BC Cup Cyclcross:: Final Race!

Scott Mcgregor pinning up his race numbers pre-race

Today's cyclocross race was just days after a snow storm struck the lower mainland. Luckily, two days leading up to the race, temperatures moved up above zero. Instead of a foot of snow, the rain washed away the snow that was getting deep Thursday morning! Some said the snow would have made for a pretty cool race, just the same, but I was partial to the greener version of the CX race.

One thing about cyclocross, lots of hot carbon bikes and wheels!
Here's my Giant TCX SL with Easton EC90 tubular wheels. I love this bike.

Scott McGregor taking the corner ready to climb the slip and slide

Daryl Evans Team put together a really amazing course in South Surrey! The relentless, off camber, rutted, slimy course had all the features of a true cyclocross track, with the added challenges of some of the slipperiest conditions you could possibly ride in. There was two deep sand pits as well, which sucked the last of the energy out of your legs, if you thought you had any left.

In my race, Masters Men, we had the largest group at 27 racers. My goal was to start the race with a good attack to make sure I was leading the group through the first lap of single track slime. This loop was so slippery and the speed we came into these off camber corners with, was sure to cause a big pile up and some big bottle necks. I managed to stay upright for the first lap and instead of attempting to ride the sand pits I ran them both times (which proved to be the way to do it as I face planted on my final lap riding through).

Run through the sand?

Ride through the sand? Rob Mulder powers through like an ox.

As for competition, there were a few guys responsible for turning me inside out. Going into this sixth and final race, Bob Welbourne and I were neck and neck for first place; whoever won this race, won the BC CUP Series! Leading up to the race we were very nervous and didn't know what the outcome was going to be. He beat me every race in last season's BC Cup Series and I look up to Bob as he really knows how to get to the top of the podium. Also in the race, and reasonably close points wise was Greame Martindale who has been ripping up the series by storm and who beat me at the Vanier race this season. Also close in points and speed was James Birkenbuel and Scott McGregor who kept the pressure going at every moment.

However, the guy that came out of nowhere in Lap 3 of 7 was some guy I had never seen before, Steve Bachop. Ok, so he wasn't a contender in the BC CUP series for the overall, he still was pinning it past me with a vengance, like I was riding slow-mo. I was like..."Uhhhh, what the....". So I turned on the gas and raced up to him. At first I thought it was his fitness that was killing me, but I think a part of it was his tires seemed to gain more traction than mine and he could continue his speed into corners and ride up some of the hills I was spinning out on. None the less he was cranking it!!! I dug deep to flush out any self doubt I could beat him and kept the pressure on into the next lap.

The off camber spiral of death went on forever with an endless slippery slope of corners.
I slid out multiple times trying to keep the speed into the corners.

As we rounded every corner I couldn't seem to get ahead. Steve put a bike length into me at every opportunity. Coming into one corner I came into it a bit hot, trying to put in a pass, going down hard. This only improved his lead and put heart rate into the sky. I was seriously hurting now. This happened a second time on another corner after I had somehow managed to catch back up. I thought all was lost until...yup, down went Steve, finally taking a corner too fast and I passed him!! This was it, I thought to my self. I don't care how much you are hurting right now, you have to put in an attack. So I burried the needle, frothed at the mouth, and bled out my ears for the hardest effort I could muster. It worked and I started to open a gap and build on that...

Ok, final lap bell "ding-ding" and Kimbo is close to cardiac arrest, covered in mud, battered knees, shoulders, shins, from going down multiple times. My drive train was destroyed with mud, sand and grass, only allowing me to shift into a small range of gears. Steve was behind me and not that far behind was my nemisis, Bob, along with Graeme and the rest of the crew. I pushed hard and made a critical resolution, not to crash, no matter what. I couldn't take another blood curtling heart rate spike, it would be the last straw. Luckily I was able to keep the pressure on enough that the group, as I have seen before, lost the will to continue with the pressure and had eased off with half a lap to go. This didn't help me that much though, considering I still could crash or maybe ev.....face plant, bang! I was upside down in the sand pit with my bike over me with at least a third of a lap to go...

This guy tried to bunny hop the barriers...great photo

I jumped back up and my legs would barely hold my weight with all the blood and lactate flowing at an alarming rate. Luckily the adrenaline was flowing at a faster rate than lactate so I managed to get pedaling again and despite having even less gears could keep my bike moving in a forward direction! Steve and the crew approached the corner behind me but I held the gap and made it through to the finish line hands in the air for a well deserved win, completely oblitterated, and with barely a breath left in my aching lungs.

Masters Men Podim- 5th James Birkenbuel, 4th Greame Martindale,
3rd Bob Welbourn, 2nd Steve Bachop, 1st Kim Steed

Full results here!

Oh, and did I mention tomorrow is the Provincial Cyclocross Championships at Mahon Park in North Vancouver? This is going to hurt.


Kimbo

Cyclocross Provincial Championships::North Vancouver

After an exciting BC Cup Cyclocross series so far this year, with attendance at each event getting bigger and bigger, expect to see the province’s best racers come out and battle for the prestigious honour of being Provincial Champion. Look for last year’s Elite Men’s Provincial Champion Evan Guthrie (Rocky Mountain) to be back to defend his title against a stacked field with the likes of Tyler Trace (Trek – Red Truck), Craig Richey (Cyclocrossracing.com/Blue), Rob Britton (Bissell Pro Cycling), Drew Mackenzie (Island Racing Club) and Kevin Noiles (La Bicicletta Pro Shop). Don’t be too surprised if some sleepers show up out of the wood work like Rocky Mountain – Maxxis rider Geoff Kabush or Bend Oregon’s favourite Canadian cyclocross racer Chris Sheppard (Rocky Mountain p/b Shimano) or even full time roadie but true cyclocross lover United Healthcare/Maxxis team rider Andrew Pinfold.

On the Elite Women’s side, look out for UCI World # 1 ranked MTB rider Catherine Pendrel (Luna Pro team) to make an appearance after honing her ‘cross skills this fall. Not to be out done, the Elite Women’s field also features the likes of Jean Ann Berkenpas (Local Ride Racing), Mical Dyck (Trek Canada), Dawn Berg (Oak Bay Bikes) and Joele Guynup (Island Racing Club).

In what is perhaps the hottest category going in the BC Cyclocross, expect the Master Men’s race to be a throw-down of epic proportions. Some serious competition has been ensuing all season with Kim Steed (Steed Cycles), Bob Welbourn (Glotman Simpson), Bard Collins (Cannondale/BSP), Greame Martindale (Frontrunners) battling it out each weekend. Throw in a mix of the Vancouver Island’s strong men like Norm Thibault (Frontrunners), John Fokkema (Rocky Mountain) and Steve Bachop (Island Racing Club) and the game is on…

Check out the following promotional video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tl-2Hxr-Hc

ALL REGISTERED RACERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENTER A DRAW TO WIN A 2010 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SOLO CXR CROSS FRAME AND FORK – JUST FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT!!! Pre-registration is now available online via Cycling BC: http://www.cyclingbc.net/OnLine-CX-Registrations

For all event details, schedule, start times, driving directions: check out the official race website: http://www.bccyclocrosschamps.blogspot.com

There are lots and lots of great prizes to be awarded, some free schwag when you register, and some draw prizes that are worth sticking around for. Make sure you are present as there will be no mailing…

A special thanks goes out to all of the sponsors who make this race possible: Cycles Lambert, Different Bikes, Rocky Mountain Bicycles, Planet Foods, Kicking Horse Coffee, Honey Stinger Ultima, Pedros, Lezyne, Maxxis, GORE Ride On Cables, Selle Italia, BC Bike Race, Cycling BC, Mark James Group and the City Of North Vancouver.

Any questions or comments on the event, contact the organizer: Kevin Calhoun – kcalhoun@cycleslambert.com

New Kid on the Block

Riding with an adjustable seat-post is like downloading better skills to your brain: it allows you to climb and descend as efficiently as possible. Whenever the trail changes, you can adapt. Of course the initial cost can be a bit intimidating but once you've had the opportunity to use one I promise you will not go back. Would you go back to riding on Panaracer Smokes and Darts after riding Maxxis Minions? Exactly!


Once you've decided that you want to enjoy riding more, you then have to decide which one of these shifty sticks to buy for your amazing steed! There are a few offerings out there, Rock Shox's Reverb being the new kid on the block. Besides offering the current standard 5" adjustment the Reverb has some specific benefits.

The most obvious one is that it uses hydraulic levers and actuation. Cable actuated systems can be subject to contamination causing the lever to become stiff. Further, the folks at Rock Shox use their depth of knowledge in fork sealing systems to keep contaminants out of the post housing. The hydraulic system also allows the rider to control the post's compression and rebound speed, adjustments they refer to as "slap and tickle". In addition, the Reverb has an easy-to-access solid two-bolt clamp as well as 420mm of overall length for those folks with dancer's legs.

Overall finishing on the Reverb is high-end all the way. The black is classy and is paired with polished silver rather than a colour that may or may not fit with the look of your bike.

The Reverb also comes with a nice line guide and a service bleed kit complete with 2.5 wt. fork oil. It is extremely important not to think that you know better by trying to adjust the speed using a different weight oil. This system operates on 2.5 wt. ONLY! If the post starts to slow its roll a simple bleed with the tools provided will speed up the performance.

The lever on the Reverb is ergonomic and has a nice action. It's simple and you can even clean up your handlebar by mounting your brake and shifter to the Reverb clamp (although only if you have Avid XX, Elixir CR mag, or new XO brakes. Otherwise you'll have to clamp the remote where it works for you).

Cutting the line to length is simple as the reverb uses a reusable barb to attach the hose. A simple bleed to remove air added by cutting the line will keep the post up to speed.

When set-up properly the Reverb moves slightly more smoothly than other brands' posts. The post locks firmly wherever you decide you'd like it to be and there is very little play from side to side, certainly no more than I've found with other brands.
I've been out on a few good rides now and it has been smooth and consistent every time.  Now we just have to see how it works after a season of muck here on The Shore!

-Scott

CROSS ON THE ROCK #6:: Port Alberni Lumber Cross Race Report

I think this is the first time I've raced on Remembrance Day. Braving the driving rain, I set out for the sprawling metropolis of Port Alberni, leaving behind a sick Carey with two sick kids. The new course was located at McLean Mill, a historic logging mill located in Port Alberni's back 60.

Cold and wet, it took me a while to warm-up and my pre-lap left me and my bike covered in slick mud. My transition to the Expert category following my banishment from Masters, had been less than smooth. Halloween weekend's double Victoria cross races were not kind to me, and for the first time in a long time I was embarrassingly lapped in my first Victoria race after a less than ideal start.

Determined to redeem myself I welcomed the muddy and technical Port Alberni course. After a slow start, following the last call-up and a slipped pedal, I worked my way up the field, feeling comfortable on the slick and technical course. Slowly gaining ground I worked my way way up to 4th place, behind Norm Thibault before flatting. Following a 300m run to the pit, I switched wheels and worked my way back into the race. In terms of mechanicals I was not alone, as over half the field suffered some sort of breakdown. Finishing 8th I was satisfied with my result, but vowed to run more tire pressure for my next race: The Island Championships at Shawnigan Lake. If you're looking for some kick-ass Vancouver Island cross action on November 21st check out http://www.crossontherock.com/

Free Information Seminars :: Welcome to Steed Sessions

Are you interested in learning about your favorite cycling products?

Want to learn about the newest gear and what the future looks like for some of the best riders in the Industry? Steed Cycles would like to invite you to Steed Sessions. Starting this November, Steed Cycles will be offering monthly in-store information sessions. Each Session will be presented by a different brand from the bike Industry and here's the kicker - it's FREE! Steed Sessions will give you the opportunity to connect with sales and marketing representatives from some of the top brands we carry.

Why should you attend a Steed Session?

· Learn the history of a brand

· See new and upcoming products first hand

· Connect with representatives from a brand

· Be the first to receive special promo offers

Why does Steed Cycles offer Free Seminars?

The crew at Steed Cycles believes that when purchasing a new bike or cycling gear, an informed customer is a happy customer. Customer satisfaction is one of our biggest goals and by providing this free service, we feel we can help you to make the best decisions on everything from a new bike, the best gear, to the style of riding you do. Because it's about one thing: riding your bike!

When is the next Steed Session and what company will be presenting?

The inaugural Steed Seminar will be Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 9AM Sharp. The Crew at Steed Cycles is very proud to announce the inaugural Steed Session will be presented by Troy Lee Designs Canada.

How do I Sign Up?

For more information, please give our shop a call at 604-987-2168. To register for this event, please follow this link to our web site. Space is limited and registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Sign up now!

Chris Brown

Cyclocross Nationals :: Before Preride

Last years Nationals start in Edmonton. Photo- Rob Jones (canadian cyclist)

Flying from Sunny Vancouver yesterday morning took me across the country, through some cloud cover, and down into a dark, grey, cold, windy city...Toronto. This years National Cyclocross race is in Toronto, which will is certain to be much warmer conditions to last years race in Edmonton which was all about the snow and ice and almost 10 degrees below zero! This is almost tropical in comparison (or that is what I keep telling myself).

Being a UCI race, the course is comprised of a 3km long lap, and structured within the guidelines of the UCI rule book. This basically means it isn't a basic thrown together weekend race with your buddies, but instead the real deal, full on, planned out course with all the makings of a heart attack. It has the double barriers, the lung busting run up (on slippery Ontario clay mud), off camber grass slopes, gravel, pavement, miles of taped off hard left and right turns. The venue is in Cedarvale Park in Toronto, and I will say, even before I ride the course this afternoon, very well chosen for a National level 'cross race! The terrain is perfect for an event of this caliber. Oh and did I mention there will be a beer garden to really bring in the riff-raff spectators? Beer + spectators= Lots more cheering!

BC Cup :: Foreshore Park Cyclocross in green Vancouver. Photo- Dustan Sept

The competition is going to be fierce with several of the top racers in each age group and riding level from each province. In Pro Elite men there is Kevin Calhoun from BC currently ranked 1st, Tyler Trace, Kevin Noiles, Nick Berry, and more. Women's pro elite will be off the hook with some super fast women including Vancouver Islands speedster, and former National CX Champ, Wendy Simms and Pepper Harlton from Alberta. In my catagory Master's Men A, the reigning Canadian champ Peter Mogg will be there to put the hammer down and give us a carrot to chase! In Master's B it is two more BC guys John Fokkema and Norm Thibault who last year took 1st and 2nd. In U23, there will be last years champ Evan Guthrie again from BC.

So many more names to mention but you get the point, it's going to be BIG! The talent will be out in full force.

Ok, I better get out there and get a few laps of this course in before dinner and a good nights sleep.

-Kimbo

Making a New Friend

Yay presents!

Everyone likes opening bike boxes that have their names on them, right? My 2011 Giant Trance X1 came in a box with my name on it last week! I was stoked! Time to get fit (if I can squeeze in some rides between school, work and the darkness that is fall).


I had a 2010 Giant Trance X1 so getting the 2011 model was a no-brainer. There are some cool new features in the 2011 frame like a big fat tapered head tube to rip the rowdy techness. The downtube is stupid fat as well and helps connect the stiffness of the head tube to the BB. You can see that Giant took the milling tools out to shed grams wherever possible. A post mount rear disc brake and press-fit BB round out most of the upgrades.


Giant had their upgrades but I had some in mind as well. A Chromag Ranger stem, Acute handlebar, brass seat QR and Lynx DT saddle bring style and precision to the new rig. Some UST tubeless tires and Avid Elixir XX world cup brakes add performance and drop weight.

The Chromag Lynx DT is always something I liked the look of but I wasn't too sure about how it might do in the comfort category. I asked Branden at work if he would let me try his. Turns out we're a match!
The brass seat QR was mandatory. I had my frustrations with the stock QR last season and knew it was the first upgrade I'd be making on this bike. The brass insert on the QR is so smooth you want to spread it on your toast in the morning.

I rolled on the Maxxis Larsen TT tubeless programme. It was amazing how much grip they offered but they were a bit like riding a bull on the wet roots. I thought the Ignitors would be a better option this time around...We'll see.

Here's the total package! We've put a couple days in so far and we're working on our relationship. It's getting better with each date!

I'll keep ya posted...

-Scott

Oktoberfest in Kamloops

This was so steep I think this is the only time I climbed it.
Doesn't help that I'm running a 32t single ring.

Back in early October, the fine folks at the Harper Mountain Ski Resort (20 minutes from Kamloops) held its first ever cross country enduro mountain bike race at the ski hill. The Harper mountain bike trails are known far and wide as some of the best downhill and freeride trails in BC. There have been numerous events on those trails, but never on the actual ski hill itself.

As soon as I heard about a race at the hill I was on it like Kim Steed on a vacuum cleaner. Any time an area with so much potential opens its proverbial doors to a mountain bike event, you support it. Well, me and about 70 other participants felt the same as they came out in support of what was going down. That included women's World Cup overall winner and Kamloops local, Catherine Pendrel, plus others like National team members Matt Hadley and his wife Catherine Vipond (fast Kamloops racers), and so on.

One nice thing the organizers did was open the quaint little lodge for the racers. They had a roaring fire going in the huge fireplace, plus they served cold beer and hot food all day. It was a treat for sure, because Kamloops in October can be a tad chilly.

Epic loamy descent, taking the inside line and holding it thanks to Maxxis rubber.

The premise to "Oktoberfest" was to see how many laps could be done in 4 hours. You could solo it if you could handle the tough 4.5km course, or team up with a single partner or a team of four. My wife, Selena Lawrie, and I teamed up for our first ever race together. What a date!

My wife is the happiest person I know, besides Kim Steed of course.
Here she is, ex BC Road Champ, destroying the descent.

The course started out with a nice gentle climb up an old 4x4 road that the downhillers use to shuttle on. Some sections were very steep and almost unclimbable for most, but what it led to was an amazing sustained descent all the way back to the lodge. This decent was long and resembled a BC Cup DH course more than a XC decent. Considering I was riding a 2010 Giant Reign 0 and my wife on a Devinci Remix, we killed the downhill portion of the course while managing to keep a steady pace going up.

Riding a Giant Reign 0 and an X Fusion Vengeance fork
meant I was able to open 'er up on the downhill.

I managed to pump out five laps and Selena, four, on this demanding course. But we were up against Catherine Pendrel and her husband Keith Wilson, plus Matt Hadley and his wife Catherine Vipond. There was no hope in coming anywhere near to the number of laps they could dish out, but we did earn a third spot in the mixed team category. Matt and Catherine V. put in 13 laps, and Catherine P. and Keith pulled off 12.

When it was all said and done, EVERYONE had smiles on their faces and stories of what transpired during the race came out over beers in the lodge.

Here's smiley again, railing a tight turn thanks to her Devinci Remix
and prototype Maxxis tires.

The terrain and trails were so good and so full of potential that it could easily rival any cross country race course in the country. I'm sure everyone that attended Oktoberfest is hoping for this to become an annual event.

Check out some of the amazing photos of the race by Kevin Bogetti-Smith, and the results from the race.

http://www.harpermountain.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=category&id=1&Itemid=132

http://www.harpermountain.com/joomla/images/harper/Harper%20Mtn%20Enduro%202010%20Results%20with%20classes.xls.pdf