Big Weekend

We are in it. The 2006 cyclocross season is in full-swing. By our count, there are 9 races in 2 days in 5 states and 1 province. And that isn't counting the fact that many of our top men and women are all the way across the country racing in the first USGP weekend.

The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, this is what we have been waiting all year for... so grab your bike and helmet and get out there and have fun.

ArcticCross #5 Race Report and Results

ArcticCross #5
October 4, 2006
Kincaid Park

ArcticCross #5: Matt Novakovich and Heather Gasaway once again put the hurt on the field at a windy Kincaid Stadium. Novakovich (Bicycle Shop) took his 5th straight, and 10th overall, ArcticCross victory. Josh Yeaton (Team Kaladi) finished 2nd after briefly leading the race during the 4th lap. Andy Duneow rounded out the podium after an incredible last lap surge.

In the Women's race, Gasaway (Bicycle Shop) continued her undefeated streak in front of Kristine Eastman and Junior 'crosser Jessica Yeaton.

The Series Final is this Saturday, October 7, at 1pm. With double points and cash on the line, it promises to be a exciting finale.

RESULTS

Men
1) Matt Novakovich, Team Bicycle Shop, 7 laps in 1:01:00
2) Josh Yeaton, Team Kaladi (+1.22)
3) Andy Duenow, (+1.47)
4) Chris Seaman (+2.03)
5) Andy Pohl (+2.38)
6) Brian Bonney (+2.47)
7) Chet Fehrmann (+2.47)
8) Tony Brugliera, Team Bicycle Shop (+2.56)
9) Jim Peot (+7.55)
10) Chris Wrobel (+10.51)
11) Mike Beiergrohslein, 6 laps
12) Gene Till
13) Bret Rosane
14) Tony Berberich
15) Nathan Bosch
16) Orjan Kohl
17) TimTrout
18) Bruce Ross
19) Steve McKeever
20) Robert Ostrom

Women
1) Heather Gasaway, Team Bicycle Shop (5 laps in 50.39)
2) Kristine Eastman (+5.21)
3) Jessica Yeaton (+6.26)
4) Tiffanie Novakovich, Team Bicycle Shop (+10.21)
5) Susie Anderson (+11.21)
6) Rebecca Mamrol (+12.33)
7) Allison Ross (+14.08)
8) Keri Koger, 4 laps
9) Morgan Summers, 3 laps

NW goes to Gloucester

USGP Gloucester will be taking place this Saturday and Sunday. For Saturday there are 105 registered riders in the UCI Elite Men/U23 field and 59 in the UCI Elite women. For Sunday's elite races there are 110 men and 57 women registered for Sunday. A who's who of the pacific northwest will be on hand to see how they measure up against the top talent in the country. Wicks, Trebon, Craig, Skerritt, Tonkin, Cameron, Sundt, Schmitt, Neyens, Decker, Horner, Weighall, Mackie, McGrath and others will be representing their teams and the northwest. For the women, Berg, Butler, Simms, Mazza and Stoick and Williams will be ready to show the country that the northwest has some of the fastest and most competitive women. Best of luck to all of them this weekend!

Team Maxxis news

Team Maxxis has a few connections to the pacific northwest as Geoff Kabush rides the trails in Victoria, BC and Adam McGrath hails from Portland, OR.

Maxxis elite cyclo-cross team for 2006/07

Geoff Kabush, Mathieu Toulouse, Melissa Thomas and Adam McGrath (U23) of Team Maxxis/VanDessel Bikes will be the flaming orange streaks you see burning up 'cross courses all over North America this cyclo-cross season.

Kabush earns distinction as the most noted rider on the team thanks to his many top five results in mountain bike racing. Toulouse, a 'cross veteran, has been patiently waiting for his turn to strike it big. Thomas is new to the Maxxis family but given her results from the previous season: 4th at U.S. Cyclocross Nationals and 5th overall in the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross, she will be a force to be reckoned with. McGrath takes a break from being the team mechanic to race U23s and will hopefully earn another spot on the U.S. National Cyclocross team.
Team Maxxis will be waging a complete North American campaign this season with all four riders competing in the Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross. Kabush and Toulouse will compete for the Maple Leaf jersey at the Canadian Nationals in Nanaimo, BC in November, while Thomas and McGrath will go for the Stars-and-Stripes at the U.S. Nationals in Providence, RI in December.

Star Crossed report

courtesy of cyclingnews.com

Record Crowds, Big Win for Andy Jacques-Maynes

Record crowds, record beer consumption and a surprise winner were the most talked about moments at the 2006 Clif Bar/Hagens Berman Starcrossed Cyclocross race this year. A total of about 2500 spectators packed into Redmond Washington’s Marymoor Park to see some great bicycle racing. The Women’s race was taken by Canadian National Champion Wendy Simms who overcame a three-way battle for the win.

The men’s main event was fast, painful, and exciting and it certainly did not disappoint the rowdy pumped up crowds who had been feasting on Pabst Blue Ribbon in the beer garden all day long. Just a few laps into the race a select group of men pulled away from the rest of the field to form the lead freight train that would never look back. This select group included Andy Jacques-Maynes, Carl Decker, Jonny Sundt, Chris Mcgovern, Dan Neyens, Morgan Schmitt, Geoff Kabush, and Russell Stevenson. Stevenson pinned it from the start with Kabush, Sundt, Decker, and Jacques-Maynes taking short lived attacks and flyers.

The surprising move of the day was by 21 year old Dan Neyens of the Hagens Berman Cyclocross Team who was able to get a significant gap quickly but a late race bobble ended this excellent move. With a few laps to go Decker moved up with an eye on a late charge but Jacques-Maynes had other ideas and was able to keep the wily Decker at bay and take the win. Kabush would finish third, Chris Mcgovern fourth, and the resurgent Sundt would finish 5th after spending three long days setting up for the event.

The Women's Elite race had plenty of fireworks and a surprise ending. As expected, two-time Canadian National Champion Wendy Simms (Kona) got off to a torrid start, pinning it from the gun. But by the first turn on the backside, Bridgette Stoick (River City Bicycles) took over the lead. A lead group formed – consisting of Stoick, Simms, and Rhonda Mazza (Team S&M) – and stuck together for next three laps. Midway through the race, newcomers Sue Butler and Wendy Williams (both of River City Bicycles) chased down the lead group, and Butler took the lead for over a lap.

With under two laps to go, Williams laid down an attack and, with Simms closely on her wheel, they passed Butler and moved into the one-two slots. As they sprinted to the finish line on the last lap, Williams had a ten-yard lead and appeared to have the win locked-up. But mistakenly thinking that the finish line was beyond the beer garden barriers, Williams made a sharp right turn, and Simms rode straight ahead for the win. Williams was eventually placed into the 2nd position because of the error by the officials.

Crosstoberfest Details

from the inbox:

Please join us this Sunday, October 8th at St. Edward State Park for the first annual Crosstoberfest brought to you by Ragnarök Racing and Second Ascent. Crosstoberfest is a family event offering a morning trail run, cyclocross racing all day, and the wild and crazy cyclocross relay race at the end of day.

Come enjoy “pie for the people” and more by Zagi’s Pizza, espresso and goodies from Giro Espresso and of course many New Belgium beers in the beer garden.

The cross racing categories and schedule are the same as Seattle Cyclocross, but no racing license is required! If you don’t have a cross bike, don’t worry – mountain bikes are welcome!

FREE EVENT T-SHIRT ON RACE DAY if you pre-register at Second Ascent located at 5209 Ballard Ave. NW in old Ballard next door to the Tractor Tavern. Save time on race day by pre-registering!!

PARKING IS LIMITED – PLEASE CARPOOL ! There is overflow parking at Arrowhead Elementary School just North of the park – watch for the trail that connect the two.

This is the first ever cyclocross race at St. Edward State Park. We want to come back so we ask that you please respect the park, pickup after your pets, and be friendly to the park rangers. NOTE: all dogs must be on a leash.

Hope to see you out there!

For more race information, please see the link to Crosstoberfest in the calendar to the right.

lisa miller
ragnarok racing
206.291.7773

Idaho - Sandy Point Race #1

Sandy Point Race Series presented by Tates Rents Race #1 was held last Saturday. It was accompanied by a Cross Clinic and was the kick-off to the Idaho Cyclocross season. Richard Feldman (Durance) showed he is still one of the best cross racers in the nation by easily winning the Mens A race. This weekend the Idaho cross season keeps rolling with the Eagle Island Race Series #1. As always, check the links in the calendar to the right for all race details.

Results:

Men A
1 Richard Feldman 1:03:39
2 Cody Peterson 1:05:44
3 Brandon Akers 1:08:53
4 Alex Ebright 1:09:57
5 Darren Lightfield 1:10:15
6 Brad Rodgers 1:11:29
7 Alex Phipps
8 Engin Yesilyemis-Digrazia
9 Harris McMullin
10 Jason Dykstra
11 Matt Scott
12 Mike Gerhardt
13 Henry Harper
14 Brad Streeter (dnf)

Thrilla Finale

The Thrilla in the Milla Grand Finale is tonight in Bend. Grab your bike, helmet and shoes and get on down to the 4th and final race in the night-time 'cross series. Racing starts at 6pm sharp!

Here are the current Points standings for the series:

MEN A
80 Ben Thompson
71 Eric Martin
43 Damian Schmitt
41 Brig Brandt
38 Tim Jones
32 Andrew Fischer
30 Carl Decker
26 Mitch Thompson
25 Ian Mackie
21 Brandon Groza
20 Mike Schindler

MEN B
75 Wade Goff
54 Wade Miller
52 Jeff Kleihauer
38 Scott Carlile
33 Alex Reightley
30 Mark Campbell
30 Jeff Fuchs
30 Patrick Wilder
22 Spencer Bushnell
20 Matt Engel
20 Chris Moore

WOMEN
90 Patty Buerkle
69 Julie Wose
50 Tracey Walker
38 Amy Smith
37 Renee Scott
33 Karen Kenlan
29 Rebecca Bozarth
25 Heather Clark
22 Evelyn Dong

MEN B40+
55 Mike Albright
55 Dan Davis
55 Jim Juenger
55 Jim Miller
45 Dave Skinkle
41 Don Leet
37 Brian Smith
30 Greg Talbert
24 Marc Fortier
21 Matt Lasala

Washington racing this weekend

The beautiful Methow Valley is the scene for the Methow Valley Fall Bike Festival on Saturday, October 7th. The promoters of Cyclocrazed, the Bellingham series will be promoting their first event of the season by piggybacking their ‘cross event with an already established and highly popular mountain bike and road bike event. All the details of the Methow Cross race are right here.

On Sunday, cyclocross takes over St. Edward State Park on the northern shores of Lake Washington for Crosstoberfest. Ragnarok Racing, the promoters of the Tour de Tunnel of year's past will be promoting and hosting all the festivites which include a trail run, beer garden, racing in all categories and the infamous relay team race to wrap up the afternoon. Check out the race flyer. Here's the official release and announcement from the team:

(SEATTLE; September 12, 2006) Ragnarök Racing and Second Ascent, race promoters of the former Tour de Tunnel Cyclocross Festival, are excited to announce the “2006 Crosstoberfest at St. Edward State Park”. The event will be held on Sunday, October 8th, 2006.Keeping with the same flavor of Tour de Tunnel, the 2006 Crosstoberfest will offer many of the same elements that made the former race so successful including generous cash payouts and swag, pre-race trail run, beer garden and of course, the wild and crazy team relay race.Watch for future announcements of pre-registration bonuses, racing schedule and other important information. Mark October 8th on your calendar!

Double up in Oregon

This week in Oregon: The Fox Hollow Grand Prix of Cross and Veloce's Battle at Barlow fill the racing calendar since Cross Crusade is recovering from its epic season opener. The Fox Hollow Grand Prix will be held in the Eugene area at the French Immersion School on Saturday, October 7th, and The Battle at Barlow will run at Sam Barlow High School in Gresham on Sunday, October 8th. The race flyers are available in the calendar to the right. This weekend provides a great way to keep your racing fitness going and also support cyclocross racing in Oregon.

Montana Cyclocross

Montana has its cross schedule up. The highlights are a 5-race Wednesday night series which started last Wednesday and run 5 consecutive Wednesdays through October 25th. The focus of most Montana 'crossers is the 9-race MBRA race series that takes place on Saturdays and Sundays around the state. October 29th is the State Championship race. There is also a 2-race nationals training race series in Helena in late November/early December, home of national cyclocross guru and 2005 age-group National Championships podium finisher Geoff Proctor. Check the details of each race in the calendar to the right.

Star Crossed Results

photo of Andy Jacques-Maynes by Neil Browne

Here are the results from Saturday night’s epic evening of racing. Top 5 men were all given the same time with Andy Jacques-Maynes (CAL GIANT STRAWBERRIES) picking up the win. Wendy Simms (KONA) grabbed first place in the Elite Women's race. Runner-up Wendy Williams (RIVER CITY) finally got her first place on Sunday afternoon at Cross Crusade at Alpenrose after Saturday night’s second place finish. Jon Gallagher (COLE SPORT) made it a double this weekend in the Master A division. He picked up his first of two victories at Star Crossed and got his second in Portland on Sunday afternoon.

Elite Men
1 Jacques-Maynes Andy -- Cal Giant Strawberries 1:02:26
2 Decker Carl -- Team Giant 1:02:26
3 Kabush Geoff -- Maxxis 1:02:26
4 McGovern Chris -- Sonic Cyclocross 1:02:26
5 Sundt Johnny -- Hagens Berman 1:02:26
6 Stevenson Russell -- Benaroya Research Institute 1:02:34
7 Neyens Dan -- Hagens Berman 1:02:34
8 Skerritt Shannon -- Vanilla/Stumptown Coffee 1:02:52
9 Cameron Molly -- Vanilla/Stumptown Coffee 1:04:01
10 Britton Rob -- Gigabike La-Z-Boy 1:04:08
11 Weighall Nicholas -- Alan Factory Team 1:04:11
12 McGrath Adam 1:04:22
13 Gallagher Michael -- River City Bicycles 1:04:22
14 Schmitt Morgan -- Hagens Berman 1:05:00
15 Hanson Loren -- Benaroya Research Institute 1:05:04
16 Iddings Ryan -- Redline 1:05:14
17 O'Conner Art -- FFKR 1:05:24
18 Blackwelder Mark -- Veloshop 1:05:32
19 Hanson Mark -- Benaroya Research Institute 1:05:35
20 Grove Phil -- Hagens Berman 1:05:39
21 Pilz David -- Gentle Lovers 1:05:40
22 Tubbs Ian -- Hagens Berman 1:05:42
23 Noiles Kevin -- Masi-Adobile 1:06:10
24 Atwood Eric -- Benaroya Research Institute 1:06:14
25 -1 Williams James -- K&N
26 -1 Fleischauer David -- Sonic Cyclocross
27 -1 Hunter Steven -- Veloshop
28 -1 Squier Josh -- Recycled Cycles
29 -1 Ross Nat -- Subaru - Gary Fisher
30 -1 Miller Cary -- Team S&M
31 -1 Nosak Ian -- Fred Meyer
32 -1 Brechwald Luke -- Sonic Cyclocross
33 -1 Hansen Jon -- Sunnyside Sports
34 -1 Lehtinen Rob -- Alki/Rubicon
35 -1 Bannerman -- Nathan Bicycle Centers
36 -1 Fusaro Mike -- Benaroya Research Institute
37 -1 Ellin Brian -- Veloshop
38 -1 Wilson Alex -- Mobile Money
39 -1 Hopping Ryan -- Redbike.ca


Elite Women
1 Simms Wendy -- Kona 0:41:54
2 Williams Wendy -- River City Cycles 0:41:54
3 Bulter Sue -- River City Cycles 0:42:05
4 Mazza Rhonda 0:42:13
5 Stoick Bridgette -- River City Cycles 0:42:13
6 Jones Kelly -- Sugoi Factory Team 0:42:13
7 Berg Kristi -- Group Health 0:42:34
8 Beggs Josie -- Cal Giants 0:42:54
9 Dance Dani -- River City Cycles 0:43:02
10 Lyndon-Griffith Beth -- Byrne Specialty Gases 0:43:02
11 Spies Ingrid -- Recycled Cycles 0:43:33
12 McGovern Hollie -- Sonic Cycles 0:44:00
13 Riley Jadine -- Group Health 0:44:00
14 Crane Tela -- Sonic U23 0:44:00
15 Stewart Sarah -- Wedgewood Cycling Club 0:44:00
16 Itle Amber 0:44:46
17 Stralka Lea -- Byrne Specialty Gases 0:45:55
18 Amundson Karen 0:46:11
19 Radomsky Alena -- Team Giant 0:46:17
20 Trew Jenny -- Team Giant 0:46:31
21 Fournier Sami -- Organic Athlete 0:46:45
22 -1 Valas Laura -- CXC Skiing 0:42:05
23 -1 Beall Allison -- Emde Sports 0:43:25

Master Men 1/2
1 Gallagher John -- Cole Sport 43:19
2 Schmeer Ronnie -- Art by Opsal 43:20
3 Hill Matthew -- Redline 43:39
4 Andel Alex 43:45
5 Knokey Mark -- Axley USA 44:00
6 Campbell Robert -- Valley Athletic 44:00
7 Williams Kenny -- 1st Rate Mortgage 44:11
8 Iddings Randy -- Redline 44:23
9 Phillips Tom -- Ragnarok 45:00
10 Davis Seth -- Broadmark/Hagens Berman 45:06
11 Ogden Tony -- Broadmark/Hagens Berman 45:06
12 Young Mark -- 2nd Ascent 45:20
13 Cummings Jeff -- Ragnarok 45:24
14 Quirks Dan -- Veloce 45:24
15 Schindler Mike -- Sunny Side Sports 45:24
16 Rossman Halter -- Alki Rubicon 45:45
17 Butler Tim -- River City Bicycles 45:45
18 Rodland Rick -- Norcal Flora Glo 45:45
19 McConaughy Jeff -- Jack's Bikes Southside 45:45
20 Shiers Derek -- Avanti/Ti Cycles 46:01
21 Peterson Dan -- Byrne Specialty Gas 46:15
22 Karman Dave -- Broadmark/Hagens Berman 46:20
23 Davis Todd 46:24
24 Bruning David -- Avanti/Ti Cycles 46:30
25 Duxbury Alec -- Art by Opsal 46:34
26 Jensen Steve 46:45
27 Cook David -- Zoka 47:12
28 Turner Aaron -- 2nd Ascent 47:32
29 Blanco Rich 47:44
30 Anderson Todd 47:47
31 -1 Werner Paul -- Zoka
32 -1 Bennett Mark -- CVC Racing
33 -1 Bannerman Justin Skagit Cycle Center

Check out the results for all categories.

Cross Crusade Race #1 Results – Alpenrose

Alpenrose Dairy
Sunday, October 1, 2006

Quite a few names managed to get themselves back from Seattle on Saturday night/Sunday morning and found themselves on the start line for the first Cross Crusade race of the year. Alpenrose Dairy was the venue. The number of riders was staggering, close to 800 riders on the day when adding up all the categories.

Here are the results from the top categories. Carl Decker (GIANT) wins the stacked Mens A race and Wendy Williams (RIVER CITY) snags the first Cross Crusade win of the year in the Womens A category. Of note, Jon Gallagher (COLE SPORT) promoted a race Friday night in his hometown of Park City, Utah, then raced and won the Master Men 1/2 race at Star Crossed in Seattle on Saturday afternoon and then took the top honors in the Master Men A category at Cross Crusade on Sunday afternoon. All the rest of the results for all categories (including unicycle) can be found here.

Women A
1 Williams Wendy -- River City Bicycles
2 Mazza Rhonda -- Team S&M
3 Butler Sue -- River City Bicycles
4 Kelsey Kristen -- bicycleattorney.com
5 Dance Dani -- River City Bicycles
6 Pennington Alice -- Desalvo Custom Cycles Racing
7 Stoick Bridgette
8 Brubaker Tina
9 Sanborn Melissa -- Wenzel Coaching
10 Whitlatch Shanan -- Fred Meyer/Lakeside Cycling Team
11 Campbell Amy -- River City Bicycles
12 Playman Erin -- Veloshop
13 Buerkle Patty -- Webcyclery
14 Alvares Marila -- Bike Gallery
15 Schubel Megan
16 Humblet Catherine

Men A
1 Decker Carl -- Giant
2 Cameron Molly -- Vanilla Bicycles
3 Tonkin Erik -- Kona
4 Skerritt Shannon -- Vanilla Bicycles
5 McGrath Adam -- Team Maxxis
6 Sallashea Michael -- River City Bicycles
7 Brandt Chris -- Collin's/Specialized
8 Brown Ian
9 Nichols Brett -- River City Bicycles
10 Slaven Matthew -- Kona
11 Schmitt Damian -- Hagens Berman LLP
12 Patla Seth -- Finnegans Toys/Discover Chiropractic
13 Swanson Chad
14 Blackwelder Mark -- Veloshop
15 Williams James -- Team K&N
16 McNamee Jeffrey
17 Smith Jonathan -- Team S&M
18 Pilz David -- Gentle Lovers
19 Plews Evan -- Capital/Subaru
20 Kelsey Sean -- bicycleattorney.com
21 Hulick Kevin -- Vanilla Bicycles
22 Swanson Jeremiah -- Team S&M
23 Ryan Kelly -- Etna Brewing Company/Desalvo
24 Schindler Mike -- Sunnyside Sports
25 Miller Cary -- Team S&M
26 Myers Jonathan -- Team S&M
27 Struck Jeffrey -- Team S&M

Master Men A
1 Gallagher Jonathan -- ColeSport
2 Mitchem John -- Casa Bruno
3 Diviney David -- Half Fast Velo
4 Bravard John -- Half Fast Velo
5 Baker Martin -- bicycleattorney.com
6 McCaffrey John -- bicycleattorney.com
7 Leitheiser Ian -- Half Fast Velo
8 Quirk Dan -- Veloce/Felt
9 Butler Tim -- River City Bicycles
10 Hendricks Tre -- Disco Velo
11 Jones Michael -- Disco Velo
12 Bannink Jeffrey -- Bike Gallery
13 Stewart Todd
14 Juenger Jim -- Sunnyside Sports
15 Evans Doug -- bicycleattorney.com
16 Benderly Ken -- bicycleattorney.com
17 Doabler Christian -- Midtown Racing
18 Engstrom David
19 Goritski Bill
20 Bradway Scott

The Cross Crusade resumes in two weeks on October 15th at
Hillsboro Stadium (possibly a preview of the USGP Portland course on November 19th?)

Got any news or notes? Race photos or results? Rants or raves? Hit us at maddog202020@gmail.com.

The Ryan and Barry Show, part deux

The second half of the UCI ‘cross weekend in the Hamptons happened yesterday afternoon…

Whitmore's Landscaping Super Cross Cup Weekend
Day 2
Presented by Hampton Velo Club
Southampton, NY
Sunday, October 01, 2006

1 59:42 Tim JOHNSON -- Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com
2 1:00:26 Ryan TREBON -- Kona
3 1:00:42 Jesse ANTHONY -- Team Clif Bar
4 1:00:48 Mark MCCORMACK -- Team Clif Bar
5 1:00:50 Mathieu TOULOUSE -- Team Maxxis Cyclocross
6 1:00:51 Ben JACQUES-MAYNES -- Cyclocrossworld.com
7 1:01:34 Barry WICKS -- Kona
8 1:01:50 Troy WELLS -- TIAA-CREF / CLIF BAR
9 1:02:13 Matthew (USA) WHITE -- FiordiFrutta Elite Cycling Team
10 1:02:58 Matt KRAUS -- Alan Factory Team

video interview with Trebon and Wicks

Over on Velonews.com, they have a video interview with Ryan Trebon and Barry Wicks that was conducted at Interbike last week. Among other things, they discuss their friendly competition, their just-completed MTB season and their plans for the upcoming ‘cross season. They also discuss the benefits of top US road pros like Chris Horner and Freddie Rodriguez racing cross now (yes, Freddie announced he will be racing the USGP series). The highlight of the video has got to be the arm wrestling competition.

a little early for Christmas?

This was posted on the Cross Crusade Forum on Saturday, before the Cross Crusade kick-off at Alpenrose. Kudos to John Wilson for the nice creativity!!!!

T’was the night before CrossCrusade, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The tubulars were stretched and glued with great care, In hopes that a podium finish soon would be near.

The crusaders were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of leg searing run-ups danced in their heads.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

When, what to my wondering eyes shown in the light, But an orange & green Chariot, led by eight shiny knights.

With a dastardly old driver, so conniving and cross, I knew in a moment that it must be Brad Ross

And sitting beside him looking all prim and pretty Was that devilish course designer Mr. Brian Witty

More rapid than Trebon & Wicks his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Donovan! now, Potestio! now, Slingsby and Splinter!

On, Candi! On, Terri! on, Humberston! and Meyers!

To the top of the barrier! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves behind the wild pack do fly, When they meet with an obstacle, they leap to the sky.

So over the run-up the coursers they raged, With Mr Ross and Mr Witty and a chariot laden with Swag

And then, once again, I heard such a clatter The partying and ringing cow bells of each cross crusader

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Through the front door that Witty came with a bound.

He was dressed all in chain maul, from his head to his foot, And his armor was all tarnished with Alpenrose mud, and Barton Park soot.

A bundle of Swag he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old Knight, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of my plight!

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, Handing out McTarnahans to all, then turned with a jerk

And then a wave of a beer by the side of his face He gave a big nod and took off for the race

He sprang to his chariot, to his team gave a kick, And away they all flew like on the legs of Kevin Hulick.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he raced out of sight, "Happy Cross Crusade to all, and to all a good-night!"

Good Luck tomorrow Crusaders !

John Wilson

Seattle 'Cross Race #2 South Seatac

The second race of the 2006 Seattle Cyclocross Series was held yesterday under partly to mostly sunny skies at South Seatac Park. The Seattle Series still has yet to see a drop of rain, both races so far have been raced in dry and dusty conditions. South Seatac Park is a mix of pavement and single track and yesterday did not disappoint. Throw in a couple sand pits and you’ve got a tough technical course. With Star Crossed the night before, a few of the usual suspects were missing but there was still fast and furious racing to be had. 4th place finisher from the evening before, Chris McGovern (SONIC) took the Men 1/2 race in front of Ian Mackie (BRI) by a narrow .6 tenths of a second, while Wendy Simms (KONA), Canadian National Cyclocross Champion, won her second race in as many days as she repeated her performance from the evening before. She beat the next best placed woman, Kelly Jones (SUGOI), by over 2 ½ minutes! In the Master Men 1/2 race it was all Randy Iddings (REDLINE), winning comfortably over the next fastest competitor.

Men 1/2
1 Chris Mcgovern -- Sonic cyclocross 53:01.1 8 Laps
2 Ian Mackie -- BRI 53:01.7
3 Mark Hanson -- BRI 53:44.5
4 Sean Worsean -- Rad Racing NW 53:51.9
5 Morgan Schmitt -- Hagens Berman / Ridley 53:52.3
6 Loren Hanson -- BRI 53:52.8
7 Eric Atwood -- Benaroya Research Institute 53:58.7
8 Tucker Thomas -- Sonic U-23 54:42.2
9 Ryan Hopping -- Red Bike.ca 56:42.4
10 Luke Brechwald -- Sonic U-23 57:04.2
11 James C Birkenbuel -- Alki/Rubicon Racing 57:04.7
12 Logan Wetzel -- 1st Rate Mortgage 57:05.3
13 John-Christian Flack -- Valley Athletic Club 58:20.2
14 Steve Fisher -- Rad Racing NW 58:47.4
15 Bryce Huck -- Dez Nutz 59:37.6
16 Kyle McGilvray -- www cycling 53:16.2 7 Laps
17 Nathan Bannerman -- Bicycle Centers 53:38.8
18 Ian Crane -- Rad Racing NW 55:22.5
19 Tim Erickson -- Recycled Cycles 55:48.3
20 Gaylen Erickson -- Redline 56:10.2
21 Don Wesley -- None 56:43.2
22 David Fleischhauer -- Sonic U-23 DNF 5 Laps
23 Ryan Iddings -- Redline DNF 3 Laps
24 Mathew Hill -- Redline DNF 1 Lap
25 Jim Wood -- Nob Hill Velo DNF 1 Lap

Women 1/2
1 Wendy Simms -- Kona 45:19.1 6 Laps
2 Kelly Jones -- Sugoi Factory Team 47:57.7
3 Kristi Berg -- Group Health 48:56.6
4 Ingrid Spies -- Recycled Cycles 49:48.9
5 Nicola Mann -- TiCycles 50:03.9
6 Hollie McGovern -- Sonic 50:24.1
7 Amber Itle -- YBR 50:27.3
8 Jadine Riley -- Group Health 51:56.0
9 Jenny Trew -- Team Giant 53:54.5
10 Emily Westbrook -- Tamarack 44:36.2 5 Laps
11 Lea Stralka -- BYR 45:10.0

Master Men 1/2
1 Randy Iddings -- Redline 55:12.6 8 Laps
2 Tom Phillips -- Ragnarok 56:19.4
3 Andy Dahlstrom -- 57:01.2
4 Jeff Cummings -- Ragnarok 57:28.5
5 Mark Knokey -- Axley USA 58:18.8
6 Doug Graver -- Ragnarok 58:25.7
7 Derek Shiers -- Ti Cycles 58:49.3
8 David Bruning -- Ti Cycles 59:16.2
9 Steve Jensen -- 59:37.4
10 Dave Cook -- Zoka 59:52.2
11 Alec Daxbury -- Art By Opsal 52:54.5 7 Laps
12 Rick Hansen -- WaMu 53:09.3
13 Kenny Williams -- 1st Rate Mortgage 53:14.9
14 Todd Anderson -- None 54:33.3
15 Hahn Rossman -- Alki/Rubicon Racing 54:34.1
16 Paul Werner -- Team Zoka 54:54.7
17 Rich Blanco -- None 55:22.1
18 Aaron Turner -- Second Ascent 56:01.7
19 David Karman -- Hagens-Berman Cycling 56:16.9
20 Brad Reed -- Watermark Cycling 57:40.4

Winning Lap Times by Category
Men 1/2 6:37
Master Men 1/2 6:54
Women 1/2 7:33
Women 3 8:54
Men 3 7:26
Master Men 3 7:21
Men 4 7:41
Master Men 4 7:54
Junior A 7:41

Next weekend, the Seattle Series takes a break so head over to St. Edward State Park and take part in Crosstoberfest put on by the fine folks at Ragnarok Racing. They'll have great racing, beer gardens, relay team competitions and other zany activities to get you in the Oktoberfest mood. See the link on the calendar to the right. Seattle Cyclocross returns on October 15th when they visit Kelly Creek. This will be the first of two stops at “the Creek” as the venue will also host the series finale on December 10.

Star Crossed Spectacular

It lived up to the hype, some say it was one of the best elite men cross races in years. On the final lap, a group of 6 riders were all in contention for the overall win. After a blistering last lap, Andy Jacques-Maynes (CAL GIANT STRAWBERRIES) snatched the victory in front of the rest of the elite field. Rounding out the podium were Geoff Kabush (MAXXIS), Carl Decker (GIANT), Chris McGovern (SONIC), and Jonny Sundt (HAGENS BERMAN LLP). A dry, bumpy and twisty course tested the riders’ ability to corner hard and accelerate out of the many u-turns and hairpins that characterized the course.

In the women’s race, Canadian National Cyclocross Champion, Wendy Simms (KONA), captured the title in the elite women’s race. It came down to a sprint between her and another rider in the final home stretch, the other rider thinking there was another lap to go began to take the turn past the beer garden instead of sailing straight ahead to the finish banner.

The Men’s Master 1/2 race featured Jon Gallagher (COLE SPORT) from Salt Lake City, UT besting the area’s top masters riders including Matt Hill and Ronnie Schmeer in a 45 minute test of strength.

The PBR was flowing all night long as well as the beats from the world-class DJs. The podium girls didn’t disappoint and the amount of free goodies for the raucous crowd and the prizes for all the category podium finishers were amazing.

Full results and photos will be available soon. To those that were in attendance, they witnessed an amazing night of cyclocross. For those who missed out, don’t worry, you only have to wait 364 days till next year’s mayhem.

798 at Alpenrose

From the inbox, there were 798 registered riders at the first Cross Crusade race of the year. That's gotta be some record outside of nationals. Results and report to follow.

Portland boys gettin' it done

One of the first big UCI weekends of the US domestic scene. Ryan and Barry show they are carrying good form over from the end of mountain bike season...

Whitmore's Landscaping Super Cross Cup Weekend
2 Days of UCI Cross! Day 1
Presented by Hampton Velo Club
Southampton, NY
Saturday, September 30, 2006

Category: Elite Men
1 0:59:09 Ryan TREBON -- Kona
2 0:59:11 Tim JOHNSON -- Cannondale/Cyclocrossworld.com
3 0:59:44 Mark MCCORMACK -- Team Clif Bar
4 0:59:46 Barry WICKS -- Kona
5 0:59:56 Jesse ANTHONY -- Team Clif Bar

Registration open for USGP Lakewood

On-line registration is now open at bikereg.com for all categories at the USGP Lakewood (read Fort Steilacoom) ‘cross race. The easiest way to access the registration site is to go here and then click on the bikereg logo next to the Lakewood race. Categories are expected to fill fast so get registered soon.

WC Calendar 06/07

For those interested in these types of things, here is the 2006-07 World Cup Calendar. 11 races, kicking off today in Aigle, Switzerland, wrapping it up on January 21, 2007 in Hoogerheide, The Netherlands. Expect the US contingent (including several top NW competitors) to make a big appearance at the December 26th event in ‘cross-mad Hofstade, Belgium. Question: With the huge growth and popularity of ‘cross in the US, when will the UCI finally schedule a World Cup race on US soil?

Cyclo-cross World Cup 2006-2007 Calendar

October 1, 2006: Aigle (Swi)
October 22, 2006: Kalmthout (Bel)
October 28, 2006: Tabor (Cze)
November 4, 2006: Tréviso (Ita)
November 12, 2006: Pijnacker (Ned)
November 25, 2006: Koksijde (Bel)
December 3, 2006: Igorre (Spa)
December 8, 2006: Milan (Ita)
December 26, 2006: Hofstade (Bel)
January 14, 2007: Nommay (Fra)
January 21, 2007: Hoogerheide (Ned)

Pocatello Cyclocross Race Report and Results

September 24, 2006
Pocatello, Idaho
Weather: 60 Degrees and sunny

Poki Cross Rocked. 1st annual and the cars kept pulling in to Bartz Field. Some big hitters came out and a ton of great racing was had by all. Course was HARD!! No joke you had to earn every pedal stroke.

Here are the brief results! tons of pictures/video info still to come. I WILL HAVE ALL RESULTS POSTED LATE TONIGHT HERE ARE JUST A FEW! THANKS TO ALL THAT MADE THE DRIVE.... AND TO ALL MY GREAT VOLUTEERS THAT STEPPED UP AND HELPED BUILD AND BREAK DOWN THE COURSE. Thanks to AMGEN FOR THE BLANKETS AND MUGS (KRIS WALKER FOR HOOKING THAT UP), STATIC MTN. FOR SOME MORE SWAG FOR PRIZES, ROB's Bike shop for getting us the DEMO bikes, Campus REC for letting us have the race!. Terry Huntley for making the race POSSIBLE!

A RACE (20 Starters)
1. Bart Gillespie “Team Raliegh”
2. Richard Feldman “Durance”
3. Sam Krieg “ICE”
4. Cary Smith “Teton Cycle Works”
5. Ali Goulet “Allan Cross Team”
6. Jim Fearick “CONTENDER”
7. Kris Quandt "TETON Cycle Works"
8. Matt Sutton "Wasatch Touring"
9. Reed Wycoff "Contender"
10. Jared Nelson LRC, Mike Kracht Revolution, Lee Roquet SUN SUMMIT, Bob Saffell Revolution, Robert Hamlin Rec Cycle, Sam Moore, Sam Sloan, Jason Montgomery.....etc.

B Race (19+ starters)
1.Will Nesse "Cordless"
2. Craig Kidd “Team ICE”
3. Paul Hoffman “ISU Track team”
4. Brian Fuller
5. Strika Chord “COLE Sports”
6. Bob Walker “ICE”
7. Bryce Thather “ICE”
8. Kris Walker "LRC,ICE, "INTER MTN"
9. Eric Anderson "ICE"
10. Linde Smith, Karen Appleby, Josh Gunter, Scott Toly, Terry Huntley, Mitch White, Bob Marcinko, Raul Sheen, Brian Jansen, Allan White...etc.

Check out all the race photos and video here.