The Cyclocross season is just around the corner and racing begins in only a few weeks time. Nor-Cal's Cross teams are starting to come together, with rosters filling out, solo and group Cross workouts firing up, and the
NCNCA Calender of races becoming just about totally complete. The
Scaramento Cyclocross Series dates have been added to the calendar, as has the
Bike Monkey Santa Rosa Series event dates. The
CCCX Series, the
Surf City Series, and the
BASP Series, all have dates claimed in what looks to be a awesome season of Cross racing ahead. Classic events like the
Folsom Cyclebration Cross, and the
Lion of Fairfax Big Swingin' Cycles race only highlight what a great schedule of racing Nor-Cal Cross athletes can pick and choose from. Most of the best riders in Northern California race virtually each weekend to dial in their fitness and practice their chosen craft of cycling's most athletic discipline-
Cyclocross. I highly recommend all racers keep a sharp eye on the the NCNCA calendar, as race dates can change and nothing is set in stone with regards to the current calendar listings. Each race season in Northern California brings new surprises. Established teams always seem to add new riders, thus making for fierce competition just in each team, let alone on course racing against other squads. Certain riders step up and deliver great and surprising performances during the year. Ranked riders from other regions relocate to Northern California making the Nor-Cal racing even more competitive. Like
Scott/Ritchey rider
Kerry Barnholt last season, who dominated Nor-Cal racing in 2009, then went on to win a National Masters Championship in Bend Oregon. New teams form each season, which keeps the Cyclocross energy high and introduces this great sport to new riders of all ages, gender, and cycling ability. One new team which is sure to have a impact on race days is
Ciclista Bonita. Women Cross racing overall in Nor-Cal is stellar, the fields in all divisions are large, and the Nor-Cal ladies dominated the USA National Championships in 2009. Ciclista Bonita is a new women's Cross team that is sure to bring more female racers to the table while showing that a healthy lifestyle can be achieved by taking part in the sport of Cyclocross.
Bike Station Aptos is backing this group of Women led by
Mary Perez. Other riders on this new team are
Goldi JM,
Winona Hubbard,
Rachel Wolff,
Livia Peras, and
Karen Kefauver,
Jenny Meyer Feix, and
Dionne Ybarra. I am all for more Women racing Cross and Ciclista Bonita is leading the charge in this realm. Another team note regarding one of Nor-Cal's leading ladies is
Karen Brems, who was one of the best Elite Women racers in the NCNCA for 2009 Cross, joining up with
Trina Baumsteiger at
Team Rambuski Law. These two fine riders are sure to find success in 2010. This race team is also strong on the Masters Men's side with
Kevin Merrigan being a new recruit, and set to join
Tim Thompson,
Jim Gentes,
Logan Kelsey, and
Edwin Rambuski. I hope to track down more team info to share and continue the build up to
the first race of the 2010 Cyclocross season. Cross is King in Nor-Cal, and each and every year I see growth in participation and the level of competition on course. However, please always remember to keep it fun...