Cross on the Rock

You might have a friend…they might ride a bike…they might never have tried cross…well we will let them race beginner at the series final for FREE…see below.

OR you might have another friend…they have done a race or two…but now life is getting them down and they think “I just don’t have it any more (Dave Holden)”…DRAG THEIR BUTTS OUT TO Ricky Bobby at Western Speedway.

We have had 302 racers come out this year to do at least 1 of our cross racers… can you only imagine if they all came out to Ricky Bobby… it would be MASSIVE!! Don’t think to yourself, “Well so and so will come out so I will watch football/gardening (insert something equally lame)”…just wash your bike. Drag your kit out of winter storage etc…and plan on racing. This is your last chance for 2011. This is it! Support racing. Support cross. Support the series….but most of all come out and have a great time and bring your cowbell!!

Now that I have that all out there and before you read the rest of this newsletter check this video out…..it is REALLY GOOD: IF you have not seen this video yet…well it pretty much is one of the coolest ones I have ever seen shot at our races. Thanks Pelle! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7O7efg–O0&hd=1

Good luck to all the COTR racers doing National Champs this weekend and a few more that are also doing USGP in Kentucky the weekend after!!

POST EVENT COTR Race number 6 for 2011: THE GREAT PUMKIN CROSS at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith.

Another great new venue on the Island at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith. Amazing course and scenery!!

The course was HUGE. Clocked at 3.5km I am pretty sure it is our longest course ever!

A couple of notes:

• I never thought I would have to put this in the rules as I did not think it was even a remote possibility….but I am pretty sure that grabbing a random bike out of the pits to finish the race is NOT legal! Plus what if the person that put that bike into the pits came in looking for it…..that would not be good!! If someone is not offering you a bike….probably best not just to grab one….until we get KONA and Lambert to do up some neutral COTR bikes or something!
• I have seen beer hand ups at races….and even bacon hand ups (Mark Matson) but I have NEVER seen a DQ Dilly Bar hand up. Apparently they went through 20 of these for the expert race….there were only 25 or so people….so that is pretty amazing. I had to wait until the “urge to puke” died down a bit and then enjoyed the heck out of mine. Thanks Paul (PS Paul….get your butt back on the start line)
• Tara’s mom made all the pies that were enjoyed as part of the category prizes…..yummy!
• The mayor was out at the race…..pretty sure that was a first!!

Tara and Mike did a perfect job of organizing the event. Everything was dialed in.

Thank yous
Ladysmith Parks and Recreation
Cowichan Cycles (Robin and Cathy)
Wolf Brewery (Dean and Jenn Lewis)
Experience Cycling
Cycle Therapy
Lion’s club of Ladysmith
Everti Cycling club

All of the volunteers too… I am super grateful to them…
George Huml, Glenn Morris, Kurt Knock, Kevin Knock, Trevor Jones, Mike Sevcov, Glenda, Jen Day, Sue Glenn, Tiffany Chapman, Robin Dutton, Cathy Graham, Mike Pollock, Lindsay Ellis, Hillary and Dave Huntley, Hillary Grant (timer extrordinaire).

A few photos from Ladysmith:

SERIES STANDINGS

Last race:
DOUBLE POINTS.
THROW AWAY
MECHANICALS
FLATS
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!

The series standings are posted at: http://www.crossontherock.com//php/series-results/?series=2011

With ONE race left and still the throwaway still to happen…well anything can happen and usually does!!

Last week’s Series Leaders:
Intermediate Men: Haldor Gunnerson
Intermediate Women: Christyna Jones
Masters Men: David Damery
Over 50 Men: Peter Wellsman
Open Women: Dawn Anderson
Expert Men: Kelly Guest

This week’s Series:
Intermediate Men: Still Haldor Gunnerson but if you look at the potential low score drop…..well…..Lee is RIGHT THERE
Intermediate Women: Christyna Jones still…..there is a real fight for 3rd in this category!
Masters Men: David Damery is 1 point a head of Peter Wellsman…but behind if you take away the low score
Over 50 Men: Peter Wellsman not sure what to do if Peter wins the over 50 PLUS the masters men…..not sure!
Open Women: Dawn Anderson……most wins of any human at a COTR race…..EVER. Top three is VERY interesting!
Expert Men: Kelly Guest is gone from top spot and Steve Bachop will enjoy the poll position for the first time….but if you take away the low scores and consider that Tyler could win another race…..anything can happen in this category as well.

RICKY BOBBY CAMERON CROSS COTR SERIES FINAL 2011 at Western Speedway (November 19th…..this is IT….so plan on being there)
Check out the poster down below…..way below……..

MORE DETAILS COMING OUT:

FREE BEGINNERS RACE!!!!!…..OK here is the dealio on this. If you have someone that has NEVER RACED COTR (Check and see if your name is here: http://www.crossontherock.com//results/list-of-racers/ you are not eligible but should race anyways)……bring them out and get them to RACE. We will pay their insurance. They just have to SHOW UP AND RACE! You good with that? GET THEM OUT!!

DOUBLE POINTS

A TONNE OF PRIZES….I gotta clear EVERYTHING out of my little COTR area in the basement so I can get back to my jobs here at home…painting….building etc….so I need the space. We did not have a final last year so I have a LOT of little odds and ends that someone would love to have, wear, use, cherish!

FOOD: the WANNAWAFEL guy is hauling his HUGE cart out to the race…..it is an effort so bring $$ and plan on buying at least one….if not 6! PLUS the concession will be OPEN. Bring cash!!

SHOP CHALLENGE: We will be hosting a 1 lap. All out. Throw down challenge for all bike shop employees……come…..represent…..dominate for you bike shop!!

ANOTHER SERIES GRAND PRIZE: Weekend accommodations packages from Aviawest……we will have a few of them to give away!!

Previous GRAND PRIZE announcements:

A SWEET pair Zed Wheels CrossRock AXs. These are named after the COTR series. Mical Dyck races on them and raced on them in Fort Collins. A growing number of others race cross on Zed Wheels as well (Gavin Eaton on CrossRock CX carbons, Ty Belavie, Jen Erlendson).

wheels built just for you www.zedwheels.com

AS well another GRAND PRIZE announcement……….an entry into any of the FURIOUS THREE Mountainbike events for 2012. Mark Kaltenbach contacted us and wants to do some promotions for us. These three day events are great tune ups or stepping stones to 7 day events like TR or BCBR or a big step up from a 1 day BC or Island cup event. With events in Fernie, Whistler and Moab for 2012….it is going to be cool. Furious3 Events. www.furious3.com

COTR 2011 PHOTO CONTEST
OK it is time to SUBMIT. We want to have all our photo contest entries posted in the next week or so…..lets say you have until the 10th to get your shots to Roland for the photo gallery……we will narrowing it down. Fire us your best photos (not entire galleries) We will post them. Judge them. Get them on the web site. And make a little award for the best one at our series final.

Here is the photo contest gallery link: http://photos.rabien.com/Cyclocross/Best-of-Cross-on-the-Rock-2011
Send photos to here: photos@23.235.211.7/~thehol19/crossontherock/

CROSS PRACTICES

Nanaimo
Cross clinics/practice races being organized in Nanaimo on Thursday nights by MIVA. 4:30pm at Beban park meeting by the BMX track.

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

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!!
October 16th. Bowen Park in Nanaimo: 10 LAPS for EXPERT!! Biggest race ever in Nanaimo…..#2 overall!!
October 30th. The GREAT PUMPKIN cross at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith:
November 19th Cameron Cross at Western Speedway in Victoria/Langford (Series Championships and Double Points)

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

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Great Pumpkin Cross will be the usual $20 ($10 for beginner). Food is no longer included, but the concession will be open.

The race bible for The Great Pumpkin Cross @ Transfer Beach has been posted. Please note that this event is $20 ($10 beginners) $25 ($15 for beginners) and includes food and a drink. There are also prizes for costumes, so please dress up.

Do you ever wonder what the prizes were for you category and who donated them all?Check who donated them. We work hard to get sponsors to help us out so please support them.

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