CROSS CONDITIONS

Yes, the first Cyclocross races of the season will be held on dry, fast circuits. 

Dust in the air becomes a dreaded obstacle, and loose dirt something to contend with at high speeds. 

But this is Northern California and rain will appear during the race season!  With the rain, Cyclocross takes on a life of it's own!  Course conditions rule the day, and at times become even more of a test and battle then simply finishing ahead of fellow competitors!

Adverse conditions give Cyclocross racing character and quality that can not be found in any other type of cycle sport...

Tire choice, and bike set up become paramount to success against the elements.  Pit crews and team support can truly make the difference when push comes to shove in the mud....

Cross fans revel and frenzy in the spectacle of racers pressing on against winter racing conditions.  Cyclocross racing produces the most epic cycling pictures by far.  Nor-Cal is blessed with photographers who will go out of their way in foul conditions to get the money shot...

Racing in brutal Cross conditions can create a atmosphere of solitude and self perseverance that can only be felt by a rider on their own pressing toward the final lap...

Bike handling skills are tested to the max in challenging Cross conditions.  If you are not competent in technical riding, skills will certainly be improved by the end of a full Cyclocross race season...

CYCLOCROSS...

Motivational viewing....



CYCLOCROSS LINKS- HAVE A LOOK.....

The Cyclocross News

Cyclocross Magazine

Cyclocross Videos

Cyclocross World

Cyclocross E Bay

An Hour In Hell

Plus One Lap

CX CLINICS & COACHING

With the start gun to the 2011 Cross season firing off very soon, it is time for clinics, practice, and personal coaching to enable individuals & teams greater success throughout the year.

On your mark, get set, go!

Speed on the Cyclocross course is what separates the great from the good.

 How to achieve? How to define? How to improve?

Speed is the rate or a measure of the rate of motion...

The magnitude of a velocity...

Swiftness of action...

The act of moving rapidly...

Improve your overall race speed and success will come, it is a simple equation!  Or is it that simple?

Speedy Cal. Giant Inc./Specialized's Gannon Myall shows off the hardware at the top step of the podium.  Myall has spent years in Cross competitions developing speed and race tactics which have enabled himself to win series titles.

Below Myall shares the podium in a Nor-Cal series final with 2nd place- Tim Thompson, 3rd place Mark Howland, 4th place Keith DeFiebre, and 5th place Don Myrah.

Nor-Cal's most dominate regional rider is Justin Robinson- shown below winning a Elite District Championship title.  Robinson has used Cross clinic's, coaching, and endless practice to win more Senior Elite races over the past 10 years then any other Northern California rider. Robinson could literally be the definition of speed for Nor-Cal Cross...

Clinic's and personal coaching can address certain skills of Cyclocross that equate to higher speed on course.  I highly recommend participation in pre-season & early season clinic's to improve and refine Cross specific moves.  Below Masters National Champion Alan Coats glides over the boards in a natural maneuver developed only by practice.

Clinic's & coaching will make dismounts become second nature to a Cross racer.  Practice makes perfect and taking part in a Cross clinic can dissect and diagnose all aspects and characteristics of the dismount and mounting action that Cyclocross demands.  Mess up your dismount or mount in competition and the consequences could be dire...

Cross season is so awesome, because the fans can watch and cheer their favorite racers each lap.  Cross fans get a first hand view of the action, making for some great spectator opportunities during the events.  Below you can see how the Belgium fans really adore their Cyclocross racing and their fans are #1 in my book...

Northern California Cyclocross is fun!  If you take things too seriously you might not have time to enjoy the finer things that Cyclocross brings to the table...

Please keep it fun and enjoy the friendly competition on course!

For upcoming clinincs and private or group coaching seminars please check the-

Bay Area Cyclocross Yahoo Group

Velo Girls

CX Nation

Sterling Sports

Cyclocross Magazine

Ciclista Bonita

Josh Snead

Wenzel Coaching- Ron Castia

2011 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CYCLOCROSS - LET THE RACING BEGIN!

The 2011 NCNCA Cyclocross schedule is updated with some fantastic races lined up for Nor-Cal Cross competitors. 

First action kicks into gear on September 10.

The Bay Area Series, The Central Coast Series, The Surf City Series, The Sacramento Series, The Santa Rosa Cup Series, all will deliver the desired goods to Cross racers of Nor-Cal.  Plus other excellent events like the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships to be held in San Francisco, or the Lion of Fairfax event, and Folsom Cyclebration Cross.  2011 will be epic for Cyclocross racing in Nor-Cal!

The NCNCA region, with out a doubt, has some of the fastest and most dedicated Cyclocross racers in America.  The 2011 season is sure to show new champions who are creating their own status as top athletes on course.  As well as display the legendary riders who define the history of Northern California Cyclocross.  These riders are a pleasure to watch in action as their smoothness on the bike and Cross technique are refined over years and years of Nor-Cal racing!

Teams & Clubs are taking shape, and I highly recommend getting involved with a race team or cycling club to enhance the experience that is Northern California Cross. 

Keeping it fun is most important to Cyclocross racing!

At the Category 1&2 levels, the racing is super fast and super serious.  Yet even at the highest level in Nor-Cal Cross the fun factor always comes into play. 

Keep it fun and the 2011 Cyclocross season will be most memorable for all the right reasons!