Bay Area Super Prestige Series Opens Sunday

This Sunday McLaren Park in San Francisco will be the starting point to the 8th season of racing for the Bay Area Super Prestige Series. Over the past 8 years, B.A.S.P. Owners Tom & Alex Simpson have worked tremendously hard to produce a high caliber Cyclocross Series worthy of National recognition. Their dedication to Cyclocross racing in and around the San Francisco City area has delivered a super popular series for all. The B.A.S.P. races bring Northern California's different regions into one ring for a main event- heavy weight battle- Cyclocross style. The popularity of the B.A.S.P. races are evident in the huge fields in all divisions, as well as the party like atmosphere that revolves around the racing. Personally, I admire and commend Tom & Alex Simpson for bringing together all of Northern California for the Cyclocross extravaganza that the B.A.S.P. has become. All levels of racers have a go on challenging courses, such as over 30 "C" Women at last years Golden Gate Park event. Hosting Cyclocross events in or near the big city of S.F. accomplishes quite a lot in terms relating to growth of the sport. Tom & Alex keep it fun for everyone, while also attaining a tremendously high competitive level in the advanced races. Some of the Men's divisions could have 100 riders on course at once. Racer numbers like this in certain divisions rival some of the biggest Cyclocross Series in America. When you bring together so many Cyclocross crazed athletes and fans good times are inevitable. So not only are the B.A.S.P events about fast racing and ultra competitive full fields, they are about fun and commodore among teams and racers. I fully recommend you take part in the B.A.S.P. races or venture to the event to cheer on the riders. The racing action is fast paced, and the fun and frolic of the locals can flow at a even faster pace. One key note for B.A.S.P. 2009 is their hosting of the NCNCA District Cyclocross Championships at Golden Gate Park. It looks to be a great season of Cross racing in S.F., & like all the racing in Northern California, the B.A.S.P. Series is awesome...


2008 Season B.A.S.P. Series Champions

Cat A Men- Josh Snead HRS Rocklobster
Cat A Women- Kathleen Hannon Freewheel Hunter
Single Speed - Cesar Chavez Buycell.com
Cat B Men - Jean-Luc Callahan Specialized
Cat C men- Henry Scholz Roaring Mouse
Juniors 15-18 - Isaiah Rapko Team Oakland
Juniors 10-14 - Spence Peterson Above Category Racing
Master 35+ B - Brian Staby Team Nor Cal Bike
Master 35+ A - Henry Kramer Cal Giant
Master 45+ B - Marc Kirberg Mako/Mellow Motors
Master 45+ A - Larry Hibbard Family Cycling Center
Master 55+ - John Elgart Webcor/Alto Velo
Cat B Women - Amy Padula Wrench Science
Cat C Women - Stacey Evans
Master Women 35+ A - Janel K. Lodge Blackmarket Racing

Past Weekend Wrap-Up

It was a busy weekend of racing for Northern California Cross racers with competitions in Sacramento, Reno, & Monterey. Many Nor-Cal racers also traveled around the USA testing out the talent in places such as Vermont & Wisconsin. Nor-Cal's own Andy Jacques-Maynes(Bissel) has produced standout rides- making top 10 in some very high ranked events. AJM is a player on the National level and he has dedicated himself to a very strong Cross schedule for 2009. Both winners at CCCX #1 one week ago, Devon Haskell(Velo Bella) & Justin Robinson(Cal Giant Inc.) had strong rides in Wisconsin. Haskell made top 10 at the USGP races both Sat & Sun. From what I have heard the Sacramento Series race #1 was very successful. I have personally raced at Del Paso Park and the courses there can be deceptively hard. Chris McGovern(HRS Rock Lobster) & Emily Kachorek were the Elite winners on the day. Linda Elgart(Webcor) was the Master 35+ Women's winner, Joe Miller(Taleo Racing) was the 35+"B" Men's victor, and Spence Peterson the "B" Men's king for the day. I did notice there were 53 riders in the "C" division in Sac. Town, showing the growing popularity of Cross in the Capitol. Meanwhile in Monterey, HRS-Rock Lobster showed the strength of their team in taking 4 of the top 5 positions in the Elite Men's division at CCCX race #2. Only Don Myrah, who also ran away with the Master's 35+ event, was able to sneak on the Rock Lobster controlled podium. Josh Snead patrolled the front for most of the Elite Men's race before making his race winning move in the latter stages of the hour long test. In the CCCX Women's Elite race Kerry Barnholt(Scott/Ritchey) claimed top honors after a thrilling duel with Karen Brems(Webcor). In other races Robert Meighan(Cal Giant Inc.) won his 2nd straight 45+ Men's "A" race. Kevin Crossley(HRS/Rock Lobster) was the "B" Men's winner, while Michael Hyde( Buy-cell.com) & Karl B Ehlert(Webcor) were the Master "B" 35+ & 45+ champs. San Luis Obispo's Bob Guglielmelli took the Men's 55+ win & Kathleen Bortolussi the Master Women's 35+ win. Junior winners on the day were Madeline Myall(Cal Giant Inc.), Matthew Valencia(SugarCRM/LGBRC), & Tobin Ortenblad(Bike Trip/SCJCC). Links to all the results & some very good photos are below. Congratulations to each and every rider who made the effort to race, just suiting up and taking to course is a victory!...


Full Sacramento Cyclocross results...
http://sacramentocx.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/saccx-2009-race-1.html

Full Central Coast Cyclocross results...
http://cccx.org/2009/race2/index.shtml

Nor-Cal's Andy Jacques-Maynes snags the hole-shot at the past weekends USGP race in Wisconsin. Following AJM's lead is past World Champion Erwin Vervecken (Team Revor-Baboco-Champion Systems), USA National Champion Ryan Trebon (KONA), and everybody else....
Kerry Barnholt takes the top step of the podium at CCCX #2 for the Elite Women. Josie Jacques-Maynes(Cal Giant Inc.) & Karen Brems share in the accolades....
The Elite Women's start blasting up the first climb at CCCX #2....

Mark Howland(Black Market Racing/Family Cycling Center) at the very top of the run up CCCX #2....

The Elite Men surge up the start hill at the Central Coast race in Monterey....

John Brown( Family Cycling Center) showing how it's done over a log hop section....

Melissa Schultz(Kaiser Perm/ Team Oakland) on a tricky descent showing off her balance and skill....

Josh Snead was simply flying over the boards on his way to the overall win in Monterey....

Amy Goldstein of Santa Cruz has some serious ability on the bike....

Robert Meighan taking a fast start on his way to victory in the Men's 45+ "A" division....

Sagebrush #1 Saturday - Sacramento #1 & CCCX #2 Sunday

The Sacramento Cyclocross Series race #1 is one three feature Cross events taking place this weekend in the NCNCA region. The Sagebrush Series- presented by Reno Wheelman- will open up their racing at Dorthy Mcalinden Park in Stead Nevada on Saturday 9/26. While on Sunday- 9/27, the Sacramento Series & CCCX Series will host events. The Sacramento Series has grown over the past few years, and has slowly developed into standout races that draw large groups of Cyclocross hungry talent. Cross in the Capitol is now driven by Rich Maile, and he brings to the table a strong group of volunteers who are eager to make Sacramento a Nor-Cal player in Cyclocross racing. Personally, I have raced many times in Sac. Town, and very much enjoyed the courses and competitors. The initial masterminds of Sacramento Cross racing John & Linda Elgart paved the way for today's popularity of the Sacramento Series. Now racers from in and around the State Capitol area can partake in awesome racing on challenging courses. I do think the Series is in good hands with Rich Maile at the helm, and surely goods things will keep coming from the Sacramento Cyclocross Series. Also on Sunday is the CCCX Series race #2 in Ft. Ord, near Monterey. The Central Coast Series race #2 will be contested on a very challenging course that combines pavement, dirt, fire roads, a testing run up, and some spectacular trails that are just plain fun to ride. It looks to be a strong weekend of racing for everyone in Northern California & Nevada. Ride safe & have fun...

CX Magazine posted some great photos of Vegas Cross 2009. It was some amazing racing in both the Elite Women's & Men's divisions. Please go to CX Magazine for complete coverage....

http://cxmagazine.com/

Here are some of my favorite photos from tonight's race action in Las Vegas.....

On a more serious note- be sure and go to CX Magazine to have a look at this very good video of DFL's 15th anniversary race. Very good viewing I must admit....

http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/video/15th-anniversary-dfl-video

Competiton Fast & Furious At CCCX #1 This Past Sunday

Round #1 of the CCCX Series delivered most of Northern California's Cyclocross talent to the course in what will surely be a prime example of the racing action that will go down during the 2009 Cross season. All of the divisions on the day were hotly contested on a race route that received strong reviews from Cyclocross critics. The 10:00 a.m. "B" Men's division featured some amazing tactical battles and the large number of riders in the Master B 35+ & 45+ groups show Cyclocross's popularity across the board. The main event "Elite" Mens race went down as expected with Cal Giant Inc.- HRS/Rock Lobster putting on quite the epic duel. Lobster riders Josh Snead & Chris McGovern took on Cal Giant's Cody Kaiser & Justin Robinson in a attack filled brawl. When push came to shove, Justin Robinson separated himself from the others when it mattered most and took the win. The "Elite" Womens race saw 2 new comers to Nor-Cal Cross racing have a large impact on the proceedings. Chicago native, Devon Haskill(Velo Bella), who recently signed a Pro Road contract with Team Tibco rode a dominating race off the front and basically soloed to a stellar victory. While Colorado's Kerry Barnholt(Scott/Ritchey) animated the chase action, then contested the sprint for 2nd place with Karen Brems(Webcor). Brems was not to be denied and claimed the silver medal on the day, relegating the talented Barnholt to 3rd place. The Nor-Cal Women's racing is only going to get better with 2 new powerful athletes joining the already stacked ladies "Elite" group. The Mens 35+ A Masters division was by far the most loaded division of pure talent on the day, with multiple National Champions going toe to toe on course. Northern California Masters Cross racing is with out a doubt on the highest level in the entire U.S.A. -3 TIME National Masters Champion James Coates(Cal Giant Inc.) claimed high honors in this legends group of Masters racers...


Madeline Myall(Cal Giant Inc.) has tremendous athletic ability and won the Junior Women's race....
Kerry Barnholt & Stella Carey(HRS/Rock Lobster) lead out the "Elite" Women's race up the main pavement climb....

The short run-up section provided some great action for the fans....
The Master 35+ & 45+ 'B" divisions had some of the best racing on the day....
All kinds of elbow to elbow action took place at Manzanita Park in Prunedale....
Many of the finishes came down to full on sprints between small groups up the final pavement climb, making for great viewing of the racing exploits....

Some great photos can be found here from Scott Mosher......

http://em.scottmosherphotography.com/g/cccx1fall92009

Results will be posted here .....

http://cccx.org/2009/index.shtml

Congratulations to all the people who competed!

Central Coast Cyclocross #1- The Feature Event This Weekend

The CCCX Series will host it's opening race this Sunday- Sept. 20, at Manzanita Park in Prunedale. The Central Coast Cyclcoross is the feature event for this weekend in Nor-Cal, and there should be some epic racing taking place in all divisions. This will be the 12th season of Cross races for the CCCX Series. The Manzanita Park venue was the scene of last years NCNCA District Championship race where Justin Robinson & Sarah Maile claimed high honors. The courses at this site have always produced deserving winners. HRS/Rock Lobster vs. Cal Giant Inc./Specialized will be the main event battle in the Elite Men's & Women's races. Or maybe there will be a surprise victory in the Elite races from a rider not on the "Super Teams- Rock Lobster & Cal Giant Inc."- it will be very interesting to see who makes their mark in Northern California Cyclocross 2009...


Cal Giant Inc. sponsored Gannon Myall was the Master 35+ "A" division CCCX Series champion in 2008. Sharing the podium with Myall were Tim Thompson(2nd), Mark Howland(3rd), Keith DeFiebre(4th), and Don Myrah(5th).
Action starts at 9:00 a.m. and it looks to be a perfect day for racing this coming Sunday. All CCCX info can be found here....

http://cccx.org/2009/index.shtml

The Men's "C" division and Junior divisions will open up the proceedings. Nor-Cal's Cross races have developed some outstanding Junior talent over the years. One rider to watch this weekend will be Logan Loader. The fast charging Loader was the 2005 CCCX Series Junior winner and has been competing at a very high level on the Road during 2009- riding for Team Mtn. Khakis. Loader may play a leading role in the Elite division this season.


HRS/Rock Lobster rider Josh Snead was the CCCX Series winner in the Men's Elite division last season.....

The 10:00 a.m. start is the most action packed race of the day. On course will be Men's B, Master Men 35+ B, Master Men 45+ B, Master Men 55+, and the Single Speed B group. Each group start in a separate wave, making for quite the spectacle on course. This time slot produces some of the best finishes of all, with many races coming down to a sprint for the win among a select group of riders in each category.

Buy-Cell.com riders Cesar Chavez and Tim Cannard dominated the "A" Single Speed division at CCCX 2008....

HRS/Rock Lobster will be hard to beat in the Elite Women's race at 12:30 p.m. Sarah Kerlin and Stella Carey are a tremendous 1-2 punch from the HRS/ Rock Lobster team. However, new to Nor-Cal Cyclocross racing is Scott/Ritchey sponsored Kerry Barnholt, and her strength and experience will certainly have a huge impact on the Elite Women's racing during the 2009 season. Barnholt will be competing on Scott Bicycles new ADDICT Cross bike dressed with SRAM & Ritchey components, and she has competed at past Cross World Championship events- thus bringing this experience to the course. A rider of Barnholt's caliber will ultimately pick up the level of all the Elite Women racers this season in Northern California.

HRS/Rock Lobster sponsored Stella Carey is one of Nor-Cal's all time great Cross racers. Carey was the Elite Women's CCCX Series winner in 2005, 2006, 2007, & 2008.....

At press time the weather forecast is a very pleasant 70 degrees and sunny for race day. Bring sun screen and plenty of water.

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USCA0724?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared

Time is ticking for Nor-Cal Cross racers. The season is upon us and the racing action will just get better and better over the next few weeks-months. I do recommend you make the CCCX event. The course is a Nor-Cal classic, and the competition level is very high.

Good luck to all who race!

Livermore & Folsom Results-

Kerry Barnholt, Sarah Kerlin, Barbara Howe, Sarah Maile, Elizabeth Albut, Holly McGovern, Jermey Ferguson, Kirk Fitzpatrick, Chris McGovern, Josh Snead, Cody Kiaser, Don Myrah, these were some of the fast folks during the first few races of 2009. This past weekends Livermore & Folsom races were a great success. The early season races help riders get in sync with their Cross bikes & lead into the bigger battle of CCCX #1, where major bragging rights are on the line & most of Nor-Cal's heavy hitters will meet. CCCX #1 will take place this Sunday September 20 and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top when the stakes are higher...


World Champion Neils Albert on his way to winning Krawatencross this past weekend....


It will just keep getting better and better for Nor-Cal Cross racing as the season progresses. With CCCX #1 this Sunday, then the series opener for Cross in the Capitol- The Sacramento Cyclocross Series the following weekend, as well as CCCX #2, the racing exploits will continue to expand.

It continues with the Bay Area Super Prestige Series Race #1 on Oct. 4, then the re-birth of the Surf City Series on Oct. 11.

It will be very interesting to see which riders will make their mark during the 2009 Cross campaign.

Livermore results..........

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Arrt90c-foPgdHowZnZZbFVoTUV6N2hsNUlmX1J1OVE&hl=en

And some very nice select photos from Edward Falsken....

http://edwardfalsken.smugmug.com/Cycling/Cyclocross/Livermore-CX-2/9628569_anaYm#649007002_QnkoY

Folsom Results....

http://kineticcycles.com/Cyclebration%20Results.html

Congratulations to Kinetic Cycles and the LARPD Series for hosting great events over the past weekend.

This Saturday- LARPD #2 & Folsom Cyclebration Cyclocross

The racing this weekend will be on Saturday, with options in Livermore at the LARPD #2- or the Negro Bar Folsom Cross. Personally I like both locations for some Cyclocross. Dave Carr's mud index would not register for this weekends events as sunshine and dry conditions will be par for both courses. Livermore looks to be fairly pleasant and manageable with a high of 88 degrees, while Folsom is going to be the sun screen event with a temperature forecast of 96 degrees at race time. Both courses are super fun to compete on, and I have enjoyed my time in the saddle when I have raced at each location. I highly recommend you support these events with your participation in the racing. Bring lots of water, lots of sun screen, and lots of smiles, because good times should be had by all this Saturday in Folsom at Negro Bar and Livermore- LARPD #2...

Livermore's course from Google's satellite view....
Local boy's -Cody Kaiser & Jeremy Ferguson will most likely be taking part in the action in Folsom....

Here is the link to the info for the Folsom Cyclebration Cyclocross...

http://www.folsomcyclebration.com/Negro_Bar_Cyclocross.html

I have always liked the courses at Negro Bar. I enjoyed the early races at this venue set up by John & Linda Elgart. I do believe they were the pioneer's of this venue. The races there in the past always had a good mixture of many different types of terrain. Excellent racing for sure!

Livermore posted a solid turn out for race #1. Here is the link to the LARPD info....

http://www.liveplayride.com/

It should be some great racing in the East Bay this Saturday.

LARPD #1 PHOTOS

Thanks to Miss Mary for getting some excellent photos of the action from the first Cross race of 2009. It looked like a great time for all at the LARPD event! I am sure more photos will be posted from this event. Congratulations to everyone raced...

Looks like fun.......
California Cross, with Palm Trees in the backdrop.....

A good sized crowd started the 2009 Cross race season in Livermore...

Here is the link to Miss Mary's collection.....

http://www.pbase.com/unicornisamore/lardp_2009

LARPD Opens Cross Season This Weekend In Livermore!

Karen & Shane Huntoon will kick start the 2009 Cyclocross season for Northern California this Saturday in Livermore with their excellent LARPD Series opener. Both Karen & Shane have had successful bicycle racing careers and they use this experience to put forth fun and well run races for all ages and skill levels. It is on for Cross racing this weekend, the season starts now! For the first few races of the LARPD Series the courses feature some cool grass sections of riding. There will also be many twists and turns to tantalize and test all riders while preparing everyone for the challenges that racing Cross delivers. Amazingly the temperature forecast looks not overly hot & brutal as it can be scorching in the East Bay this time of year. It should be a very pleasant day for racing this Sat., Sept 5, Nor-Cal's first Cross event LARPD #1...


Shane Huntoon getting his groove on Cyclocross style......

Shane's web site can be found here with much info about cycling and other bicycle related activities....

http://liveplayride.com/

Cross specific info can be found on this page....

http://liveplayride.com/CyclocrossInfo/tabid/59/Default.aspx

Check out the weather forecast for race day here....

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USCA0618?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared

I highly recommend having a go at some Livermore races. The action is fast and the riding is straight up fun. There is no better way to start the season then jumping right on some of the sweet courses Shane puts together. Will Huntoon use his famous "six-pack" board set up??, I doubt it for the Series opener. One thing you can count on is a good time!

Thanks to Karen & Shane for all their cooperation with overall scheduling of the Nor-Cal races, and for having a great LARPD Series for those who want to race and have good times on the Cross bike!