB Championship wins this past weekend!!

Before we get to Season #17 updates though we wanted to get the word out about our first Mid Summer CX event since 2018.
 The Menno Mid Summer CX Event.

We have not held a Mid Summer CX Race since 2018 when we had visiting cyclocross dignitaries visiting town.  We thought this would be a suitable situation to bring this event back.
 Last March we lost one of our own. Menno Jongsma was a super-fan of cycling and a long time participant at all events around Nanaimo and Vancouver Island for decades. We are planning on celebrating and remembering him with this event. All proceeds go to the charity of the family’s choice. We hope you can attend in person either as a participant or spectator.
Race any bike you have.  Mountain, Cross, Gravel.  Road with cross tires…..it does not matter.  What matters is getting together and supporting this community!
July 27th. 5:00PM.Diver Lake Park located at 2430 Black Franks Dr, Nanaimo, BC V9T 3K5

Diver Lake Park was one of the first venues that we ever used for Cyclocross in Nanaimo and also hosted the first ever BC Cup for Cyclocross WAY back in 2005.  It is a fun and tight course.  VERY turney.  NOT super “fitness”.  Perfect for a mid-summer event.

NOTE:  There is not a lot of parking at Diver Lake park.  The venue will take up the parking lot and the surrounding areas have spots that are ONLY residents and limited other parking.  There is some parking on the surrounding streets and it is a very SHORT ride to get to the venue. PLEASE don’t upset the local residents by parking some place you should not.

There will be no food vendors unfortunately as there are other events going on in town that night.  So pack a snack and we will see if Tycho and Tessa will get a drink or freeze stand going on site so bring a few dollars.
PACK YOUR LICENSE!
PRE REGISTRATION ONLY!

HERE IS THE REGISTRATION LINK. 
There are field limits for each of the races set at 50 so don’t wait to register. No license required but you save a bit of money if you have one. $20 with a license. $25 without. Licenses will be checked when you show up.  Bring your license or bring an extra $5Kids in the Kids race are FREE. 5:00 Course and Number Pick up Opens. (Need to sign waivers and check licenses) 5:40 we are doing a Ride Out on the playing field.  All participants and spectators are encouraged to participate. 5:45 Younger kids 1 lap race   (Kids that are not ready for the B race that normally race the kids race at COTR.  Not for “tiny” kids.  Should be able to complete a full lap.  Parents can join younger racers) No tiny kids race at this event. 6:00 B Race (40 Min for first racer) (Those that normally compete in Launch/Beginner COTR or MTB races.  New to the sport.  Lower Half of Intermediate/Masters field.  Super Masters) 7:00 A Race (50 Min for first racer) (Upper half of intermediate field.  All of the OPEN racers, upper half of Masters field.  Super faster super masters. Socializing strongly encouraged before, during and after all races.We would love for you to attend

If you can help out with set up, Timing, Registration, take down, trailer packing please fire us an e-mail.  Thanks in advance.  normon@crossontherock.com 
Thanks to Peter Creighton from HLC Bike supplying some prizing. Your mental health is everything — prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does.” Mel Robins. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/nanaimo-bc/menno-jongsma-11231083?fbclid=IwAR1xNvPcGEDCthcxVnYhl1KCnJguj6hwZursnc7RSlBXdMiZ8sLPk%20tqi60k

SEASON #17 Schedule Update

This is where we are at for scheduling for 2023.  As you know things can change and be adjusted.  Brett is on a road trip coming back from ST6 so we will get these dates updated on the site when he gets back.

September 10th. Season opener in Cumberland at Coal Cross.  Make it a double header with the Dodge X Off Road triathlon on the Saturday.
September 17th. We would LOVE to host a race in Victoria….but this is proving challenging.  We will keep you posted.
October 1st. This is supposed to be Cross on the Commons in Qualicum.  Will confirm soon.
October 9th. Nanaimo. Bowen park. Almost same as normal. We are going to try to sort out a YOUTH – CLUB CUP challenge. It was suggested by one of the coaches of the vancouver DEVO team so we will try to run this with our event.
October 15th should be the Cross fondo.  If you have not done it.  You SHOULD do it!
October 22nd. Grand Opening of the Langford Bike Park Club house AND the Broad Street Cycles GP at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park.
October 29th. Hot Crossed Bunnies at Beban Park
November 12th. CoweX series final at the Cowichan Fair Grounds!!

Cyclocross National Championships are going to be November 24-25-26 in Saanich again so that is a GREAT reason to get a UCI license for the season!!

Hey……that is it for now.  Check your tire pressure.  Do a couple of starts.  Sign up for the Menno Mid Summer CX Event.  Hope to see 120 or so of you on this Thursday.  We will see the rest of you in Cumberland on September 10th.  Have a great summer!!

Parting shot of Menno at Transfer Beach Crosstoberfest with Paul and Lee.
“Nun For You”

MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2022. Newsletter #10 – Hot Crossed Bunnies. Series Final. Double Points = Twice the action.






Short and sharp intervals to bring you to PEAK for the SERIES FINAL:

  • There has been a tremendous amount of work to make sure that our race goes ahead this weekend.  Beban Park is currently an active construction zone as a huge water main project is happening in the park.  The area we race has equipment and pipe storage on it which has caused us to move and alter the course based on where this equipment is.  Nanaimo Parks and Recreation and in particular a few people that work there have worked hard to make sure this race happens.  We are going to put this in all caps now and repeat it in a two places in this newsletter as well as on social media.  IF ANYONE FROM OUR EVENT AND/OR RACERS FANS OR FAMILIES GOES ON ANY OF THE EQUIPMENT OR SUPPLIES THAT ARE ON SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION THEY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE RACE AND NOT ALLOWED TO RACE FOR THE 2023 RACE SEASON.  This is MEGA – Serious.  We can just picture kids trying to “play” on the pipe pile and dislodging a pipe or slipping between (This includes the very NICE looking dirt pile.  We asked if we can use it as a run up…..but no).  Or one of our awesome photographers trying to get “that great shot” on top of the pipes.  Just don’t do it.  Please tell your friends and watch your kids.  Thank you in advance for being on this 100%
  • REGISTER for Hot Crossed Bunnies REGISTRATION LINK The registration link goes DARK as always at 6:00pm the night before the race (Saturday night) so just register now and get it done!
  • The racer list is really shaping up for Hot Crossed Bunnies.  Looking it over there will be some interesting action.  Jenn Jackson the winner of the Muc Off Cup will be back in Open women.  One interesting racer name popping up from Ontario is chuck norris’ life coach, and part time hulk hogan impersonator, Nathan Chown who is a former Canadian National Cyclcross worlds team member way back in the canti days.  It will be great to see him out there.
  • The Cross on the Rock Facebook page has been posting some past Hot Crossed Bunnies edits this week.  The 2012 Pelle Gustavs edit still holds up a decade later.  Check it out. 
  • Ever wonder what it would be like to live and race in Europe?  Cross on the rock racer Liam Sargent is doing just that in England!  From his dad Mike: He’s just racing independently for now, he was on the podium in a race in London this past weekend and he’s targeting an end of season trip to races in Belgium in February. So he’s having a blast anyway.  Check out the race that he did last weekend.  The scene looks rad!  https://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/rapha-muddy-hell   We will see if we can get a report from him for the last newsletter.  
  • Keep an eye on our social media pages until Sunday for up to the minute updates an information!

1.  Hot Crossed Bunnies – Event Preview


Hot Crossed Bunnies.  Race #6.  Series FINAL.  Preview!

Read this first.  Repeat from above but SUPER IMPORTANT:  There has been a tremendous amount of work to make sure that our race goes ahead this weekend.  Beban Park is currently an active construction zone as a huge water main project is happening in the park.  The area we race has equipment and pipe storage on it which has caused us to move and alter the course based on where this equipment is.  Nanaimo Parks and Recreation and in particular a few people that work there have worked hard to make sure this race happens.  We are going to put this in all caps now and repeat it in a two places in this newsletter as well as on social media.  IF ANYONE FROM OUR EVENT AND/OR RACERS FANS OR FAMILIES GOES ON ANY OF THE EQUIPMENT OR SUPPLIES THAT ARE ON SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION THEY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE RACE AND NOT ALLOWED TO RACE FOR THE 2023 RACE SEASON.  This is MEGA – Serious.  We can just picture kids trying to “play” on the pipe pile and dislodging a pipe or slipping between (This includes the very NICE looking dirt pile.  We asked if we can use it as a run up…..but no).  Or one of our awesome photographers trying to get “that great shot” on top of the pipes.  Just don’t do it.  Please tell your friends and watch your kids.  Thank you in advance for being on this 100%

Parking:  (Consult Map) Beban park is HUGE.  But on any given weekend there is a LOT going on.  Adding to that is the massive construction zone in the middle of our course. The best place to park for the race is south of the race course in the gravel lot by the Steve Smith Jump park.  This is accessed off the main road through the park by the gold course.  This is the BEST parking spot for our event. PLEASE DO NOT PARK at the soccer club house parking which is the closest to the start.  There is always soccer going on the weekends and they love their close parking lot.  The lot by the BMX track is normally under-utilized and close to all the action.  The paved parking by the Pool and arena is also a good option.  Parking on the roadways or grass is strictly forbidden and will get you towed and we will not like you.  There is limited parking as well south of the course by the golf course.  You will find a spot without parking like a…..you know…..starts with an “a”.


 
Team Tents:  Will be in the same spot as last year by the sand riding ring.  Weather forecast is much better than last year but still make sure your tent is staked and secured. It is drop and go (NO PARKING AT TEAM TENTS AREA) until we close and lock the gates around 9:30am.  After that point you will have to carry your gear in.  On the flip side the gate will be LOCKED until after the OPEN races so it will be carry out until that point.  There will be no team vehicles inside the gate or we will run out of space for the team tents.  This will be a GREAT spot to watch.  Close to the pits and the course.

Registration: As it has been all season pre-registration only.  This will close like normal at 6:00pm the night before the race.  In this case that will be SATURDAY NIGHT at 6:00pm.  The call up sheets are literally done by 6:10pm the night before the race. So if you FORGET or put it off you are unlikely to get your earned call up spot.

The link to register is Here

Race day number pick up and race central will be located in the Agriplex.  Consult the map.

Washrooms:  There will be porta johns located at the end of the opening straight away.  There are LOTS of other (Flush) washrooms located in Beban park.  You can also locate washrooms in almost all buildings in the park.  Both arenas.  Down by the artificial turf field.  In the Pool.   NO DIRTY BIKE SHOES OR DIRTY PEOPLE INSIDE THE BUILDINGS OR WASHROOMS.  Clean yourself up BEFORE going into a public area.  We want to be able to use this venue again. MORE IMPORTANTLY if you are going IN a building LOCK YOUR BIKE (Bikes have been stolen at this event when left unattended.  Don’t lose your bike)!!!

Awards: Awards location will be in the Agriplex where the finish has been located in the past but is NOT located this year.  You can’t miss it.
 
Race Course: The Major construction this year has meant a major shake up of our course design.  We’ll still have the classic elements that make this course great. MUD, SAND, WOOD CHIPS, PAVEMENT, GRAVEL.  It will be be awesome.

Food Truck: Sip and Sliders (Same as Muc Off Cup) will be on-site and ready to serve up lunch or snacks.

Post race:  We will want to get the awards going as soon as possible on Sunday.  With that in mind please help us both tear down as well as RAKE out the course.  With Construction we won’t have to worry as much about the top section by the Arenas, but the hill by the BMX and the riding rings always need some work post race.  Please bring a rake and work gloves.  Many hands make light work and get the work done FAST.  We will make an announcement when we are starting the awards….and…..well…..there will be no one left on course so you will notice that the awards have started!  Ideally we would like to start around 4:00.  Racing will be done around 3:30 so that gives us 30 minutes to get it all done:  Torn down.  Raked.  Trailer loaded for the National Championships!


2. Study-Build and Cross on the Rock National Championship Scholarships program.

TIME SENSITIVE
With the National Cyclocross Championships in BC and specifically on Vancouver Island for the first time since 2006 this is an amazing opportunity for our racers to gain excellent experience.  This could also lead to an opportunity to qualify for the world championships in January or launch your cyclocross career.  We would like to HELP
 
Cross on the rock in partnership with Study-Build would like to support any youth racers that are planning on going to race the national Cyclocross Championships in Victoria or would go to race if they had a bit of help or just to cover their entry fees. 
 
We are offering funds to help with in order of priority: UCI licenses, license upgrades, entry fee, travel or something else that would help you get to the start line.  Life is expensive right now.  We want to help out.
 
Applications must be received by 6:00pm on Saturday, November 20th.  We will contact you as soon as possible.

  • You must have raced at least 3 Cross on the Rock races in the 2022 Race Season
  • You must be under 20 years old (if you are slightly older and need some funds to make this happen let us know)
  • Include your name, e-mail, what you would use the money for (related to nationals) and how much you need to accomplish this.
  • Funds are available up to $200 per racer and as little needed to support your race. 

Not all applications will be funded as we do not have unlimited funds but we will try to fund as many projects as possible within our budget and parameters.
 
Send to: Normon@crossontherock.com
 
Link to Cyclocross Nationals Site: https://www.bearcrossgrandprix.com/
 

3. Check your points.  Check your team points!

We are working on separating out the SUPER MASTERS women from the Masters results which may shake up the team results before the weekend!!  Keep an eye on it.  This is a technical time consuming job but we know it is important to get done so are working on it!

As you know from reading our series rules if you race the full series only your top 5 results count towards your overall standings.  Roland has made a series results page with your lowest score crossed out.  If you want to check it out it is located here!

The team competition continues to be CLOSE.  Make sure you check your team points before the series final!!

Most of the errors that happen in the team competition have to do with the team name that was inputted at the time of registration.  If it does not match your other team mates…..then your points will not get counted.

If your team name is NOT CORRECT it is now possible to adjust them yourself because Roland is a master of coding!

Now people can go to their user page e.g. https://www.crossontherock.com/php/racer/?racername=Normon+Thibault

There is an edit link next to each result. Click the link, press the get password button. Your password gets emailed to you. Type in the team name you want and hit save. Team name updated!

You can edit team name, city and age. You can’t edit your name…..so if you have registered using different names and want the results for all your personalities to be put together send an e-mail to the link on the results page.  Multiple names can ALSO effect your call up……so it is worth fixing.

4. Wanna keep on racing this fall?

The Cross on the Rock series closes out this Sunday at Beban park but that does not mean that YOU have to close your racing out.  There are still some opportunities for some MUD and/or some great racing.

First of all the National Championships is being hosted ON VANCOUVER ISLAND in Victoria from November 25-27th.  There is a race on the Friday,  National Championships Saturday then another race Sunday!

Before Nationals there is a race in race in Coquitlam on November 20th.  The Quest for the Tri-Force of Cyclocross (We love the name).  https://thrashersbc.ca/events/

If you want to cross the border there is in Bellingham the Cascade Cross series https://cascadecross.com/ with races still coming up on December 17th and January 7th.

MFG in Seattle https://mfgcyclocross.bike/series-info/ finishes their series on November 20th with Woodland Park.  If you have not been to a Seattle race you have NOT lived!

Seattle Cyclocross also finishes their series on November 27th if you want to check them out.  http://www.cross-revolution.com/

And the WORLDS BEST CYCLOCROSS SERIES (So they call themselves)  Cross Crusade finishes up in Portland on the 20th of November.  https://crosscrusade.com/schedule/Parting Shot.
We love racing.  But we love the community MORE.  Hopefully you can race on Sunday BUT even if you can not come out and cheer and see your people!!  Lets finish the season strong!