Cross on the Rock

Results are always posted quite fast and if you have not seen them they are posted for Saturday and Sunday.

DOUBLE CROSS WEEKEND

By the numbers:
189 People raced over the 2 days.
139 Saturday at Beban making it the most ever for a Saturday race and the most for the oldest and most used venue on the island.
154 Sunday at Bowen making it the most ever for a Sunday and the second most ever for a COTR event.
104 people raced both events.
No record on how many of those 104 people were hung over from the OBB party on Saturday night.

Saturday. Beban Park. Island Championships.

We were not 100% sure how this event would go over. With it being a Saturday race. Not part of the series points. Different categories. No beginners category……there were a lot of unknowns. As it turned out the event was GREAT. Our 4th highest turn out ever. GREAT racing in ALL categories. The LARGEST women’s field EVER I think in the province with 37 women starters. LOTS of great racing and the chance for a lot of people to race others that they normally don’t get a chance to race…….so mixing it up.

MIVA did a great job organizing the event as first time COTR organizers. Race Director Peter McCaffery had it pretty dialed.

People for special thanks:
All MIVA members who helped out; special mention re.
John Hannon, Bryan Rehill, Cheryl Morch, Bill McMillan, Dave Kenny, Kit McCaffery, Iain Hay, Brodie Hay, Ross Palfery,

A Few Racing Notes:

• Which Russell Anderson will show up? The 2008 COTR Series Champ for EXPERT has had a bit of a COLD season. HUGE COTR history with the series championships, 26 starts, 2 wins, 10 podiums….but this year he has had some great starts and then either blown up his bike or blown up his body. SO when we saw him tearing up legs in the 20-39 category on Saturday and hold it for a 2nd place……it appeared the old Russell was BACK. Which Russell will show for the last 2 races of the year?
• “My Bad”. Usually I am totally on top of what is going on at the events…..more or less. On Saturday though I called the course open for practice after Mical had finished her win in the women’s 20-35 category….NOT thinking that there were still 50+ men racing that Mical had passed…..so there was a LOT of traffic on the course for those guys on the last lap. I actually got cursed out by one of them……remember people….even in the worst circumstances we still have to be level headed. Anyways it was my fault and I apologize to those 50+’ers!
• 2006 Masters 40-49 National Champ, Professional bike racer Peter Stevenson, made his first appearance of the season at Beban and proceeded to rip apart legs and finish up 3rd in the category….but then was a no show for Bowen!
• The OBB Social on Saturday night was a HUGE success…..perhaps a keg party is not the best way to recover for the 2nd day of racing…..but hey you gotta have a good time!

Sunday, Bowen Park. KONA KUP. Points Race #4 of 6

Cross racers “occupied Wall Street” (The name of the street that the parking lot for the Bowen race is on……)

The Oak Bay Bikes guys arrived at 8am to set up the course….a few of them having only had a couple of hours of sleep after their shop social night and then a night out in downtown Nanaimo……but the course went up fast and was even a bit more refined than previous year. Still one of the toughest courses out there with the DNF record to prove it (see “toughest courses” in our stats section”). A LOT of CLIMBING and stairs and sand and speed! The turns were even more smooth allowing for more speed than ever before….plus “the Wall”.

A Few Racing Notes:

• Don’t give Jenny Skinner the megaphone! I had just finished the pre race instructions and was turning my bike around to line up…had it half way around before the siren went off. Sorry to who ever was behind me…..I can’t remember who it was but sorry! She was all over the course though yelling at all the racer which was pretty funny.
• 10 Laps…..OUCH. I begged Tyler and all the fast guys to do an EASY first lap so that we would do less laps….but they did not listen. 10 times around that course is TOUGH!
• Stefan Jakobsen making his return to racing COTR after 2 years. He showed up for the masters race…..but he is under 40 so had to race intermediate. He was schooled by 2 kids half his age….but lets remember he is a little rusty….if he shows up again he might be a bit sharper!
• Broken. Kevin Calhoun’s bike. Glenda Harling’s bike. Drew MacKenzie’s back…….yes it is a tough sport….but the beer tastes better after!
• 1st blood. Another win for Victoria Boyd….this time after moving up from Beginner to win the intermediate category.
• “Localism”……..well it turns out that the COTR’ers are a little protective of their series and their points…..and don’t like it when people from out of town…..say a masters racer (ex-pat) from Bellingham come up for the win in Nanaimo……it is OK though Derek is practically my brother and did one of our first COTR race in Diver Lake before we even had stats…..and before most of you “locals”!! COTR welcomes all and embraces the competition!
• We were begging to have 10 people in each of the women’s categories at the start of the year…..Sunday we had 18 in Intermediate and 17 in Open women!! That does NOT mean that you can rest and let the other women protect your category……keep showing up!! I can think of a number of people (male and female) that we have only seen once this year or not at all! 2 races left!

30 Race COTR MILESTONE
Both Roland Rabien and Derek Steel hit 30 COTR races on Sunday. Thanks for all the support and great races guys!

It was great to have Jason from Lambert out both days doing Neutral Support on the course.

A HUGE thanks of course to Nanaimo Parks and Recreation who both understand the need of the cycling community in Nanaimo as well as understand that cross races do not permanently damage the parks….the parks fix themselves….and they understand that which is GREAT. The Nanaimo BMX Association, The Vancouver Island Exhibition Association and the Nanaimo and District Equestrian Society for welcoming us to their property. The great folks at Oak Bay Bikes Nanaimo were our sponsoring bike shop, and Peter and Sean and the rest of the champions from the Mid-Island Velo Association did an amazing job designing and setting up the courses. And sprouts, as always, were generously gifted to riders from Glen Wakeling and Eatmore Sprouts & Greens.

MORE TOPAZ PARK FOLLOW UP

A note from Drew MacKenzie…..just in case you did not hear it yet……..
I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out to the cross race at Topaz on Monday of this week (this was last week of course). The event was a huge success and represented a very special opportunity to have access to Topaz for the day. Granting access to bikes for a cyclocross race was an absolute first for the City of Victoria and represents a huge change in the attitude towards cycling within City of Victoria parks and rec. dept. We have made great progress in legitimizing cyclocross as a sport within the Greater Victoria region this past year.

For that reason, I have to ask everyone to please stop riding at Topaz immediately and for good.

I have received a call from the city of Victoria noting that they are continuing to see people riding the park throughout the week.

If people continue to ride at the park it will cause the city to never again even consider letting us use any of their parks for any other events. This type of decision could have repercussions across all the municipalities and townships in the Greater Victoria area that currently grant us access on a frequent basis. We as a community need to be very careful at this juncture and cannot afford to anger the powers that be at this stage of progressive growth in the sport.

I cannot emphasize enough that it is crucial that people stop riding at Topaz.

Please consider the greater good of the sport and do the right thing by not riding at Topaz.

-Drew

The event was also covered on the news with CHEK TV which was cool too! Here is the link if you missed it: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Kx1NyFDsmVo

RECYCLE-REDUCE-REUSE

Well we hit 2 of these……if any of you other guys with kids need a bag of used flagging to make a back yard CX course like the Croome’s did…..just let me know!

SERIES STANDINGS
The series standings are posted at: http://www.crossontherock.com//php/series-results/?series=2011
With TWO races left and still the throwaway still to happen…..well anything can happen!!

PHOTOS
Keep firing us links and we will keep posting them. We have had a request though that if a couple of you can send us just 3-5 photos right after the race so that we can include them into our news that goes out to the media separately….that would be great.

CROSS PRACTICES

Nanaimo
There are some cross clinics being organized in Nanaimo on Thursday nights by MIVA. 4:30pm at Beban park meeting by the BMX track. I will be joining the practice this week and hope to see a good crew out there including the new cross racers from OBB-Nanaimo.

Courtenay
There is a weekly cross ride at Trail Bikes in Courtenay on Wednesday nights….contact Beeston.

Victoria
This week Margaret Jenkins Bike Club is hosting the Wednesday October 19th VCX training ride. We will meet up at Margaret Jenkins Elementary school on Fairfield Road near Foul Bay @ 5:30pm.

This week’s race will once again be a fundraiser for the Margaret Jenkins Bike Club. The kids will be setting up a lemonade/hot chocolate stand and accepting donations from the adult riders for use of the field.

We will also be putting on a kids ride/race that will start at 4:30pm If you are interested in supporting the next generation if cyclocross enthusiasts please come out early and cheer on the little crossers.

Also please consider bringing a toonie or a fiver to help out the kids with a purchase of a refreshing lemonade/warming hot chocolate.

STRAVA

Top Vegan racers, Dave Shishkoff, wanted everyone with a GARMIN to know about STRAVA…..check it out he says!

http://app.strava.com/rides/1840832#29774437

Strava OWNS the Garmin site, fyi…i really like (and it’s free.)

NATIONAL CHAMPS
If you are planning on going to National Champs in Ontario….well the course looks like it sucks. The organization is the same as last year which in my opinion did the worst job of any cross nationals so far. A few of us have been sending letters of dissatisfaction to the CCA in the hopes that it puts the pressure on the organizers to 1) build a better course and 2) do a better job. Hopefully it works but it always helps to have more voices so if you plan on going and don’t want to waste your money….please fire them an e-mail.

PROVINCIAL CHAMPS
Word is that it is back on in North Vancouver on November 27th but being organized by Atomic Racing. Their web site was just sent to me and is: http://www.atomicracing.com/race/

SERIES SCHEDULE (UPDATED)
September 11th. Coal Cross at the Village Park in Cumberland: In the BOOKS!
October 2nd. Lumber Cross at McLean’s Mill in Port Alberni: Chopped down and DONE!
October 10th. Condo Cross at Topaz Park in Victoria: Record Breaker. Record Setter.
October 15th. Beban Park in Nanaimo (Island Championships): A bit risky but it turned out great. HUGE Women’s Field!!
Social at the new Oak Bay Bikes in Nanaimo in the PM.
October 16th. Bowen Park in Nanaimo: 10 LAPS for EXPERT!! Biggest race ever in Nanaimo…..#2 overall!!
October 30th. Transfer Beach in Ladysmith
November 19th Cameron Cross at Western Speedway in Victoria/Langford (Series Championships and Double Points)

NEXT RACE: NEW race venue at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith. BUT with an experienced crew from Everti Cycling Club. They have put on 5 COTR races now?

SERIES SPONSORS
KONA
Oak Bay Bikes Nanaimo
Lambert: Pedros-Leyzne
Action Motorcycles
PHILLIPS BEER
Howard Johnson
Saltspring Coffee
Oakley
Pro Bar
Aviawest
Frontrunners
Also a bit of series support from Orange Sport Supply

Brought to you by the Council of Cross.

23.235.211.7/~thehol19/crossontherock/

This Cyclocross Series is Organized by the Cross Council:
With the following cycling clubs: MIVA, VICC, Everti Cycling Club, UROC, Arrowsmith MTB Club, ASS, Alberni Valley Riders and IRC

Supported by the following Shops:
OBB Victoria, Westshore and Nanaimo
Trail Bikes in Courtenay
Experience cycles in Duncan
Cowichan Cycles in Duncan
Cycle Therapy in Duncan
Frontrunners in Nanaimo
Straight Up Cycles in Victoria
Dodge City Cycles in Cumberland
Ozzie’s Cycles in Port Alberni

Sanctioned by:
Cycling BC

Download the Race Bible.

CONDO CROSS REVIEW………..Wow!

Wow is right!

Results are always posted quite fast and if you have not seen them they are at: http://www.crossontherock.com//php/race-results/?raceid=32

A lot of huge things at the Condo Cross held 2 short days ago in Topaz Park Victoria. First of all it smashed our previous attendance record that was set only 8 days before at Lumber X. We went from a high of 140 participantsto a new series best and perhaps provincial best of 190 participants! Pretty incredible!

The course was LONG and took a lot of power……and we did not have any barriers! We have had no barrier courses before at the KONA KUP……but there was a reason for the no barriers last weekend. Because of the length of the course they used up all the rebar. We normally use the rebar for the barriers…..there was none left…..so no barriers. We had few comments about it but in the end all the courses are different and this one was hard enough. I did notice that Drew left out some potential stairs……so if we use that course again we might have stairs and barriers…..be careful what you ask for!

You may also have noticed we had no music or PA system like we usually do. It was in the trailer but the parks and rec. for Victoria have STRICT rules and regulations about amplified music and the max db it can reach. We did not want to risk not being able to use the venue again…..and we did not have a db meter…..so we left the PA in the trailer for this race. It turned out fine as there were so many spectators making so much noise that it was pretty cool…..especially I the hot corner by registration.

We also debuted a new prize category which we may or may not use again….best “Suffer Face”. There were some great ones out there. From Steve Bachop with foam and snot hanging down to his neck and Fluffy’s pain
face……we will have to use that prize again. We just won’t tell anyone when we will. Surprise!

With our massive amount of participants and Masters having close to 70 racers we had a bit of difficulty with the results for that category. This was compounded (and not helped) by the fact that 2 racers did not have nay numbers on. A couple of racers had their numbers pinned upside down or wrong side (come on guys!!). A bit of rain on the timing sheets (which smudges the ink) and even a bit by the awesome spectators in that area. PLUS people asking the timers all sorts of questions…..like “what was my lap time for the 3rd lap in intermediate”…..etc. We usually have it totally dialed but this one did not work out as good as normal. SO if you do check out the results and they are a bit off….don’t FREAK. Just e-mail Katie or Roland and let them know and we will try to fix the errors. They have already adjusted it a few times and we are getting it sorted. We know you want your series points!!

The event was also covered on the news with CHEK TV which was cool too! Let me know if you saw the coverage and how it was.

There were some great rides of the day:

• Kelly Guest who had a “fast start” (read jumped the gun) and killed it for the first half of the expert race. Unfortunately Kelly has been heat chamber training for Maui Xterra worlds and had a big session the day before. It caught up to him half way through the race and he faded….just a bit. His 6th place finish though keeps him as current series leader.
• There was a great finish line battle between Jamie Emery and Bill MacMillan. You can check out the photo sequence on the Island Cross Facebook page.
• Peter Wellsman earned the race of the day by slogging out 2 days of USGP action in Fort Collins including a horrible day on Saturday that had just above zero temp. with rain and a sloppy-power course. Peter and Mical flew home Sunday night. Monday Peter took his first COTR Masters victory over the largest COTR masters field. Schooling some “kids” that are “only” 40….Peter is 53! A huge congratulations to him.
• Sarah Stewart and Kelly Jones were having a great battle in the Open Women’s category as well with lots of lead changes and attacks happening.
• We also had quite a few people that ran at the RMV running festival the day before……8k, half marathon and actually I think Brian Rehill actually did the marathon and then raced to 32nd in Intermediate men’s in his 2nd cx race….ouch!

I am sure that I only saw a fraction of what happened.

A big thank you goes out to our event title sponsor the Condo Group. Drew MacKenzie our race director, all the organizers and volunteers. Victoria City and Victoria City Parks and Rec. Our event sponsors Oak Bay Bikes Westshore, Trek Pro City Racing, Straight Up Cycles.

Individuals (it takes a lot of people!): Simon Norris, Paul Brend, Jonathan Benskin, Andy Achuff, Parker Bloom, Joele Guynup, Regan Pringle, Kelly Guest, Andrew LaFrance, Doug Doyle, Jennifer Erlendson, Lister and his merry band of jrs, Kiwi James, Jeff Coleman, Betsy MacKenzie, Peter Wellsman, Ron Hewitson, Brent Larkin, Tanya Berg, Jennifer Skinner, Erinne Willock, Tony Zarsidias, Roland + Katie, and super timer Hillary Grant .

Please take the time to contact for the Victoria Parks and Recreation to send positive feedback about us using Topaz Park….we would appreciate if many of you took the time to fire them a note. One e-mail cc’ed to both and bcc’ed to me: Tammy Lata – tlata@victoria.ca and Dave Clarke – DClarke@victoria.ca or use the feedback form at: Ken Hilchey and Stu Montgomery using the feedback form online (don;t forget the change subject heading) – http://www.victoria.ca/citymail/index.asp

DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND IN NANAIMO: THIS WEEKEND!!

We will have the bible posted Thursday (sorry stacked week….trying to get things done asap) with all the information you need to get yourself to this event.

The following is probably what you need to know NOW:

Race Formats
The race format for the Island Champs on Saturday at Beban Park will be age based categories. This is a unique opportunity for people to race against people they might not have a change to during the rest of the season as well
as for some of the younger racers to race kids their own age. Every once in a while you gotta just see how you stack up! These categories are also similar to what they would use for a Provincial Championships (IFFF we ever chose to host one…..) This is your chance to do it!!

Racing will start at 11:00 as normal. Registration at 10:00.

Sunday’s race is the regular COTR ability based format for categories. Same schedule as we have used for the last 2 events.

OBB Saturday Night Social. Trying to get more details about this from the OBB guys. Will post in the race guide.

Host Hotel: Howard Johnston.
This hotel is less than 500m from the start of Day 2 the Bowen race course. Howard Johnson Harbourside hotel is proud to be involved with COTR and is happy to offer all racers a room rate of $69.00 which includes hot breakfast. Rate is single occupancy. Add $ 10.00 for second person.

Ask for the Cyclocross rate.

1-250-753-2241
1-800-663-7322
hojonanaimo@shaw.ca

SERIES STANDINGS
The series standings are posted at:
http://www.crossontherock.com//php/series-results/?series=2011
There are some great rivalries and battles forming in each category….it makes it even more interesting each week!

PHOTOS
Keep firing us links and we will keep posting them. We have had a request though that if a couple of you can send us just 3-5 photos right after the race so that we can include them into our news that goes out to the media separately….that would be great.

CROSS PRACTICES
There are some cross clinics being organized in Nanaimo on Thursday nights by MIVA. 4:30pm at Beban park meeting by the BMX track. First one is tomorrow, October the 13th.

There is a weekly cross ride at Trail Bikes in Courtenay on Wednesday nights….contact Beeston.

There are a few Wednesday night “practices” in Victoria still…..contact someone who knows something about the “underground”…..!!

NATIONAL CHAMPS
If you are planning on going to National Champs in Ontario….well the course looks like it sucks. The organization is the same as last year which in my opinion did the worst job of any cross nationals so far. A few of us have been sending letters of dissatisfaction to the CCA in the hopes that it puts the pressure on the organizers to 1) build a better course and 2) do a better job. Hopefully it works but it always helps to have more voices so if you plan on going and don’t want to waste your money….please fire them an e-mail.

PROVINCIAL CHAMPS
Word is that it is back on in North Vancouver on November 27th but being organized by Atomic Racing. Their web site was just sent to me and is: http://www.atomicracing.com/race/

SERIES SCHEDULE (UPDATED)
* September 11th. Coal Cross at the Village Park in Cumberland: In
the BOOKS!
* October 2nd. Lumber Cross at McLean’s Mill in Port Alberni: Chopped
down and DONE!
* October 10th. Condo Cross at Topaz Park in Victoria: Record
Breaker. Record Setter.
* October 15th. Beban Park in Nanaimo (Island Championships)
Social at the new Oak Bay Bikes in Nanaimo in the PM.
* October 16th. Bowen Park in Nanaimo
* October 30th. Transfer Beach in Ladysmith
* November 19th Cameron Cross at Western Speedway in
Victoria/Langford (Series Championships and Double Points)

NEXT RACE is the Double Cross weekend in Nanaimo. Saturday the Island
Championships at Beban Park. Sunday is COTR series race #4 at Bowen Park.

SERIES SPONSORS
* KONA
* Oak Bay Bikes Nanaimo
* Lambert: Pedros-Leyzne
* Action Motorcycles
* PHILLIPS BEER
* Howard Johnson
* Saltspring Coffee
* Oakley
* Pro Bar
* Aviawest
* Frontrunners
* Also a bit of series support from Orange Sport Supply

Brought to you by the Council of Cross.

23.235.211.7/~thehol19/crossontherock/

This Cyclocross Series is Organized by the Cross Council:
With the following cycling clubs: MIVA, VICC, Everti Cycling Club, UROC,
Arrowsmith MTB Club, ASS, Alberni Valley Riders and IRC

Supported by the following Shops:
OBB Victoria, Westshore and Nanaimo
Trail Bikes in Courtenay
Experience cycles in Duncan
Cowichan Cycles in Duncan
Cycle Therapy in Duncan
Frontrunners in Nanaimo
Straight Up Cycles in Victoria
Dodge City Cycles in Cumberland
Ozzie’s Cycles in Port Alberni

Sanctioned by:
Cycling BC

Download the Race Bible.

There will be a separate kids course at the venue again for kids to practice. We will also have a kids race between the intermediate and masters race. This will be lead by OLYMPIAN cyclist (and 3X COTR Racer) Erinne Willock.