MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2024.  Season #18 is over.  It takes a while to recover!!

Newsletter #8 (The last round) – We are looking forward to Season #19 already!

Amazing venue financial support from Coastal Community Credit Union.  THANK you CCCU!

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LOTS of end of season notes:

• OK.  Lets be honest.  We could keep this newsletter in the draft file and keep adding and adding to it for a LONG time.  We love cyclocross.  We love COTR and we love the community.  But sooner or later this needs to come OFF the to do list so we can move on.  Today is the day!
• One COTR racer represented us at Masters CX World Champs in Hamburg.  Natalie Wright bended up 9th in Masters 50-54.  COTR Masters Road Trip?
• Now it is YOUR TURN.  Send us some of your feedback.  We have seen some “unofficial” feedback on your socials.  Fire us some official stuff.  What you liked.  What you did not like.  What you would like to see.  How to get more people racing.  What your favorite course was this year.  Who you loved battling with……FEEDBACK.  The council of cross loves it!  Send it to: normon@crossontherock.com
• If you are one of these people: Stasia Ferbey (2nd Launch Women), Justine Kaseman (3rd Launch Women), Scarlett McFarland (3rd U13), Fred Clark (3rd Mega Masters), Owain Ralston (1st Launch Men) we have your TROPHY and Muc OFF prizes from the series overall.  We won’t chase you around but if you want to make arrangements on how to get it let us know!

Many People to thank.

7 events make up this series.  Each event has a group of people that make the action happen.  On top of that we have an amazing army of help from all of you at the end of each race to pitch in and help pack up.  We thank everyone that helped out through the year.  Some people are ALWAYS there (We SEE YOU).  Always pitching in.  If you are not one of those people……Season #19 is a great opportunity to get involved!  It just makes the series better and better!

We also have amazing Sponsors!

Title and MAIN PRIZING SPONSOR as well as the Muc Off Cup title sponsor withPrizing and bike wash support is Peter Creighton from HLC Bike.

Coastal Community Credit Union gave us a cash grant this year to help with rising venue expenses!

Hotel ZED and Accent Inns for great draw prizes and our grand prizes.

Super Masters Men’s Category Sponsors Jill and Simon from Cycles West in Victoria.

Frontrunners who let me race and organize and without knowing it pay for all the fuel for the series.  They also cover our bill for flagging tape and donate some draw prizes.  That shop is GREAT and soon opening in Cumberland!

Wade Luksay from Riverway Dental sponsoring the kids prizes and Wendy Simms that searches for deals for prizes for the kids.

Kyle Denny from 11 Speed Coffee covering the Last Not Lapped (AKA most in need of coffee) and some series draw prizes

Event Bike shop sponsors Pro City Cycles, Broad Street Cycles, Rock City Cycles, Cycle Therapy, Jumping Slug Cyclery, Trail Bikes.

Our race directors this year: Scott Mitchell, Nik and Lee, Brett and Tom, Corey and Sean, Roland, Matt, Patrick, Christine and Shep.

Supporting Clubs: , Tripleshot Cycling, Trail Bikes Club, Rock City Cycles Team, Broad Street Cycles, Cycle Therapy, Jumping Slug Community and MIVA

Awards
Paul Brend, Paul Brend’s Brother in law,  Roland and Victoria Waterjet.

Our stats, results and timing crew:
Patrick Burnham and Roland Rabien

Website
Brett Whitehead

And our ARMY of pre and post race help at each of the events!!

1.  Another loss for our community.Sammy Long has started a Go Fund Me for our long time sponsor Kyle Denny and his family.  Kyle is the founder of Eleven Speed Coffee and a long time supporter of Cross on the Rock and in particular the sponsor of the coveted LAST NOT LAPPED Prize!

Consider donating.
On Nov. 14th 2024 Heather Clark passed away peacefully at home after a hard battle with cancer. We are raising funds for her two sons and husband, Kyle Denny, with the aim of alleviating the financial burden and giving them time to grieve and recover from this loss. Kyle is a treasured member of the cycling community. He is endlessly generous with his business – Eleven Speed Coffee – in sponsoring events and keeping many (if not most) of us caffeinated, and is always there to support others. My hope is that this GoFundMe can support him during this difficult time and show him, and his family, the love he shows to us on a regular basis. Any amount makes an impact- not just in easing the financial burden, but also to show that we are here and have their backs. Thank you, all!Sammy
2. Hot Crossed Bunnies – Series FINAL.  Review!!

Live and Still reminder of the action.
Ross Greenwood posted some photos from the Intermediate and Open races.  They are downloadable.
Terry McKall snapped some great shots of the Men’s Masters and Super Masters races…..until his hands got too cold.
If you did not catch Pelle from unexpectedleft’s  Edit from Hot Crossed Bunnies yet on IG it is also posted on Youtube.  Pretty sweet footage and some amazing stats for each of the featured riders.  Another one is coming…..might be done before we post this. (This was the one from the Broad Street GP as well)….GUESS WHAT.  We did not get this out super fast and now there is ANOTHER edit from Pelle for the Masters and Intermediate races at Hot Crossed Bunnies.  CHECK IT OUT!!

Notes from Christine the president of MIVAWhat an amazing day for the final race of the series. So much work goes into putting an event like this on, and we are so grateful for all those that made it happen. As always, we are thankful to the City of Nanaimo, the V.I.E.X. and Nanaimo Equestrians for allowing us the use of their grounds and equipment to set our course up. Jon Watkin and Roland came through big time with delivering barriers for the start/finish stretch after a mix up with the City.  With no water on site due to the cool temps, the legend Pete Creighton called in a favour and Dean from Bay Water Hauling came in with an 800 gallon tank to save the day.  If your bike went home clean on Sunday you owe those two a high five. Thanks to Jayson from MJR Trees for clearing the lower course by the BMX track. IF YOU NEED TREE WORK this is the crew you want! It was fantastic to have Sip and Sliders out for their second race of the series, together with Harbour City Donuts, keeping bellies warm and full. 
 Big shout out to Coal City Cycles and Rock City Cycles for sponsoring draw prizes, and Georgies’s Pies for the Podium pies.  And the volunteers: despite the rain, wind, and cold that just kept on coming, a very dedicated and determined group from MIVA and the Nanaimo cycling community set out this extensive course under Shep and Paul’s direction. Think about that favorite mud puddle or obstacle you just loved to hate: that was probably Shep’s idea! On race day a team of dedicated individuals, many on site from dawn to dusk, made sure everything ran smoothly, even to the farthest reaches of the course. Kudos go out to Shep, he was truly “the boss” and the day would not have been possible without him.   I’m always grateful for the way this club and community pulls together to make events like this happen.
3. Season #18 Review.

The Victoria Cyclocross GP at Topaz park seems a LONG time ago!!  The fall goes by so quickly when you have racing to look forward to.  These events are the fall highlight!

Looking back hopefully there will be some highlights for you to pull from.  Check your photos.  Watch and re-watch some of the little videos.  Start listening to the CX Hairs or CX Fever Podcasts.  Change your BB bearings……we are so lucky to have such a great community to get together with 6-7 times a fall.

One of the e-mails we received in the week after Hot Crossed Bunnies expressed how they were able to come to the races.  Race as hard as they wanted but everyone was respectful and had a great time.  There was no “bad-drama”.  All the drama was on the race course!!

Where are we as a series and a sport?  Well check out our famous stats page!!  We are in a great spot!  We came from HUMBLE beginnings!  in 2006 we AVERAGED 65 racers per EVENT.  We did not crack 100 until year 5.  We did not crack 200 until year 8.  Since then we have had UP years and slightly down years.  This year was bigger than last.  One of our main take aways is the QUALITY is VERY HIGH!!  If you look at the DNF rates for this year people are coming prepared and with experience!  They are making it to the finish.  We are a highly motivated bunch!  We love the events.  We love the competition.  We love the community!

That is it for the council of cross for 2024!  Keep an eye on our socials for any updates or news from now until August.  We will have to make one more Lost and Found post before that goes to good will so that is one thing to look out for. 

Thank for a great race season.

Feel free to e-mail or DM us any time!

The Council of Cross!

Parting Shot
We miss it already.  Already planning for Season #19 starting September 2025!

MUC OFF – Cross on the Rock 2024.  The LAST Outdoor Cycling Series still racing in CANADA!!!

Newsletter #7 – Hot Crossed Bunnies.  This Sunday.  All the CX.  Double the MUC OFF.  Double the Points.  TRIPLE the spirit!!  Come out and race, cheer, support or help out!  Lets finish Season #18 strong!!

Venue support from Coastal Community Credit Union.

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Second to LAST newsletter of 2024 so read every word because after the last one comes out…..there will be NO MORE until next August/September and you will miss us SO MUCH!

LOTS of Notes for this week:

• More photos from CoweX and the Muc Off Cup. from Ethan Swain.  Gallery #1 (CoweX)   Gallery #2 (Muc Off Cup)
• Without a Vancouver Island race last weekend we saw COTR racers head to Quebec for the National Championships.  Bob Welbourne the defending champ and Natalie Wright both ended up 7th in Masters 45-54.  Kelly Welbourne won masters 55-64 again….VERY SHORT race at only 35 minutes!  Ethan Wood was 7th in U19. Liam Sargent was 6th in U23.  Marin Lowe won the jersey for U23 (see further note below about Marin). Katja Verkerk took bronze in U23 and Lily Boucher 9th.  Evan Russell just missed the podium in 4th for Elite with Cody Scott and Fabian Merino in 6th and 7th.  Not a lot of BC riders made the trip but it looks like those that did had solid races!
• Season 18 has shown some amazingly close battles in each category for COTR.  Some categories only have a few points separating the top 3. It’s all going to come down to the last double points race. out the standings here with one race dropped If you want to see how the series is stacking up.
• The team completion is also close. Please edit your team name so it matches exactly to everybody else on your team. The ‘edit’ link is next to your result. But please, no changing teams to join the winning team.  We investigate any major changes!!

1.  Celebration of life for Lindsay

We invite you to join us in honoring and celebrating the life of Lindsay.
Please come and share memories, laughter, and stories to remember the wonderful moments and the legacy Lindsay has left behind.
There will be two locations and dates: one on the mainland and one on the island. You are welcome to come to either one or both.
Victoria
Date: November 23rd, 2024
Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Jordie Lunn bike park clubhouse.
2990 Irwin Rd, Langford, BC V9B 5Y6
Let’s gather together, surrounded by love and friendship, to celebrate her incredible life. Casual attire is welcome, and we encourage everyone to bring a favorite memory to share.
If you have a memory that you would like to share but can’t make it or don’t feel comfortable speaking in person, please email it to me at chadgrice@me.com, and it will be read out for you.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions prior to the event at the email above.

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We are trying to get a handle on how many people are going to be attending both celebrations of life. PLEASE RSVP VIA THE LINK, This way we are prepared to receive everyone.
We expect people to come and go throughout the event.
There will also be a zoom link provided so that you can participate remotely if you are unable to make the event.

2. Hot Crossed Bunnies – Series FINAL.  Preview!!

Our dream remains the same every year.  Finish the season STRONG.  With that MIVA and the Council of Cross PERSONALLY invite EVERYONE that has raced this season, would like to race this season AND those that are interested in cyclocross to come out THIS SUNDAY to race, cheer and be a part of this community!  The ski hill has not opened yet.  Hiking is getting ugly.  Honestly a maybe-muddy Cyclocross race IS YOUR BEST SUNDAY option!!  The racing will be great.  The people are AMAZING.  We hope to see you with your number pinned on……which brings us to….

What side to pin your number on for Sunday!  We don’t know which side numbers are just yet but we will try to post on Saturday night so you can pre-pin!  We currently THINK it will be on the RIGHT.

Read this first.  The construction that has been going on for the last 2 years in Beban park is winding down BUT it is not finished yet.  The SOUTH ENTRANCE at this time is CLOSED.  You will have to most likely enter the park from the North or East entrances.  The good thing from the construction is that the park is still a bit of a mess…..so we can ride a lot more places than we normally are able to!!

Parking:  (Consult Map) Beban park is HUGE.  But on any given weekend there is a LOT going on.  The best place to park for the race is south of the race course in the gravel lot by the Steve Smith Jump park.  This is accessed off the main road through the park by the golf course.  This is the BEST parking spot for our event. PLEASE DO NOT PARK at the soccer club house parking which is the closest to the start.  There is always soccer going on the weekends and they love their close parking lot.  The lot by the BMX track is normally available BUT they are currently building the BIGGEST BMX track in Canada there so the space is VERY LIMITED..  The paved parking by the Pool and arena is also a good option.  Parking on the roadways or grass is strictly forbidden and will get you towed and we will not like you.  There is limited parking as well south of the course by the golf course.  You will find a spot without parking like a…..you know…..starts with an “a”.

Team Tents:  Will be in the same spot as the last couple of years by the sand riding ring, close to reg. food trucks and the pits.  The Weather forecast calls for sun, maybe a touch of precipitation and gentle winds but still make sure your tent is staked and secured. It is drop and go (NO PARKING AT TEAM TENTS AREA) until we close and lock the gates around 9:30am.  After that point you will have to carry your gear in.  On the flip side the gate will be LOCKED until after the OPEN races so it will be carry out until that point.  There will be no team vehicles inside the gate or we will run out of space for the team tents.  This will be a GREAT spot to watch and central to all the action!

Registration: As it has been all season pre-registration only.  This will close like normal at 6:00pm the night before the race. The call up sheets are literally done by 6:10pm the night before the race. So if you FORGET or put it off you are unlikely to get your earned call up spot.

THE LINK TO REGISTER AGAIN IS HERE

For racers that have not raced this year race day number pick up and race central will be located in the Agriplex.  Consult the map.

Washrooms:  There will be porta johns located at the end of the opening straight away or somewhere in the general area.  There are LOTS of other (Flush) washrooms located in Beban park.  You can also locate washrooms in almost all buildings in the park.  Both arenas.  Down by the artificial turf field.  In the Pool.   NO DIRTY BIKE SHOES OR DIRTY PEOPLE INSIDE THE BUILDINGS OR WASHROOMS.  Clean yourself up BEFORE going into a public area.  We want to be able to use this venue again. MORE IMPORTANTLY if you are going IN a building LOCK YOUR BIKE (Bikes have been stolen at this event when left unattended.  Don’t lose your bike)!!!

Awards: Awards location will be in the Agriplex.  We will have the RACE awards for Hot Crossed bunnies with our regular categories.  AS WELL we have all our SERIES awards for our expanded categories and our SERIES draw prizes! We would LOVE to start the awards as SOON as possible after the OPEN races so the MORE PEOPLE HELPING clean up the course, rake out the sand/mulch, bag course tape and pack the trailer the better.  We can’t do it after the awards as it will be DARK!  Many hands make it a LOT easier for everyone!

Race Course: The construction this year has meant a continued shake up of our course design.  We’ll still have the classic elements that make this course great. MUD, SAND, WOOD CHIPS, PAVEMENT, GRAVEL.  It will be be awesome.

Food Truck: Sip and Sliders and Harbour City Doughnuts (Same as Muc Off Cup),  will be on-site and ready to serve up lunch or snacks.  These are the GOLD and BRONZE food trucks for Nanaimo according to the News Bulletin’s Best of the city!

One last reminder…..Post race:  Again we will want to get the awards going as soon as possible on Sunday.  With that in mind please help us both tear down as well as RAKE out the course.  With construction we won’t have to worry as much about the top section by the Arenas, but the hill by the BMX and the riding rings always need some work post race.  Please bring a rake and work gloves.  Many hands make light work and get the work done FAST.  We will make an announcement when we are starting the awards….and…..well…..there will be no one left on course so you will notice that the awards have started!  Ideally we would like to start as close to 4:00 as possible. 

3. Race #6.  Broad Street Cycles GP.  Review

Norm’s Notes:

• As far as we know NO ONE got towed away?  So great job on parking everyone!!  Also thanks to retired Oak Bay Police officer Ian Craib for monitoring and directing traffic pretty much the whole day
• Special thanks to Brent McMahon for jumping in to lead the beginner pre-ride when the BSC Guys were still busy on course.  We blindsided him and he just rolled with it!  Real estate is a tough gig in this market so if you are looking to buy or sell a home…..Brent McMahon: Olympian \ Ironman Champion (We added this part in…..CROSS ON THE ROCK RACER) Personal Real Estate Corporation Dinnie-Smyth | McMahon Real Estate Group RE/MAX Camosun Victoria, BC Cell 250-418-5391
• Extra thanks to Celeste and Kevin for donating a stack of wicked books for the Riverway Dental Hot Lap race.
• ALSO thanks to Cycling BC for the bike lights for the Kids races as well!
• How cool it is to have the facilities completes at Irwin Park!  It is like mountain biking in Europe where you drive up, there is a coffee shop there, bike shop and a place to wash your bike.  SO NICE!  We picked out some post-race treats at Rhino Coffee House before they SOLD OUT EVERYTHING!
• I loved the new course.  VERY HARD….Maybe harder than before?  The Broad Street Cycles brains and Roland are working on:  Possibly wider/different start, bit more distance…..and rumours curtis might be building some stairs for 2025.  We are also eyeing up the club house for possible series final for some year to come?  Would have to hire some drivers to bring down all the MUC OFF prizes though as not everything will fit in the van!
• There were two outstanding performances that I witnessed at the Broad Street GP.  First was John Van Der Vliet making his first trip to the podium after 72 races!!  This is big support for the theory that cyclocross is a sport that rewards experience.  The second one was Marin Lowe racing the Masters men.  After being called up back row of 56 racers she pac man raced into the top 10 within 2 laps.  Unfortunately she was taken out by a rear DR mechanical in lap 4 but then jumped into OPEN women as well!  Amazing preparation for her performance at the National Championships.  We hope to see her sporting her jersey at Hot Crossed Bunnies.

Roland’s Notes:Another awesome day for Cyclocross in Victoria. For a course that has a reputation for causing a lot of flat tires, 98% of people finished the race. That’s not quite in the Top 10 for tamest races, but it’s close. If you missed it, you can get a replay of the action here (Keep and eye out for Marin Blasting past Roland) and HERE. We are already talking about next year, we’ve got more ideas to continue improving the course. Huge thank you to everybody who made the day come together. Fabian & Liam who took charge of course design. They convinced Yari from Langford Parks to allow us to have the run up again, the defining feature of the course. And Renny from Broad Street Cycles who provided the prizing. My setup crew: Doug, Scott, James, Holly, Hugh, Geoff, Jon, Chad, Mike, Andy, Amis, Ian. I asked for people to be there at 7:30am, but when I arrived at 7:10am the trailer was already unpacked and work was underway. (Norm’s note they texted me at 6:30 asking me where I was) My reg and timing crew: Ros, Laura, Shawn, Ian, Jill, Liz, Chad, Lief, Jennifer, Diane, Joanna, Matt. Clean up crew: Everybody! Everything was torn down and back at the trainer in record time, and the only thing I found lying around during my post race course walk was my pit bike!  Parking: Ian & Leif. Remediation crew: Liam & Jon. And all those who didn’t sign up to help, but stepped up when the need arose. I know Patrick in the timing tent recruited more volunteers.  Hopefully you’ve had time to check out the gravity zone at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park, there are some amazing trails. If not, rent a big bike from Broad Street and give them a rip. Apologies to all the locals who just wanted to get some coffee but there was no where to park. 

Parting Shot

We have raced at Beban Park more times than any other venue in the province.  For over 20 years there has been cyclocross action!  This photo is from 2015 before the Steve Smith Bike park in the same location.  Can not wait to make more memories this Sunday!

Venue support from Coastal Community Credit Union.

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We are coming up on race #6 of the 2024 season!  The “Penultimate” race — The Broad Street Cycles GP.  We have 2 races and only 3 newsletters left for the year!

LOTS of Notes for this week:

• Registration is OPEN for the Broad Street GP.  As normal it will close Saturday night at 6:00pm.
• Without a Vancouver Island race last weekend we saw COTR racers taking home Provincial Championship jerseys in Chilliwack and a few racers making the trip to Montana for the Pan American Championships!  Do some digging and check out the results.
• Pelle Gustavs captured some 192 great images from Cowe X.  It will be his last time behind the camera this season as he is planning his COTR return to racing for the first time since 2018
• Ross Greenwood sent us a link to his photos from Cowe X of the Open races.  Some great ones of the amazing conditions in the later races that day.
• The lost and found has started to STINK so we put everything through the laundry on “EXTREME”.  Have a look through it this weekend as you only have two chances left to claim your stuff then it is off to L&F hell!

1.  For Lindsay

There has never been a more sad time at a COTR race than at Cowe X.  From seeing Lindsay’s bike in the pit area first thing in the morning by itself before anyone else arrived.  A rainbow appeared right after and ended right above her bike.  Tears flowed.  We have been a part of organizing cyclocross and other events on Vancouver Island for over 30 years and never before have we experienced as much emotion, love and support that was present at CoweX.  We were shattered by the end of the day.  It was a beautiful tribute.  Our hearts continue to go out to Chad and Lindsay’s friends and families. 

Many thanks to everyone that made our salute so special and so fitting.

Our own Terry McKall wrote a piece for Canadian Cycling magazine remembering Lindsay.
Patrick Burnham compiled a photo album from all his albums of some photos of Lindsay.

2. Race #6.  Broad Street Cycles GP.  Preview.
This is the forth year at the Jordie Lunn Bike Park located in Irwin Park (so confusing) in Langford. We’ve had all sorts of weather here: epic rain to dry and dusty. Forecast is currently calling for a bit of rain. Our title event sponsor for this event is in the title: Broad St Cycles! Rhino Coffee House is now open at the club house, enjoy a snack after your race.

We will have a little kids race this year in the area that has previously been our starting area.

PAY ATTENTION TO THIS NOTE ABOUT PARKING!!  (We do NOT want you to be towed away and you have to ride home all cold etc.)
 Parking this is the BIG issue so PAY attention!!Parking is going to be tight. Please carpool or ride out if you live in greater Victoria.Please follow the directions of the parking volunteers DO NOT PARK on any residential streets. (You will be towed and get us banned from the venue)Not annoying the neighbours is THE key to being allowed back to this venue.There are three places you CAN park.  See the MAP.The main parking lot is at 2992 Irwin Road. Please only use this to drop off equipment and then park elsewhere.Continue on Irwin Rd and make a left onto Creekside Trail for the secondary parking lot.When both lots are full, there is overflow parking on Constellation Ave, only 500m away.I repeat: There is NO PARKING on the shoulder of Irwin Rd or other nearby streets.Please use a parking lot or you will be towed.

COURSEExpect a 2.5km loop with a mix of fast hard packed surfaces, technical features, pump track, and a bit of mud. All set in a beautiful forested park with two mini lakes. We are mixing up the course this year: running it in the reverse direction and taking out some of the single track that caused a lot of flat tires. Expect a course that’s easier on your bike and has some running. 

3. Cowe X Review

A special thanks to Peter Creighton for setting up this amazing Muc Off cyclocross base camp at Cowe X!  Having Peter and his power washer out at the races is a HUGE help…..particularly in the conditions we had at Cowe X!  A reminder to everyone to keep up on maintenance during the race season to keep your bike running well!

Notes from Matt Grossnickle from Cycle Therapy…..our beloved race director for Cowe X

Hope everyone had fun!

I am still cleaning the mud out of my bottom bracket and we were happy to bring back the mud of Cowe X for another year.  We loved everyone’s costumes and special thanks to Chad Kroeger for making an appearance 😉

These events take a lot of effort from a lot of people and we are thankful for our Cowichan Valley and Island Cycling community.

Special thanks to the Cowex organizing committee of Doug Merrick, Pete Stevenson and Mark Law. 

The course setup went quick this year thanks to the help of Tim Winter, Darren Meiner, Evan Mcneely, Doug Merrick, Pete Stevenson and Jarrad Wilhelm and Ryan Lendrum.  Thankfully we didn’t get soaked like last year.
Thanks to Shari at the Cowichan Exhibition for letting us mud up the fields again.
Special thanks to my amazing wife Heather for running registration all by herself and continuing to support my cycling obsession.

Thanks to JLA food truck for coming out literally on less then a day’s notice.  Thanks to Josh at Hojo’s Eats in Nanaimo for offering to come until truck troubles stopped him. 

Thanks to Patrick for timing as always and the volunteers of Nora Livingstone, Emmett Pastuck and Julie Leblanc who helped call out numbers ALL DAY!

And thanks, as always to Norm, Roland and the rest of the Cross On The Rock crew for continuing to run the best cyclocross series in the country! 

It was a very sad and trying week for the Vancouver Island Cycling Community and the memorial half lap for Lindsay was very touching.

Parting Shot to show us how if we ALL help out with clean up after the last race the world is a better place and awards happen earlier!

Venue support from Coastal Community Credit Union.

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Good luck to everyone racing the Tripleshot Cross Fondo tomorrow!!  If you are driving down island PLEASE take care.  We just came back from Victoria and there is a lot of standing water and quite a few wrecked vehicles.  The Cross Fondo is an amazing event with access to over 30 private properties.  You can only ride it on race day so have a great race!!

LOTS of Notes for this week: 

• Registration should be OPEN for Cowe X…..we are not sure what the hold up is with CCN?  We will post on our socials and web site as soon as they get it open. It closes at the usual time of 6:00pm the night before the race.
• Ross Greenwood sent photos from Race #3 and Race #4 if you want to check those out.
• If you are not racing the Tripleshot Cross Fondo tomorrow BUT you want to race.  You could head over to Surrey for the Junk Yard Dog CX Race.
• Ari Robinson took some self described “Mediocre photos” of the Masters and Open races.  You can check those out here!
• Have you had a chance to check out Pelle’s  21 amazing minutes from the Launch and Intermediate races?  This weekend is your chance!!
• MORE stuff from Twin City X.  Check out The Jake Poppers POV from Intermediate
• Sign up for the MUC OFF CUP NOW!!!!  Registration closes 6:00pm on Sunday and inevitably someone is going to forget!! 

1. Cowe X Preview
Want to get FIRED up for CoweX?  Start by watching Roland’s Video from 2022!

Location: Cowichan Exhibition Park – 7380 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan, BC V9L 6B1
            -55 minute drive from Victoria
            -33 minute drive from Nanaimo
            -Right off the highway North of Duncan

Parking: (SEE THE MAP) There is a HUGE parking area.  Look for the signs on the right immediately as you enter the exhibition.  We have overflow parking if needed but doubtful it will be. Do NOT park where you should NOT park!  Please do not drive up into the race venue to park as space up there will be tight.

Registration: If you need to register or switch your category it will be located at the Stratford Room.  Washrooms will also be around the same building, try not to wear your muddy CX shoes into the bathrooms PLEASE.  We are expecting A LOT of mud this weekend and the cleaner we leave the washrooms the better.  There is also a second washroom located near the Exhibition Office that will be open.

Team Tents: See the attached map.  The pits will be located close by the team tents as well.

Course:   Think grass, hills, MUD, tractor pull, sawdust and some climbing (not quite Bowen).  It will be a bit more of a traditional European style course with plenty of COTR flair thrown in for good measure, maybe even another epic whirly or two.  As of right now we are thinking the field will be less of a quagmire then last year but we have hoses so rest assured there will be MUD!!.  You will have to be there to see it.  The run up will also remain from 2023/2023!  There is some fresh work on the field that we will have taped off so please no riding on it!

Food Trucks:  Our food truck has fallen through at the last minute and are looking for other options.  If anyone knows of a food truck looking for events send them my way!!

Costumes:  It is almost Halloween so we want to see everyone out dressed up to their best.  We will have a best costume podium and prizes!

Warming Up:  We are not the only group using the park that day so please refrain from riding around the taped off main grounds as we don’t want Cyclist’s riding around where cars are present. 

Bike Wash:  We will have a Muc Off pressure washer for racers to use and clean up afterwards.

Prizing: Prizing and awards will be provided by Cycle Therapy Bikes in Duncan, Eleven Speed Coffee, Cycles West. Hotel Zed and Muc Off!!  Plus Riverway Dental for the Hot Lappers and kids races (HLC Bike and Pete also secured us some EVOC Waterbottles for the kids races for this one)

2.  Race #4 Review.  The MUC OFF CUP!!!!!!

From Race Director Corey:
Thanks to all the racers and their families that came out to the Muc Off Cup this year. I think we had just the right amount of rain this year! The race went smooth from set up to tear down.  Thanks to the set up and timing crew volunteers that came out and to all the people that stayed to help tear down.  As always big thanks to Pete Creighton and HLC for being the presenting sponsor with Muc Off and to Pete for coming out and cleaning bikes!  Thanks to Patrick and Roland, and Medix  for always keeping the consistency and safety at all Cross on the Rock races.  Thanks to Sip and Sliders for the great burgers, fries and shakes. They brought extra and still sold out.  Thanks to the City of Nanaimo. They helped keep the organization quick and easy! Hopefully not to much damage was done. One day we might get a few city employees out to race!!  Special thanks to Norm for keeping this going. As life goes on, kids get older and commitments grow he is always there. Still getting decent results too!!! Thanks Corey and Sean and the Rock City Team 

RANDOM Notes from Norm:

• Bowen park is one of our “home” races.  We train there and get to race there.  Very special!  At the same time it is one of the races I think about the most as I want it to be GREAT.  Not much sleep the night before.  More stress leading into it.  When it is done and everything has gone well….it is a HUGE relief!
• The 8th row of the Masters Men’s race had some of the HEAVIEST hitters of Masters Cyclocross to EVERY start that far back.  2 of them: Bob Welbourn and Jacob Rodgers were into the top 10 before the end of the row and ended up 1st and 3rd for the race.  Derek Vinge ended up 7th powering through the field on a single speed.  The 4th heavy hitter and COTR Alumni Brian Green ended up 13th.  Some impressive rides!
• If you have not had a chance to check out Rock City Cycles social media from the race take a minute to go to their page.  As well we posted an interview with Open Women’s winner and 3rd over all for COTR podiums (could pass Drew Mackenzie for 2nd if she shows up again this season) Emilly Johnston on our instagram and FB.  We have at least one more interview to post so keep an eye on that!
• SO many people posted on their IG, Strava, FB after Bowen that it was their favorite version of Bowen and/or their favorite COTR course of all!  So great to hear.  We want to keep racing there so it is amazing to have such positive feedback!!
• See you at Cowe X

Bring a friend out to race the Cowe X course is one of the MOST TAME courses in the COTR series.  Perfect for first timers or return racers!!

Parting Shot.  The finish of Cowe X 2023 Masters Group shot.  After all…..it is about the people and the racing!! (I never noticed the guy holding his bike up in the left part of this photo before!)

Venue support from Coastal Community Credit Union.

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BEFORE we get into notes, Twin City X and the Muc Off Cup we just want to express something that we believe as a race series.  It has been the same way for 18 years.  We believe in encouraging people to come out and race.  To get to the start line.  To enjoy the battles.  To make it to the finish.  Since the start that has been our goal.  With that “acceptance” we do NOT CARE if you ride a MTB.  We have had LOTS of MTB’s over the year.  Heck I think Rob Britton raced his first Diver Lake race years ago on a MTB and look at his career since!  Don’t hassle people about the bike they ride at COTR.  We don’t care.  You should not care.  If they are beating you on a MTB or a road bike or a gravel bike and you are on a cx bike……just enjoy the battle and try to get them next time.  The last  thing we need is a snowboard/ski or sup/surf or road/off road attitude at our races.  We are here to have fun.  No one wants someone calling them out for the bike they ride.  Neither do we!

LOTS of Notes for this week: 

• Tripleshot Cross Fondo has only 50 spots left.  Registration DEADLINE is October 11th.  This is a wicked event (like a 25/45km COTR race) so we don’t put an event on in conflict with this race.  If you have not done it you should.  If you have you should again!!
• Lots of COTR past and present alumni racing off-island this past weekend!  Some at the  World Cup MTB finals.  Others at the last race of the Pro CX Cup in the USA.  So cool to see people taking it to the next level and challenging themselves further and further!
• If you have been on our COTR web site over the years you have probably watched a video or two from Pelle Gustavs.  Some of the original COTR videos WAY back from 2010 are Pelle’s.  The only ones that pre-date Pelle were Rob Williamson shot on TAPE and transferred to DVD!  WELL…..Pelle is BACK.  He shot a LOT of video this past Sunday.  SO MUCH that he had to split it up.  We will get the Masters and Open LATER but for now here is 21 amazing minutes from the Launch and Intermediate races!!
• We asked for photo links and we got some!!  Only known as the “Friend of Ellie Winchell” they have shots of the Intermediate, Masters and Launch.
• A request from the dad of one of our young racers: “Reminding spectators to stay off the track..my son went in the bushes and over the bars avoiding a women texting on her phone during the race on the track!  He is fine but maybe send out a reminder!”
• Sign up for the MUC OFF CUP NOW!!!!  Registration closes 6:00pm on Sunday and inevitably someone is going to forget!! 

1. Race #3 Review.  Twin City X.
We warned everyone.  If you missed Twin City X last Sunday you would be disapointed on Monday.  No more true words were ever typed!

Want a sweet POV video of the action in Masters last weekend.  Check out Roland’s bike cam!  All the actions.

Notes from race director Nik:
 A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to the return of Port Alberni!! This event went off! What a success. Still in a deep cross trance ATM.. A big thank you to all the volunteers: Jeremy, Lee, Steph, Norm, Patrick, Dan, Hog boy, Sarah, Chris, Seana, Robin, Monika, Slotboom, Nick, Enzo, Dave, Andy @ Airhouse, Pete @ Muc-off/HLC, Warwick @ Gogilding.ca, and anyone else I’m missing!! Also thank you to all who helped bug Norm to secure Port Alberni in the COTR series this year! You know who you are 😉 (You can start petitioning for PORT FINALS 2025 COTR)!!!! one can dream… Things to remember FOREVER: – The Kids… were stoked! One parent asked me “Are the kids going through the mud pit? Because that’s the only reason he wanted to sign up.” Tessa was smiling ear to ear. I even watched 2 riders in LAUNCH sending the jump!! – Jump into mud pit into wood chips  4.5 out of 5 level of spice- DJ Dave for working the beats for over 5 hours!!- “Super booter”, ” North shore skinny jump”, “huck to flat”, ” wood gap jump” – The party train of Intermediate men sending it off that jump! I think 12 in a row WOW! crowd went nuts.- The Open only run up….. The hardest and slowest I & many others have ever gone in a CX race- The VIBES!!!    The people were stoked on this style cross event. – Heckling     So many people cheering, heckle fests all over.. THE BEST- 99% finished & no one needed first aid! The biggest THANK YOU goes out to:- Norm for allowing me to host and get spicy with the course.- Lee for being my partner in crime with this event, A.S.S.* grand master, and an all around legend!- Fire fighters of P.A. for the water dump- DJ DAVE Local event sponsors: Wade @ Godfather garage, Jason @ Cannondale, Corey& Arron @ Twin City Brewing, Deon& Kayla @ Bomber boulders , Lee @ The Jumping Slug The Team @ Fall fair grounds snuck in during the event and were very excited!Fingers crossed we will be able to use this great venue again.Thanks to all who helped clean up. It went down FAST! I would love to see Cyclocross grow to pre-2020 numbers.. 
One thing you can do: At your local race this year. Ask ALL your friends and family. Cycling or not. The more people we get racing, cheering, and supporting these events the more epic battles per category we get.
(Port had nearly 10 people race, that had NEVER tried cross before) Much love,Nik @ The Slug “

Quick notes from Norm as this is a BIG newsletter.

• I vote the top 30 Masters do the LONG course next year!  We have to figure out how to do it!!
• 8th place for “Most Tame” race out of the 120 races we have done!
• Such a great vibe at this race ALL DAY! 
• Can’t wait to go back!

2.  Race #4 Preview.  The MUC OFF CUP!!!!!!

REGISTRATION CLOSES: Sunday Night at 6:00 PM.  No on site registration. 

Muc-Off is not “just” the title sponsor of the Cross on the Rock Series but they are also back as title sponsor of the Muc Off Cup once again this year! It is always great to have all their amazing products and Pete the Legend working hard washing bikes again (If needed). The Bowen park course is a classic. At the point of writing there is a REAL chance of “showers” for Monday.  The forecast has changed every day this week. There could be a little rain,  or a lot….or NONE but you should for certain keep an eye on that and have your mud tires and warm blankets ready.  We do not want to be caught off guard like the EPIC conditions of 2021. 

The course will be similar to the last few years with a road section start, into a  single track wooded climb, quick down hill, then onto the grass for lots of twists and turns before the infamous stairs and volley-ball court/sand section.  For the most part the course will be similar to previous years but once we get into the bowl area it is up to the crew setting up on how our adventure looks!
The Stats!!
This race has some impressive stats over the history of the event.

• Biggest race of all time!  2019
  • 5th biggest in 2018
  • 6th biggest in 2017
• Biggest category of all time masters men 40-54 in 2019 with 88 racers
• Most DNF’s EVER in 2014
  • 4th most DNFs in 2010
  • 10th most DNFs in 2011
• LEAST DNF’s ever in 2016
  • 2nd least DNFs in 2019!
• Two Time venue for the Provincial Cyclocross Championships
• MOST RAIN ever during one of our races for the 2021 Masters Men’s race.  It was INSANE!!

Course Hazards

• First of all the park is open to the public.  There are people everywhere and some will NOT be aware of the race or cyclists on course.  Keep your head up!!
• Please be very cautious of the down-hill section after the pool.  This is the fastest section with some BIG trees that can break your shoulder or your head.
• There are slippery sections, roots and trees and uneven ground all over the place and it will be WET
• You MUST stay to the inside of the cones on the upper road near the tennis courts. This is very important as we are sharing the road with other park users.
• The last hazard is the down-hill after the stair section. Please use caution, as it its steep and can be slippery.

Parking

• There is LOTS of parking in the AREA of the race but maybe not RIGHT beside the registration/finish area.  You have a bike….you can park a little ways away.
• The main Parking is located in the lot beside the Volley Ball courts off WALL STREET.  These spots are not marked so please don’t park like a donkey and mess it up for other people.  Organized rows!
• Overflow parking can be found across the street at the Curling Club.
• There is also some parking up by the park administration buildings by the tennis courts and then above that by the pool.
• All spots are within 1 minute of the main race area.

Registration/Number pick up and race central

• Will be located near the Volley Ball courts

ALWAYS: Please be courteous to other park users.

Team Tents

• One row on the grass in front of parking area.
• Then a second row against the curb in the parking lot.
• STAKE YOUR TENTS!

Please do not put any tents on the opposite side of the course. Only event tents are allowed in that area.  Thanks

Food Truck.
For a food truck this year we have back again Sip and Sliders food truck!  SO GOOD!!
PLEASE ABSOLUTELY STAY OFF THE COURSE AFTER RACE DAY!

Lastly we can almost guarantee this…..NUMBERS ON YOUR LEFT!

Remember….registration CLOSES at 6:00 PM on Sunday.  Although the MUC OFF cup has never been voted as the #1 Cyclocross race in Canada by Cycling Canada we know that is because they have never been to our event.  If they had they would be voting the MUC OFF Cup the #1 race in Canada and Cross on the Rocks the #1 Cyclocross series in Canada.  That is just fact!

Category	Start Time
Registration Open	9:15 am 9:50 am
Nanaimo Track and Field Run (9:45) Beginner Clinic	10:00 am
Launch Men (Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:45 am
Launch Women (Including Youth U13 and U15)	10:46 am
Bigger Kids Full lap or almost a full lap	11:40
Intermediate Men (Including U17)	12:10 pm
Intermediate Women (Including U17 and Masters 40 and faster Women)	12:11 pm
Lil Nutcase Kids Race	12:15 pm
Masters Men (40-54)	1:15 pm
Super Master Men (55+)	1:16 pm
Open Men	2:30 pm
Open Women	2:31 pm

It is about the community.  Racing.  Respect.  Repeat.
Remember to recommend COTR to people that ride and bring a friend out to race!!

Coming Up THIS Monday:

Parting Shot.
Race director Nik enjoying his mad creation at the Alberni Fair Ground! (from Ellie’s “friend”)