MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2025.  Season #19

Race Bikes.  Make Friends.  Have Fun.

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TIME CHANGE THIS WEEKEND! 
An extra hour of sleep BUT don’t come earlier than you need to on Sunday!
SOCKS should arrive by the weekend.  We will post on our socials so that you can back a few bucks for a sweet pair of socks!

Openers:

• Some records are NOT meant to be broken!  This past weekend we had our most EVER late to register racers.  22 people!  While we will not “reject” you it makes it much harder on our crew when they have to re-run all the reports we need for race day several time.  We WANT you to race.  We do love the baked goods that we sometimes get (Jasper Blake…..rootbeer?) We would also love if you make that 6:00pm cut off time!  Registration for Hot Crossed Bunnies is already OPEN.  Just register now.  Save yourself the passcode request e-mail to us!
• Other records are GREAT to be broken.  Racer number UP this year at Transfer Beach over COWEX last year!
• Timing system meltdown.  We have not had too many glitches with the system over the years but last Sunday saw the main and back up batteries suddenly discharge during the OPEN races.  This was a first.  Roland and Patrick have been working on re-building the results from the manual back up sheets…..BUT many of the OPEN racers had their numbers on incorrectly OR they just did not have their body numbers on.  SO…….if you don’t get your results for this one……it might be your own fault?  Also if you see an error just follow the protocol on the results page.  They will sort it out.  BUT put your number on correctly for all our races.  There is a REASON why we do things the way we do.

1. Crosstoberfest Review.
CROSSTOBERFEST RESULTS

SERIES POINTS AFTER 4 RACES
TEAM POINTS AFTER 4 RACES

LINKS:
Photos from Ross Greenwood
Ari Robinson’s Full Season photo links so far
Roland’s POV Video from the Masters Race

From Matt at Cycle Therapy:

How good was yesterday! (Now 3 days ago……)

I think it was on my third lap of slogging through the mud at CowEx last year that I thought we should bring back Crosstoberfest at Transfer Beach.  A quick email to the Town of Ladysmith and they were happy to have us back.  Thanks to the Town of Ladysmith for allowing us to muddy up their fields and have a great day.

These events take a lot of effort from a lot of people and we are thankful for our Cowichan Valley and Island Cycling community.

Special thanks to the Crosstoberfest organizing committee of Doug Merrick and Peter Stevenson.  Doug was able to find all the GPX data from Crosstoberfest 2015, 2017 and 2019 to come up with ideas for 2025!  Maybe we will see a giant whirly next year?

The course setup went quick this year thanks to the help of Tim Winter, Darren Meiner, Evan Mcneely, Doug Merrick, Jarrad Wilhelm, Trevor Jones and Mike Sevcov.  Every year we end up setting up the course in drenching rain and they keep coming back so it is appreciated.  Maybe it was the Old Town Bakery Cinnamon Rolls.

Special thanks to Leigh Belton, Heather Cooke and Pete Stevenson for re-routing the beach section in the morning when we realized the Launch category was about to ride into the ocean.  Will look at those tide charts more closely next year.

Special thanks to Mark Slotboom and Brooke for helping out my wife at registration and allowing her to come watch me go out WAY too hard on the first lap.

Thanks to JLA food truck for coming out again.  If you haven’t tried their jerk chicken poutine you are missing out.

Thanks to Patrick for timing as always and the volunteers of Mike Sevcov and Brian Hartley who helped call out numbers ALL DAY!

Special thanks to Brian Hartley and Lydia Pedri for helping set up the short-lived smoke machine sand pit section.  Will have more power for next year.

Currie Gillespie, Tim Van Der Hoek and Robin Camley controlled the road crossing at the top of the course all day and their time was truly appreciated.  Thanks guys.

And thanks, as always to Norm, Roland and the rest of the Cross On The Rock crew for continuing to run the best cyclocross series in the country!

Norm’s Notes:

• Transfer Beach.  It was great to be back.  We love the Cowichan Fairgrounds but the amazing view at this location can not be beat!
• GREAT costumes this year.  Cheese WITH the mouse.  Springer.  Top Gun!  Some random bikini + hat combo?  Still waiting for Patrick to have a costume…..
• Our first TANDEM CX racers (with Cantis)
• Amazing social media posts from a number of people.  Thanks for tagging the series!

2.  Hot Crossed Bunnies coming this weekend. Preview.
REGISTRATION LINK IS OPEN

PACK A RAKE PLEASE.  The VIEX folk have requested we rake out their property after the race.  This normally includes the mulch and sand riding rings but this year they would also like any other super muddy/grooved sections to be raked.  As we know MANY COTR racers make light work.  Please pack a rake and give us a hand as soon as the OPEN racers are done so we can get it done fast as the course gets torn down.  It is one of the BEST warm down exercises out there…..so it helps your recovery!

Parking:  (Consult Map) Beban park is HUGE.  But on any given weekend there is a LOT going on.  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 golf 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 available BUT they are currently building the BIGGEST BMX track in Canada there so the space is VERY LIMITED..  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 the last couple of years by the sand riding ring, close to reg. food trucks and the pits.  The Weather forecast calls for sun, maybe a touch of precipitation and gentle winds 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 and central to all the action!

Registration: As it has been all season pre-registration only.  This will close like normal at 6:00pm the night before the race. 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.

For racers that have not raced this year 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 or somewhere in the general area.  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.  We would LOVE to start the awards as SOON as possible after the OPEN races so the MORE PEOPLE HELPING clean up the course, rake out the sand/mulch, bag course tape and pack the trailer the better.  We can’t do it after the awards as it will be DARK!  Many hands make it a LOT easier for everyone!

Race Course: .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 and Harbour City Doughnuts (Same as Muc Off Cup),  will be on-site and ready to serve up lunch or snacks.  These are the GOLD and BRONZE food trucks for Nanaimo according to the News Bulletin’s Best of the city!

One last reminder…..Post race:  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 as close to 4:00 as possible.  

Race Day ScheduleRace day schedule unless otherwise posted:

Registration Open	9:15 am
Beginner Clinic-Pre Ride	10:00 am
Launch Men(Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:45 am
Launch Women ((Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:46 am
Younglings (Bigger Kids). Full lap or almost a full lap	11:40
Intermediate Men (Including U17)	12:10 pm
Intermediate Women (Including U17 and Masters Women)	12:11 pm
Lil Nutcase Kids Race	12:15 pm
Masters Men (40-54)	1:15 pm
Super Master Men (55+)	1:16 pm
Open Men	2:30 pm
Open Women	2:31 pm

Parting ShotWe feel the need.  The need for speed.

MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2025.  Season #19

Race Bikes.  Make Friends.  Have Fun.

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We hope everyone had a productive and relaxing weekend away from Cross on the Rock.  The “Mid Season Break” after 3 races and with 3 to go.  It is a compact race season!  We have the next two weekends.  Then a weekend off OR Provincial Championships.  Then our series final with the Broad Street Cycles GP.  Time to check your points.  Check your team points.  But most of all check your bike and check that you are registered for this weekend!

Registration for Crosstoberfest is OPEN (until 6:00pm Saturday.
Warm Ups.

• Cameron De Vries-Johnson has been taking some wicked footage from Coal Cross and The Muc Off cup that includes some sweet drone footage.  We have not found a great way to share this footage directly SO we will share his Instagram page HERE where you can check it out.
• This might be a duplicate but Ari Robinson posted a bunch of photos from Coal Cross.  I don’t think posted the link but here it is if you want a look back at Race #1
• Annual reminder.  Racing bikes is supposed to be FUN.  It is a hobby.  PLEASE think about it when you are about to start a race.  Make friends.  Not conflicts.  Race hard but be respectful!

SOCKS
We have socks coming for the first time in a LONG time.  I will add it to the registration stores when I know they will be here.  Hopefully for Hot Crossed Bunnies.  Limited quantity.  VERY nice.  We have the same sock for Frontrunners Nanaimo and Cumberland and we love them!

1. Crosstoberfest Returns!
Registration is OPEN.  (Closes as usual at 6:00pm on Saturday

We are beyond excited to be bringing back Cross On The Rock racing to Transfer Beach in Ladysmith.  We have not raced at this legendary venue since 2019 and it has been too long.  Expect another great course full of grass, stairs, sand, beach and maybe some seawater depending on the tides and the time of your race.  We want to thank the Town of Ladysmith for allowing us to bring this race back to town.

COSTUMES!  We will be racing the weekend before Halloween so bring your best costume with some special prizing for best dressed.

Parking
There is ample parking at Transfer Beach but it will fill up fast.  The small lot near the washrooms will be reserved and coned off for race organizers and volunteers.  The bulk of race parking will be at the overflow parking area to the left of the park once you drive down the entrance of Transfer Beach Boulevard.  Once this lot fills up, we will be directing people to park along the side of Transfer Beach Boulevard on the right-hand side as you exit the park.

Washrooms
Transfer Beach has many washrooms at the center of the park so no lineups this time around.

Team Tents
Please see map for Team Tent location.  There will be plenty of ocean view spots.  Please bring tent spikes as it may be windy.

Registration
Registration will take place at the Kinsmen Shelter (Please see map-below)

Food Truck
JLA food truck will be on site serving up jerk chicken poutine all day long.

We look forward to seeing you all on the 26^th.

Cycle Therapy

Get STOKED by watching some vintage COTR footage:
Old J-Alair edit from 2016
10 year old Russ Hayes POV Edit
We will post a few more classics on our socials leading into this weekend.

2. MUC OFF Cup – A Perfect Monday!

MUC OFF Cup Photos from Ross Greenwood.

Masters POV Video From Roland
Rock City Cycles posted a nice gallery on their Instagram here.

Hey Everyone. Thanks for coming out in full force!! Great numbers at the Muc Off Cup this year. It sounded like the course was well received, it never changes too much. It is consistently challenging but fun!  And what a day of weather!  Thanks to all the volunteers that came out to set up and lay out the course, they did a great job! Thanks to everyone that helped tear down. Big thanks to Pete and Muc Off for prizes and for doing the bike wash. Thanks to Jamie and Brad for giving Pete a hand. Thanks to Patrick for timing and Roland for the results. Sip and Sliders did a great job of keeping everyone fed and Medix for taking care of injuries. I think we only had one. Special thanks to the City of Nanaimo for letting us use Bowen park year after year.  As always, thanks to Norm for keeping the series going. There isn’t a lot of racing kids can do especially on the road, cx or gravel and without this series we wouldn’t see the younger riders go on to bigger careers in cycling. We are very fortunate to have Cross on the Rock. ThanksCorey and Sean  Norm’s Muc Off Cup Notes

• One more person in the Masters Men’s race and we would have broken the all time record for biggest field at at COTR race.  With 87 starters we tied for 2nd place and our biggest field since 2017!
• Amazing turn out for the Muc Off Cup!!  Always the biggest race of the year and this year it was bigger than last year.
• SO many people from the Lower Mainland.  Thanks to everyone that popped on a ferry to come over!  
• Doughnuts delivery from Port Alberni.  THANK YOU!
• Cake delivery from my mysterious cake friend!  Thank you as well!
• Sip and Sliders!!  Always great.
• BIG thanks to Andrew and Airhouse for the Riverway Dental Kids prizes.
• Special Thanks to Tycho for rabbiting the Hot Lap and organizing the little kids races after his Launch race!
• We LOVE Bowen Park race.  It is SO TOUGH.  It exposes your weaknesses.  It challenges your skills as a cyclocross racer!
• Thanks to our local community and Rock City Cycles crew for coming out and making this a success as well as Pete and the extra special Muc Off LOVE that he gives this race!
• Looking forward to Crosstoberfest!

#COTR2025 #Cyclocross #CrossIsComing #RockCityCycles #RideWithUs #CrossOnTheRock

Parting ShotBefore Google Earth.
Before fancy GIS Programs
Before Map My Ride
Before Strava
Before Garmin Connect.
There was Crosstoberfest.

And the more updated map for those of you that LOVE these maps!!

MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2025.  Season #19

Race Bikes.  Make Friends.  Have Fun.

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ARE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE MUC OFF CUP?
HAVE YOU CHECKED:
           YOUR POINTS?
Your points effect your call up position and your series standing.  Take a second and make sure you are getting credit!
           YOUR TEAM POINTS?
TEAM points will be LOCKED in for the first 2 races before the Muc Off Cup.  So take a moment and make sure they are correct.

Is your bike chip still on your bike?
Did you know you can pin your number on the LEFT for Monday!

1. MUC OFF Cup Preview.
REGISTRATION CLOSES: Sunday Night at 6:00 PM.  No on site registration.  

Some Fun Inspiration:
KONA Cup at Bowen Park 2018
Kona Cup at Bowen Park 2017
AND going WAY back to 2012 a Classic Pelle G. Edit

Welcome back to the Muc Off Cup! Third stop for the 2025 Cross on the Rock series. This is one of the hardest races of the year, you have full bellies from Thanksgiving feasting, long uphill straights, tricky downhills and soul sucking sand! Weather looks good with a slim chance of rain but be prepared. Pete from Muc Off and HLC will be there to assist with bike washing if it gets muddy. The course is a traditional euro style course with lots of elevation and will be very similar to previous years. 
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!!

Annual 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!!
• 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 back again Sip and Sliders food truck!  SO GOOD!!
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.   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!

Category	Start Time
Number Pick up Open	9:15 am
Beginner Clinic	10:00 am
Launch Men (Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:45 am
Launch Women (Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:46 am
Bigger Kids Full lap or almost a full lap (No stairs or bigger DH for the kids)	11:40
Intermediate Men (Including U17)	12:10 pm
Intermediate Women (Including U17 and Masters 40 and faster Women)	12:11 pm
Lil Nutcase Kids Race (Lower picnic shelter area below start/parking area)	12:15 pm
Masters Men (40-54)	1:15 pm
Super Master Men (55+)	1:16 pm
Open Men	2:30 pm
Open Women	2:31 pm

It is about the community.  Racing.  Respect.  Repeat.
Remember to recommend COTR to people that ride and bring a friend out to race!!

2. FUNHOUSE X – Review.

Roland’s first POV video for the season.  Masters Race.
Photos from Ari Robinson of the Intermediates and a few of Open and Masters
Photos from Ross Greenwood

Norm’s Notes:

• Rowan English getting the spirit award for the race. First race in 4 years.  Misses her race because she is coaching her kid through the little kids race.  I casually suggest she does Open and she does…..OUCH!!  Way to Go Rowan.
• I have 2 people on my list now of “we will bring you: Root beer/doughnuts/cash/genie wishes if you can get us into the race…..that have NOT delivered yet.  Missing out on Port Alberni Doughnuts was a low for last Sunday!
• ALWAYS impressed with how FAST the course comes down when more people pitch in.  Grab some stakes.  Take down some tape.  It will get cleaned up quickly and we can get on with the awards and draw prizes!
• Warm up rides are NOT the same as RACING.  So many people came back after their races and said it was “not as bad” as they thought it was going to be.  We all know the section that they were talking about!!  
• I can tell you…….this course will stand out in your memory!
• So many FAST single speeders in Masters Men this year!!  2 on the podium at Funhouse even with the big climb!

Nik’s Notes:
Wow what a great event.. I want to thank everyone who joined the fun this year! Your support and smiles are what drives the vision of this race.Event numbers increased by 12%. This is incredible. Also nice riding racers, the 98% success rate is very impressive! This may have been the spiciest COTR race ever? If not, it’s in our top 3 after 24 years of racing combined (Nik & Lee)We put in months of work building new lines!Word on the street is, MOST people enjoyed the added action on the course. (It will only get more silly and fun as the years go on) Thank you to all the volunteers:- Kevin Laidman, Todd Daradicks, John Kay, and Andy Hamilton for putting hours into the course set up. – Big Jeff for using his truck.- Port Alberni fire department for volunteering their time and resources to fill our MUD pit.- This year’s course clean up went much faster, thanks to all spectators and racers who lent a helping hand.- Thanks to all the series sponsors as well as our local event sponsors: Bomber Boulders, Twin City Brewing, The Salty Woodsman, Airhouse Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Soaring center, Godfather garage, The Jumping Slug bike shop, Trek Bicycles and anyone I may have missed for the amazing prizes!- Food trucks, Sutra foods, and Ro’s
When you come to town, think about supporting these awesome companies who help make local events possible! Things to remember:- Airhouse funhouse 1st of its kind @ Crossontherock event (This idea was cooked up 48hrs before the event)- Off camber is awesome, Mud is awesome- Norm was adamant everyone needed a suffer fest run up this year… So you got one 😉 (Note from Norm: This is NOT TRUE!)- COTR riders are bloody tough and skilled.. That was one heck of an experience and MOST were smiling about it!- Dj Hammy & DJ Oz for the LIVE music. They volunteered their time and energy to provide the best experience possible for the COTR family! Both these guys raced (DJ Oz 3rd inter men?!?! and DJ Hammy 6th open men on SS ?!!?!  Also 1st of its kind @ Crossontherock events- My son completed his first cross race at 2 years old. *teary-eyed*- Sun in October after a week of heavy rain made this a 10/10 day.. warm and slippery- Beer is also awesome.. Thanks to Twin City Brewing for the handling the beer gardens- Norm smiling and Rocket bulldozening me *Lee Special thank you to Lee Blais A.S.S. Grand master for being my partner in crime.. Stoked to see you back out on course getting loose!Norm for allowing us to host another great event in the valley! Thank you and see you next year in Port Alberni, for the Funhouse X COTR 2026 finals!! ;)(Still trying) #PortFinals2026 #crossishere
Cross is awesome… and HERE!!! Much Love Nik @ The Slug 

#COTR2025 #Cyclocross #CrossIsComing #RockCityCycles #RideWithUs #CrossOnTheRock

Parting ShotThere may never be another race quite like the Masters Men’s race at the Muc Off Cup 2021
It will always be remembered by those that raced it!

MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2025.  Season #19

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We hope everyone had some time today to recognize and reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  It is an important time for us all to learn about the impact and trauma that the residential school system had on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 
Race Season has started note
TEAM COMPETITION 2025

We have tweaked the team competition this year based on feedback.  This was in the works BEFORE the first race but we have not had time to re-program the calculator.  Roland will get this done in the next few days.  In the meantime recruit team members and make sure your team name is correct for everyone from last weekend!

Team Standings Rules

• Teams must have at least 3 members
• Top 8 racers per team contribute points towards the team score
• Winning Open is worth 100 points, Intermediate/Masters 90 points, Launch 80 points
• Other placings get a percentage on winners points based on placing

Points are LOCKED in at a certain point after each race.  This is to avoid a points “surge” at the end of the season which disrupts the points and makes it less fun for everyone.
 LOCK in Schedule:The points for race 1&2 are locked in the day before race #3.The points for race #3  are locked in the day before race #4.The points for race 4&5 locked in a week after race #5 and a week before the series final. Be sure to have your team name correct for the series final registration! It is a good idea to elect one person to check and edit team names for your team members after each race to make sure they are constant and the points are correct.
Repeat notes:

• UPDATE on Licenses for 2025.
  License Requirements for 2025 for Cross on the Rock. The most simple of all time.  No license required!  Race as much as you want or as little as you want.  No difference as you still don’t need a license.
• We do have a change for our number package.  Each racer (other than the 2 kids categories) will have a one time charge of $10 set up for their race number for the season.  This is just once unless you lose or destroy your race number.  This charge will offset our change in insurance providers and overall make it much easier and accessible for people to race our events.
• The Photo Contest is BACK!!  It has been a few years.  Time for photo our photo contest again!  Each photographer can enter their top 3 after race number 5.  We will have a panel of judges to determine the winner for the season.  Prizes will be given!

1. Coal Cross Review.
COAL CROSS RESULTS
RACER SERIES POINTS after Race #1

Some Photo links:
Terry McKall got some shots of the Masters and Super Masters before his battery died.  LINK

Thanks to everyone for their help on Sunday, and for making the race so great. Brett Whitehead, Scott McGregor, Dan Lehton, and Tim Roberts did so much work to get the course ready and make it the awesome lap it was. Tim cut a whole new run-up for us, but then we couldn’t use it after the downpour on Saturday. We’ll save it for next year. Thanks to those who volunteered and helped out: Jim Meldrum, Alex and Elyas Smith, Gavin McPhail, Annabelle and Suzanna, Jeff Warmerdam, Beth Pechter, Lisa Ludwig, Tyler Walker, Andrew Sauter, Erica, Luca, Nico and Sonja Schum, Gillian Clayton, Natalie Wright, and the different permutations and combinations of Pechters and Rachers. Thanks to all those who helped take down the course after the race too.  Huge thanks to our local sponsors: Jeff at Trail Bicycles, Emilie at BiblioTaco, and Jackson at Blue Toque. Thank these guys with your business the next time you’re in Cumberland.  It felt great getting heckled by Gray and Nolan during my race, and pushed hard by fellow racers from start to finish.  Hope you all had a great time at Village Park this year!
Norm’s Notes (So many for this event!!):

• A record BROKEN at Coal Cross.  Race #1 of the season already broke the record for the least number of DNFs.  For the very first time we had less than 1% not finish at 0.7%.  Only 2 races did not make it to the finish line.  Coal cross now occupies 3 of the top 10 “tamest” races with 1st, 2nd and 10th.  It also is #6 (2006) and #8 (2007) for hardest races!
• Some “Spirit” awards for the race:  Kimberly Chen for her pass during the OPEN race by taking the jump.  Zachary Rebitt for a wicked inside pass through a puddle.  Have not seen corners like that since Jeff Beaston owner of Trail Bikes was racing!
• Also some mentions of: 
  • Daiya Schlossburger doing her first OPEN women’s race at 15 and having to race her mom!
  • The “love fest” race between Canadian Champ Bob Welbourne and USA Champ Justin Morgan.  They had a great battle going and Bob even waited for Justin when he had his initial mechanical.  Unfortunately Justin had a late flat which shut that battle down and Bob was free to fly.
  • Mical Dyck coming back to COTR for the first time since 2019 and taking the win for fastest mom AND Open women.  Also extending her lead for the most wins EVER at COTR.
  • Eleanor Winchell racing on her birthday and matching her best placing for OPEN Women with another 2nd.  That first win has to be coming…..
  • Canadian Paris Olympic athlete Fiona Majendie making her cyclocross debut!
  • Andrew McCartney ALMOST had his jersey done up for the full OPEN men’s race……another record?
  • 12 Single speeders in Masters Men 40-54.  That has to be a record!

2. FUNHOUSE X coming this weekend. Preview.
REGISTRATION LINK IS OPEN

PORT ALBERNI IS BACK!! Location: Port Alberni Fair Grounds- 3737 Roger St, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 8J4 Fair grounds located at the end of Vimy St                            –  2.5 hour drive from Victoria                           – 1 hour drive from Nanaimo                           – 1.5 hour drive from Duncan

                          – 1 hour drive from Cumberland

Parking: (SEE THE MAP (Note they did not give us a Map)) There is a HUGE parking area. As you enter the grounds you will turn right, there is a giant gravel parking area. Look for the signs. Do NOT park near your team tent. The gates to team tents will be closed after 10am!! Get here early to set up tents.

Registration: If you need to pick up your race number,  make some change or switch your category it will be located right out front of the Kinsmen building as you enter the grounds. Washrooms will be near the Kinsmen building.Team Tents: All team tents will go up against the horse corral. See the attached map. Head into the grounds. Drop your tent and go park!  No room for vehicles. The gates to team tents will be closed after 10am!!

The pits will be located close to team tentsCourse: Grass, singletrack, sand, MUD, tractor pull, sawdust, and a big run up! It is a flat course, but flowy and still has that true Port Alberni flavour.Did we mention there is a live DJ AND a fire truck coming to fill our mud pit!?!?

This is THE race of the season, you won’t want to miss it!! 

Camping: There is camping available at the fairgrounds if needed. Please reach out info@jumpingslug.com and we will connect the dots.Course Hazards:  While we have use of the grounds, there may be people unaware. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP.

The course will have some special features… if you have not hit these features in practice, do not fly the SUPER HERO cape in the race!

Food Truck: Jacks Grilled Cheese and Surta foods will be providing the good eats this year!

Beer gardens: Twin City Brewing from Port Alberni will be back! Serving up their delicious beer! Make sure to have a cold one while cheering on the race.

Prizing:  Prizing will be provided by The Jumping Slug Bike Shop, Eleven Speed Coffee, V.I. Soaring center, Trek, Twin City Brewing, Godfather Garage, Hotel Zed, and our title sponsor Muc Off!!

Huge draw prize for one lucky racer at the end of the day!

(Must be there to win the prize)Race Day Schedule
Race day schedule unless otherwise posted:

Registration Open	9:15 am
Beginner Clinic-Pre Ride	10:00 am
Launch Men(Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:45 am
Launch Women ((Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:46 am
Younglings (Bigger Kids). Full lap or almost a full lap	11:40
Intermediate Men (Including U17)	12:10 pm
Intermediate Women (Including U17 and Masters Women)	12:11 pm
Lil Nutcase Kids Race	12:15 pm
Masters Men (40-54)	1:15 pm
Super Master Men (55+)	1:16 pm
Open Men	2:30 pm
Open Women	2:31 pm

3. Cross Club Victoria
Have you heard about Cross Club? 

http://www.crossclubvictoria.com/
This year’s Wednesday night training are presented by Pro City Racing and are scheduled between September 10th and October 29th. These events are sanctioned through Cycling BC as a Grassroots 100 event and all participants must hold a current Cycling BC membership, or UCI License. Our events are weather-dependent; please check our Facebook page or email for updates on the day. If you have questions, please email the lead contact for the event, Kelly Guest.  Locations for each practice ride will be emailed to all registered participants on the Monday before each practice.   

Hey Clubs, Teams and Groups.

Time for us to update our Teams and Clubs page  If you have a team, club, or group that is cyclocross focused or does it on the side please let us know and we will get it up on our page.

Let’s get muddy, race hard, and have some fun this fall! 💪

#Cyclocross #CrossIsComing #RockCityCycles #RideWithUs #CrossOnTheRock

Parting Shot
If you mess up and miss the registration cut off don’t come empty handed!  We won’t turn you away but the right “bribe” always makes it a bit easier!!  (Also Jasper Blake I think you still owe us some root beer!!)

MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2025.  Season #19

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Almost Race Season Notes:

• UPDATE on Licenses for 2025.
  License Requirements for 2025 for Cross on the Rock. The most simple of all time.  No license required!  Race as much as you want or as little as you want.  No difference as you still don’t need a license.
• We do have a change for our number package.  Each racer (other than the 2 kids categories) will have a one time charge of $10 set up for their race number for the season.  This is just once unless you lose or destroy your race number.  This charge will offset our change in insurance providers and overall make it much easier and accessible for people to race our events.
• Team Competition.  We have some changes to our team competition including points distribution and time cut off for sorting out your team names.  Keep an eye on the web page for updates on this.
• Photo Contest!!  It has been a few years.  Time for photo our photo contest again!  Each photographer can enter their top 3 after race number 5.  We will have a panel of judges to determine the winner for the season.  Prizes will be given!

1. Coal Cross Preview.
RACE #1. September 28th.  Coal Cross.  Village Park.  Cumberland. 
Registration is finally open for this event.  Sorry for the delay.

REGISTER HERE
It has taken a while to strip away a lot of what we no longer needed and add what we did need to our registration page.  We think we have it all sorted out but if you notice anything weird please let us know.

Since we are SO LATE we would also appreciate as much share-love that you can give us!!

Registration CLOSES at 6:00pm the night before each race.  Don’t be late.  Don’t forget.  Register right now!

Race Day Schedule
Race day schedule unless otherwise posted:

Registration Open	9:15 am
Beginner Clinic-Pre Ride	10:00 am
Launch Men(Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:45 am
Launch Women ((Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:46 am
Younglings (Bigger Kids). Full lap or almost a full lap	11:40
Intermediate Men (Including U17)	12:10 pm
Intermediate Women (Including U17 and Masters Women)	12:11 pm
Lil Nutcase Kids Race	12:15 pm
Masters Men (40-54)	1:15 pm
Super Master Men (55+)	1:16 pm
Open Men	2:30 pm
Open Women	2:31 pm

Race Day Awards follow a quick clean up.

2. Looking Ahead to race #2
Year number two for the Jumping Slug COTR race and already a new name!!
We hope to have registration open by this weekend since we have hopefully dialed in the processes on CCN a bit better.  Keep an eye on our web page and socials.  In the meantime enjoy the event poster.

3. Repeat: Cross on the Rock 2025 – Season #19 – Series Schedule

RACE #1. September 28th.  Coal Cross.  Village Park.  Cumberland.  Trail Bikes Bike Club are hosting the series opener for 2025.  One of the best courses for spectating in one of the best towns for biking. Be sure to pop into and check out the new Frontrunners location on Dunsmuir Street and head to Bibliotaco while you are in town!

Race #2.  October 5th.  Twin City X.  The Fair Grounds.  Port Alberni.  It was great to have Port Alberni back on the schedule in 2024 with a rowdy time at the fair grounds.  There is no better reason to go over the hump than to race bikes with the Slug Crew.  Many racers said this was their favorite race of 2024.

Race #3. October 13th.  The Muc Off Cup.  Bowen Park.  Nanaimo.  We don’t like to just throw out the word “Classic” but in this case it is justified.  Bowen park Cross on the Rock is a CLASSIC.  Our 2nd most visited venue.  A race that has held many records including BIGGEST ever COTR race (2019), Biggest Category with Masters Men 88 racers (2017, Hardest Race with 14.5% DNFs ((2014) AND 2 of the “tamest” races of the top 10 in 2016 and 2019 with less than 1.6 and1.3% DNF.  The absolute BEST way to spend Thanksgiving Monday!!

Race #4.  October 26th.  Crosstoberfest.  Transfer Beach.  Ladysmith.  We are heading back to Ladysmith!!  The Cycle Therapy Cycling Club is swapping up their race venue for this season to bring back CROSSTOBERFEST.  If you were at Crosstoberfest the last time we raced there in 2019 you will remember the tide coming in through the day to the point during the Open race that there was not much beach left for the races! 

Race #5. November 2nd.  Hot Crossed Bunnies.  Beban Park.  Nanaimo.  The ICON.  Home of the first ever Canadian National Championship held on Vancouver Island of any cycling type.  Home of the first ever sanctioned cyclocross race on Vancouver Island.  The birthplace of COTR.  Our most frequently used venue!  In 19 COTR seasons we have raced here 18 years PLUS 3 more times!

Race #6.  November 16. Broad Street Cycles GP.  Jordie Lunn Bike Park. (Greater) Victoria. (Langford).  Finishing the 19th COTR season with Victoria races for the first time since 2018 and the Day of Thunder.  We will be racing for double points and to beat our friends on the challenging course at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park.  Finishing the season with awards, celebrations and smiles after yet another amazing fall!

Hey Clubs, Teams and Groups.

Time for us to update our Teams and Clubs page  If you have a team, club, or group that is cyclocross focused or does it on the side please let us know and we will get it up on our page.

Let’s get muddy, race hard, and have some fun this fall! 💪

#Cyclocross #CrossIsComing #RockCityCycles #RideWithUs #CrossOnTheRock

Parting Shot (Looking to race #3 before Race #1!)