News – Page 11 – Cross on the Rock

Mazda C.O.T.R. Newsletter #10 – 2018. (2 Races to go)

Newsletter #10 for 2018. COTR YEAR #13

Did you check out the MAZDA CX-9 equipped with Apple Car Play / Android Auto at Psyco Cross last Sunday. That is one do everything vehicle!!

Muc Off is the BEST way to restore your bike from the mud of Psycho Cross and prepare it for this weekend’s Hot Crossed Bunnies event.

#CROSSISHERE #COTR2018 #crossontherock

Race and Series Maintenance Items

1) The “Intended” race line. Although we look like a BIG series and we get a lot of great people out to our events COTR is still very much grass roots. As a grassroots series we will never have a fully enclosed and fully taped/barricaded course like a world cup or super prestige race. It is just not reality or practical. Most of the time our layout and set up works fine. BUT at the last 2 events we have seen that people have been taking advantage of this for their own gain. At Lumber X a line developed cutting through the supports before we rode through the mill. The intended and obvious course line was around. At Psycho cross I personally witnessed a racer cutting through the bushes and weeds to cut off the top of the Up-Down on the lower beach section of the course. Yes it was not flagged but the intended line was to complete the course the way everyone else was and go to the top. Basically these are d**k moves. We all know the way the course should go and when people choose to “interpret” the course to their own advantage it puts a downer on everyone else. We will NOT be taping or barricading the full course in the future so we will ask again for people to be a fair competitor and not a d**k.

2) Your Chip. Your responsibility.

3) Lost and Found. Getting down to the LAST chances for your lost and found items. LUCKY for you we will have a BIG table at registration this Sunday for you to check the stuff and see if you have forgotten any loved items at past events.

Warm Ups

Tycho and Tessa (and helpers) Second to last Merchandise table this Sunday. They have last year’s COTR shirts (youth, women and men’s sizes (will update on FB)), COTR socks from this year SM and ML, COTR Hats and COTR 2013 Stickers. Cash Only. They MIGHT have a sweet challenge again like they did last year. So bring some $$ for sure!
Roland’s On-Board from the Masters event for 3 laps. Amazing footage of the action. https://youtu.be/NJ14qKGH6ms

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1. Lumber X Review
2. Psycho Cross Preview
3. Provincial Championships News

1. Psycho Cross Review

We will have a survey coming out from the Town of Lake Cowichan to participants as part of our review and planning in the future. We will send it out by E-Mail and hope to get a solid response rate. Please keep an eye out for it.

Check out Terry McKall’s article in Canadian Cycling Magazine about COTR#6. We are pretty sure he was being so nice to us to try to make up for racing with a Vancouver CX chip on his bike and not the COTR one.
https://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/ridesevents/cross-on-the-rock-psycho-cross/

Patrick’s Photos from Psycho Cross

Check out Intertidal Creative’s Edit from the event. AMAZING overhead shots.

Sean Voigt from Mazda’s shots from the race.

Norm’s Notes:

Bob Day a councillor for the Town of Lake Cowichan started sending me notes in 2014 about having a cyclocross race. As many of you know we do all of our events with partners and we did not have a partner for that area. With Ladysmith taking a year off Grant from Cowichan Cycles asked me about putting an event on and we brought these elements all together.
We have never had the level of support from a Town than we did from Lake Cowichan. It shows how much they want to bring recreation and sport to their beautiful area.
Super fun course. Have not seen that level of difficulty since Shawinigan Lake COTR finals in 2015. As difficult as it was both my kids were able to get around the course in a pre ride including riding both the chutes!
On course attractions including the fire pit, life guard, stairs aid station and LOTs of mud!!
I absolutely LOVE courses that have lots of decision making resulting in on-off choices. This was a thinkers course!
Also nice to see the crew from Cycles Therapy in Duncan pitch in to make this a successful event.
Extra thanks to Bruce Falk from coming up and helping in the timing tent.

Grant’s Notes:
(No longer a first time COTR race director)

I have a few thank you’s.

1) Bob Day and the Town of Lake Cowichan for working so hard to ensure we had everything we need to host the event. I was very impressed with how helpful the town was.

2) Mark from Tall Tree Lumber + Building Supplies. Mark & Tall Tree donated the gripper material for all the bridges and boardwalks throughout the curse as well as the wood for our awesome coffin podium. Leading up to the event mark helped us with course maintenance, set up, and spent race day tearing around repairing the course and bridges. Huge shout out needed here.
http://talltreelumber.ca/
Tall Tree – Lumber + Building Supplies
Tall Tree Lumber Ltd. Your new Lumber and Building Supply store located in Chemainus, BC.
talltreelumber.ca

3) Scott at Carmanah Pizza was another stand out individual that donated many hours of his personal time as well as food to keep our volunteers happy leading up to the event. This event could not have happened without Scott’s help.
https://carmanahpizza.ca/
Pizza, Lake Cowichan, Restaurant, – Carmanah Pizza
Join us on Saturday October 13th, 2018 for our 2nd annual Cutomer Appreciation Day. A day dedicated to all of our amazing customers. There will be 2 for 1 regular size pizza, cake and balloons, door prizes and so much more.
carmanahpizza.ca

4) Lake Cowichan Community Trail Crew. As mentioned before, the town of Lake Cowichan was incredibly supportive in making this race happen. Huge thanks to the volunteer trail crew that came out to help repair the trail and get it ready for race day.

5) Other businesses that supported this event: Black and White Coffee (prizing/race day beverages), Marin bikes (prizing), Cycles Lambert (Evoc, Muc off, Michelin prizing).

6) Our incredible volunteers. There are far too many people to mention here but we owe a huge thank you to everyone that volunteered their time to make this event happen. From pre race course maintenance to race day logistics and clean up, we had a ton of help and are so thankful for everyone that came out. These events can not happen without volunteers!

Check out some of these links.

Find out about Sport Tourism and Sports in this area

If you want to cruise over to Lake Cowichan again here is a handy directory.

2. Hot Crossed Bunnies Preview

The V.I.E.X. had one of their barns burn down a couple of weeks ago. You will see it on Sunday. In the past we have actually raced through this barn. As well as the barn they had a lot of equipment destroyed in the fire. We will have a jar at registration collecting donations and will match what ever is in that jar at the end of the day.

Location is BEBAN park (not Bowen park like the Kona Kup)

With the TIME CHANGE to shorter day for Sunday we will be swapping to our more condensed schedule for the remaining 2 events. Please review.

With this coming race being the second last race of #COTR2018 we need to make sure as much is dialled in a head of time.

Beban park is a VERY active park. Please be considerate and aware of other park users while we are using this facility.

First thing to check is make sure that your series standing is correct. This is the ranking that will be used to determine start order on Saturday. The link to the current standings are here.
Just for fun (and because he can) Roland also has done up series points for the Mazda ZOOM ZOOM Half Track. There are no series prizes for this category BUT we love the zoom zoom’er and thought it would be cool to have this as well: 2018 Zoom Zoom Half Track

Parking: 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 registration in the gravel lot by the golf course and tennis courts. Be aware that there is a new road access to the Steve Smith Jump park, please do not block it. IF there is no soccer on the Beban fields then that lot will also be available. The lot by the BMX track is normally under-utilized. The paved parking by the Pool and arena might be over run so it would be best to avoid those lots. Parking on the roadways or grass is strictly forbidden and will get you towed.

Team Tents: Make 100% sure your tent is staked and secured. With wind this week and in the forecast we can not have any tents becoming kites. There will be quite a bit of space for team tents (No vehicles) as marked out on the attached map. It is drop and go until we close and lock the gates around 10am. After that point you will have to carry your gear in. On the flip side the gate will be LOCKED until after the expert race 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.

Registration: (Almost) Mandatory pre-registration will close like normal at 5:00pm the night before the race. In this case that will be SATURDAY NIGHT at 5:00pm. Reminder that if you choose to not pre-register you will not receive a call up. No exceptions. The call up sheets are literally done by 5:10pm the night before the race. The link to register is here.

On Sunday number pick up/license check/check in (and Tycho and Tessa’s special stand) will be located in the small red barn (refer to map). Same location we have had it in past years.

Washrooms: There are LOTS of washrooms located in Beban park. EXCEPT in the area where the race is held. The washrooms that we have used in the past that are located in the VIEX grounds are now de-funct. We will have two Port-a-potties in the corner of the gravel parking near the Team Tent area. 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.

Awards: Awards location will be posted at registration. The small red barn will be too small for this year and weather will play a part so we will post this on race day.

Race Course: Things are coming together for Sunday’s race. Both the weather and the course will be similar to last year’s event but with a few notable changes. With this year’s construction of the Steve Smith Bike new road access. We will make it up though. Expect a mud fest and challenging (long) course. MIVA will use all of the available barriers and every ounce of terrain to ramp up technical aspect.

Food: AJ’s Island Grill Food Truck will be on-site and ready to serve upBreakfast and Lunch. Great coffee, Gourmet burgers, wraps and all sort of deliciousnesses. This year we have also invited Georgies Pies etc. to bring her home baked wares.

Post race: 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 the rain in the forecast the more raking we can do the better the course will look on Monday when people are driving by or walking through. 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!

Considering there will be some adjustments and tweaks….but here is a GENERAL outline for the course and venue for Hot Crossed Bunnies.

Bowen Park has the longest history of any venue and course on Vancouver Island. In January of 2004 we hosted the first ever cx race north of Victoria in preparations for Wendy Simm’s first trip to CX World Championships. It was won by Robin Dutton. In November of 2004 we hosted the first ever official and insured cx race on Vancouver Island in Beban park. The course started and finished on an old stock car track that still existed in Beban park at the time called the Grandview Bowl. It was an amazing facility for cycling at the time. The race was actually quite well attended. The winner of the main events were Wendy Simms and Andrew Pinfold who went on to race for a number of road teams including Symetrics. In 2005 Beban park hosted the last race of the first ever Provincial Cyclocross series (which we started). In 2006 Beban Park hosted the Canadian Cyclocross Championships. The only Canadian Championships (Non track and non-masters) to be held on Vancouver Island (not 100% on that stat but I think it might be true?). Since 2006 Beban has been used almost ever single year of Cross on the Rock with the exception of 2 making it the longest standing and most used Cyclocross venue on Vancouver Island and in BC.

3.Provincial Championships News

Full race day schedule posted on the web page linked a few lines down and the Tech Guide coming soon.

Registration is live HERE!

There will be limited ‘day-of’ registration at the venue. All racers who register ‘day-of’ will not receive a call-up, and start towards the back of their respective start grid.

Registration closes: Thursday, November 15, 2018 11:59 PM (GMT-7)

Event website: http://www.broadstcycles.ca/2018-bc-cx-provincial-champs/

Cycling BC Cyclocross Provincial Championship Call-up procedure

1. Start grid make up
1.1 Start grid will be UCI compliant 8 riders wide.
1.2 Grid positions will be allocated to each region based on 2017 event participation numbers.
1.3 Grid position will then be assigned to riders based on their regional ranking.
1.4 3 spots on the first row of the grid will be reserved for 2017 Provincial Championship podium.

2. Rankings
2.1 Each region (Island, Lower Mainland & Interior) will be responsible for reporting their regional ranking to Cycling BC one week before the Provincial Championship race date.
2.2 Cycling BC will publish the start grid 48 hours before race start. Available on Cyclingbc.net, facebook etc.
2.3 The #1 ranked rider in each region will be assigned to top grid positions and so on.
2.4 Only riders competing in the upper most competitive categories will be included. In other words, only riders in Expert, A group, Elite, Master A etc are counted. For example, if you are a men’s master 30-39 but competing in novice, intermediate, or master B you will not be included and will be assigned a grid position at random at the back. On the other hand, a Cat 3 racer who races the whole season in Elite/Expert will earn their rank in the Elite category.
2.5 Masters 30-39 racers competing in the uppermost race categories will be assigned grid position based on their rank as it relates to other 30-39 racers. For example, if you are ranked 10th in LMCX, but riders ranked 1st through 9th are licensed elite/juniors etc., the you are effectively ranked 1st in 30-39 in your region.
2.6 If a rider is ranked in two or more series, the higher rank will be used. For example, if a rider is ranked 2nd in interior cross rankings but ranked 10th in LMCX, they will be assigned grid position ICX #2.
2.7 If a rider races in a category that is not their own as designated on their license they forfeit their call up position in their licensed category at Provincials. For example, if a master racer “races up” in Elite/Expert, they do not receive a grid position in masters.
2.7.1 An exception for call up rule 2.7 will be made for Junior and Youth racers racing up in Elite/Expert and earning a rank in the top 20% of riders
2.8 Riders from outside BC with no ranking are not assigned a start grid position.

This is an ISLAND series and the past support we have received from our island community is awesome. Lets keep it up in the future as it is what drives this series and makes it special. PLEASE SUPPORT THE SPONSORS. These are local businesses and companies that support local businesses. On-line companies, amazon, big business (besides Shimano) do NOT support community events.

Parting shot….yeah that is a hole where Norm’s leg should be.

Mazda Cross on the Rock – Newsletter #9 for 2018. Year #13

Newsletter #9 for 2018. COTR YEAR #13

MAZDA can outrun even Jason on Halloween.

Muc Off is the only sane way to prep your bikes for a zombie attack and possibly also Psycho Cross.

#CROSSISHERE #COTR2018 #crossontherock

Race and Series Maintenance Items

1) Are you ready for the “Jump In”. We offered this a few years back BUT with the transition to chip timing and our first year with wristbands, keeping track etc. we had to can it. We can now offer it again. IF you want to do a second race (sorry does not apply to Zoom Zoom racers also doing Beginners obviously) we can DO IT. You need to check in at REGISTRATION and get them to write you down on the “Jump In” form. It will be $10 Cash. You will have to start at the back (since it is not your regular category) and battle to move forward. You can use your regular race number and regular chip BUT it needs to be recorded at registration. (Can not be done in advance on pre-reg. Sorry).

2) Chips and Pits. This is a reminder. IF you are on the course racing. Your bike NEEDS to have a chip on it. That chip needs to be registered to YOU. With the chaos at McLeans Mill people were grabbing any bike to finish the awesome course…..many did not have the chip of the racer using it. This is IMPOSSIBLE to keep track of, score or time. If you are proceeding in a race the bike you have must have YOUR chip or a pit bike chip registered to YOU. Otherwise it is a DNF. We will try to put an extra set of zap straps and one of the side cutters in the pits attached to one of the bike racks for the remaining events to make this a bit simpler.

3) Race Call Ups. Rolland has been making extra effort to post the call up lists the night before each event (pretty soon after registration closes). This gives everyone a chance to look it over and let us know if there are any mistakes or issues (i.e. someone registers with a middle initial but all their points/previous races they did not…..thus the new name has 0 points). IF there is a problem please let us know. Trying to sort it out at the start line after everyone has been called up is TOO LATE.

4) From Sarah Hauser. Shout out to all Intermediate Women! Are you feeling like you could race a bit longer? Have a bit more in you when finished your race? (See note above about the “Jump In”) Well, the Expert Women are looking for more women to race with. Well, I am looking for more people to race with. I decided to race Expert this year because I wanted to have a longer race. The one thing I’m missing is someone to race with. I need some more women my speed so that I have a race. I don’t care if we are battling for last place or last not lapped, as long as we can challenge each other for that position. I know, you might feel like you are not fast enough but that’s okay. Concerned, well honestly I think it’s easier to race Expert. Why? Well, after all those other racers have raced the course a good track forms. Sand pits become easier because a packed down track forms. And because it’s such a small field ( 10-13 women) there are not traffic jams. Usually you get a clean attempt at hard bits with no one in your way. Of course that might change if more of you come to race at this time but I don’t think numbers will suddenly jump up that much. So just putting it out there for you to think about. I wanted to make sure I had a race yesterday so I also did the Master’s women race. So fun to have someone to chase or try to stay in front of. Way to go Rowan Belanger for doubling up too!! Let’s do it again next weekend!!

5) Race Numbers (last housekeeping item). A few people tried to get their cloth number last weekend as they had not raced since Topaz Park. The registration crew (new each race) did not clue into that they were on the clip board until later. SO if you are still missing your cloth number and raced/registered for the first race but have not received it yet. We do still have it! Check with the crew when you check in at any of the next 3 events.

Warm Ups

Tycho and Tessa (and helpers) had a great merchandise stand going at Lumber X. They will be set up again this Sunday by the Frontrunners van. They have last year’s COTR shirts (youth, women and men’s sizes (will update on FB)), COTR socks from this year SM and ML, COTR Hats and COTR 2013 Stickers. Cash Only. They MIGHT have a one fresh bag of liquorice left as well.
Did you race Lumber X? We are doing an e-mail campaign. See details below in the Lumber X Review

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1. Lumber X Review
2. Psycho Cross Preview
3. We owe you $5 (updated List) (Last reminder)
4. Weekly Cross (Updated as time is running out)

1. Lumber X Review

Norm’s Notes:
Great to return to McLean’s Mill for the 3rd time in 13 years.
A MTB’ers course
Old School Jungle Cross style.
Absolutely LOVED it!
Great atmosphere.
Where were all the Victoria crew? No Broad Street riders at all…..scared were they?

Patrick’s Photos (yes he can time AND snap photos): https://www.flickr.com/photos/palleus/albums/72157672697584597

Race director Lee Blais Notes:

LUMBER CROSS!!!!

No one hurt themselves AND the sun was shining!!

Thank you sooooo much COTR family for braving the treacherous Hwy 4 into the Alberni Valley.
The course turned out amazing, It was a real challenge to make it long enough and interesting enough without tearing up the Mill site to much. I was super impressed with the respect shown for the Mill by all the racers and spectators.

Random thoughts and comments:

Single speeds not being a disadvantage
Campbell river dirt bag course prep wizards
Less volunteers bringing out the best in the volunteers
Wendy Simm’s support at registration
Burgers and fries www.knockannanagrill.com
Train nails (railway spikes)

Please take the time to email Deanna the mill manager with any positive feedback, we’d love to return to that venue. deanna@mcleanmill.ca (CC the COTR e-mail address and everyone that does this in the next week I will put in for a prize package of: Phillips, socks, hat and some Muc Off.)

Thank you volunteers, thank you Normon Thibault and the council of cross

2. Psycho Cross Preview

Lake Cowichan

New course. New Venue. New Town. Lots of Excitement.

Closer than Nanaimo to Victoria. Closer than Shawnigan to Quadra. This race should take almost everyone on the island that races cross less than 2 hours to get to. A great location.

Pre-Registration closes at 5:00pm on Saturday. Link is here!

We have received incredible support from the Town of Lake Cowichan as well as the Cowichan Valley Regional District to bring Cross on the Rock and a race to this area. We can’t say enough about how much of a pleasure it has been to work with these two groups who are dedicated to building sports and sport tourism in this amazing area of Vancouver Island. We hope that you can support the town while you are there for the event!

As a HUGE BONUS the Town and District of Lake Cowichan have put together a GRAND PRIZE gift package to be won on Sunday that will include a stay, dinner and other merchandise. (As always you gotta be there to win!!)

Check out some of these links.

Find out about Sport Tourism and Sports in this area

If you want to come early to Lake Cowichan or are looking for a place to eat here is a directory.

Cowichan Psycho-Cross Infoblast

Where:
Lakeview Park Campsite – Lake Cowichan

Getting Here:
. Turn off Vancouver Island Hwy on to Hwy 18 to Lake Cowichan.
. Follow Hwy 18 until the Lake Cowichan/Youbo junction, turn LEFT in to the town of Lake Cowichan.
. Drive straight through town proceeding straight through all roundabouts.
. Once through the town of Lake Cowichan, turn right on Lakeview Park rd, indicated by the large “Lakeview Park” sign.
. Follow gravel road to race venue where a parking attendant will be there to assist you (from 8:30 on race day).

*If you arrive before 8:30 we will be angle parking along the gravel road that you entered on*

Camping
The entire campsite is posted as closed during our race however racers ARE allowed to camp on site. If you plan on camping there are strict rules as to where/when you can camp, these are as follows:
Price is $23.00 per party, per vehicle and must be paid in cash at the drop box on site
Because we are running a race throughout the campground there are only certain sites open to campers.
Available sites are: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
. Please note you will NOT be able to move in/out of your campsites until all racers are finished on race day (4:00pm). If you need to leave the venue sooner do NOT camp!

Additional info can be found here:
http://www.town.lakecowichan.bc.ca/camping.shtml

Schedule (Last time for this schedule for 2018. For race #7 and #8 we will be changing to our condensed schedule)

Course
General course:
The course begins with an uphill gravel road sprint to break up the racers. You will then funnel in to a 4ft wide windy gravel path descent that will pop you back on to another gravel road. From here you will wind in an out of a few campsites before a short singletrack descent to the beach. The beach section will be sandy and is sure to tire out even the fittest experts. From here you will climb some stairs and grab some bacon at the first hand up station. You then proceed down a short 4ft wide gravel path that will connect you to the floating boardwalk. The boardwalk is wide and we have installed wire mesh for grip to ensure racers safety, this will be a NO PASSING ZONE. After the boardwalk you will proceed in to the singletrack portion of the race. This trail varies in width from 2.5-5ft and will have a series of bridges to navigate. No bridge is less than 3ft wide and everything is covered in wire mesh for grip. After the singletrack you will pop out on another short gravel road climb in to a widely taped sprint. This will ensure room for passing. Keep an eye out for the wiener roast and more handups. After the gravel road you will navigate through a few more campsites before another very short single track descent to the lower road. The race will end with a final gravel road sprint to give one last chance to pass.

Zoom Zoom(>12ish):
Complete course minus boardwalk and connecting singletrack

Lil Nutcase (>7ish):
Mini course in campsites 40-53

Other Important Notes
Tents:
Teams and clubs are welcome to set up tents up until the first race at 10:45. There will be absolutely NO entry / Exit in to the campgrounds from 10:45 – 3:30ish when racing finishes. Space for tents will be on a first come first serve basis.

Cash:
Bring cash! We will have food, beer, coffee, and merchandise for sale on site. All venders will be operating on cash only!
Big thanks to Carmanah Pizza, Riot Brewing, and Black & White Coffee for supporting cyclocross!

Costumes:
This is a Halloween themed event! Get creative and dress up! There will be prizes for racers that embrace this. Get wild, go fast in a costume, go slow in a better costume, however you approach this, know that if you stand out you will be rewarded!

3. Don’t forget we owe you $5
If your name is on this list. We have $5 for you (from Qualicum Beach).
There will be an envelope with $ in it at the next 4 races until all our debt is paid. Pop by and pick up your $$ Please.

Alen Fazlagic

Corey Itterman
Erik Leikermoser

Lazarus Difiare
Lief Keithly
Matt Paton
Russ Parks
Scott Mitchell
Scott Pearce

Terry McKall
Toni Begley
Wayne Shtzbel (Not 100% if we owe him the $5 or not?)

4. Weekly Cross Happenings on V.I. (Last Posting for this for the season)

With the daylight fading and time change looming there will not be too many chances left to practice with your buddies. Get out there! We THINK almost all of these practices will be finishing up NEXT week. IF that is NOT the case please let us know!

If you hear of any cross rides or training sessions happening NOT listed here please let me know and I will keep these as up to date as I can.

Rock City Cycles Wednesday Night cross ride/workout. DONE FOR THE SEASON. GREAT JOB RCCCX
Comox Valley Cross Rides. Wednesday Nights. plug our FB group for cx practice in the Comox Valley https://www.facebook.com/groups/457383181299940
Cowichan Valley Cross rides. Contact them through FB.
2018 Cross Club LAST RIDE this coming Halloween!!

Registration link can be found @ www.crossclubvictoria.com.
Ride #7 – October 31st

Parting shot. While most of us were just happy to make it over this rock pile at Lumber X. Others…..well…..that just makes the rest of us look bad!!

Powered by Mazda. Cross on the Rock travels OVER the hump to McLean’s Mill this Weekend.

Newsletter #8 for 2018. COTR YEAR #13

Bikes prepped for Lumber X with Muc Off.

#CROSSISHERE #COTR2018 #crossontherock

The Cross on the Rock season #13 is officially half way through. 4 races down. 4 to go. 44% of the points allocated. 56% of the points still to be allocated. 2 new courses coming your way!

The next 3 weeks will be exciting for Cyclocross fans! Then 1 week off (or Nationals if you are heading to Ontario). THEN……..see #1 in the Warm Ups.

Warm Ups

1) Provincial Champs. After learning that Cycling BC was cancelling Cyclocross Provincials for this year The council of cross put their thinking caps on and sent 1 e-mail to 1 person that knows how to put BIG races on. The e-mail to Drew Mackenzie simply said, “Double Header at Speedway”. The idea was the COTR finals on the Saturday. Then Provincial Champs on Sunday. After a couple of quick discussions and notes sent Cycling BC made it official tonight in an e-mail. Provincial Champs will take place at Western Speedway. The day after our Finals. Making it 10 races on Vancouver Island this year and finishing off our season with an amazing double header! Thanks Drew and Parker for running with this idea and making this happen!

2) Where is the cross capital of Canada? Today it was suggested through an article from Oliver Evans that the capital of Cyclocross for Canada is Winnipeg. Take a look at this link on Facebook to the article. Feel free to chime in COTR fans and defend our status!! The article is here. You can comment on the post on our Facebook Page.

3) Cross Fondo. Triple Shot Cycling Club once again put on an absolutely amazing event down in Victoria last weekend. A super fun course (SURPRISE….NOT the same as last year!!). Great organization. Amazing food. Bonus….great weather!! IF you have not done this event yet BE SURE to put it on your list for next year!

4) Another Link from Cross on the Commons. We mentioned in the Cross on the Commons review that there was another video that I had seen but could not find the link to. Roy send me the link after he returned from his MTB “recovery” road trip. A LOT of drone and overhead shots. Check it out.

5) Staying in touch on the Island. Besides the COTR Facebook page there is also an Island Cross FB group. People can use it to plan other CX rides, carpool, buy’n’sell, etc. Check it out here https://www.facebook.com/groups/IslandCross/

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1. Lumber X Preview
2. Don’t forget we owe you $5
3. Weekly Cross happenings on

1. Lumber X Preview

VERY excited to be travelling back to Port Alberni this weekend. One of the coolest things about Cross on the Rock is that it is an ISLAND race series. Not just south of the Malahat or Nanaimo down etc. We get around the island and see different communities. This weekend we have the unique opportunity to do the most Western CX race in the world!! The WORLD!! Plus we return to Port Alberni after skipping 2017. We can’t wait!!

We have raced at McLean’s Mill on 2 occasions. 2010 and 2011. People have VERY different memories of these races and courses.

Check out the results from WAY back then. Some BIG names and names that are iconic with racing on Vancouver Island and COTR.

2010 Results 97 racers this year. Check out the expert results as well as the top of the Intermediate, and Beginners! This was supposed to be our 2nd to last race in 2010 BUT our last race of the year at Shawinigan Lake School got snowed out.
2011 Results 140 races the next year at McLeans Mill. Haldor taking the Intermediate Mens ahead of Nigel Elsay back in 5th (if you don’t know that name….you should) and Pro racer Adam DeVos in 8th! Janna Gillick winning the intermediate women race and Kelly Guest winning Expert Mens….now crushing in the Masters this year! Memories!!

Directions

First.. get onto the Alberni hwy and head west!!
Once you’re coming down into the valley stay right.
Take a right on Cherry creek road.
Left on Cowely
Right onto Cypress. Continue onto Batty road which turns on Debeaux..
Mill site will be on your right.
There are yellow saw blade signs once you’re in Port Alberni.

Most people are aware that things are done in the alberni valley a little differently…

Course
Back to Mclean mill Historic site!! The course, this is 3.6 km’s of river rock, grass, single-track and marshmellows. Current tetanus shots are recommended due to high content of rusty old machinery.

Venue
Please be respectful of the site, there are many off limits buildings and equipment not meant to be climbed on. REPEAT. Don’t CLIMB ON THE EQUIPMENT AND DON’T LET YOUR KIDS CLIMB ON IT!!

Parking
Over flow parking will be signed and located south east of Mill site

Team Tents
Team tent access will be at the second mill entrance. Unload and go park

Most important
The iconic legend Dan Clements may be in attendance!!

Food Truck
www.knockanannagrill.com

2. Don’t forget we owe you $5
If your name is on this list. We have $5 for you (from Qualicum Beach).
There will be an envelope with $ in it at the next 4 races until all our debt is paid. Pop by and pick up your $$ Please.

Alen Fazlagic
Andrew Speed
Brian Moran
Corey Itterman
Erik Leikermoser
Grace Harper
Jordan Lothrop
Justin Demers
Lazarus Difiare
Lief Keithly
Matt Patan
Russ Parks
Scott Mitchell
Scott Pearce

Terry McKall
Toni Begley
Wayne Shtzbel (Not 100% if we owe him the $5 or not?)

3. Weekly Cross Happenings on V.I.

If you hear of any cross rides or training sessions happening NOT listed here please let me know and I will keep these as up to date as I can.
Rock City Cycles Wednesday Night cross ride/workout. NEW TIME: 5:30 . Nanaimo
Comox Valley Cross Rides. Wednesday Nights. plug our FB group for the weds night cx practice in the Comox Valley https://www.facebook.com/groups/457383181299940
Cowichan Vallen Cross rides. I think maybe Wednesday nights too…..contact them through FB.
2018 Cross Club

Registration link can be found @ www.crossclubvictoria.com.

Details on locations will be emailed to the registered riders list on the Monday of each week. Make sure you register by Monday morning on the 10th of September so that you can receive the info for Ride # 1 on September 12th.

If anybody you know is not on the email blast list from last year, just send them to www.crossclubvictoria.com to register for this year.

Please bring your UCI Licence, Cycling BC Licence or proof of Club membership.
Cross Club 2018 Schedule

Ride #6 – October 24th
Ride #7 – October 31st

EXTRA BONUS MATERIAL (REPEAT)

We are returning to McLean Mill for the third time in our 13 year history. This will be an amazing opportunity as this is a Canadian National Heritage site.

Just a look back at some photos from the last times we raced at McLean Mill

2011 Photos.

2010 Set #1
2010 Set #2 (3 links on this page)

Until next week and the McLean’s Mill preview…..happy riding!

Newsletter #7 for 2018. COTR YEAR #13

Bikes prepped for a training weekend and the Cross Fondo with Muc Off.

#CROSSISHERE #COTR2018 #crossontherock

Warm Ups

1) Passing Etiquette. From what I heard we did a bit better at the Kona Kup with regards to passing. Nice work. Let’s keep on working on this. People want to have good races and when they are getting buzzed, chopped, clipped, taken out or banged around it does NOT make a good race.

2) Tire Pressure. One of the most important elements of setting up your bike:
https://bikerumor.com/2017/01/03/wyman-method-setting-proper-race-tire-pressure-part-1/

3) Cross Fondo. We hope to see many of you out on Sunday in Victoria for the Cross Fondo. Looking forward to being on the other side of the megaphone for the 2nd time at this event. Registration is closed so if you hesitated……too late now!

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1. KONA KUP Review
2. We owe you $5
3. Weekly Cross happenings on V.I. (revised)

1. KONA KUP Review

Patrick’s Photos

Lindsay’s Photos of almost all the intermediates

Onboard with Chad Grice (Intermediate)

Onboard with Roland Rabien (Masters Men)

GREAT edit from From Ted Hobby at Intertidal:

From Ted, “Cross on the Rock – Kona Kup. It was another weekend of rowdy, muddy Cross on the Rock racing here on the island (is there any better kind?). Rock City Cycles and The Kona Bicycle Co. gave away a free Super Jake frameset, EVOC threw a new truck pad into the mix, and Muc-Off was on site washing EVERYONE’s bikes post race. Island racing doesn’t get much better than this.”

Norm’s Notes:
This is one of my “home” courses so I take a very personal interest in Bowen Park. We tweaked some of the lines and turns this year as we always do. The result along with the conditions made for an amazing version of the Kona Kup in our opinion.
Congratulations to some of the next level performances on Monday.

Devin Fawkes – Rock City Cycles/Frontrunners/Kiyo Salon/Swet Haus for his first time on the top step of the podium in Beginner Men
Kimberly Chen – Tripleshot Cycling Club for her first podium in Beginner Women
Gabriel Macdougall – Active Health p/b Chorizo & Co. for his first win in Intermediate Men.
Manu Moore – DEVO pb Fortius for his first trip to a COTR podium in Intermediate Men.
Geza Rodgers – First COTR race AND first win in Intermediate Women! (12 years old)
Jade Koide – AGAIN first COTR and first podium in Intermediate Women!
Mark Overton – Rock City Cycles/Frontrunners/Kiyo Salon/Swet Haus for his first win in Super Masters.
Laurie Voroney – Rock City Cycles/Frontrunners/Kiyo Salon/Swet Haus for her first podium ever at at COTR race in Masters Women

From the Race Directors Sean and Corey from Rock City Cycles:

Well, that was a wet one but thank fully the rain eased up to make for great cross conditions. We tried to slow the course down this year with a few changes and it seems like everyone was really happy with the course. It’s definitely one of the hardest tracks but also one of the riders favourites. Thanks to all the volunteers who came out and helped get it set up so quickly, and to everyone who helped tear down, it’s always appreciated. Special thanks to all the team members who helped with timing, and registration!

Special thanks to Nicole and Lisa for helping in registration. Thanks to Nik and Andrew for staying late

Thanks to Pete Creighton from Cycles Lambert for coming out and power washing bikes all day long, and for the help with prizes. Thanks to Kona for tape and prizes and especially the Jake the Snake frame set! Thanks to Taco Revolution and Wolf Brewing for keeping everyone fed and happy! Thanks to Medix for the first aid help. We are so lucky to have Cross on the Rock, so many new riders out again this year. It’s so cool to see the young riders moving up the ranks.

Special Congratulations to Roni Jones for winning the Kona Super Jake frame set.

2. We owe you $5
If your name is on this list. We have $5 for you (from Qualicum Beach).
There will be an envelope with $ in it at the next 4 races until all our debt is paid. Pop by and pick up your $$ Please.

Alen Fazlagic
Andrew Speed
Brian Moran
Corey Itterman
Erik Leikermoser
Grace Harper
Jordan Lothrop
Justin Demers
Lazarus Difiare
Lief Keithly
Matt Patan
Russ Parks
Scott Mitchell
Scott Pearce

Terry McKall
Toni Begley
Wayne Shtzbel (Not 100% if we owe him the $5 or not?)

3. Weekly Cross Happenings on V.I.

With the daylight fading and time change looming there will not be too many chances left to practice with your buddies. Get out there!

If you hear of any cross rides or training sessions happening NOT listed here please let me know and I will keep these as up to date as I can.
Rock City Cycles Wednesday Night cross ride/workout. NEW TIME: 5:30 . Nanaimo
Comox Valley Cross Rides. Wednesday Nights. check out the FB group for the weds night cx practice in the Comox Valley https://www.facebook.com/groups/457383181299940
Cowichan Vallen Cross rides. I think maybe Wednesday nights too…..contact them through FB.
2018 Cross Club

Registration link can be found @ www.crossclubvictoria.com.

If anybody you know is not on the email blast list from last year, just send them to www.crossclubvictoria.com to register for this year.

Please bring your UCI Licence, Cycling BC Licence or proof of Club membership.
Cross Club 2018 Schedule

Ride #5 – October 17th
Ride #6 – October 24th
Ride #7 – October 31st

EXTRA BONUS MATERIAL

We are returning to McLean Mill for the third time in our 13 year history. This will be an amazing opportunity as this is a Canadian National Heritage site.

Just a look back at some photos from the last times we raced at McLean Mill

2011 Photos.

2010 Set #1
2010 Set #2 (3 links on this page)

Until next week and the McLean’s Mill preview…..happy riding!

Mazda Cross on the Rock Newsletter #6 for 2018. COTR YEAR #13.

Newsletter #6 for 2018. COTR YEAR #13

Bikes prepped for race #4 – The KONA KUP with Muc Off.

#CROSSISHERE #COTR2018 #crossontherock

(It is a BIG newsletter….but it is a LONG weekend so besides eating turkey what else are you going to do?)

As organizers of the biggest cycling race series in Western Canada and the biggest CX series in Canada the Council of Cross would normally be at the Cycling BC Night of Champions tonight but apparently none of us received invitations. I am sure it was just an oversight…..same oversight that happens every year but one in the last 13. No worries. We will just keep focusing on what we do. Putting on cool events for all of you to race!!

Backwards……3 races in a row. All as good going backwards as forward.

We never get sick of hearing, “I loved the course today”.

Two things before we get into the MAIN Body of this massive newsletter:

1) Passing Etiquette. We have talked about this at the start of each race BUT it seems to still be a bit of an issue. If we can address it here and have this changed by the KONA KUP and into the rest of the season that would be great. Passing HAS to get more polite. Chopping, blocking, bumping etc. is not acceptable. ESPECIALLY when you are doing that to someone that is racing at the same time as you BUT is not even in your race or category. Smooth it out. Let people know you are coming. Look for a place for them to pull over or to pass safely. IF this does not smooth out by the KONA KUP then we will be watching, calling and DQ’ing. Racing is supposed to be fun. Don’t ruin someone else’s fun by being a D**K.

2) 2019 Island Youth Road and Track racing
Keep the COTR fun for youth going: Coffee meeting Monday 4:30″ish”-5:30 after Kona Kup Awards, Tim Hortons Rock City Centre, 2980 N Island Hwy #200 https://goo.gl/maps/emKpaEzzbJU2

Over 80 young people from u11 to u19 rode the COTR Qualicum race. One of the big reasons it’s fun is kids get to race with people their speed. Ontario Cycling switched over their road and track youth series from age to ability categories and their numbers have doubled. If you’d like to see cycling fun for young people continue after ‘cross season, come chat about how we might do some youth racing by ability groups on road and track next season.

The Greater Victoria Velodrome Association, Tripleshot Cycling Club, and Broad Street Cycles have offered to host events if we can get youth participation like COTR does.

More info? I have a calendar planning document with some ideas to help the discussion. Email me at Lister Farrar, coach, Tripleshot Cycling Club, 250 882 5420, listerfarrar@telus.net

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
1. KONA KUP Preview
2. Cross on the Commons Review (Including we might owe you $5)
3. Cross Fondo (One of the coolest events out there)
3. Weekly Cross happenings on V.I. (revised)

1. KONA KUP Preview

Out of the gate PLEASE be aware of other park users, dog walkers and Frisbee golfers. We do not have EXCLUSIVE use of Bowen Park on Monday. Last year some of our racers felt like we did and there WERE problems. IF we have similar problems again this year I can guarantee you this will be the last time we are permitted to use this venue.

Do you want to have a VERY good chance of winning a KONA Super Jake Frameset this Monday? Well you have to be PRE-REGISTERED for the race to start. Then you have to be at the awards. Do both those things…..and you will have a VERY GOOD chance of winning!!

Norm’s Notes:
The statistics tell an interesting and crazy tale. The 2014 version of the Kona Kup is ranked as the toughest COTR event EVER. While the 2016 event was ranked the EASIEST (Until the Coal Cross this year. The 2017 event is ranked 9th easiest. Same race. Virtually the same course. Different conditions. Complete opposite ends of the scale of 85+ COTR events.
From the Race Directors:

Taco Revolution Food Truck will be back again this year. There were RAVE reviews about these guys for the last two years so bring your appetite!

Course Description:
The Kona Kup is a true European cross course. It starts with a long wide open paved road before it heads into a switchback climb. The course incorporates a large grass area with tight turns but still has places to pass, a long stair run up and two sand sections. It has lots of elevation gain in a small footprint, no need for barriers on this course (But we might have the new ones anyways…..just because), it’s a lung burner.

Venue:
Bowen Park is a gem located in the heart of Nanaimo. There is quite a bit of parking close to registration which will be off Wall Street close to the volley ball courts. Additional parking can be found across Wall street at the Curling Club as well as in other locations in the park off Bowen Road.

This is a BUSY park on a BUSY weekend. Please be aware and respectful of other park users.

Team tents:
Team tents are welcome and there will be an area set aside for them on the lawn along the edge of the parking lot. We will be doing one row on the grass. Another row on the dirt.

First come first spots.

Drop and go. Don’t park by your tent…..’cause we will have to move you!

KONA KUP Race Day Schedule
PLEASE NOTE: We are extending our CUT-OFF time to 30 minutes before your race.
Make sure you are Checked in/REGISTERED and ready!

Last race for this schedule and then we go to the “tighter” one heading into shorter days.

9:15 REGISTRATION OPEN (beginner only until 10:35)
10:00 Beginner Pre-Ride/Mini clinic (meet @ start line)

10:45 BEGINNER MEN (includes U13 / U15)
10:46 BEGINNER WOMEN (includes U13 / U15)

NOTE to Beginners. YES this will be the FULL course. Including the stairs. Parents and helpers are allowed to help anyone young enough to REALLY need help on the stairs with their bikes BUT they can not impede or block any faster racers so please be prepared.

11:30 Zoom Zoom Mazda KIDS RACE (age 7-12)
NOTE to ZOOM ZOOM Kids. We will NOT be doing the stairs but the course will be longer than what we did the last 2 years keeping with the theme of longer Zoom Zoom Races. This will be a tough challenge for the Zoom’ers!

12:00 INTERMEDIATE MEN (includes U17)
12:01 INTERMEDIATE WOMEN (includes U17/ Masters)

12:10 KIDS Lil’ Nutcase races (<7 years) 1:15 MASTERS MEN (40-54) 1:16 SUPER MASTERS MEN (55+) 2:30 EXPERT MEN 2:31 EXPERT WOMEN 4:00ish AWARDS ABSOLUTELY NO PRERIDING DURING RACES

Registration/Number Pick Up/Race day Procedure for Kona Kup

ALREADY RACED THIS YEAR: If you have done another COTR race this year you need to bring three things: Your bike number (attached to your bike). Your race number (either attached to your jersey or ready to attach). Your license or $10. Check in at registration. Show them your license or pay $10. Good to go.

HAVE NOT RACED THIS YEAR: Head to registration. If you are pre-reg then you don’t need a reg form (otherwise you do). If you have a license you don’t need a license form (otherwise you do). Head to the counter. Show your license (or pay $10 and give them the cycling BC form). Pick up your bike number and your body number. Good to go.

2. Cross on the Commons MEGA Review!!

We might owe you $5. If you registered ON THE DAY at Cross on the Commons the registration amount was incorrect on the race day entries. We will have a stack of $5’s and a list of names at the KONA KUP if we owe you $5 come and grab it from us. VERY SORRY but trying to make it right!

This is the first time a race review has received the “MEGA” ranking. There is a LOT of info here from the race last Sunday.

PHOTOS

Link #1 from Sean Voight from MAZDA. Photo links:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AA8ttCKYQdUtAnsbA

Link #2 from Patrick Burnham
https://www.flickr.com/photos/palleus/albums/72157696132448850

Link #3 from Lindsay Burges
https://www.flickr.com/x/t/0096009/photos/97629575@N08/sets/72157671842336987/

VIDEO
How many times do you get 2 different videos from 1 event? I can answer that easily. ALMOST NEVER. BOTH with AWESOME Drone footage!!

First from Ted Hobby who traded this for the safe return of his front wheel which he left in the pits Sunday.

On board with Roland for the WHOLE masters men’s race:

There is one more video but I can’t find it right now. Will post later on the FB page.

From Race Director Roy:

Cross on the Commons (COTR-COTC) – The Rear View

Thanks again to Cross On The Rock for letting the Arrowsmith Cycling Club host another great cyclocross race in Qualicum Beach. It’s a special series that just keeps getting stronger and bigger.

Wow, did we ever dodge that rainy weather that seemed to be everywhere else but Qualicum Beach. So Nice! And, hopefully, racers still had a great race on a great course. Thanks everyone for coming out in huge numbers to have fun and shred some sand and grass. Well done! And especially, thanks for following the ‘no shoes’ law in the Civic Centre. I talked with 2 QB Town supervisors and both said everything looked good.

And the next big shout out goes to all of the volunteers for making the race run so smoothly. Start at 7, home at 5 for a Big Day. With an extra big, high 5 to the main COTC organizing team of Dean Vinden (course design) and Liz Patola (volunteers) with Sally Vinden taking care of registration. Thanks also to Michael Addiscott (Alert First Aid) as well as Nicholas Knight (Beginner clinic and more). Once again, Richard Franklin (Parksville) gets a special nod for the Facebook banner and poster.
Without the great effort from the course setup crew, course marshalls, parking and registration volunteers now of this could happen. Fine job everyone!

And far from last, is the awesome support we received from a large number of businesses in Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Coombs that donated product, gift certificates and a whole lot more to a great event. Truly impressed!

2018 COTR season not even half over! Awesome!

Thanks one and all,
Roy

3. Cross Fondo (One of the coolest events out there)
It’s Year #3 …. and the Tripleshot CrossFondo fun continues!!!! Join riders of all ages and abilities for Victoria’s ONLY mass participation off-road cycling event! The course, appropriate for cyclocross or mountain bikes has a few new surprises and over 50 property owners are opening up access to their land for race day.

This event is a fund raiser for the Tripleshot Cycling Club Youth Team and a portion of the funds raised will support the development and maintenance of our region’s amazing trail systems. So far riders have helped us donate $4,100 to the South Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society and South Island Mountain Bike Society. Registration will be capped at 300 riders. We expect to sell out early, so register now!

Options: Doubleshot (short course) approx 20-25 km; Tripleshot (long course) approx 40-45 km. Yummy food, bevvies and draw prizes are included with your entry fee! Got a lot of friends? Form a team of up to six riders! If you can’t do either but feel strongly about the cause, you can donate online too!

Start/finish is Vancouver Island Tech Park; start time 9 a.m.; Race Pack Pickup for riders who are registered opens at 7:30 a.m. (beat the lineup and pick up your race pack on Saturday, Oct 13 @ Russ Hay’s the Bicycle Store, 650 Hillside from 1 – 4 pm!).

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Online registration closes Thursday, Oct 11 at midnight! There will be no registration on Race Day . Ok! So what are you waiting for?!! See you October 14! More info @ tripleshotcrossfondo.ca!!

4. Weekly Cross Happenings on V.I.

Registration link can be found @ www.crossclubvictoria.com.

If anybody you know is not on the email blast list from last year, just send them to www.crossclubvictoria.com to register for this year.

Please bring your UCI Licence, Cycling BC Licence or proof of Club membership. t
Cross Club 2018 Schedule

(Please note: No ride on Oct 10th due to Cross on the Rock race on Monday, Oct 8th of that week)
Ride #5 – October 17th
Ride #6 – October 24th
Ride #7 – October 31st