Powered by MAZDA (We hear that one of our race directors just bought a new CX-3! Check them out)
Bikes prepped for a training weekend and the Cross Fondo with Muc Off.
#CROSSISHERE #COTR2018 #crossontherock
Warm Ups
1) Passing Etiquette. From what I heard we did a bit better at the Kona Kup with regards to passing. Nice work. Let’s keep on working on this. People want to have good races and when they are getting buzzed, chopped, clipped, taken out or banged around it does NOT make a good race.
3) Cross Fondo. We hope to see many of you out on Sunday in Victoria for the Cross Fondo. Looking forward to being on the other side of the megaphone for the 2nd time at this event. Registration is closed so if you hesitated……too late now!
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1. KONA KUP Review
2. We owe you $5
3. Weekly Cross happenings on V.I. (revised)
From Ted, “Cross on the Rock – Kona Kup. It was another weekend of rowdy, muddy Cross on the Rock racing here on the island (is there any better kind?). Rock City Cycles and The Kona Bicycle Co. gave away a free Super Jake frameset, EVOC threw a new truck pad into the mix, and Muc-Off was on site washing EVERYONE’s bikes post race. Island racing doesn’t get much better than this.”
Norm’s Notes:
This is one of my “home” courses so I take a very personal interest in Bowen Park. We tweaked some of the lines and turns this year as we always do. The result along with the conditions made for an amazing version of the Kona Kup in our opinion.
Congratulations to some of the next level performances on Monday.
Devin Fawkes – Rock City Cycles/Frontrunners/Kiyo Salon/Swet Haus for his first time on the top step of the podium in Beginner Men
Kimberly Chen – Tripleshot Cycling Club for her first podium in Beginner Women
Gabriel Macdougall – Active Health p/b Chorizo & Co. for his first win in Intermediate Men.
Manu Moore – DEVO pb Fortius for his first trip to a COTR podium in Intermediate Men.
Geza Rodgers – First COTR race AND first win in Intermediate Women! (12 years old)
Jade Koide – AGAIN first COTR and first podium in Intermediate Women!
Mark Overton – Rock City Cycles/Frontrunners/Kiyo Salon/Swet Haus for his first win in Super Masters.
Laurie Voroney – Rock City Cycles/Frontrunners/Kiyo Salon/Swet Haus for her first podium ever at at COTR race in Masters Women
From the Race Directors Sean and Corey from Rock City Cycles:
Well, that was a wet one but thank fully the rain eased up to make for great cross conditions. We tried to slow the course down this year with a few changes and it seems like everyone was really happy with the course. It’s definitely one of the hardest tracks but also one of the riders favourites. Thanks to all the volunteers who came out and helped get it set up so quickly, and to everyone who helped tear down, it’s always appreciated. Special thanks to all the team members who helped with timing, and registration!
Special thanks to Nicole and Lisa for helping in registration. Thanks to Nik and Andrew for staying late
Thanks to Pete Creighton from Cycles Lambert for coming out and power washing bikes all day long, and for the help with prizes. Thanks to Kona for tape and prizes and especially the Jake the Snake frame set! Thanks to Taco Revolution and Wolf Brewing for keeping everyone fed and happy! Thanks to Medix for the first aid help. We are so lucky to have Cross on the Rock, so many new riders out again this year. It’s so cool to see the young riders moving up the ranks.
Special Congratulations to Roni Jones for winning the Kona Super Jake frame set.
2. We owe you $5
If your name is on this list. We have $5 for you (from Qualicum Beach).
There will be an envelope with $ in it at the next 4 races until all our debt is paid. Pop by and pick up your $$ Please.
Alen Fazlagic
Andrew Speed
Brian Moran
Corey Itterman
Erik Leikermoser
Grace Harper
Jordan Lothrop
Justin Demers
Lazarus Difiare
Lief Keithly
Matt Patan
Russ Parks
Scott Mitchell
Scott Pearce
Terry McKall
Toni Begley
Wayne Shtzbel (Not 100% if we owe him the $5 or not?)
3. Weekly Cross Happenings on V.I.
With the daylight fading and time change looming there will not be too many chances left to practice with your buddies. Get out there!
If you hear of any cross rides or training sessions happening NOT listed here please let me know and I will keep these as up to date as I can.
Rock City Cycles Wednesday Night cross ride/workout. NEW TIME: 5:30 . Nanaimo
Comox Valley Cross Rides. Wednesday Nights. check out the FB group for the weds night cx practice in the Comox Valley https://www.facebook.com/groups/457383181299940
Cowichan Vallen Cross rides. I think maybe Wednesday nights too…..contact them through FB.
2018 Cross Club
Details on locations will be emailed to the registered riders list on the Monday of each week. Make sure you register by Monday morning on the 10th of September so that you can receive the info for Ride # 1 on September 12th.
If anybody you know is not on the email blast list from last year, just send them to www.crossclubvictoria.com to register for this year.
Please bring your UCI Licence, Cycling BC Licence or proof of Club membership.
Cross Club 2018 Schedule
Ride #5 – October 17th
Ride #6 – October 24th
Ride #7 – October 31st
This is an ISLAND series and the past support we have received from our island community is awesome. Lets keep it up in the future as it is what drives this series and makes it special. PLEASE SUPPORT THE SPONSORS. These are local businesses and companies that support local businesses. On-line companies, amazon, big business (besides Shimano) do NOT support community events.
EXTRA BONUS MATERIAL
We are returning to McLean Mill for the third time in our 13 year history. This will be an amazing opportunity as this is a Canadian National Heritage site.
Just a look back at some photos from the last times we raced at McLean Mill
Bikes prepped for race #4 – The KONA KUP with Muc Off.
#CROSSISHERE #COTR2018 #crossontherock
(It is a BIG newsletter….but it is a LONG weekend so besides eating turkey what else are you going to do?)
As organizers of the biggest cycling race series in Western Canada and the biggest CX series in Canada the Council of Cross would normally be at the Cycling BC Night of Champions tonight but apparently none of us received invitations. I am sure it was just an oversight…..same oversight that happens every year but one in the last 13. No worries. We will just keep focusing on what we do. Putting on cool events for all of you to race!!
Backwards……3 races in a row. All as good going backwards as forward.
We never get sick of hearing, “I loved the course today”.
Two things before we get into the MAIN Body of this massive newsletter:
1) Passing Etiquette. We have talked about this at the start of each race BUT it seems to still be a bit of an issue. If we can address it here and have this changed by the KONA KUP and into the rest of the season that would be great. Passing HAS to get more polite. Chopping, blocking, bumping etc. is not acceptable. ESPECIALLY when you are doing that to someone that is racing at the same time as you BUT is not even in your race or category. Smooth it out. Let people know you are coming. Look for a place for them to pull over or to pass safely. IF this does not smooth out by the KONA KUP then we will be watching, calling and DQ’ing. Racing is supposed to be fun. Don’t ruin someone else’s fun by being a D**K.
2) 2019 Island Youth Road and Track racing
Keep the COTR fun for youth going: Coffee meeting Monday 4:30″ish”-5:30 after Kona Kup Awards, Tim Hortons Rock City Centre, 2980 N Island Hwy #200 https://goo.gl/maps/emKpaEzzbJU2
Over 80 young people from u11 to u19 rode the COTR Qualicum race. One of the big reasons it’s fun is kids get to race with people their speed. Ontario Cycling switched over their road and track youth series from age to ability categories and their numbers have doubled. If you’d like to see cycling fun for young people continue after ‘cross season, come chat about how we might do some youth racing by ability groups on road and track next season.
The Greater Victoria Velodrome Association, Tripleshot Cycling Club, and Broad Street Cycles have offered to host events if we can get youth participation like COTR does.
More info? I have a calendar planning document with some ideas to help the discussion. Email me at Lister Farrar, coach, Tripleshot Cycling Club, 250 882 5420, listerfarrar@telus.net
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1. KONA KUP Preview
2. Cross on the Commons Review (Including we might owe you $5)
3. Cross Fondo (One of the coolest events out there)
3. Weekly Cross happenings on V.I. (revised)
1. KONA KUP Preview
Out of the gate PLEASE be aware of other park users, dog walkers and Frisbee golfers. We do not have EXCLUSIVE use of Bowen Park on Monday. Last year some of our racers felt like we did and there WERE problems. IF we have similar problems again this year I can guarantee you this will be the last time we are permitted to use this venue.
Do you want to have a VERY good chance of winning a KONA Super Jake Frameset this Monday? Well you have to be PRE-REGISTERED for the race to start. Then you have to be at the awards. Do both those things…..and you will have a VERY GOOD chance of winning!!
Norm’s Notes:
The statistics tell an interesting and crazy tale. The 2014 version of the Kona Kup is ranked as the toughest COTR event EVER. While the 2016 event was ranked the EASIEST (Until the Coal Cross this year. The 2017 event is ranked 9th easiest. Same race. Virtually the same course. Different conditions. Complete opposite ends of the scale of 85+ COTR events.
From the Race Directors:
Taco Revolution Food Truck will be back again this year. There were RAVE reviews about these guys for the last two years so bring your appetite!
Course Description:
The Kona Kup is a true European cross course. It starts with a long wide open paved road before it heads into a switchback climb. The course incorporates a large grass area with tight turns but still has places to pass, a long stair run up and two sand sections. It has lots of elevation gain in a small footprint, no need for barriers on this course (But we might have the new ones anyways…..just because), it’s a lung burner.
Venue:
Bowen Park is a gem located in the heart of Nanaimo. There is quite a bit of parking close to registration which will be off Wall Street close to the volley ball courts. Additional parking can be found across Wall street at the Curling Club as well as in other locations in the park off Bowen Road.
This is a BUSY park on a BUSY weekend. Please be aware and respectful of other park users.
Team tents:
Team tents are welcome and there will be an area set aside for them on the lawn along the edge of the parking lot. We will be doing one row on the grass. Another row on the dirt.
First come first spots.
Drop and go. Don’t park by your tent…..’cause we will have to move you!
KONA KUP Race Day Schedule
PLEASE NOTE: We are extending our CUT-OFF time to 30 minutes before your race.
Make sure you are Checked in/REGISTERED and ready!
Last race for this schedule and then we go to the “tighter” one heading into shorter days.
9:15 REGISTRATION OPEN (beginner only until 10:35)
10:00 Beginner Pre-Ride/Mini clinic (meet @ start line)
10:45 BEGINNER MEN (includes U13 / U15)
10:46 BEGINNER WOMEN (includes U13 / U15)
NOTE to Beginners. YES this will be the FULL course. Including the stairs. Parents and helpers are allowed to help anyone young enough to REALLY need help on the stairs with their bikes BUT they can not impede or block any faster racers so please be prepared.
11:30 Zoom Zoom Mazda KIDS RACE (age 7-12)
NOTE to ZOOM ZOOM Kids. We will NOT be doing the stairs but the course will be longer than what we did the last 2 years keeping with the theme of longer Zoom Zoom Races. This will be a tough challenge for the Zoom’ers!
12:00 INTERMEDIATE MEN (includes U17)
12:01 INTERMEDIATE WOMEN (includes U17/ Masters)
12:10 KIDS Lil’ Nutcase races (<7 years)
1:15 MASTERS MEN (40-54)
1:16 SUPER MASTERS MEN (55+)
2:30 EXPERT MEN
2:31 EXPERT WOMEN
4:00ish AWARDS
ABSOLUTELY NO PRERIDING DURING RACES
Registration/Number Pick Up/Race day Procedure for Kona Kup
ALREADY RACED THIS YEAR: If you have done another COTR race this year you need to bring three things: Your bike number (attached to your bike). Your race number (either attached to your jersey or ready to attach). Your license or $10. Check in at registration. Show them your license or pay $10. Good to go.
HAVE NOT RACED THIS YEAR: Head to registration. If you are pre-reg then you don’t need a reg form (otherwise you do). If you have a license you don’t need a license form (otherwise you do). Head to the counter. Show your license (or pay $10 and give them the cycling BC form). Pick up your bike number and your body number. Good to go.
2. Cross on the Commons MEGA Review!!
We might owe you $5. If you registered ON THE DAY at Cross on the Commons the registration amount was incorrect on the race day entries. We will have a stack of $5’s and a list of names at the KONA KUP if we owe you $5 come and grab it from us. VERY SORRY but trying to make it right!
This is the first time a race review has received the “MEGA” ranking. There is a LOT of info here from the race last Sunday.
VIDEO
How many times do you get 2 different videos from 1 event? I can answer that easily. ALMOST NEVER. BOTH with AWESOME Drone footage!!
First from Ted Hobby who traded this for the safe return of his front wheel which he left in the pits Sunday.
On board with Roland for the WHOLE masters men’s race:
There is one more video but I can’t find it right now. Will post later on the FB page.
From Race Director Roy:
Cross on the Commons (COTR-COTC) – The Rear View
Thanks again to Cross On The Rock for letting the Arrowsmith Cycling Club host another great cyclocross race in Qualicum Beach. It’s a special series that just keeps getting stronger and bigger.
Wow, did we ever dodge that rainy weather that seemed to be everywhere else but Qualicum Beach. So Nice! And, hopefully, racers still had a great race on a great course. Thanks everyone for coming out in huge numbers to have fun and shred some sand and grass. Well done! And especially, thanks for following the ‘no shoes’ law in the Civic Centre. I talked with 2 QB Town supervisors and both said everything looked good.
And the next big shout out goes to all of the volunteers for making the race run so smoothly. Start at 7, home at 5 for a Big Day. With an extra big, high 5 to the main COTC organizing team of Dean Vinden (course design) and Liz Patola (volunteers) with Sally Vinden taking care of registration. Thanks also to Michael Addiscott (Alert First Aid) as well as Nicholas Knight (Beginner clinic and more). Once again, Richard Franklin (Parksville) gets a special nod for the Facebook banner and poster.
Without the great effort from the course setup crew, course marshalls, parking and registration volunteers now of this could happen. Fine job everyone!
And far from last, is the awesome support we received from a large number of businesses in Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Coombs that donated product, gift certificates and a whole lot more to a great event. Truly impressed!
2018 COTR season not even half over! Awesome!
Thanks one and all,
Roy
3. Cross Fondo (One of the coolest events out there)
It’s Year #3 …. and the Tripleshot CrossFondo fun continues!!!! Join riders of all ages and abilities for Victoria’s ONLY mass participation off-road cycling event! The course, appropriate for cyclocross or mountain bikes has a few new surprises and over 50 property owners are opening up access to their land for race day.
This event is a fund raiser for the Tripleshot Cycling Club Youth Team and a portion of the funds raised will support the development and maintenance of our region’s amazing trail systems. So far riders have helped us donate $4,100 to the South Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society and South Island Mountain Bike Society. Registration will be capped at 300 riders. We expect to sell out early, so register now!
Options: Doubleshot (short course) approx 20-25 km; Tripleshot (long course) approx 40-45 km. Yummy food, bevvies and draw prizes are included with your entry fee! Got a lot of friends? Form a team of up to six riders! If you can’t do either but feel strongly about the cause, you can donate online too!
Start/finish is Vancouver Island Tech Park; start time 9 a.m.; Race Pack Pickup for riders who are registered opens at 7:30 a.m. (beat the lineup and pick up your race pack on Saturday, Oct 13 @ Russ Hay’s the Bicycle Store, 650 Hillside from 1 – 4 pm!).
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Online registration closes Thursday, Oct 11 at midnight! There will be no registration on Race Day . Ok! So what are you waiting for?!! See you October 14! More info @ tripleshotcrossfondo.ca!!
4. Weekly Cross Happenings on V.I.
If you hear of any cross rides or training sessions happening NOT listed here please let me know and I will keep these as up to date as I can.
Rock City Cycles Wednesday Night cross ride/workout. NEW TIME: 5:30 . Nanaimo
Comox Valley Cross Rides. Wednesday Nights. plug our FB group for the weds night cx practice in the Comox Valley https://www.facebook.com/groups/457383181299940
Cowichan Vallen Cross rides. I think maybe Wednesday nights too…..contact them through FB.
Wednesday night races in Victoria….they start This coming week. Here is the schedule:
2018 Cross Club
Details on locations will be emailed to the registered riders list on the Monday of each week. Make sure you register by Monday morning on the 10th of September so that you can receive the info for Ride # 1 on September 12th.
If anybody you know is not on the email blast list from last year, just send them to www.crossclubvictoria.com to register for this year.
Please bring your UCI Licence, Cycling BC Licence or proof of Club membership. t
Cross Club 2018 Schedule
(Please note: No ride on Oct 10th due to Cross on the Rock race on Monday, Oct 8th of that week)
Ride #5 – October 17th
Ride #6 – October 24th
Ride #7 – October 31st
This is an ISLAND series and the past support we have received from our island community is awesome. Lets keep it up in the future as it is what drives this series and makes it special. PLEASE SUPPORT THE SPONSORS. These are local businesses and companies that support local businesses. On-line companies, amazon, big business (besides Shimano) do NOT support community events.
Bikes prepped for race #3 – Cross on the Commons with Muc Off.
#CROSSISHERE #COTR2018 #crossontherock
I hope everyone is having a great start to their weekend and have “Training for COTR #3” on the list of things to do. Maybe also add “Check over bikes (including chains)” onto the list too. Next Sunday will be here before we know it!
Breaking records. Even after 13 seasons. Coal cross was amazing last Sunday. Was heard, “Best course I have ever raced”. Full report and race #3 preview below.
Also….if you want to work on your skills this weekend check out the information for Broad Street Cycles clinic tomorrow. Item #1 in the newsletter.
Apologies to riders in Beginners and Intermediate categories last weekend with regards to call ups. We somehow developed a glitch in our call-up program code and it did not combine the sub-categories (such as youth etc.) that are within these starts. After further investigation we are not sure how the program ever worked properly but we know it did! We hope to have it sorted in time for Cross on the Commons. Sorry once again to those riders that did not get the call up that they earned.
Do you want to make next weekend a double header Cyclocross weekend? Vanier park CX would love for your to do that! They will give you $10 Off registration for their race. Discount code:
island10
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1. Broad Street Cycles CX Clinic (Tomorrow)
2. Cross on the Commons Preview
3. Coal Cross XI Review
3. Weekly Cross happenings on V.I. (revised)
1. Broad Street Cycles CX Clinic
Broad Street Cycles is hosting one last CYCLOCROSS SKILLS CLINIC!
Join us this Sunday (Sept 23rd) at Mary’s Farm Sanctuary on Finlayson Arm, road for an afternoon of dialling in your cyclocross skill set.
We will be expanding on the techniques taught at our weeknight clinics, and delve into the minutiae of what makes this silly sport tick.
If you’ve never attended a CX skills clinic, this is a GREAT place to start. Bring, or borrow a bike and we will walk you through the steps on how to mount, dismount, carry & ride your cross bike.
Perhaps you’re an experienced ‘crosser, or at least a few races deep? We’ll be offering an advanced skills session on Sunday. Instruction will cover off-camber corners, line choice & race tactics, as well as allowing a chance to try your hand at hopping barriers, charging starts and figuring out the limits of traction.
The day will wrap up with a practice race (A & B groups!) letting you put that newfound CXpertise to work in a real setting.
LOCATION
Mary’s Farm & Sanctuary [1128 Finlayson Arm Rd, Victoria]
PARKING
There is limited parking on site. We encourage riders to pedal out from town, or park at the Goldstream Provincial Park parking lot at the base of Finlayson Arm Road.
REGISTRATION & COST
$20. Register in-store at Broad Street Cycles, or on-site Sunday morning.
TIMELINE
11am-3:30pm
Sunday Sept 23rd.
NOTES
Bring snacks! Or a lunch! And lots of WARM clothes.
Got a set of race tires you’d like to try out? Bring ’em with you!
(Pre) Registration closes at 5:00 the night BEFORE each race. Link is HERE!
We will be running the same schedule as we have had for the first 2 races with 1 tweak that the Zoom Zoom race will be pushed back 5 minutes (we seem to always need that 5 minutes). We will work with this schedule until the time change.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Qualicum for the race check out: http://sandpebbles.bc.ca/ Good ocean side location and close to town:
· $79.95 per night
· A ‘run of house’ rate which means guests choose whether they want one bed or two!
· Promo code: Cross On The Commons
2018 Cross on the Commons Preview
What’s in store for the second year? Will it be as awesome as the first year? No doubt! Will there be mud? Maybe! Will there be sand? You bet! A BMX track to test your skills? Slippery grass? Single track? Run ups? Naturally! The same great course with one major change, REVERSE direction!
Start section is still the same, on the pavement by the civic centre, then onto first base, pitcher mound then third base to be confronted with some hilly, sand sections and onto the BMX track. Racers will still be riding it backwards to keep the speed down and everyone safe. From here it is a quick down to the maze and then further to some smooth grass sections. After this it is into the trees for some pea gravel, some ups and downs, some back and forths, more grass then finally to the last sand section and the finish line. What more could you ask for?!
Same place, same great QB Civic Centre facilities. The Ravensong Swimming Pool, kids playground area and skateboard park are only a hop-skip-and-jump away so a great family location.
NOTE: Absolutely NO riding on the playing fields! The marked course is the only place to be!
NOTE @%^$(^*&$#*2:
After last year’s mudfest and concerns by the Town of QB (thankfully overcome with some concerted kowtowing), there will be a strictly enforced ‘No Shoes’ policy in the Civic Centre. This means the registration area as well as the washrooms. But don’t fret, cardboard will be placed on the floor to help protect your tootsies. Please obey for everyone’s benefit!!!
Team Tents
Team tents, as per last year, located next to the Skateboard Park. First Come, First Served. No parking in the Team Tent area. Unload, setup then park.
Location
At the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Good access from all highways:
From Hwy 19, take the only off-ramp into Qualicum Beach, follow the traffic circle around to Rupert Rd, drive 1 block and turn right onto Jones St.
Coming from north Island on Hwy 19A, turn right onto Laburnum Rd and continue until a left turn on Jones St.
If coming from down Island on Hwy 19A, turn left at Bennett Rd (also goes to airport), it will change to Rupert Rd, go around the traffic circle then one more block to a right turn on Jones St.
From the west (Port Alberni, Hwy 4) drive towards town and follow the traffic circle around to Rupert Rd, drive 1 block and turn right onto Jones St.
Parking
NOTE: Last year there were “some people” that chose to park in areas that were NOT for parking. Please pay attention and be a respectful COTR racer when parking your vehicle.
Parking is available at the Civic Centre. A lot of other people use the facilities at the Civic Centre so share and share alike. NO PARKING in the Ravensong Pool parking area, that is for pool patrons only.
FYI: A great place for additional parking is at the BMX track parking lot on Park Rd. Quiet, lots of room and quick access to registration area, etc. To get there, continue down Jones St to First Ave W, turn left for 1 block then turn left again on Park Rd. Parking dead ahead.
MAP (Note course may not be EXACTLY like this map….and NO pre riding please)
First Saturday night relay races which were super fun!! (Thanks Greg and crew)
Mazda Zoom Zoom races just keep getting better and better (challenging those little kids more and more!!)
MUD
Great crowd
Cross weather in September!!
Bibliotaco
Notes from Dave Nowak the race director:
It keeps getting better! I am still blown away by how many people raced this weekend despite the weather. I am also so stoked at how many people finished in those sloppy conditions. This race was a HUGE success with 403 racers starting and a whopping 397 racers crossing the finish line.
Props to Chris Sykes for again designing such an awesome course. Who had any idea that the course would work better going the opposite direction from last year? I think the word Sam (From Naked Bikes) used was ‘flow’. I have said it so many times already but we really do have an awesome crew and even with the wind and the rain the race was hiccup free!
Thanks to:
Hilary Grant, My Mom, and Breckin for doing the back-up timing. I had a tonne of fun myself doing the beginner clinic. Registration crew was awesome! So good to have Sarah Johnston back again from last year and great to have Nicole from UROC along with Aaron and Jasmine under that tent.
Saturday’s course crew pounded stakes and flagging in record time (2 hours from start to finish). Tim Roberts’ and Dan Lehton’s section of singletrack that turned into one big run was the crux of the course! As always, the Trail Bicycles moms and dads (and their kids) are a ‘post pounding’ force to be reckoned with. And it’s always good to see Steve Grant and his boys out there on the weekend hanging tape and dragging bins of stakes around.
Big shout out to Brett Whitehead, GMAC, and Tom Skinner (back from his COTR hiatus) for organizing the CV Wednesday Night Cross practices. And a big round of applause to everyone who took down the course post-race. Many hands make light work…or something like that.
Finally I want to thank all the local sponsors:
Sew what I Sew, Blue Toque, Bibiliotaco, CVCollective, Cumberland Crate, Arcticup, Wayward distillery, Milano Comox, Eatmore Sprouts and the title sponsor Trail Bicycles, who have been supporting #cross in the valley since the very first race held in 2006.
Brian from Wayward will be sponsoring a “Top Spirit” award as chosen by the Race Director in collaboration with race marshals and organizers. The award will be presented to an individual from any of the races who demonstrated selflessness, sportsmanship and general awesomeness. (Must be legal drinking age to play).
4. Weekly Cross Happenings on V.I.
If you hear of any cross rides or training sessions happening NOT listed here please let me know and I will keep these as up to date as I can.
Rock City Cycles Wednesday Night cross ride/workout. 6pm. Nanaimo
Comox Valley Cross Rides. Wednesday Nights. plug our FB group for the weds night cx practice in the Comox Valley https://www.facebook.com/groups/457383181299940
Cowichan Vallen Cross rides. I think maybe Wednesday nights too…..contact them through FB.
Wednesday night races in Victoria….they start This coming week. Here is the schedule:
2018 Cross Club registration is now live!
Details on locations will be emailed to the registered riders list on the Monday of each week. Make sure you register by Monday morning on the 10th of September so that you can receive the info for Ride # 1 on September 12th.
If anybody you know is not on the email blast list from last year, just send them to www.crossclubvictoria.com to register for this year.
Please bring your UCI Licence, Cycling BC Licence or proof of Club membership to the Kickoff on September 12th.
Cross Club 2018 Schedule
Ride #3 – September 26th
Ride #4 – October 3rd
(Please note: No ride on Oct 10th due to Cross on the Rock race on Monday, Oct 8th of that week)
Ride #5 – October 17th
Ride #6 – October 24th
Ride #7 – October 31st
This is an ISLAND series and the past support we have received from our island community is awesome. Lets keep it up in the future as it is what drives this series and makes it special. PLEASE SUPPORT THE SPONSORS. These are local businesses and companies that support local businesses. On-line companies, amazon, big business (besides Shimano) do NOT support community events.
Powered by MAZDA Bikes prepped for the season with Muc Off.
The 13th season of Cross on the Rock kicked off with the Pro City GP last Sunday. It was HUGE. Biggest turn out EVER for a cross race in BC…..probably for Canada as well.
We move from our furthest South race last Sunday to our furthest North race this Sunday as Cross on the Rock travels to the Comox Valley for the 11th time in it’s 13 years.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
Coal Cross XI Preview
Pro City GP Review
Weekly Cross happenings on V.I. (revised)
Before you go on to read this HUGE e-mail a reminder that
1. Coal Cross XI Preview
#1 and #2 thing you need to remember: Don’t ride on the BMX track. Don’t ride on the playing fields (outside of where the course is).
Along with our regular podium. Phillips Single Speed. Eleven Speed Coffee last not lapped. We will also have an award for the best spirit.
Race DR Dave Nowak: Super excited to introduce a new a new event sponsor and a whole new award for Coal Cross!”
Brian from Wayward will be sponsoring a “Top Spirit” award as chosen by the Race Director in collaboration with race marshals and organizers. The award will be presented to an individual from any of the races who demonstrated selflessness, sportsmanship and general awesomeness. (Must be legal drinking age to play).
Bullet form points
The T’s will have their Licorice Stand up at Coal Cross. Bring a couple of quarters. Keep them engaged. Them engaged makes putting on these races a LOT easier!! Help us all out! Thanks
pre-registration for all the events CLOSES at 5:00pm the night before the race. If you are not pre-registered you do not get a call up (not as big a deal for the first race but it is a big deal after that).
Our FULL-SEASON race numbers have arrived. If you have raced at the Pro City GP please come and pick up your new race number for the remainder of the season (same number just a cloth one instead).
Your bike chip that you already have you keep for the whole season.
IF you forget your chip. You need to purchase another one.
IF you are changing race categories. You need to get a different chip (and that means you need to purchase that chip as you get one set per season).
All the regular race details are posted on the Coal Cross race page on our web site. Link is Here.
Please note we will be running the same race-day schedule as the Pro City GP taking advantage of the daylight to give everyone a few more minutes between races to prep. recover. socialize and our Zoom Zoom races more time to get that FULL lap in this year (DON’T PASS THEM OUT THERE).
9:15 REGISTRATION OPEN (beginner only until 10:35)
10:00 Beginner Pre-Ride/Mini clinic (meet @ start line)
10:45 BEGINNER MEN (includes U13 / U15)
10:46 BEGINNER WOMEN (includes U13 / U15)
11:30 KIDS RACE (age 7-12)
12:00 INTERMEDIATE MEN (includes U17)
12:01 INTERMEDIATE WOMEN (includes U17/ Masters)
12:10 KIDS Lil’ Nutcase races (<7 years)
1:15 MASTERS MEN (40-54)
1:16 SUPER MASTERS MEN (55+)
2:30 EXPERT MEN
2:31 EXPERT WOMEN
4:00ish AWARDS
NO PRERIDING DURING RACES
2. Pro City GP Review (PLEASE STAY OFF THE COURSE AND LET IT RECOVER)
A few of the ‘Lil Nutcase racers enjoying their new umbrellas thanks to MAZDA.
Another historic day racing bikes in Victoria thanks to all the amazing people that came out!
Pretty cool to see how different the course ran in the opposite direction. I think everyone liked it a lot.
There were several key volunteers that deserve a BIG THANK YOU!
Deb, Lisa and Polly for their dedication to the registration table, keeping the line-ups reasonable considering the massive amount of racers.
The course setup crew, Drew, Joele, Curtis, Dave Pod, Kyle, Max, Dan, Andy, Ros, Roland.
Victoria for the help with the Beginner Clinic.
Also the critical number trackers in the timing tent, Patrick, Bruce, Sherry, Dan, Chris, Ros, and Dave S, not an easy job but a job well done.
I’m sure there were several more that pitched in in all aspects of the day and I’m sorry if I missed you. The City of Victoria Parks Department hasn’t complained…… fingers crossed….. so please respect the area and keep away with your cross bike until next year.
As always Norm is the super industrial glue that holds these events together. He is always calm and collected, organized, and deserves so much credit for the success of this event and the entire series. Thanks Norm!
Race sponsors: Shimano Pro and Trek Bikes Victoria
Big thanks to Shimano for stepping up big time to help with prizes, course marking, and making great products!
3. Weekly Cross Happenings on V.I.
If you hear of any cross rides or training sessions happening NOT listed here please let me know and I will keep these as up to date as I can.
Rock City Cycles Wednesday Night cross ride/workout. 6pm. Nanaimo
Details on locations will be emailed to the registered riders list on the Monday of each week. Make sure you register by Monday morning on the 10th of September so that you can receive the info for Ride # 1 on September 12th.
If anybody you know is not on the email blast list from last year, just send them to www.crossclubvictoria.com to register for this year.
Please bring your UCI Licence, Cycling BC Licence or proof of Club membership to the Kickoff on September 12th.
Cross Club 2018 Schedule
Ride #2 – September 19th
Ride #3 – September 26th
Ride #4 – October 3rd
(Please note: No ride on Oct 10th due to Cross on the Rock race on Monday, Oct 8th of that week)
Ride #5 – October 17th
Ride #6 – October 24th
Ride #7 – October 31st
This is an ISLAND series and the past support we have received from our island community is awesome. Lets keep it up in the future as it is what drives this series and makes it special. PLEASE SUPPORT THE SPONSORS. These are local businesses and companies that support local businesses. On-line companies, amazon, big business (besides Shimano) do NOT support community events.
Powered by MAZDA Bikes prepped for the season with Muc Off.
Yeah….we are fired up. It seems like a LONG time away after the last race of the season until the next race season. Then BOOM it is here. Are you ready to get fired up?
Need a place to stay in Victoria this weekend? Every Accent Inn is a Bike-Friendly Hotel
Why should your bike have to stay in a dark, unfriendly storage locker, while you sleep in one of our comfortable rooms?
It shouldn’t! That’s why we’ve invented our Bike Love program for all Accent Inns hotel locations.
Bike Love makes us the bike-friendliest hotel chain in BC—maybe even the world. Whether you’re a long-distance tourer, a mountain biker, or just bringing your bike on vacation, your bicycle will always be welcome here. Just ask for a bike-friendly room when you make your reservation.
Every Accent Inns hotel offers:
Ground floor rooms you can store your bike in
Bicycle wash and tuning station with a professional-grade bike stand
Shop-quality, 37-piece tool kit at your disposal to do everything from tire changes and brake adjustments to headset overhauls
Rags for cleaning your bike
A laundry room in case it’s not just your bike that needs washing
Free Bike Love stickers
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
Pro City GP Preview
Study – Build Youth Program 2018
Welcome to our IMPORTANT Sponsors (Part 2)
Weekly Cross happenings on V.I.
Before you go on to read this HUGE e-mail a reminder that pre-registration for all the events CLOSES at 5:00pm the night before the race. If you are not pre-registered you do not get a call up (not as big a deal for the first race but it is a big deal after that).
1. Pro City GP Preview
TOPAZ
Race Number Pick up.
You can pre-pick up your race number Saturday night from 5:00-7:00 PM at Pro City Racing
Course Description:
The course will be the same but totally different because we are running it backwards (Year #13….as you know for bike racers if they get a #13 they wear it upside-down. This is the COTR equivalent). Some corners will change a bit but the layout will be the same. Taking advantage of Topaz park’s varied terrain including grass, wood chip trails, rocks, and more grass. The 2018 race course is fast, fun, and flowing with a mix of high/low speed riding, wide open power sections, technical cornering, and fluid long radius turns over varied surfaces. Race your file tread tires, (Updated note…..yeah…check the weather….you might NOT want file treads) bring your horsepower and your cornering skills.
Venue:
Topaz Park is located at the corner of Finlayson Street and Blanshard Street in Victoria. Parking is available on the north end of the park off of Finlayson Street or on the East side of the park by taking Spruce St off of Quadra Street. Additional parking is available at Mayfair Centre and SJ Willis School, a short walking distance to the park.
Please be courteous to other park users during race day and keep off the sports fields. The park is still open to the public so please be respectful.
Team tents:
Please send scott@trekbikesvictoria.com if you would like a reserved parking spot and area for your team tent. We will be setting up tents similar to last year, a bit closer to the parking area off Spruce St. Your spot will only be reserved until 9:30 am.
Shout outs:
Race sponsors:
Shimano Pro and Trek Bikes Victoria
Big thanks to Shimano for stepping up big time to help with prizes, course marking, and making great products!
Directions to Topaz Park
From the Mainland:
• Please check www.bcferries.com for up to date sailing times
From the Swartz Bay ferry terminal
1. Follow the Patricia Bay Hwy/BC‐17 S toward Victoria.
2. Head southwest on Patricia Bay Hwy/BC‐17 S (go 28.3 km)
3. Take left onto Finlayson St (go 260m) and look for parking lot entrance to Topaz Park on your right hand side.
OR
4. Additional parking also available by continuing straight on Finlayson another 250m
5. Turn right onto Quadra St (go 200m)
6. Take the 1st right onto Spruce St and follow for 110m to parking lot.
From Nanaimo / Up-Island (Incl. both mid-island ferries)
1. Follow Island Hwy/BC-19A South (go 106km)
2. Continue to follow Island Hwy onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S (go 6.8km)
3. Turn left onto Finlayson St go 450m head straight through lights at Blanshard and look for parking lot entrance to Topaz Park on your right hand side.
OR
4. Additional parking also available by continuing straight on Finlayson another 250m
5. Turn right onto Quadra St (go 200m)
6. Take the 1st right onto Spruce St and follow for 110m to parking lot.
From Victoria
1. Take Blanshard St/Patricia Bay Hwy/BC‐17 N towards Yates St (go 2.3 km)
2. Turn right onto Finlayson St (go 260m) and look for parking lot entrance to Topaz Park on your right hand side.
OR
3. Additional parking also available by continuing straight on Finlayson another 250m
4. Turn right onto Quadra St (go 200m)
5. Take the 1st right onto Spruce St and follow for 110m to parking lot.
Volunteers needed!!!
We are currently looking for volunteers to help make the event Crosstastic!! Volunteers are key to COTR events and we are keen to get some new people out to help us set up, take down and run these awesome events!!
If you are in Victoria and would like to learn more about volunteering for Victoria based COTR events send me an email at scott@trekbikesvictoria.com I will gladly sign you up for sweet volunteer position.
We need help with:
Course Construction: Sunday Morning prior to the race, 7:30-10:00
Timers: 1 person for every race to help out…so sign up for a race you are not racing in 🙂
Kids Course Official: kids races are at 11:30am and 12:10.
Course Take down: If everyone pitches in it does not take long at all!
2. Study – Build Youth Program 2018
We have been REALLY lucky to have this program the last two years to support our younger racers. Last year. Study – Build has agreed to do the program again this year and would love to support the youth riders most in need of assistance. If your youth is racing BUT you are “good” when it comes to family income then maybe pass it onto someone that can use it more. Your call. Details below.
COTR 2017 youth recap
We sent cheques to reimburse racing costs for 40 youth, total of just under $5k.
We asked the kids what they would say as thanks to our COTR organizers. There were lots of thanks for great courses and great atmosphere, but here are a few of our favourite responses. We’d encouraged them to write poems!
cyclo-cross is very fun but now the season’s done I like to go fast so I don’t end up last thank you guys a ton
My name is Nadia, I started cross because my uncle said it was super fun, he is SO right . It is amazing that our whole family can participate in such an amazing sport. There are ten Roberts that race COTR and we all love it. A big thank-you to Norm for organizing everything and I think that you guys at Study Build are doing an amazing thing! Thank-you to everybody that made my first cyclocross season a huge success! THANK-YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!!
Family and friends
Until the day ends
As we race
We must embrace
Sweat and wet
Mud and blood
Since we’ve begun
Until we’re done
It’s been all FUN!!!
Thanks for always having such fun and social atmosphere at the start line. I love chatting with friends and other fellow racers. It always helps the nerves before the race to have a few good laughs 🙂
Fast flowy slippery soup
Barely making it through the gloup
The satisfactory sound of ripping grass,
Is awesome
Program Details for 2018
Study Build Youth Program for COTR 2018
Youth must participate in 7 or 8 of the eight races this year to qualify for free entries. At the end of the season, the KIDS should fill out and submit the reimbursement form to us, and then we’ll mail them (or their parents) a cheque.
The submission form will be open for one week, starting from day after last race of the season.
The total sponsorship payout will be capped at $4000 this year, so submit early!
3. Welcome to our sponsors for 2018 (Part 2)
This series does not happen without the support from.
As well as tonne of local sponsors from each community that we tried to give recognition to after each of the events.
This is an ISLAND series and the past support we have received from our island community is awesome. Lets keep it up in the future as it is what drives this series and makes it special. PLEASE SUPPORT THE SPONSORS. These are local businesses and companies that support local businesses. On-line companies, amazon, big business (besides Shimano) do NOT support community events.
4. Weekly Cross Happenings on V.I.
If you hear of any cross rides or training sessions happening NOT listed here please let me know and I will keep these as up to date as I can.
Rock City Cycles Wednesday Night cross ride/workout. 6pm. Nanaimo
Comox Valley Cross Practive. Runs every Wednesday evening at 5:30. Check the Facebook Group for more details
Cowichan Valley Cross rides. I think maybe Wednesday nights too…..contact them through FB.
Wednesday night races in Victoria….they start This coming week. Here is the schedule:
2018 Cross Club registration is now live!
Registration link can be found @ www.crossclubvictoria.com.
Details on locations will be emailed to the registered riders list on the Monday of each week. Make sure you register by Monday morning on the 10th of September so that you can receive the info for Ride # 1 on September 12th.
If anybody you know is not on the email blast list from last year, just send them to www.crossclubvictoria.com to register for this year.
Please bring your UCI Licence, Cycling BC Licence or proof of Club membership to the Kickoff on September 12th.
Cross Club 2018 Schedule
Ride #1 – September 12th
Ride #2 – September 19th
Ride #3 – September 26th
Ride #4 – October 3rd
(Please note: No ride on Oct 10th due to Cross on the Rock race on Monday, Oct 8th of that week)
Ride #5 – October 17th
Ride #6 – October 24th
Ride #7 – October 31st
