ncnca cx

SURF CITY- FINAL WEEKEND OF NCNCA CROSS

2012-01-26T00:29:00.000-08:00

SURF CITY @ HARBOR HIGH THIS SUNDAY CLOSES OUT BANNER 2011/12 NCNCA CYCLOCROSS SEASON!

CCCX FINAL POINT TOTALS & SERIES CHAMPIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Nor-Cal's Superstars of Cyclocross traveled to Bakersfield this past weekend to respond to the challenge of the Nor-Cal vs. So-Cal California State Championship showdown...

It turned out to be one of the more incredible performances ever by Northern California Cyclocross with complete domination in the top divisions from our regional riders. It was fantastic and incredible how Northern California simply stuck it to So-Cal, showing no mercy and completely controlling the podium spots in the highest level groups in Bakersfield!

Gina Hall(Cal Giant Inc.) & Andy Jacques-Maynes(Cal Giant Inc.) won

Elite divisions.

Gannon Myall(Cal Giant Inc.), John Kammeyer(Peninsual Velo),

Norm Kreiss(Cal Giant Inc.), Janel Lodge(Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster),

& Julie Bates(Roaring Mouse), won "A" level Masters divisons.

Sophia Gomez Villafane(BuyCell.com) won the Jr. Women division.

Aaron Bradford(Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster) was Single Speed king.

And team Fun Sport Bikes Craig Chaney was the 35+ "B" division winner.

It truly was compete domination as these race winners were backed up on the podium buy numerous other racers who found success in Bakersfield and hail from the NCNCA Cross region.

FULL BAKERSFIELD NOR-CAL vs. SO-CAL RESULTS HERE.

I offer a huge congratulations to all the riders who took part in the Nor-Cal vs. So-Cal challenge!

Simply awesome everyone!

Way to show your class and the true class of

NCNCA Cyclocross!

NCNCA District Cross Champion for 2011 Andy Jacques Maynes owned the Nor-Cal vs. So-Cal Elite Men's race. Jacques Maynes has had a super stellar Cross season, and I am sure he will roll right into the Road Race season holding

very fine form indeed...

National Champion Gina Hall leads Nor-Cal's Ellen Sherill(Bike Station Aptos) in this photo below. Nor-Cal went 1-2 in the Women's Elite division at Bakersfield thanks to these two talented racers. Hall showed tremendous form toward the final portions of the race season, especially in her National Championship race win.

Pretty Boy! Gannon Myall is pictured below all styled out in his freshly cleaned pro Cross kit, and flashy Specialized Cross bike, with clean shaved legs, on his way to the Masters 35+ win at Bakersfield. Myall is also styling his UCI sanctioned Masters World's podium medal to all races he attends now, just to show who is boss of Masters Cross for 2011/12 in Nor-Cal.

John Kammeyer continues the Nor-Cal tradition of outstanding Masters 45+ racers in winning the Men's 45+ division in Bakersfield. Certainly the on form Kammeyer does not want this Cross season to end, as he keeps getting better, stronger, & faster as the year has progressed.

Norm Kreiss is another rider who found his best form of the season in just the right moments. Kreiss is the main man in the 55+ division for Nor-Cal, America, and the World! And Norm did not disappoint in Bakersfield, winning big in this division to close out his great 2011/12 Cyclocross year.

Junior sensation Sophia Gomez Villafane was another rider who came into tiptop shape as the season wore on for Nor-Cal Cyclocross. Constant racing delivered the amazingly talented Villafane toward numerous outstanding rides to end her Cross season. She was NCNCA District Champion, Nor-Cal vs. So-Cal Junior Women Champion, and also won her first Elite Women's race at the CCCX Series final. Villafane has a bright future ahead in her Cycling career, and I do hope she keeps getting better and has fun always on the bike while chasing her cycle sport future.

Single Speed USA National Cyclocross Champion Aaron Bradford went to Bakersfield and did what he does best- win a Cross race! Bradford showed So-Cal what's up when it comes to Single Speed skills and won his race in fine fashion after a 2 up effort with team mate Scott Chapin.

Janel Lodge shows the eye of the tiger on her way to the Masters Women 35+ race win in Bakersfield. Lodge was the CCCX Cyclocross Series Champion this season, and backed that up with her super strong ride in Bakersfield. Lodge is a great individual and a fan favorite among the Nor-Cal Cross family. Lodge is a inspiration to many and a true fighter on her bike in competition. Her determination on the Cross bike makes for great results and this was evident on the hard course in Bakersfield at the North-South challenge.

Julie Bates is a Bay Area Cyclocross legend. She excels in all types of cycle sport, Road, MTB, & Cross, and her athletic ability and fire under race pressure leads the way to her success. Bates made Nor-Cal super proud in winning the Masters Women's 45+ division in Bakersfield.

Craig Chaney pulled off an outstanding race win in Bakersfield topping the Men's 35+ "B' division. This group was the largest pack of the day with over 35 riders taking the start grid. Chaney was on form going into the Bakersfield showdown, after posting a very solid ride the weekend before in winning the overall championship in his division at the CCCX Series the week before Bakersfield. Chaney & his Team Fun Sport Bikes played a leading role in Nor-Cal Cross this year, and their team deserves great praise for their continued development of their riders.

NORTH/SOUTH CHALLENGE BAKERSFIELD

2012-01-18T02:07:00.000-08:00

NOR-CAL vs. SO-CAL CHALLENGE IS BIG SHOW FOR ALL OF CALIFORNIA CYCLOCROSS THIS WEEKEND IN BAKERSFIELD!

ALL INFORMATION ON BAKERSFIELD'S CLASSIC CYCLOCROSS SHOWDOWN HERE.

The city of Bakersfield has a Cyclocross classic on their hands. Northern California racers are now rallying the troops in order to support this event, and bring the full force of Nor-Cal talent to square up against Southern California during a weekend long Cross festival of good times and fast racing.

Big Press Release From Race Director Sam Ames Here.

Some of my most memorable & favorite races have been traveling South and matching up with riders from the Southern region of California

who I was not familiar with.

Nor-Cal has the deepest talent pool for Masters racing in all America. Nor-Cal has Junior talent, Elite riders who are super skilled, and Women racers who fight tooth & nail for placing during the competitions. This weekend Bakersfield hosts an opportunity for Nor-Cal's most dedicated Cross racers to represent their region and go to war against riders they rarely will

face over seasons of racing.

This is a chance I highly recommend you take!

Bakersfield and the North/South Challenge will not disappoint!

See Here What SO-CAL Says About This Event.

Simply scroll down the So-Cal Cyclocross web site and they do a little bragging about beating Nor-Cal in points during the North/South Challenge last year! Funny because they get all the riders from the host town of Bakersfield counted to their score, and then claim victory in the end! Ha!

The only option for the NCNCA region of Cyclocross is to Man & Women Up!~ and get your team mates, friends, and family members together in a big push to...

RACE CYCLOCROSS THIS WEEKEND IN BAKERSFIELD!

Conditions are going to be awesome. The course is worthy, and the on form NCNCA racers who are fresh off of competing in the Surf City Series & CCCX Series in early Jan. are sure to be prepared to brawl big time against any rider from the So-Cal region who dares to step in the ring with Northern California's top guns. This weekend is going to be incredible for good times and fond memories. So good luck to all from Nor-Cal who participate! Our riders are clearly prepared to fight the good fight in honor of our region.

Ride like the wind and have fun doing it!

FULL WEATHER REPORT HERE.

IT IS ABOUT TIME WE HAD SOME MUD!

Clearly not a bad forecast at all,

and it would be nice if the storm was much greater...

But it looks like Sunday could be really good for drama and spectacle!

CCCX - MASTERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

2012-01-16T03:24:00.000-08:00

CCCX SERIES FINAL RESULTS & PHOTOS HERE.

Northern California Masters Cyclocross racing is ranked #1 in America after another amazing USA Cycling National Championship

performance in Madison Wisconsin....

Now Nor-Cal Masters own the World Championship Stage, as

Karen Brems(Team Rambuski Law), Don Myrah(Ibis/Buy-Cell.com),

and Ron Riley(Bike Station Aptos) all earn the coveted Gold Medal at Masters World Championships in Louisville Kentucky.

Northern California is now Cyclocross capitol of the World for Masters racing as John Elgart(Webcor), Norm Kreiss(Cal. Giant Inc.),

Henry Kramer(Cal. Giant Inc.) & Gannon Myall(Cal. Giant Inc.)

all rise to the occasion of a World Championship event and bring home

Silver & Bronze UCI medals back to family & friends, and the NCNCA region.

Cyclocross Magazine's Masters World's Coverage Here.

More on Nor-Cal Success at Masters Worlds Coming Tomorrow.

King of America, now King of the World!

Don Myrah wears #1 and the USA National Championship jersey on his way to dominating the 45+ race at Masters World Championships!

Congratulations Don!

Karen Brems has been the leading lady of Northern California Cyclocross this season! Brems rattled off a very impressive winning streak to close out her year in regional Nor-Cal racing. One of the those victories was a dominating win in the Women's Elite division at the NCNCA District Championships at Toro Park. Brems was one of my top picks for a USA Cycling National Cyclocross Championship in her age group.

Yet Brems bypassed that event and played all her cards on a Masters World title. Brems rose to the occasion by tearing apart her field in one of the more masterful rides at Masters Worlds, on her way to a awesome victory salute on the line and a Gold Medal on the podium!

Congratulations Karen!

Ron Riley is a class act, and in my opinion one of the most inspirational athletes in all of Northern California Cyclocross! Riley is now the 75+ Masters World Champion for Cyclocross and is a prime example of how cycle sport keeps riders young at heart and fresh in mind and soul. Riley does not let anything deter his quest for competition. His age only makes him wiser, while inspiring others to chase their dreams in the same fashion and with the same passion as Riley has over the years.

Congratulations Ron!

Andy Jacques Maynes leads Cal. Giant Cyclocross team mate USA Cycling U23 Silver medalist and past Junior National Champion Cody Kaiser

at the CCCX Series finals near Monterey.

Jacques Maynes won the CCCX final race and overall series title on Sunday.

Jacques Maynes posted a dominating 2011 Nor-Cal Cross race season

losing only one event during the year,

while earning a plethora of race victories.

The on form Jacques Maynes would have been a major contender at Nationals & Masters Worlds had he chose to participate.

Sophie Gomez-Villafane continued her stellar riding at the CCCX Series final winning the Elite Women's race and taking home some cash for her fast riding efforts in that group. Villafane is the NCNCA Junior Cyclocross champion, and has been ripping off some incredible rides as the Cross season concludes.

Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster sponsored athlete Mark Howland showed some steady power and determination in his comeback from injury six weeks ago after a racing crash. Howland was forced to skip Masters World's after his mishap, but found himself back on the CCCX podium in the super tough 45+ division at the Central Coast Series final race on Sunday.

CCCX FINAL ON SUNDAY - MASTERS WORLDS IN LOUISVILLE

2012-01-12T23:59:00.000-08:00

Central Coast Cyclocross Series Final

Is "Game On" For Northern California Racers

This Sunday Near Monterey.

Masters Worlds In Louisville, Kentucky.

The CCCX Series hands out season long awards as racing

continues on another fast and dry course in Nor-Cal.

The 2011/12 Cross campaign goes down in history for

least rain ever in Northern California during Cyclocross winter racing!

The CCCX Series final is always fun times as the Cross season still burns bright with sunshine. The course is going to be speedy & railing, and the friendly atmosphere combined with competitive action is sure to be

flowing fast in Monterey on Sunday!

Cyclocross racing continues during the month of January with Bakersfield's North/South State Championship Challenge at Hart Park next weekend.

Then the Surf City Series closes out the amazing

Nor-Cal Cyclocross year on January 29.

Now is time to rally the troops! Get out and race Cyclocross!

Because come February the dream of Cross racing full speed ahead

will have to be put on hold for 8 months...

CCCX, the

Sam Ames Bakersfield North/South Challenge,

and Surf City.

What an awesome way to end the year~

Across the country some of the most talented Cyclocross racers from Northern California are contesting the Masters World Championships in Louisville Kentucky. This is the first time ever the Masters World Championships are held in America. The fields are stacked with "World Class" talent, yet North America clearly has the advantage with the racing taking place on our home soil for the first time. Looking at the start lists, many European racers did not make the trip over seas, providing the greatest chance ever for Nor-Cal racers to earn World Championship Medals. The fields are stacked with riders from the USA and European racers are simply not here in any numbers at all. A World Championship in the Masters division is very possible for a racer from Nor-Cal this weekend!

The first day of action went down today, and already the on form racers from Northern California made their mark. Fresh of his USA National Championship, Don Myrah(Ibis/Buy-Cell.com) just earned a front row spot in the main event by claiming his seeding run contested under brutal conditions in Louisville. Cold, rain, sleet, mud, and ice is greeting the racers who have traveled to Kentucky for this premier event. Other racers from Nor-Cal to earn top 10 status in their seeding runs were

Gannon Myall(Cal. Giant Inc.), Alan Coats(Cal. Giant Inc.),

Edwin Rambuski(Team Rambuski Law), and Joe Fabris(Plus 3 Network).

I look for both the Women & Men from Nor-Cal to be in

for a good chance at Medals.

In fact, it would be a major upset if the Masters riders from Nor-Cal who are in Louisville do not rise to the occasion and make their mark in history with a outstanding ride to a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal at Masters Worlds.

Go Team!

Cycling News Masters Worlds results here.

Complete information on Masters Worlds here-

Official website.

Cyclocross Magazine Masters Worlds coverage here.

SURF CITY SERIES

2012-01-09T00:26:00.000-08:00

Northern California Cyclocross Continues On Throughout January As The Surf City Series Kicks Off The Month With Great Racing!

FULL SURF CITY RESULTS HERE.

John Kammeyer(Peninsula Velo) celebrates an outstanding win in the super competitive Masters 45+ "A" division at Sunday's Surf City slugfest...

CCCX SERIES FINAL UP NEXT FOR NOR-CAL CYCLOCROSS.

NCNCA CYCLOCROSS AT NATIONALS

2012-01-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

Northern California Cyclocross Show The Rest Of America Who Is Boss Of Cross With Giant Saturday Of Race Domination At USA Cycling National Championships In Madison Wisconsin!

Myrah, Coats, Myall, Ortenblad, Kaiser, and Robinson

all make podium appearances in a complete & total show of force and power for the NCNCA region of Cyclocross racing.

Northern California cycling legend, USA Olympian & San Jose resident

Don Myrah(Ibis/Buy-Cell.com) put out one incredible ride for the Gold Medal in the Masters 45-49 division. Myrah rode solo for almost the entire race, while a thrilling chase went on behind him, and won his second

Masters Gold Medal in as many years on Saturday!

Congratulations Don!

California Giant Berry Farms racer Alan Coats showed skill, strength, and pure determination in his ride for the Bronze Medal in the Masters men 45-49 division. Coats was always near the front of the action, on a course that was brutal to say the least. Just look at the mud and mess Coats is powering through in the photo below. This was a epic day of racing, and Coats proved himself to be one of the best Masters racers in the recent history of USA Cyclocross with another National medal to add to his large collection from past Masters Championship events

Gannon Myall(California Giant Berry) has had a dream season in the Masters division. Myall, pictured below, put together some dominating rides during the NCNCA Cyclocross season and had multiple wins on the year. Myall backed those rides up with an outstanding 4th place finish on Saturday to join Myrah & Coats on the podium in the Masters Men 45-49 division.

In a field that boasted 75 of the top Masters 45-49 Cyclocross racers in America, Northern California placed 3 riders in the top 5 showing the freakish depth of the 45+ Cross racing Nor-Cal has to offer. This was one of the big stories of Cyclocross Nationals 2012, Northern California owning the Men's 45-49 division. The National podium looked like one of our local series races.... Amazing!

Congratulations Don, Alan, & Gannon!

Tobin Ortenblad(California Giant Berry Farms), pictured below, rose to the occasion of the USA Junior Cyclocross Championships and claimed the Silver Medal in very difficult conditions on Saturday. Ortenblad continued the tradition of outstanding Juniors rising to the top of the National talent pool in Cyclocross. Ortenblad has compiled an outstanding Cyclocross season, and he tops his year off with the Silver Medal at USA Nationals.

Congratulations Tobin!

Ortenblad fights for the hole shot in a stacked group of Junior racers at the USA Cycling National Championships. Over 50 Junior racers from across America contested the Championship event and Ortenblad was 2nd overall!

Ortenblad responds to the pressure of the big race and rides to the Silver Medal at Nationals. The Santa Cruz resident is the real deal,

and in the end he let his riding do his talking...

California Giant Berry Farms star racer Cody Kaiser, shown below, added another National Cross Medal to his collection with a super great Silver Medal in the ultra fast U23 division. Kaiser grabbed the hole shot and threw down some serious power on course during the 50+ minute contest. The conditions were tremendously demanding, and Kaiser excelled while

others failed, to earn the Silver Medal.

Congratulations Cody!

Kaiser is a true champion of Cross, and Nor-Cal is proud to watch this man develop from the USA Junior Champion in Cyclocross, to now one of the very best in the U23 group.

Justin Robinson(California Giant Berry Farms), pictured below showed tremendous grit and determination to ride to another podium at USA Cyclocross Nationals in the 35-39 division. Robinson has a multiple year streak going on of making the podium at the USA Championships in the Masters division, and 2012 the streak continued.

Congratulations Justin!

Robinson on the podium again at Nationals!

Alan Coats, pictured below, was one of five California Giant Berry Farms Cyclocross team members to make the podium at Nationals on Saturday! The awards announcer must be dreaming of strawberries tonight in his sleep after the fantastic Saturday Watsonville's Cal. Giant had in Wisconsin.

Kaiser, photo below, on his way to Silver in the U23 race.

Cyclocross Magazine Coverage Here.

CROSS NATIONALS

2012-01-06T01:16:00.000-08:00

Northern California Cyclocross Earns Another Precious Gold Medal At Nationals Day 2.

California Giant Berry Farms Standout Gina Hall Takes No Prisoners And Claims

Gold In the Women's 45-49 Division.

Hall found her best form of the season at the most important race of the year! Hall rode the very front of the race throughout, showing her rear wheel to the rest of the group from the start.

Hall has now won multiple USA Cycling National Championships in the

sport of Cyclocross and can be considered one of the

NCNCA's greatest Cross athlete's ever.

CX Magazine's race report from the Masters Women races here.

California Giant Berry Farms Norm Kreiss snatches the Silver Medal in the Masters Men 50-54.

Kreiss put up a super fight for the Gold with racing legend Paul Curley. In the end Kreiss could be satisfied with his second Silver Medal from Cross Nationals in as many years!

Kreiss was all smiles after the podium presentations where he added another Silver Medal to his National Championship hardware collection.

CX Magazine's coverage of Masters Men action here.

Team Rambuski Law's Katrina Baumsteiger delivered a tremendously strong performance in racing to the 5th spot on the podium in the Women's 45-49 division. Baumsteiger & Hall made Nor-Cal Cross fans very proud with two

representatives on the podium for this group in what was one of the biggest fields of the day in all Masters competitions.

Henry Kramer(California Giant Berry Farms) missed the Masters Men 55-59 podium by a mere 5 seconds. Kramer will surely be back to Cross Nationals another year to have a go against the best Masters racers from across America.

Northern California was huge in the Masters 55-59 division on Thursday! Some are calling it one of the most dominating performances in recent years for a region in one division at Cyclocross Nationals. Kreiss & Kramer were joined in the top 10 finishers in that group by Jim Gentes(Giro) who was 8th & Webcor/Alto Velo racer George Smith who finished 9th place. Nor-Cal thus put 4 riders in the top ten of this division! The soggy fields of Wisconsin ended up showing just how strong the Masters Cyclocross racing is for the NCNCA region. Congratulations to Kreiss, Kramer, Gentes & Smith!

USA CYCLING FULL RESULTS HERE.

TIM WESTMORE'S DAY 2 NATIONAL PHOTOS HERE.

CYCLOCROSS MAGAZINE'S DAY 3 PREVIEW HERE.

January The Best Time Of Year For Cyclocross Racing

2012-01-05T00:03:00.000-08:00

Surf City Series & CCCX Series Keep Dream Alive For Nor-Cal Cyclocross In January.

Surf City In Action At Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds This Sunday!

Northern California First To Strike Gold at Cyclocross Nationals In Madison Wisconsin..... AMAZING!

Nor-Cal puts 2 riders on the podium in

Single Speed division.

Bay 101/HRS/Rock Lobster racer Aaron Bradford red hot in frigid cold Wisconsin claims Gold Medal on Day #1 of National Championships. Another Lobster strongman Scott Chapin also on podium with fine 4th place finish.

Bradford was a man possessed during the Single Speed race! The Santa Cruz resident outlasted a stellar field of super talented racers to claim the top step of the podium and own a Gold Medal for Nor-Cal Cyclocross!

The slick course in Madison Wisconson became very technical as the race wore on during the Single Speed event. Many of the Northern California Cyclocross series the past 2 years have featured bunny hopping obstacles, or specific board sections that allow riders who can bunny hop opportunities to use that skill. Having these sections picks up the skill level of all who race, plain and simple.

At Nationals Nor-Cal's Aaron Bradford used a last lap strategic bunny hop over the boards to solidify his lead and earn the Gold Medal in the Single Speed race.....Amazing! Bradford has been a force the past few years in Nor-Cal Cross, always fighting the good fight at the front of the Elite races.

His hard work and dedication to Cyclocross has paid off with a

Cross National Championship today, to go with his

"Super D" MTB National Championship he won a few years ago.

I personally know the riders who finished 2nd & 3rd place in the Single Speed race behind Aaron Bradford. Both riders are legends in the sport of cycling from Idaho and have a long history of winning big races. J.T Fountain and Michael Gaertner are true champions of cyclesport, and both riders at the end of the day were forced to look up to the top step of the podium and see

Nor-Cal's Aaron Bradford put on the coveted Stars & Stripes winners jersey.

Congratulations Aaron!

Bradford's team mate Scott Chapin also deserves huge respect for his 4th place finish in the Single Speed race. Rock Lobster made a giant statement on the first day of Nationals for Northern California and I do hope that this performance motivates others to great results as well....

Tim Westmore's Cross Nationals Photos.

Cyclocross Magazine Cross Nationals Race Report.

USA Cycling Cross Nationals Schedule & Start Lists.

Thursday I look for Henry Kramer, Norm Kreiss- both California Giant Berry Farms sponsored, and Katrina Baumsteiger- Team Rambuski Law, to battle for podium positions and Medal honors in their respective divisions...

One other note on Wednesday's racing...- Rock Lobster fully owned the Single Speed event. They had team racer Alex Work, the NCNCA District Champion is the Single Speed division, ride to 7th place at Nationals- joining Chapin & Bradford in the top 10. So Lobster placed 3 riders in the top 10 in Wisconsin... Fantastic!

SOLID GOLD!

NCNCA RACE RESULTS

2011-12-21T01:28:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of all the race winners from this past weekend's super great events in Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and Surf City.

Congratulations to all the division winners at those events!

NCNCA Cyclocross now takes a two week break for the holidays, with

"Peak Season" Cross action kicking into gear the first week of 2012.

January is sure to bring on epic Cyclocross racing with Nor-Cal's very best events saved for the end of the season, plus USA National Championships & Masters World Championships.

Surf City Series race winners from 12/18/11.

A Men- Andy Jacques-Maynes- Cal Giant Strawberry

A Women- Karen Brems- Team Rambuski Law

Single Speed- Walton Brush- SF Mash

B Women- Sophia Gomez Villafane- Buy Cell- Ibis

C Women- Michelle Morrill

Junior Women- Emma Myall- Cal Giant Strawberry

Masters Women 35+ - Amy Goldstein- Bicycle Trip Symantec

Masters Women 45+- Teri Reilly

Masters Men 35+- Don Myrah- Ibis/Buy Cell

Masters men 45+- Jon Mundelius- Cal Giant Strawberry

B Men- Tim Reynolds- Kain Performance

Masters Men 35+ B- Karl Haunold

Masters Men 45+ B- Will Hall- Bay 101/HRS/Rock Lobster

Masters Men 55+ John Brown- Family Cycling Center

C Men- Todd Rokala

Junior Men 13 & Under- Jackson Rhodes- Hunter/Freewheel

Junior Men 18& Under- Chance Tiner- S.C. Junior Cycling

Santa Rosa Cup race winners from 12/18/11

A Men- Jakob Magnusek

A Women- Sarah Bamberger

Master Women 35+- Renee Shelton

B Women- Vicky Sama

Single Speed A- Yuri Hauswald

Single Speed B- Phil Fifer

B Men- Alex Brookhouse

Masters Men 35+ A- Ryan Kish

Masters Men 45+ A- John Kammeyer

Masters Men 35+ B- Richard Kirby

Masters Men 45+ B- Rusk Whipps

C Men- Matt Rossi

Junior 10-14- Donovan Birky

Junior 14-18- JJ Kammeyer

Men 55+ Jim Lund

C Women- Caitlin Sheder-Bieschin

Sacramento Series race winners from 12/17/11

A Men- Christopher Jones

A Women- Ellen Sherrill

B Women- Vicky Sama

Masters Women 35+- Linda Elgart

C Women- Julie Barton

Single Speed- Peter Knudsen

Masters Men 35+ A- John Mundelius

Masters Men 45+ A- John Kammeyer

Junior Men A- Robert Terra

B Men- Kevin Tufts

Masters Men 35+ B- Justin Hintz

Masters Men 45+ B- Todd Harris

Masters 55+B Men- Jim Lund

Junior Men B- Thomas Sevey

C Men- Clifton Smoot

Masters C Men 35+- Tony Simoni

Masters B Men 45+- Bryan Nelson

Masters 55+ C Men- William Dunkum III

January Nor-Cal Cyclocross Races-

Jan. 8- Surf City Series

Jan. 15- Central Coast Series

Jan. 22- North/South Challenge Bakersfield

Jan. 29- Surf City Series

January Cyclocross in the NCNCA is going to be really good!

Full photo collection from the past weekend's racing can be found here.

Happy Holidays!

WEEKEND RACING

2011-12-15T01:47:00.000-08:00

HUGE ACTION PACKED WEEKEND OF RACING FOR NOR-CAL CYCLOCROSS!

SACRAMENTO SERIES ON SATURDAY.

SURF CITY SERIES & SANTA ROSA CUP
ON SUNDAY.

The season is "Peak" for racing Cyclocross! The absolute best Cyclocross racing in America continues this weekend in the NCNCA with awesome events held on spectacular and super fun courses! Northern California is the top of the food chain for Cross racing in the USA and

Saturday & Sunday it will be "Game On" for regional racers to

compete in their chosen trade!

Surf City Series goes off at the always exciting

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. This race will be super great!

The Sacramento Series final is held amongst a nudist colony at Laguna Del Sol. What could be better then this for Cyclocross racing? Series final events are always good times and this race will be tremendous.

The righteous Santa Rosa Cup will be in effect at Spring Lake Regional Park.

Fun times is guaranteed in between the hard breathing and leg burning sensations racers will experience on this big time fun track. In the end winners will be drinking from the Santa Rosa Cup, will it be Napa Valley Wine or Belgium Beer in the champions cup? You have to race and win to find out....

SACRAMENTO SERIES INFORMATION HERE

SANTA ROSA CUP INFORMATION HERE

SURF CITY SERIES INFORMATION HERE

Nor-Cal is so fortunate to have incredibly talented photographers getting event photos of racers practicing their craft each week.

Prime examples of this are Paul Doran's race photos here.

Jeff Namba's race photos here.

And Tim Westmore's race photos here.

The Central Coast Cyclocross Series point totals for the overall are updated now- final race of this series is January 15.

Also in the "Peak Season" of Cyclocross racing for Northern California is Surf City Series races on January 8 & 29. Plus the great North/South Cyclocross Challenge in Bakersfield on January 21 & 22.

The 2011 Cross season has been incredible and the very best is still to come!

Ride Safe & Have Fun!

BAY AREA SUPER PRESTIGE

2011-12-13T00:37:00.000-08:00

Another awesome day of racing for NCNCA Cyclocross at CCCP-Coyote Point in San Mateo.

2011 has been an incredible season of racing and the best is still to come!

FULL BASP #4 RESULTS HERE.

Karen Brems(Team Rambuski Law) backed up her State Championship victory last weekend with a resounding race win in San Mateo Sunday! Brems is currently riding an amazing winning streak on her Leopard Cyclocross bicycle, and has proven herself to be the leading lady of Nor-Cal Cyclocross for 2011.

Congratulations on your fantastic riding this season Karen Brems!

Andy Jacques-Maynes(Cal. Giant Inc. Berry Farms/Specialized) backed up his State Championship victory last weekend with a dominating ride at Coyote Point on Sunday. Jacques-Maynes style is a pure demonstration of power, speed, craftiness, and fluid smoothness all wrapped up into one super stellar Cyclocross racing machine. In photo below Jacques-Maynes simply runs away from the rest of the Men's Elite field on the famous BASP fly-over.

Gannon Myall(Cal. Giant Inc. Berry Farms/Specialized) backed up his State Championship victory last weekend with a full throttle blow-out win on Sunday at BASP #4. Myall has put together one of those dream seasons this year that will go down in history for it's complete control of one age group race after race. Myall has owned the tremendously competitive 45+ Men's "A" division this season, and has raced like a true champion
throughout the 2011 Cross campaign.

Congratulations Gannon Myall for putting it all together on course this year!

Don Myrah(Ibis/Buy-Cell.com) was shut out by the Cal. Giant Inc. Berry Farm/Specialized duo of Justin Robinson & Alan Coats at last weekend's State Championship race. Certainly that did not sit well in Myrah's belly during the week! Sunday Myrah gained back some sort of revenge after being involved in another tight battle with Coats in the Men's 35+ "A" division at Coyote Point. In the end Myrah was able to raise his hands in victory and claim the top step of the podium at BASP #4.

Joanna Bechtel(Sycomp Racing/Team A) suffering on the Cyclocross bike while enjoying the fine view of San Francisco bay.

Cyclocross Magazine!

Nor-Cal legend of Cross racing- Ron Riley(Bike Station Aptos) showing fire in his eyes as he runs the sand of San Mateo. Riley is one of Nor-Cal's favored riders to claim a medal at the U.S. National Championships or Masters World Championships in the Men's 70+ division.

Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster team rider Ben Dodge in action at BASP #4.

BASP SUNDAY

2011-12-09T00:24:00.000-08:00

Classic CCCP Cyclocross Coyote Point Awaits Northern California Racers This Sunday!

All start times, race information, and history of this event can be viewed here.

Bay Area Cyclocross is going to be amazing

this Sunday in San Mateo!

Bring a camera or video recorder, the views at Coyoyte Point are one of a kind for Nor-Cal Cyclocross racing!

Ride Safe & Have Fun!

CYCLOCROSS RACING

2011-12-06T00:57:00.000-08:00

Team Roaring Mouse racer Steve Anderson captured some vivid photos from Sunday's Toro Park NCNCA Championship race.

His collection can be viewed here.

Jeff Namba also recorded some great photos from Saturday's Sacramento Series event at Lange Twins Winery. His collection can be viewed here.

Chris Gaffney(Webcor/Alto Velo) has put together a very strong Cyclocross season for 2011, and his dedication earned him a place on the podium for the NCNCA District Championships in the super competitive Men's 45+ division.

Ultra strong Teri Reilly(All Downhill From Here) demonstrated power, speed, and bike handling skills to the max on her way to the Masters Women 45+ NCNCA State Championship at Toro Park.

Sofia Gomez Villafane(Ibis/Buy Cell.com) ripping through the tree lined sections of Toro Park on her way to the Junior NCNCA State Championship.

Beverley Chaney(Team Roaring Mouse) is one of the top all-around riders in America for her age group. Chaney excels in Road Racing, Track Racing, MTB Racing, and now is the Masters Women 35+ NCNCA State Champion for Cyclocross.

Fox Shox strongman Mark Fitzsimmons(Family Cycling Center) on his way to a very solid top 10 finish in the Masters Men 35+ division at the NCNCA District Championship race.

Mallory Burda(Specialized) ripping through one of the high speed turns on the Toro Park Cross course.

Gina Hall(Cal. Giant Inc./Specialized) handles a tricky section on course with smoothness and grace. This particular dip down into a sand pit with a steep exit had more then one rider over cooking the line and finding themselves in a bit of bother when all was said and done.

Jeff Townsend(Plus3 Network) showed tremendous form on the 28% pitch run-up on his way to the Bronze Medal in the Masters Men 55+ division of the NCNCA State Championship for Cyclocross.

Chica Sexy has one of the top female race teams in Northern California. The Chica Sexy racers have displayed a very strong presence on the regional Cyclocross scene for 2011, and they always race with class! Here Natalia Gardoil is in fight mode during the Elite Women's race at Toro park.

Men's Elite NCNCA District Champion Andy Jacques-Maynes(Cal. Giant Inc./Specialized) was nothing but a blur to the other racers when he dropped a bomb on the group in his race winning attack with 2 laps to go in the final race of the day at at Toro Park.

The 2011 Pro 1/2 NCNCA Road B.A.R. Points Series winner Rand Miller(Sterling Sports) is more then just a Roadie. Miller can be seen doing MTB XC races, as well as Track races during the year. Sunday Miller was on his Cross bike having a go in the Elite District Championship race at Toro Park and finishing very well placed in the top 10.

Sofia Gomez Villafane had a amazing day of Cyclocross racing at the NCNCA District Championships. Villafane won two races on the day- Junior Women & Cat. 2/3/4 Women, and made podium in another, the Women's Single Speed Championship race. In the below photo Villafane describes how she managed to basically own the podium ceremonies during the day on her record setting performance at the NCNCA District Championships.

One of Nor-Cal's best ever female Cross racers Gina Hall loves some
Karaoke Singing!~

CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CYCLOCROSS

2011-12-05T00:41:00.000-08:00

Complete Results Here.

Toro Park produced outstanding racing on one of the seasons top tracks to decide the

2011 NCNCA Cross Championships.

Loose sand, grippy grass, one super steep run-up, and tricky tree crossings all highlight a course worthy of a championship title fight!

Gannon Myall(Cal.Giant Berry Farms/Specialized) Masters Men 45+

NCNCA State Champion

Robbie Farrnes(Tieni Duro) Junior 10-14 NCNCA State Champion

Karen Brems(Team Rambuski Law) Elite Women's
NCNCA State Champion

Andy Jacques-Maynes(Cal. Giant Inc. Berry Farms/Specialized) Elite Men's NCNCA State Champion

Elite Men's Podium- Andy Jacques-Maynes, Tobin Ortenblad(Cal. Giant Inc. Berry Farms/Specialized), Jakob Magnusk(Cyclesfanatic.com), Justin Robinson(Cal. Giant Inc. Berry Farms/Specialized), Grant Berry(Cycleution)

Tobin Ortenblad Junior 15-18 NCNCA State Champion

Henry Kramer(Cal. Giant Inc. Berry Farms/Specialized) Masters Men 55+

NCNCA State Champion

Justin Robinson Masters Men 35+ NCNCA State Champion

Sofia Gomez Villafane(Ibis/Buy Cell.com) Junior Women NCNCA State Champion

Stella Carey(Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster) on her way to victory in the first ever NCNCA Women's Single Speed State Championship

Stella Carey Women's Single Speed NCNCA State Champion

Alex Work(Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster) Men's Single Speed

NCNCA State Champion

Joe Ryan(Cal. Giant Inc. Berry Farms/Specialized) Masters Men's 65+

NCNCA State Champion

One special race note was Anthony Gallino's California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized Cyclocross team claiming 6 of the 13 NCNCA State Championships awarded on the day.

A tremendous overall performance from that squad!

Other 2011 State Champions- not pictured were...

Bev Chaney(Team Roaring Mouse) Masters Women 35+

Teri Reilly(All Downhill From Here) Masters Women 45+

District Championship Course Map

2011-12-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

NCNCA DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

COURSE PROFILE HERE.

The Toro Park front course is in top shape and the

racing is guaranteed to be epic.

The route is 2.2 miles in length- featuring many long straights, multiple tight turns, grass sections of riding, testing sandy spots, hard packed trails, and a few interesting dismount sections to spice up the action.

Looking at the course profile there is one thing that clearly stands out....

the 29% uphill pitch of the wall run that will be very memorable for

both racers & spectators!

Please be friendly & courteous to all other Toro Park users. The park Rangers were generous with allowing Cyclocross racing to take place at Toro Park,

so please tread lightly and enjoy the day.

Schedule notes- Masters Women 55+ will start with the Masters Women 45+ group and be scored separately.

Masters Men 65+ will start with the Masters Men 55+ group and be scored separately.
Single Speed Women will start with the final 1:30 start wave.

NOR-CAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE SCHEDULE & AGE DIVISIONS

2011-11-30T01:21:00.000-08:00

2011 NCNCA/USA Cycling

Cyclocross State Championships This Sunday.

Please note that the entire CCCX Series schedule remains the same for this Sunday, however only the groups listed below will be competing for the

NCNCA California State Championship of Cyclocross.

USA Cycling State Championship categories for

Men, Women, & Juniors will be the following groups.

Elite Women, Single Speed Women,

Junior Women 18 & under, Masters Women 35+,

Masters Women 45+, Masters Women 55+,

Elite Men, Single Speed "A" Men, Junior Men 10-14, Junior Men 15-18, Masters Men 35+ "A", Masters Men 45+ "A",

Masters Men 55+, Masters Men 65+.

That is 13 divisions battling it out for the coveted California State Champion winners jersey. Which for the first time in NCNCA history is being awarded to the champions at no charge to the rider.

Thank you to the NCNCA for this gesture to reward Nor-Cal Cyclocross!

Also the 2011 District Championship race will have a

Women's Single Speed division for the first time ever.

History will be made at the Central Coast Cyclocross race

this Sunday at Toro Park, the NCNCA Cross State Championships!

Reigning USA Cycling Cyclocross National Champions in their respective

Masters divisions John & Linda Elgart(Webcor/Alto Velo)- both pictured below- will not be in attendance at Toro Park due to prior commitments, which makes the 65+ Men's & 55+ Women's fields wide open for the NCNCA State title for Cyclocross.

Masters racing at the Nor-Cal/Nevada State Championships are always off the hook. Defending champion in the 35+ Men's field is Don Myrah(Ibis-Buy-cell.com)

Please note that the Women's Single Speed NCNCA State Championship race will take place in the final start wave of the day at around 1:30 p.m. The Women's Elite and Masters races take place

at 12:30 p.m. The Men's Elite race and the Men's & Women's Single Speed "A" races will take place following the main event Women's competitions.

All regular CCCX start times can be viewed here.

Gannon Myall(California Berry Farms/Specialized) has been on a mission during the 2011 Cross season, and is a favored rider to claim high honors in the Men's 45+ division.

Defending Men's 45+ Masters District Champion John Mundelius(California Berry Farms/Specialized) is keen to repeat his 2010 State Championship performance.

One of the best Masters racers ever from Nor-Cal is

Alan Coats(California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized). Coats will be eager to have a strong ride at Toro Park as his Cyclocross career began years ago at the CCCX races

when he was a resident of the Monterey Peninsula.

Henry Kramer(California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized) is a strong
favorite in the Men's 55+ division,.
However defending 55+ NCNCA State Champion
Norm Kreiss(California Berry Farms/Specialized)
will certainly be ready for a fight in this talented Masters age group.

Here is a list of the 2010 NCNCA/USA Cycling District Cyclocross Champions

Elite Women- Katerina Nash
Elite Men- Alex Candelario
U18 Women- Maddie Ortenblad
17-18 Men- Bjorn Fox
15-16 Men- Spence Peterson

35+ Women- Heather Langendorfer
45+ Women- Yvonne Warbroehl
55+ Women- Jenny Frayer

35+ Men- Don Myrah

45+ Men- John Mundelius
55+ Men- Norm Kreiss

Singlespeed- Tim Cannard

MEMORIES

2011-11-29T02:26:00.000-08:00

Northern California Cyclocross really is very special in it's own unique way!

Check out Cris "Six" Nygen's sweet Golden Gate Park photos here.

ALSO...

THIS LOOKS FUN!

Thanks to Hans Kellner.

RESULTS & PHOTOS

2011-11-28T03:44:00.000-08:00

NCNCA/USA CYCLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS UP NEXT FOR NOR-CAL REGION AT CCCX SERIES-

TORO PARK NEXT SUNDAY!

Huge weekend of racing concludes with the Santa Rosa Cup & the Bay Area Super Prestige event posting outstanding action & tremendous competition in all divisions of racing for what has become a legendary season for Nor-Cal Cyclocross. NCNCA District titles are up for grabs next Sunday...

FULL SANTA ROSA CUP RESULTS HERE.

FULL BAY AREA SUPER PRESTIGE RESULTS HERE.

Complete photo coverage from all the

weekend racing here.

CCCX SERIES HOSTING DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS AT TORO PARK NEXT SUNDAY- USA CYCLING CALIFORNIA STATE CYCLOCROSS CHAMPIONS TITLES ON THE LINE...

Congratulations to the Elite Division winners at

BASP Golden Gate Park, Aaron Bradford(Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster) &

Karen Brems(Team Rambusi Law).

Both Bradford and Brems have had stellar Cross race seasons for 2011 and are favored for the State Championships this coming weekend. However each rider will possibly face the steepest competition for the coveted California State Champions jersey from their team mates Scott Chapin & Devon Gory,

as well as a host of other Northern California fast Men & Women

Nor-Cal Cyclocross keeps

getting better and better as the season rolls on...

WEEKEND RACING

2011-11-25T00:08:00.000-08:00

SANTA ROSA CUP SATURDAY

BAY AREA SUPER PRESTIGE SUNDAY

This Sunday Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is back in action for Cyclocross racing with Tom & Alec Simpson's Bay Area Super Prestige Race!

This is sure to be some amazing racing as recent rain will have the trails of Golden Gate Park in prime condition for Nor-Cal Cross racers eager for

some true "Winter Style" Cyclocross where the ground is moist and traction can range from perfect to slick at any moment.

Also on Saturday Santa Rosa will be hosting race #1 of the Santa Rosa Cup at Place To Play City Park.

Brain Staby & Carlos Perez have teamed up to treat riders to the great Cyclocross racing that Santa Rosa brings to the table. The city of Santa Rosa has set the standard very high for Cyclocross racing in it's community. Many of the city parks have hosted Cyclocross races over the years, even in the worst conditions possible such as heavy rain and high winds.
Yet the city is fully behind the great fun Cyclocross racing
provides to it's residents and tourists alike.
The Santa Rosa Cup also hosts its next race on

December 18 at Spring Lake Regional Park.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2011-11-24T02:30:00.000-08:00

CYCLOCROSS MOVES...

Aaron Bradford and Justin Robinson demonstrate

their skills in slow motion freeze frame.

Bradford & Robinson are two of the best bike handlers in the NCNCA region.

Relaxation, concentration, and commitment are keys to bike handling maneuvers where skill and dare equate to speed advantages on course...

Past Masters USA Cycling National Champion Alan Coats uses his aerial maneuver talents to soar over a downed tree and actually gain speed in this section due to hopping and pump track techniques..

Stybar on his way to the World Cyclocross Championship fully committed over the boards...

Nys on his way to the Silver Medal at the same World Championship race, also fully committed to riding over the boards...

Todd Wells is one of the most accomplished bike handlers in America. Here he takes a sideways entrance into the board section to give himself more room to keep speed and complete his aerial maneuver.

Wells also knows that if things do not go correct the outcome could really slow down your progress during the race...

I like Bart Wellens Cross move over the boards when it gets really muddy. He makes sure he keeps his speed high, and gets ample clearance when lifting his bike over the boards...

Sven Nys is with out a doubt one of the greatest Cyclocross racers ever. His Cross moves are smooth and proficient. Yet even Nys can have his faults, as seen below. I like the way the crowd gives him a tissue after picking up his bike and sending him on his way...

High speed dismounts require constant practice to make the

move perfect when applied in race moments.

However, super high speed dismounts simply require a video camera and a good group of spectators to add sound effects when the dismount goes bad...

RESULTS

2011-11-22T01:07:00.000-08:00

Golden Gate Park Single Speed World's Complete Results Here.

Another congratulations to those responsible for all the Single Speed activities that so many people enjoyed...

Murphy Mack, Sheila Moon, Paule Bates, Emily McLanahan,

Julie Bates, Dennis McGovern, Meredith Obendorfer,

Carlos Perez, & Lauren Haughey.

One note on Single Speed racing- For the first time ever the 2011 NCNCA USA Cycling District/California State Championships to be held December 4th at Toro Park will have a Women's Single Speed division!

Over 10 years ago when the CCCX Series hosted the NCNCA District Championship they added the Single Speed division to the championship brackets. In the past it was never recognised as a Championship division.
This category has obviously became very popular over the years. So for 2011 it is time the Women Single Speed racers have a chance for their own NCNCA USA Cycling Single Speed California State Championship.

Aerial video of S.S. World's...

MUST SEE VIDEO HERE OF THE WOMEN'S START!

MUST SEE VIDEO HERE OF THE MEN'S START

The 2011 Cyclocross Single Speed Women's World Champion-

Julie Krasniak

Saturday's Sacramento Cyclocross Series Complete Results From Howard Park in Ione Here.

Men's Elite podium-

Cody Kaiser, Gannon Myall, Keith Hillier, Matt Obregon, Collin Samaan.

Men's 45+ "A" podium-

Keith DeFiebre, Norm Kreiss, Tim Watson.

SINGLE SPEED RACING

2011-11-21T01:54:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Rapha Focus duo Chris Jones and Julie Krasniak who dominated all comers and made claim to King & Queen of the 2011 Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships held at beautiful Golden Gate Park in San Francisco!

Mother nature played a leading role in the action with cold rain and muddy ground staring in what was truly one of the most epic events ever for

Northern California Cyclocross.

This was equal part crazy party & un-offical

Cyclocross World Championship race.

In the end making up one whole day of out of control antics and

fun for Nor-Cal Cross racers.

For those who were in attendance, this will be remembered and

embraced for a long, long time!

Congratulations to the entire organizing team who pulled this affair off.

San Francisco showed its true colors on this day, and the rain & mud only

made it more epic!

The costume race was world class! Full photo coverage can be found here.

If a picture is worth one-thousand words, then the stories that come off from the photos of Golden Gate Park Cyclocross will spill out novel after novel of triumph and spectacle from one amazing day of

Single Speed frolic in San Francisco...

I am sure complete results will be coming soon...

Steve Anderson's photo collection really captures the spirit of the Costume race, please have a view of his work...

Golden Gate Park hosts round 2 of Cyclocross in the City next Sunday with the Bay Area Super Prestige race.

Video interview from the Single Speed King of 2011 Chris Jones.

Video interview from the Single Speed Queen of 2011 Julie Krasniak .

Single Speed World Championships

2011-11-18T00:45:00.000-08:00

The Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships fire into action this weekend at Golden Gate Park.

Single Speed Cross racing takes center stage in Nor-Cal this weekend...

The 2010 Single Speed Cyclocross World Champions share

the podium in the photo below.

You win the Single Speed World Crown and your in for some serious fun...

The Single Speed World's are very popular as you can see from the photo below at a previous S.S. World Championship. Golden Gate park will be raging!...

Expect to see many scenes such as the one below this weekend in Golden Gate park, only more hardcore!

after all it is San Francisco...

Part of the tradition for winning the Single Speed World Championship is getting a tattoo inscribing tribute to your victory on your body forever.

Want to see one up close?

Just ask Nor-Cal Cross legend Stella Carey,

a past World S.S. Champion to show you her's.

Below past champion Adam Craig shows off his fine artwork for

being Single Speed king...

I expect to see tremendous rides from the on form Northern California racers who will be in search of the coveted World Champion Single Speed crown.

Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster racers and Stella Carey & Aaron Bradford have both tasted huge success in the Single Speed racing realm, and I hoping that those two, as well as other Nor-Cal fast Women & Men play leading roles in the action that is sure to be super crazy in San Francisco.

I would like to personally congratulate all the folks behind the scenes in bringing this un-offical Cyclocross World Championship race to Nor-Cal!

Tom & Alec Simpson's Bay Area Super Prestige night race gets some awesome aerial view coverage thanks to Go Pro.

Helicopter camera's are so cool, and a night race is extra special to watch from the air...!

Please remember that the NCNCA/USA Cycling State Championships will take place on December 4th at Toro park, near Salinas.

The NCNCA will be awarding all State Championship winners jersey's

that same day at no cost to the riders as a extra bonus to the

Cyclocross community of Northern California.

The NCNCA is proud to provide & award California State Champions jersey's to the best and most dedicated Cross racing region of America! This event takes place one month before USA Cycling National Championships and is guaranteed to be one of the most competitive races of the Nor-Cal Cross season!

Next weekend is the Bay Area Super Prestige race at the ever popular Golden Gate Park course. I can not wait to see the Go Pro helicopter get some race footage while dodging the beautiful trees that line the Golden Gate park Cyclocross course.

Also next weekend is race #1 of the Santa Rosa Cup.

This Saturday is race #6 of the Sacramento Series taking place at Howard Park in Ione.

VIDEO FEATURE

2011-11-15T23:47:00.000-08:00

This week's video feature is GVA Trofee - Ronse, a thriller of a Cross duel that came down to Kevin Pauwels (Bel) Sunweb-Revor & Zdenek Stybar (Cze) Quickstep Cycling Team battling it out for the win.

Pauwels prevails by taking the initiative when it mattered most.

The course was quite the bombing race route with big hills,

two steep run ups- one that only

Bart Aernouts (Bel) Rabo - Giant Offroad Team

was able to ride once- see video,

and some amazing downhill sections that required

serious bike handling at speeds.

This video makes for great viewing, just give yourself 1 hour to enjoy all the action as it goes down real time...

Check out the huge crowds lining the course. The Belgium fans never disappoint in supporting the worlds fastest Cyclocross racers. They really respect and admire the fantastically talented riders on course. The dedicated fans show respect to the riders and do not try and interfere with the action, for the most part. After all, the real professionals of Cyclocross will not tolerate fans acting a fool. Just ask Bart Wellens or Richard Groendahl. Both of those riders have had issues with fan interference and fans acting wrong toward riders and they simply took matters into their own hands...

CYCLOCROSS RACING

2011-11-15T02:08:00.000-08:00

Karen Brems - 1st Elite Women

Congratulations Bay Area Super Prestige Division Winners At Sierra Point!

Elite Men- Aaron Bradford- Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster

Elite Women- Karen Brems- Team Rambuski Law

Masters Man 35+ A- Alan Coats- California Giant Berry Farms

Masters Men 45+ A- Tim Lydon- SJBC

Masters Men 55+ Norm Kreiss- California Giant Berry Farms

Single Speed A- Kurt Wolfgang- Squadra Overfest

Masters Women 35+- Shari Kain- Kain Performance

Women's B- Leah Plack- Chica Sexy

Men B- Jonathon Krier- Third Pillar

Masters Men 45+ B- Matthew Gregory- FunSports Bike Team

Masters Men 35+ B- Justin Bucktrout

Single Speed B- Angus Nesbitt- Hup United

Men 35+ C- Ron Stade- Cyclo-Core.com

Junior 15-18- Jovanni Stefani- Sprocket Rocket

Junior 10-14- Robert Terra- DJ's

Junior Women- Cara Woods- Terria Linda

Women C- Sarah Powers

Men C- Kurt Martin- Team Roaring Mouse

Aaron Bradford- 1st Elite Men

Alan Coats- 1st Masters Men 35+ A

Sarah Bamberger- 2nd Elite Women

Tim Lydon- 1st Masters Men 45+ A

Kathleen Hannon- 4th Elite Women

Kelly Chang- 11th Elite Women

Eric Wohlberg- 7th Elite Men

Brue Syvertsen- 15th Elite Men

Anastasio Flores- 5th Elite Men

Photos Thanks To Rob Evans

ANOTHER AMAZING WEEKEND OF CROSS RACING

2011-11-14T01:55:00.000-08:00

Huge Weekend Of Cross For NCNCA Region

Giant Bay Area Super Prestige Night Race In Brisbane

Fresno Homegrown Series Champions Crowned

First Nor-Cal series is completed as

the Fresno Homegrown Series wraps up their season on a

challenging & technical course that favored the daring and brave...

Congratulations to the Fresno Series Champions:

Elite Men- Jerimiah Root

Elite Women- Felicia Gomez

"A" Masters Men- Keith DeFiebre

"B" Men- Matt Hansen

"B" Masters Men- Guy Van Natta

Single Speed- Ryan Brooks

"C" Women- Erin Sasser

"C" Men- Steven Schiedel

"C" Masters Men- Sean Smith

Junior Men- Ryan Brooks

Bay Area Super Prestige Results Here.

Big fun and good times were the name of the game on Saturday Night in Brisbane. The Bay Area Super Prestige Night Race is epic in proportions, and recent rain made the course super sweet. Dark dirt and smooth lines in most sections greeted riders and laid foundations for a awesome day & night of racing! Congratulations to Tom & Alec Simpson, and the officials on hand, for their hard work in putting on a very special event for Northern California Cyclocross racing!

It does look like a few of the Elite & Masters divisions are missing from the results, I am sure they will have this sorted out soon...

Congratulations to the top 5 Elite Women at the super popular Brisbane Night Race!

1.- Karen Brems- Team Rambuski Law

2.- Sarah Bamberger- Rat Ballz

3.- Ellen Sherill- Bike Station Aptos

4.- Kathleen Hannon- Freewheel/Hunter Cycles

5.- Gina Hall- California Giant/Specialized

Full Selection Of Sierra Point Night Race Photos Here.

Next up for NCNCA Cyclocross is Golden Gate Park hosting next weekend's racing events of the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships.

This event is going to be off the hook....

Wild and crazy Cyclocross will be the name of the game for this Single Speed World Championship weekend of racing and fun.

Golden Gate Park is one of the finest venues for Cyclocross in Northern California. It will be invaded by party animals primed to race their Cross bikes...

All regular divisions of geared racing will have events, such as Masters, Juniors, "B" & "C" Men & Women. Then the main event Single Speed races will take center stage, so get ready to scream and cheer cause

un-official World Championship statues is on the line!

It is going to be amazing! San Francisco will be the epicenter of Cyclocross next weekend, and Murphy Mack has guaranteed good times to be had by all...

Nor-Cal Cyclocross racing has always produced standout Junior level Cross racers. A select few have went on to claim the Junior National Cyclocross Championship title, like Jim Gentes & Cody Kaiser.

Now, Tobin Ortenblad appears to be next in line for being labeled a Junior sensation from Nor-Cal.

Tobin won the Men's Elite race at the CCCX Series last weekend, and backed that up with a stellar 2nd place at the Exergy USGP Of Cyclocross in Louisville Ky. in the Junior division this past Sunday!

Ortenblad is also the reigning Nor-Cal High School MTB XC Champion.

Congratulations Tobin on your outstanding racing accomplishments, and hoping the best is still to come...

WEEKEND RACING

2011-11-11T00:37:00.000-08:00

Bay Area Super Prestige At

Sierra Point Saturday Night

Fresno's Homegrown Series Final At

Woodward Park Sunday

The Bay Area Super Prestige races have their awesome version of Saturday Night Fever Cyclocross going off this weekend. This Saturday night Sierra Point will be at boiling point as the sun sets and Cross takes over the Yacht Harbor in a big way. This event is pure party, and Tom & Alec Simpson play host to anyone and everyone who is down for a good time. The courses seem to get better and better each year at Sierra Point. The small amounts of rain that have ventured in and out of the Bay Area recently will only make the dirt content perfect texture for Cyclocross racing.

It is "Game On" for Saturday Night Cross fever, so get out there and race!

The Fresno Homegrwon Series will crown their division champions this Sunday at Woodward Park. The Homegrown Series is a huge success and a prime example of how Cyclocross brings the community together!

Local shops, local teams, and local cycling fans of all makes and models converge at Woodward Park to compete in Cyclocross. The Fresno Series makes Cross fun! The courses are challenging, and the competition very serious when the start whistle sounds.

Sunday the Homegrown Series caps off their strong season with a final race to determine series champion in all divisions. It is going to be good!

RACE CYCLOCROSS!

CROSS SKILLS

2011-11-09T03:20:00.000-08:00

Bike handling skills come into play during Cyclocross racing quite possibly more then any other type of Cycle Sport...

Being able to handle your Cyclocross bike in crunch time of races will at times create gaps among riders and lead to victory.

Success in Cyclocross comes down to constant practice and being super tuned into your bicycle. The bicycle becomes an extension of the human.

Technical skills become second nature and the ability to hit each

maneuver during a race becomes simplistic.

Styles can be different, yet the goal of speed and smoothness only comes with constant racing and testing yourself in all manners of Cyclocross movements under pressure.

Fear must vanish from the equation and the desire to succeed must lead the way to achieving a higher skill level when the going gets tough.

Northern California boasts many Cyclocross racers who have tasted success at National Championship races. These are the riders who develop Cross skills with constant practice and training sessions alone, or with friends and team mates. If your not practicing your Cross skills, your putting yourself behind before the start gun has even fired.

Riders hitting on all of their skill moves in races can be beautiful to watch. The front group riders make very minimal mistakes and their technical skills shine when the races are decided in the final laps.

Strength combined with skill is the most

effective weapon for success in Cyclocross racing.

So many different moves are made during Cross races.

It takes years to refine each maneuver.

Yet when all the skills are developed properly, the end result is perfect racing by the individual and minimal mistakes during competition.

INFORMATION

2011-11-08T03:33:00.000-08:00

Stafford Lake CX Results Can Be Found Here.

Congratulations to all division winners!

Elite victories went to Gina Hall & Jim Hewett

Surf City have completed their schedule for the remaining races of their series.

Surf City's final races will be held

December 18, 2011

January 8, 2012

January 29, 2012

This is awesome news from

David Gill, Team Santa Cruz, and Jeff Clark!

The 2011 Nor-Cal Cross season is now legit with races completely filling up January, which is the Championship month for Cyclocross. January Cross racing is where boy racers become Hard Men and the

"Peak Season" of true Cyclocross action takes place.

Big thanks to the CCCX Series and the Surf City Series for hosting events in January, which is the best month of all for Cross racing.

Universal Sports is showing the UCI World Cup Cyclocross races currently. The time slot is 1:00 a.m. which is not prime time, but at least Cyclocross is finally getting some play on American television. Tonight is the Men's race from the Czech Republic. If your not a night owl, set your recorder to capture some amazing racing action, and watch Sven Nys steal the victory from Czech star and current World Champion Zdenek Stybar.

One note, the coverage has no announcing at all, which is sad. They should have had the famous Belgium announcers who would have surely screamed...

Ooohh La La La La.... as Nys attacked to victory on the final portions of the last lap of the main event.

Check out how hard core the Men's race is. The speed is ripping fast and there is never a drop in tempo for the front riders.

Please view this page for a complete collection of photos

and videos from the 2011 NCNCA Cyclocross season.

WEEKEND RESULTS

2011-11-07T03:47:00.000-08:00

Rain And Chill In The Air Bring On Epic Cross Conditions To NCNCA Racers To Kick Start November Racing...

CCCX at Manzanita Park Results & Photos Here.

Sacramento Series Results Here.

Sacramento Series Photos Here.

Still Looking For Stafford Lake CX Results...

Stafford Lake CX Photos Here.

Rain late Saturday turned Cross courses at Stafford Lake, Folsom, and Prunedale into grade "A" rating for pure fun on the Cyclocross bicycle...

Stafford Lake had some crazy cool sections, where man made obstacles provided very interesting photo opportunities for the photographers, and fun challenges for the racers...

Exactly one month until the NCNCA District/

USA Cycling State Championships

which will be held December 4, at Toro Park near Salinas.

Sacramento's double days of racing over the

weekend produced tremendous action for

the racers of the State Capitol.

Elite Winners were:

Keith Hillier & Sarah Maile

On Both Saturday & Sunday!

Prunedale's Manzanita Park course turned into a dream like race route where traction was top notch and mud & slick sections just teased riders handling skills.

It was full throttle or be left behind...

Category "A" winners at CCCX-Manzanita Park were:

Tobin Ortenblad(Cal. Giant Inc.)

Karen Brems(Team Rambuski Law)

James Coats(Cal. Giant Inc.)

Henry Kramer(Cal Giant Inc.)

Jeff Townsend(Plus3 Network)

Janel Lodge(Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster)

Cheryl Shwe(RED Racing)

Matt Gordon(Team Skinsuit)

Go to Cyclocross Magazine here for race report from CCCX at Manzanita Park by Tim Westmore.

Stafford Lake race report from Jim Hewett here.

Sacramento Series races at Lembi Park & Rodeo Park showed Folsom's cycling best over the weekend. Lembi Park is quite the treat to race on, and Rodeo Park was even better with some rain mixed in for good measure.

RACING

2011-11-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

Cyclocross Season Hits Thick Portion Of The NCNCA Schedule With Big Weekends Of Competitions Lined Up For Rest Of Year!

Excellent CCCX Series & Sacramento Series on tap over weekend, plus the new super cool Stafford Lake CX race in Novato.

The Sac. Town Cross Series & The CCCX Cross Series

are always great times for NCNCA racers.

New to the NCNCA schedule for 2011 is the Stafford Lake CX race delivered by Murphy Mack and his strong support crew.

The Stafford Lake CX race will be amazing fun for all. Murphy Mack will have many kinds of action packed thrills lined up during day to keep everyone equipped with a big smile on their face during the races.

The Nor-Cal Cyclocross racing will be solid this weekend with great events lined up in Novato, Sacramento, and Monterey County.

Now is the time for you to Race Cyclocross!

Stafford Lake CX will be raging! This race will be a classic, and some of the funds from the event go to the new Bike Park at Stafford Lake.

Plus a Beer Garden & other Cyclocross related benefits will be in effect.

The course is mostly flat with multiple man made obstacles to test skill and creativity. Sand pits will also be in play, so bring your sand wedge

and most of all, keep it fun!

The Sacramento Series has a double race weekend in store for their riders with races on Saturday & Sunday. The race on Saturday is at Lembi park in Folsom, which is a very good place to race Cyclocross. The Lembi Park course is quite the treat to race on and one of the best courses of the season for Sacramento Cyclocross. Sunday's event will take place at the Rodeo Park, which is also in Folsom.

The Central Coast Cyclocross race will take place Sunday at Manzanita Park in Prunedale. This is the last race of the season for Manzanita Park, and the course is most likely going to be a mixed version of previous races in Prunedale. Manzanita Park is in great shape for Cross and if there is some rain leading up to the race the dirt should be in prefect condition for speed and grip.

Please remember that at the end of the month is another classic race in the making, the first race of the Santa Rosa Cup. November 26th is the date, and the city of Santa Rosa has allowed for development of a Cyclocross theme area on a undeveloped section of land at A Place To Play Park. This is great news for Santa Rosa and should make for a great venue to ride, race and train on your Cyclocross bicycle.

PHOTO SPECIAL - TED KETAI

2011-11-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

The Sheila Moon Cyclocross Team is a major component to what makes Northern California Cross so awesome. Style is one important key to being fast, and the Shelia Moon riders all have a unique & special style to their speed.

One Sheila Moon team member from San Francisco who produces some very outstanding Cyclocross photographs is Ted Ketai.

In this weeks edition of the NCNCA CYCLOCROSS PHOTO PAGE, Ted Ketai is clearly on his best form behind the camera. Please have a view at some of the great race photos I selected from Ted Ketai - Surf City Halloween Event...

VIDEO FEATURE

2011-11-01T01:14:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those magical days for Cyclocross racing in Europe with one of the Queen events of the season taking place, the Koppenbergcross near Oudenaarde, Belgium.

Thousands and thousands of Cyclocross race fans make a pilgrimage to the Koppenbergcross to witness one of the greatest tests of the year. The Koppenbergcross has some of the biggest crowds ever for a Cross race, and thus the pressure builds for the racers as wild fans demand the very best from the athletes.

The Koppenbergcross has it all, and then some, when it comes to a challenging circuit and prestige for the winner.

Simply put, the Koppenbergcross is one of the top 5 Cross races of the season, and it all goes down today in Belgium!

Sven Nys is the modern day King of Koppenbergcross. He is the winner many times over, and leaves no scraps or leftovers for others. Nys owns the Koppenbergcross, and it will be very interesting to see if he can produce another dramatic victory today, to add to his already record total of Koppenbergcross wins....

Below are Nys's last 3 victory rides at Koppenbergcross.

Amazing action that is my chosen "Video Feature".

Bike racing is pure drama with a unwritten script! You never know what could happen after the start lights are lit. I am sure today's race in Belgium will be off the charts crazy for dramatic action, and the winner will be utterly deserving.

I would also be very surprised if the winner is named someone besides Nys, Albert, Stybar, or Pauwels.

But who am I to make predictions....

2010 Edition Below - One of the most brutal editions of the Koppenbergcross ever. All you have to do is watch the riders take part in the death march that the Cross race turned into, and look at the time gaps between riders, and you know the day was purely epic.

Check out how big the crowds are! It is the "Super Bowl" of Cyclocross for the Belgium fans...

2009 Edition Below- One of my favorite races to watch in it's entirety. So much drama between Nys, Stybar, and Albert. With the other leading actors playing their supporting roles as well. Albert gets pinched at the start into the snow fencing and goes to the very back of the group, but makes his way to the front after only 1 & 1/2 laps chase. Then Nys, Albert & Stybar mark each other and play games between themselves which allows Mourey, Vantornout, Aernouts, and Pauwels to all re-group and make for a thrilling final lap. In the end Nys throws down an incredible move at the top of the last climb to distance the rest and solo home by a few scant seconds.... Brilliant!

2008 Edition Below- Another brutal edition of the Koppenbergcross due to horrible weather conditions. Truly amazing stuff to watch Nys rip through the mud, running and riding, to drop Lars Boom and win. Nys can be the very best when conditions are seemingly the very worst...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-31T01:41:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

SURF CITY RESULTS HERE.

Trick or Treat....

Keeping it fun was the continuing theme over the weekend for Nor-Cal Cyclocross with two races in Fresno and

the Surf City event at Aptos High School.

Special thanks to Aptos High Principal, and stellar all- around cyclists Casey O'Brien for his commitment to Cyclocross racing for both Juniors & Adults.

The Surf City courses at Aptos High School are always memorable and demanding! David Gill, Jeff Clark, Mike Evans, Team Santa Cruz, and a host of other volunteers keep Surf City fun and challenging for all.

Congratulations on a great event!

Below are the names of a few stellar division winners from Surf City #1, plus some photos from the Halloween Costume race.

Elite winners at Surf City/Aptos High were

Karen Brems(Team Rambuski Law)

and Aaron Bradford(Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster).

Amy Goldstein(Bicycle Trip) was the Women's 35+ race winner.

While Don Myrah(Ibis/Buy-Cell.com) was the 35+ "A" Masters Men winner.

45+ "A" race victories went to Teri Reilly from Clayton

and John Mundelius(Cal. Giant/Specialized).

Daniel Valesco won the "A" Single Speed division.

Junior race winners were Maddie Ortenblad(Family Cycling Center),

Jackson Rhodes(Freewheel/Hunter), and

Matt Schaupp(Spokesman).

Fresno's "Lou-Fest"

$500 Cash payout for Elite Men riders at the famous "Lou Fest" Night Cyclocross Race equals big smiles for the top 5 overall...

Bruno Pitton, Jeremiah Root, Steve Ray, Keith DeFiebre, John Stewart.

The "Lou Fest" truly is a classic Cross race in the NCNCA.

It is with out a doubt one of the most

technically demanding courses on the Nor-Cal circuit.

Mix in darkness, heckler crazy drama, Belgium Beer flowing, mandatory lights required for each racer , and more off camber sections then you can shake a Witches Broom at, and you get a real night Cyclocross race where good times are had by all.

FRESNO & SURF CITY HALLOWEEN CYCLOCROSS

2011-10-28T02:02:00.000-07:00

Halloween Theme Cyclocross Racing & Festivities Take Center Stage For NCNCA With

The Surf City "Devo" Extravaganza

At Aptos High School On Sunday.

Fresno's Homegrown Series Kicks Into Gear

With Races Saturday Night & Sunday.

The Classic "Lou Festival" Night Race Is The Feature Event For Fresno's Two Days Of Cyclocross Celebration.

Let The Partying Begin!

The Surf City Series has trademarked and claimed a patent on Halloween Cyclocross. They own one of the very best events on the Cross calender with the always fun and freaky Halloween Cyclocross extravaganza. This year's version will be held at Aptos High School and is sure to be a instant classic.

Aptos High School brings out the very best in Cross craziness!

The "Lou Fest" Night Cyclocross race in Fresno at Woodward Park is one of the best night races in America. Lights, camera, action! The racing is truly epic as lights are mandatory- as are the good times! Fun is a must, in what is part race & part full on party! Sick promotions invites you to come to race hard, and enjoy the lights in motion, because the "Lou Fest" night race is legendary.

Halloween Cyclocrss racing in Nor-Cal is a time to rejoice and recharge your batteries. The first 1/3 of the Cross season is done and now the racing gets down right serious leading to the NCNCA District Championships on Dec. 4 at Toro Park. There is also the Single Speed World Cyclocross Championships in San Francisco. on Nov. 20. The Santa Rosa Cup fires up on Nov. 26.

But for this Halloween weekend it is time to race and party!

The Surf City costume race is by far one of the highlights to the Northern California Cyclocross race season. Aptos High School has hosted this event in the past and it really brings out the best in creative costumes and wild themed racers dressed in scant and scandalous clothing.

Pure Fun!

2011 NCNCA Cyclocross race season is passing by so quickly, with the best action still on the horizon. November, December, and January bring mud and slop conditions to Nor-Cal. This makes the racing have quite a different style then early season dry dirt Cross in Nor-Cal.

The Halloween theme Cross races are a turning point in the season, and I highly recommend you get out and race & have fun in the warm sun this weekend. The true winter racing is nearly upon us, but for now it is party time in the Sunshine.

So get your costume dialed in and go crazy!

Ride Safe & Have Fun!

Other Cross Races For Halloween...

Wisconsin

Winnipeg

Chicago

Oregon

VIDEO FEATURE

2011-10-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

BASP CANDLESTICK POINT RESULTS HERE.

Video #1 is some very cool aerial footage from this past Sunday's Bay Area Super Prestige race at CanddleStick Point. What a awesome day for mini helicopter camera action it turned out to be. If you ever wanted to know how Cross racers looked to the seagulls flying over head watch this video below!

October 2011 Candlestick Cyclocross Race # 1 - MWC Scarab Aerial Footage Here.

Video #2 is the 2011 Plzen World Cup Cyclocross race from the Czech Republic.

Nice to see American racer Katie Compton(Rabobank-Giant Offroad) ride away solo to the Women's Elite Victory. Compton is looking very fit to start the World Cup season, and appears to be the very best female Cross racer in the world today. Also you can see Katrina Nash(Luna) take a slide out in one of the slick corners on course. Slips and falls can happen to even the best technical riders in the group, of which Nash clearly is one of the best female bike handlers on the planet. Watch Nash over the board section and you can see her smoothness and Cross skills equate to speed very clearly.

The Men's race is very much worth a watch! The start is a mess as a cameraman is blocking Neils Albert( BKCP-Powerplus) as the start lights are set in motion.

2/3's of the front row get a clear start while Albert is set back.

His facial expressions are worth a second look as he goes from handsome world class Cross racing stud waiting for the start, to pissed off Belgium boy ready to fight any UCI official who he could find right away! Ha!

Check out how steep that staircase run up is... makes the legs hurt just watching!

Lastly, watch Sven Nys(Landbouwkrediet-KDL) answer some furious attacks from Zdenck Stybar(Quick Step-Innergetic) and out maneuver the reigning world champion into the final corners with some bar banging moves to get a clean run into the uphill sprint finish and the win! Nys is a pure bad ass when it comes to finishing races off, and this is what it takes to top Stybar when he is on form & racing Cross in his home country in front of thousands of his homeland fans!

Video #3 is the 2011 Tabor World Cup Cyclocross race from the Czech Republic.

Katrina Nash maybe a Czech citizen, but she lives and races often in the NCNCA region. She was the Women's Elite District Cross Champion in the NCNCA last year when the Districts were held in Reno! Ha!

So it is nice to watch this clip below and see the talented Czech/American win the World Cup race in Tabor. Watch at the beginning of the clip as Nash and Daphny van den Brand(AA Drink-Leontien.nl) do some bumping and elbow jostling as they fight for a line in a tight section of course. If your not bumping and trading paint...your not racing!

In the end Nash just rides away from the other Elite Women toward a very popular victory in Tabor.

The Elite Men's race is very fast, and you can see the pace is non stop full gas. One thing that stands out is Zdenck Stybar having bike trouble, but also having the best legs in the group. Stybar just looked super strong on course and his 2 bike changes set him back and opened the door for race

winner Kevin Pauwels(Sunweb-Revor).

Watch as Stybar accelerates up some of the sections of course near the end of the race, and it just appears as if he has incredible power to spare up the rolling hills. It really is amazing to watch the very best riders surge up hills and make them look tame, when you know a common racer would struggle on that exact section of course.

Stybar is on form right now, and I do look for Stybar to continue to have outstanding rides the next month or so, as long as he stays healthy.

RACING

2011-10-24T03:04:00.000-07:00

Giant Weekend Of Cross Racing Is Held Under Blistering Temperatures & Matched With

Stinging Hot Racing In All Fields-

Men, Women, Masters, & Juniors.

Cross Is King In Nor-Cal!

CandleStick Point was back in the mix thanks to Tom & Alec Simpson's Bay Area Super Prestige events. A super cool fly-over was introduced into the fray, and created some very memorable moments for both racers and spectators alike...

Blue sky & sunshine was the name of the game for Cyclocross races in all regions of the NCNCA over the weekend.

Saturday it was the CCCX Series with near 90 degree temperatures in the Salinas Valley.

Sunday the BASP Cyclocross stage was set(photo below) and used for hundreds of racers at CandleStick Point.

Beautiful Condon Park in Grass Valley with its perfect dirt content and tree filled acreage hosted the Sacramento Series.

Woodward Park in Fresno hosted the Homegrown Series on a very cool course with many twists, turns,and off camber sections, that favored technical skills.

I can personally say, having raced at all of the above mentioned venues at one time or another over the years, that the racing action was full speed ahead and fun filled at each event over the weekend.

The photograph below shows the Women's Elite race getting the start gun at the Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclocross at CandleStick Point. Full fields are the name of the game at the BASP races, and as you can view in the photo below the racing is elbow to elbow in all groups. So enjoy the tight action as it really improves overall skill set and patients on the Cross bike.

BASP Results Should Be Here Soon...

Team Rambuski Law racer Devon Gory(pictured below)- was on fire under the scorching hot sun at CandleStick Point. The reigning National Masters Cyclocross Champion put the hurt on the rest of the Elite Women's field on her way to a well deserved victory near the home of the

current first place S.F. 49ers.

Please check out some sweet photos of the BASP racing from J. Suzuki here.

Red Racing's Cheryl Shwe(pictured below)- was one of the many division winners at the CCCX race held at Toro Park. The race route at Toro Park proved to be brutal with a 17% pavement pitch that sent riders skyward and then into one of the best downhill sections of single track used for Cross in Nor-Cal. It was pure pain up the hill followed by pure pleasure on the ripping descent.

Other female race winners at CCCX-Toro Park were:

Courtney Van Dimple- Team Rambuski Law- Elite Women

Janel Lodge- Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster- 35+ Women

Misha Scovill- Cycles Fanatic- B Women

Daninique Vanleudries- Yeti Grassroots- C Women

Isabella Myrah- Buy-Cell.com- Jr. Women

Aaron Bradford(Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster) is seen below on the top step of the CCCX #5 podium after putting an end to Andy Jacques-Maynes(Cal. Giant Inc/Specialized) winning streak that went for 7 races over the past two years. The Men's Elite race at Toro park was a real firecracker, with lead changes happening nearly every lap.

The NCNCA- USA Cycling California State Championships will be held this season December 4th at Toro Park.

That event is sure to be a full on shootout in all divisions as Toro Park simply invites great Cross racing to go off for all who take part.

FULL CCCX RESULTS & STEVE ANDERSON'S BIG RACE PHOTOS HERE.

Isabella Myrah(pictured below) on her way to victory at Toro Park.

Full sets of photos from the hugely successful Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclocross race at CandleStick Point can be found here.

FULL SACRAMENTO SERIES RESULTS FROM CONDON PARK HERE.

Tim Westmore's Condon Park Race Photos Coming Here Soon...

Congratulations to Marja-Liisa Magnuson & Cody Kaiser on their Elite victories in Grass Valley.

Team Rambuski Law had quite the successful weekend with Elite Women's wins on Saturday at CCCX & Sunday at BASP.

Tim Westmore's Central Coast Series- Toro Park- Photos Here.

Photo below- Courtney Van Dimpel in fight mode on her way to 1st place at Toro Park.

WEEKEND RACING

2011-10-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

It is "Game On" for Nor-Cal Cyclocross racing this weekend with the CCCX Series at Toro Park Saturday. Then on Sunday, the first race of the Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclocross at CandleStick Point in San Francisco. Also on Sunday is the Sacramento Series at Condon Park in Grass Valley, and the Fresno Homegrown Series at Woodward Park.

Let the games begin!

Cool video below of the racing at Candlestick Point from year 2008. The return to CandleStick Point is going to be great! The course might be dry, a little dusty in some spots, and a little rugged and rough in others. Yet the racing at CandleStick Point will be awesome.

Certainly, Tom & Alec Simpson and crew will do their very best to dial in the race course at CandleStick Point. Good times will be free flowing during the day, as the BASP races bring out so many racers that fun and frolic is the name of the game. Yet the BASP races are the highest level of competition in all of California. Be prepared for huge fields and elbow to elbow racing throughout. Enjoy the tight action, because the BASP races are all about big time Cross racing with a back drop of the Bay Area. They have very solid cash payouts, they bring in announcing and music to highlight racing and podium presentations. They are so popular that pre-registration is now key to getting a spot on the start grid and a guaranteed race number. The Bay Area Super Prestige is awesome Cyclocross racing and this Sunday the home of the San Francisco 49ers, and the beautiful S.F. bay shores will be the scenery that riders will admire when charging full speed on course. Good luck to all, and always remember to enjoy the tight racing & keep it fun!

The rest of the racing action this weekend features outstanding courses for all events. Saturday's CCCX Series race is held at Toro Park near Salinas. This park is a cycling destination for locals, as well as out of town visitors. Toro Park has miles of fun trails to ride or hike, and the park itself is very beautiful. The Cross course which will be used on Saturday is a true jewel for Nor-Cal Cyclocross and boasts some of the best single lane trails of the season. The riding is fun and the slight elevation changes really can be selective.

Sacramento's race at Condon Park in Grass Valley is a keeper for sure! The course is nestled in the middle of a beautiful forest section of the city, and the park is full of outstanding trails and paths. The course has distinct elevation changes with climbs and descents that always keep the racers on edge and at their limit. The Condon Park course is very good racing! If your near Grass valley on Sunday, this is a must do race!

The Fresno Homegrown Series is held at Woodward Park, which is also the home the the famous "Lou Festival Night Race". Woodward Park has a long history of Cyclocross racing. Before they had a plethora of MTB jumps and a BMX track, they had Cyclocross racing in full effect. Woodward park is a terrific cycling destination and the folks in Fresno are always ready for a bike race. If your in the Central Valley on Sunday, put on your helmet and go race Cross at Woodward Park, you will not be disappointed!

PHOTO SPECIAL - TIM WESTMORE

2011-10-18T23:45:00.000-07:00

Big Weekend Of Racing In Store For N.C.N.C.A Region. CCCX Series on Saturday. Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclocross, Fresno Homegrown Series, and Sacramento Series on Sunday.

Photo Special Is From Sunday's CCCX Race-
Please Check Out 28 BIG PHOTOS
From Tim Westmore Here.

MASTERS SHOWDOWN AT MANZANITA PARK

2011-10-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Manzanita Park delivered thrilling war on course between past Masters National Cyclocross Champions Alan Coats, Justin Robinson, Don Myrah, and Todd Hoefer this past Sunday. Please read previous post below for re-cap of the turf tussle in Prunedale.

Nor-Cal has the very best Masters racers in America, this is a fact!

National Champion Alan Coats(Cal. Giant Inc/Specialized) delivered a knockout move in the toughest portion of track to score a victory in this week's round of Masters pride fighting.

National Champion Justin Robinson(Cal. Giant Inc./Specialized) and National Champion Don Myrah(Ibis/Buy-Cell.com) locked horns in a beautiful display of ballet on the bicycle super slug-fest on Sunday in Prunedale.

In the end Robinson strong armed his way past Myrah to claim 2nd spot on the podium behind his high flying team mate Coats, with Myrah in 3rd.

National Champion Don Myrah will not be denied, and his form will only improve as the best riders from the Cal. Giant Inc. Masters tag team him at the front of affairs. Myrah loves this challenge and knows the only way to be the very best, is to race the very best each weekend.

National Champion Todd Hoefer(Cal. Giant Inc./Specialized) was 4th at the Masters brawl of Manzanita Park on Sunday. Hoefer is guaranteed to increase his form and power during the season and is known as a "big race" rider who can hit out when the going gets extra tough.

RACING

2011-10-17T01:37:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER BIG WEEKEND OF CROSS RACING FOR NOR-CAL RUN & DONE...

CCCX RESULTS HERE.

The Central Coast Series at Manzanita Park was some of the very best racing of the season in Northern California so far in 2011. What a tremendous day of racing it turned out to be!

Congratulations to Karen Brems(Rambuski Law) &

Andy Jacques-Maynes(Bissell Pro Team) on their Elite victories at Manzanita Park.

The most amazing race of the day at CCCX #4/Manzanita Park was

the Masters Men 35+ Cat. 1/2/3/4 division.

This group came down to the top four riders on course all being past USA Cycling Cyclocross Masters National Champions!

This only demonstrates the true talent that the CCCX races, and other Nor-Cal events have on the Masters start grid.

National Champions Alan Coats(Cal. Giant Inc.), Justin Robinson(Cal. Giant Inc.), Don Myrah(Ibis/Buy-Cell.com), and Todd Hoefer(Cal. Giant Inc.) separated themselves from the others and put on quite the battle for those lucky enough to witness the racing.

In the end it came down to Myrah being squeezed out by the Cal. Giant duo of Robinson & Coats.

Myrah could only watch as the high flying Coats bunny-hopped a board section at the top of a 15% grade hill and sailed away for the win, while Robinson claimed next best.

These four riders simply up the stakes for other Masters racers in Nor-Cal.

If you want to hit the front in this pack, you better come prepared!

Congratulations to Devon Gory(Rambuski Law) for her strong riding down south at the Los Angeles UCI Cross races. Gory cracked the top 5 and represented on a stellar podium of Elite Women.

Other Elite Women racers from Northern California to make the top 10 in Los Angeles were Sarah Maile(Ventana Mountain Bikes),

Courtney Dimpel(Team Rambuski Law), and Emily Thurston(STEVENS).

Cody Kaiser(Cal. Giant Inc./Specialized) is showing some very strong form this season! The past Junior National Cyclocross Champion is hitting on a cylinders so far in 2011.

At the UCI race in L.A. Kaiser just missed the podium on day 1, settling for a super strong 6th place, only 4 seconds behind Chris Jones(Rapha Focus). Kaiser is sure to gain momentum as the season progresses and build from a ride like this toward even greater results...

Another Nor-Cal sensation in the making has got to be

Tobin Ortenblad(Cal. Giant Inc.).

Ortenblad used the CCCX races the past few weeks to find his groove and the High School student then turned those race sessions into a outstanding ride down South at the UCI race.

Ortenblad was the next best placed rider behind Kaiser in the Men's Elite race with a stellar 14th place finish.

This is a High School student taking on established racers and holding his own! Tobin Ortenblad is now a very serious contender for the Junior National Championships held at the end of the season, if he can stay healthy during the long Cross campaign.

Lastly, one rider who very much seemed on form for 2011 and was

solidifying himself to be back to his best was

past Masters National Champion Kevin Merrigan(Rambuski Law).

Merrigan was victorious at CCCX #1 and posted another strong ride at CCCX #2. However Merrigan's season was derailed by a horrible accident on a training ride.

I hope Kevin Merrigan can make a complete comeback to his winning ways soon!

RACING WEEKEND

2011-10-14T01:57:00.000-07:00

Cyclocross Racing In Nor-Cal Is Going To Be

Really Good This Weekend...

The Central Coast Series &

The Fresno Homegrown Series

Will Be "Game On" This Sunday, October 16.

The CCCX Race At Manzanita Park Is Going To Be Legendary, With A Special Course Lined Up For The Fast Riders Who Make The Show.

Fresno Has Super Cross Racing & Woodward Park Is Good Times For All Cyclists.

Now...Get Out There And Race Cyclocross!

PHOTO SPECIAL

2011-10-12T01:11:00.000-07:00

Cyclocross racing is going off in a big way for Nor-Cal and the action is only going to get better as the season rolls along!

Below is a huge photo special of Tim Westmore's excellent adventure in film work from this past weekend's races at the

Sacramento Series & the Central Coast Series.

Tim Westmore is amazing and I highly recommend you purchase any of his Cyclocross racing images for your own collection.

He deserves the support for his true dedication to the Cyclocross scene in Northern California.

WESTMORE'S CCCX PHOTOS...

WESTMORE'S SACRAMENTO PHOTOS...

VIDEO KING

2011-10-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

Hans Kellner is the undisputed king of in race Cyclocross videos from select Nor-Cal events.

Please check out his latest work here from this past Saturday's Sacramento Cyclocross Series.

Hans Kellner in action filming the Women at Surf City- Aptos High School...

The Sacramento video from Hans really shows the serious speed the single speeder's faced on the high pedal cadence track used over the weekend. That course was void of any elevation changes and resembled a freeway in the long straight sections.

Good Times!

2011-10-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

Cyclocross Racing Takes Center Stage

In Northern California!

CCCX SERIES RESULTS HERE

SACRAMENTO SERIES RESULTS HERE

Congratulations to Katheryn Mattis(Webcor/Alto Velo) and

Scott Chapin(Bay101/HRS/Rock Lobster) for their strong CCCX overall victories!

Congratulations to Ellen Sherrill for her victory in the Women's "A" division at the Sacramento Series. Plus props to Mathew Obregon for his win in the Men's "A' division at Sac. Town.

Masters "A" winners at CCCX were Don Myrah(Ibis/Buy-Cell.com), Henry Kramer(Cal. Giant Inc), John Brown(Family Cycling Center),

Bev Chaney(Team Roaring Mouse), and Shari Kain(Kain Performance).

Masters "A" winners in Sacramento were Jeff Mitchell, Mark Henry,

and Joan Gregg.

Steve Anderson's CCCX race photos here.

Alex Chiu's Sacramento race photos here.

Tim Westmore's CCCX race photos coming soon.

Next up for Nor-Cal Cyclocross racing is October 16, Sunday, the special CCCX race & the Fresno Homegrown Series opener.

TIS' THE SEASON

2011-10-06T02:36:00.000-07:00

October brings on true signs that the Cyclocorss race season is upon us completely. Rain, wind, a chill in the air, soft dirt conditions to cycle on, all show that Cross is the name of the game for cycle racing the rest of the year. This weekend will be "Game On" for racing with Cross events at the Sacramento Series and The CCCX Series.

The CCCX Series will be at Manzanita Park in Prunedale, a standout venue for Cyclocross over the past 15 years in Nor-Cal.

The photos below are from last years Manzanita Park race that turned out to be a legendary event for epic conditions that made for one memorable day of racing. Constant rains and high winds set the stage for what appeared to be a bomb going off for competitors on course. Mud, mayhem, and masochism, all came to the forefront on the most brutal weather day of racing Manzanita park has ever witnessed over the past 15 years. Too bad this weekend will be sunny! Yet rain during this week is sure to make the dirt top notch for speed and receptive to tire traction in the turns!

The weather forecast does look promising for beautiful days of racing this weekend!

For CCCX #3 in Prunedale on Sunday, there is one special note: Family Cycling Center is hosting a "Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day". This free event will be held on some fun riding trails at Manzanita Park while the Cross races are rolling along in another area. The "Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day" is free to all kids who attend, and starts at 10:00 a.m. Please call Bob Barwick at Family Cycling Center at 831-475-3883 to reserve a space in the activities. This free event has a limited number of openings for kids, and Family Cycling Center is sure to have many goodies and gifts in store for those who partake, so do call asap to reserve a spot.

Another note on the CCCX Cyclocross races- each race the CCCX Series hands out $540 in cash to the racers in the Elite Men's, Elite Women's, Master 35+ Cat. 1/2/3/4 Men's, and Master 45+ Cat. 1/2/3/4 Men's divisions. Over the 8 race series this adds up to $4,320 being paid out to the top riders in those divisions. The CCCX Series is not about racing for money, and it is about keeping it fun! But $4,320 in cold hard cash being paid out during the CCCX series to the athletes is very commendable indeed. The CCCX Series also pays out equal cash pursues each race to the Elite Men & Elite Women.

The Sacramento Series will be hosting their race at Harry Renfree Field. Last years event at Harry Renfree Field proved to be a testing course with not much elevation gain per lap, but fun riding and challenging. Sacramento also pays out some cash to the Men's "A" & Women's "A" racers. Each race it appears they pay a total of $175 to the "A" Men and $150 to the "A" Women. This is based on a 10 rider field limit. For "A" fields with less then 10 riders the payout is based on a percentage of entries for the day. The Sacramento Series also has a cool $5 bonus plan added to the payout for each race a rider attends during the season.

It is very impressive to see the Sacramento Series and the CCCX Series pay cash to the top class racers, both male and female. This in turn keeps the competition very serious on course in the highest divisions. Plus helps some of the starving bike racers who make the top spots on the day put gas in their car on the way home from the race...

October also means the start of the Fresno Homegrown Cyclocross Series at Woodward Park. The first Bay Area Super Prestige race at Candlestick Point. Fresno's awesome "Lou" Night Cyclocross race. The Santa Rosa Cup Series kicking into gear. And the always popular and extra fun Surf City Halloween Cyclocross extravaganza. Yes October means Cyclocross season is now!

VIDEO FEATURE

2011-10-05T01:05:00.000-07:00

This week I have chosen the Cyclocross World Championship Elite Sankt Wendel 2011 - Final 2 laps video to highlight...

World Championship races always make for good viewing!

When Zdenk Stybar is on form, he is extremely hard to beat. The past two World Championship Cyclocross races Stybar was on his game top shelf.

The Saint Wendel course was slick and technical at speeds, but Stybar made quick work of each lap on his way to a smoothly crafted gold medal ride.

Zdenk Stybar

Sven Nys was 2nd place at last years worlds behind Stybar. He was down about 17 seconds the entire last two laps at Saint Wendel, and could not close down any time on Stybar as you see in the video. In 2005 Nys won the World Championship on a similar course at Saint Wendel. So he has claimed Silver & Gold on this challenging circuit during two World Championship events in Germany. Nys has won over 300 Cyclocross races and is considered one of the greatest Cross racers of all time.

Sven Nys

Kevin Pauwles was the bronze medalist in this version of the World Championships Cross race. He was involved in the best race on course during the video, the battle for the bronze medal. Four riders ended up coming together on the last lap with Pauwels, fellow Belgium star Klaas Vantornout, German racer Philipp Walsleben, and French star Francis Mourey, all in with a shot on the podium. Too bad the camera work did not follow this four-some, as it would have been very interesting to see where the crafty Pauwels gapped the other three riders in the tail end of the last lap.

Kevin Pauwels

Klaas Vantornout

Philipp Walsleben

Francis Mourey

Be sure and watch the final riders come through the finish line and you will see in 12th place American Jonathan Page. This was a fine performance for Page who almost won the World Championships in 2007, and had to settle for the Silver medal.

Jonathan Page

BIG WEEKEND OF CROSS RACING IN STORE FOR NOR-CAL

2011-10-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

Rain has arrived for Cyclocross season, just in time for a huge weekend of racing with Sacramento Cross on Saturday & CCCX Cross on Sunday.

Of course a few days of moisture flowing from the sky during the week will not have a large impact on the dirt content for this weekends racing. However, it will settle some of the really loose & dry dirt, and it does have significance that Cyclocross season is truly upon us.

Odds are the upcoming weekend will be sunny. The Cyclocross courses will most likely be fast and flowing for Nor-Cal racers. Hopefully there will be less dust in the air kicked up from competitors on course thanks to the mid-week rain. Best of all there just might be some grippy sections of dirt to really dig into when railing corners and hitting turns in the races at high speeds.

Saturday's Sacramento Cyclocross race will be held at Harry Renfree Field. It will be fast times at Renfree Field for sure! The Sacramento Series has made some date switches on their calendar that are worth notice. The October 22nd race will now be held October 23rd at Condon Park in Grass Valley. The December 10th event is now rescheduled for December 3rd, the day before the District Cross Championships in Salinas. The December 3rd Sacramento race will be held at Lange Twins Winery, in Acampo.

Sunday's CCCX Cyclocross race will be held at Manzanita Park in Prunedale.

Check out these very sharp race photos from the Manzanita Park venue during the 2010 edition.

Manzanita Park is legendary for Cross racing in Nor-Cal, the venue has held multiple NCNCA District Championships over the years. Race winners on the day are always deserving and top of class! The Park simply brings the best & strongest riders to the front of affairs when the competition heats up. If you race well at Manzanita Park you are legitimate in Cyclocross & at the top of your game!

The Lion Of Fairfax Results Are Here.

Congratulations to Kathleen Hannon & Jim Hewett on their strong overall wins in Fairfax.

Check out the NCNCA B.A.R. Road Rankings For 2011. The Master 35+ 1/2/3 Division Was Won By A Cyclocross Racer!

The top athletes on that list of 325 riders are all incredibly talented cyclists. It is great to see a Cross racer hit the #1 spot for the 2011 NCNCA Road Point Series.

I always try and share the knowledge that Cyclocross competitions are by far the best way to improve in Cycle Racing of any discipline. Cross literally touches every aspect of Cycle Racing for a competitor. If you want to improve on the ROAD, MTB XC, MTB DH, BMX, TRACK, or in Climbing, Descending, Turning, and Sprinting, RACE CROSS!

Cyclocross has shaped the riding styles of the best racers from Nor-Cal over the past 20 years. Road racers, MTB racers, and Gravity racers who are at the highest level have all benefited from racing Cyclocross. If your not racing Cross your simply missing out on the best way to improve your cycling in general.

One final tip, always remember to keep it fun!

RACING IN THE NCNCA

2011-09-28T01:21:00.000-07:00

This Saturday's Lion of Fairfax will be epic!

Information can be found here,

To what will be an amazing day of Cyclocross...

Big Swinging Cycles will not disappoint in keeping the Lion of Fairfax fun times for all! So far in 2011 CCCX, Folsom, & Sac. Town, have all delivered some great races. Now it is the Lion of Fairfax to step up and go off... Enjoy!

The Surf City Series has set their dates! The super cool Halloween Event opens the Surf City game on October 30th! Best of all the Surf City has their last date set for January 29th. This is one week after the North/South Challenge in Bakersfield on Jan. 22. So thanks to the CCCX Series, Bakersfield North/South Championships, and the Surf City Series, Cyclocross racing in our region fills up January until the end of the month!

Team Santa Cruz keeps the Surf City Series alive...

Thank You!

Mark your calendar for the Bay Area Super Prestige Cyclocross to kick into gear with the revival of the Candle Stick Park course on October 23rd.

Lets hope for rain, cause that course really gets into tip top shape with some moisture in the dirt! I am sure it will be bumpy and choppy from the lack of cycling the past years on the track. Sounds like fun to me, more bumps & more choppy sections makes the Nor-Cal racers that much tougher and stronger when all is said and done! Thank you to all promoters for the most wicked courses possible!

My advice to all is...

Get Out There And Race!

Each Weekend & Each Event- JUST RACE!