pocatellocyclocross

KING and QUEEN of Cross RESULTS 2008

2008-11-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

After 36 hours of straight cross...set-up...organize..build...race...teardown...I can sit back and smile. What a great race. I have to say this years race took more hours than I could have imagined. The 2 mile course was huge. But the reward of a KICK butt course and 10 minute laps was well worth the hard work.

So if you didn't make it to the 1st ANNUAL KING/QUEEN of Cross.... you probably didn't race this weekend....or if you did.......... but not here........ you gave up your chance to become Royalty.

2008 - Pocatello Cyclocross has come and gone. Kings and Queens were crowned for the first time ever here in the Gate City.

I want to a say a huge "thank you" to the racers that made the drive to Pocatello and brought with them the enthusiasm for CX. Also, a huge thanks to the tons of Volunteers that made the race happen. A special thanks to ISU -Shepperds Club for all of the hard work... you guys rocked.

Thanks to http://www.monaviecannondale.com/ and Sports Base Events for the TRAILER and MUSIC!

Thanks to ZAC BIDWELL our local FELT/PowerBAR/Fox rep. for all the killer swag.

Thanks to Cyclocross Magazine for the the free issues and subscriptions for prizes. I had people tackling each other to get a copy.

Thanks to Rob's Ride on BIKES. For the great gift certificates, tires and misc. swag. Also Barrie's for all the great prizes. SO if you need a new cross bike call Rob's or Barries! Buy a Felt and be sure to eat tons of POWER Bars... Support the great companies and shops that help us make this race kick a**.

Race results are below. Let me know if there are any mistakes. I will fix them..

See you next year! I have more pictures. I will post them shortly.

IN 2009 I hope to crown more Royalty. The goal of KING/QUEEN of cross is to gather cross racers from all the mountain states, and have a race where we can all get together and suffer. I can't wait to see you all back next year. Bring your friends and spread the word.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32264057@N04/

Men 45+
1
Charles
Sterns
2
Lew
Rollins
3
Bob
Walker
4
Anthony
Perkins
5
Bruce
Moss
6
Tom
Borschel
7
Doug
Lamoh
8
David
Conner
9
Steven
Edsall

MEN B
1
Fuller
Brian
2
Fitzgerald
Scott
3
Byers
Dave
5
Armstrong
Jay
6
Stryka
Chord
7
Tracy
Scott
8
Zubel
Eric

Masters 35+
1
Craig
Kidd
2
Art
O'Conner
3
Matt
Ohran
4
Mike
Kracht
5
Gary
Datrop
6
James
Evans
7
?

Woman A
1
Kris
Walker
2
Jenine
Fitzgerald
3
Rachel
Cieslewicz
4
Cherese
McClain

Woman B
1
Courtney
Hill
2
Diane
Evans
3
Brook
Coleman
4
Melissa
Perry
5
Theresa
Carr

Men A
1
Sam
Krieg
2
Zach
Schriver
3
Dave
Bergart
4
Kevin
Wilde
5
Trevor
Garner
6
Darron
Lightfield
7

Kris

Walker
8

Jake
Turner
9
Arni
Allen

Men C
1
Matt
Coleman
2
Bryan
Felix
3
William
Barta
4
Mateo
Jorgenson
5
Rob
Beard
6
Zak
Bidwell

Single Speed
1
Wayne
Hofeldt

ISU STUDENTS
1
Jeff
Anderson
1 Female
Amanda
Pafenes

THANKS for COMING
What a great race!!! See you next year....Who will be the next QUEEN and KING in 2009? Start training.

SUNDAY AT NOON BE THERE!

2008-11-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!! REGISTER NOW!! I have confirmation that 10 riders are coming for VICTOR and Jackson! Riders from BOISE are making the trip. Will FELDMAN COME? BART? CURRY? S. MITCHELL? PETERSON? Pierterzak? RICO? Who will win the B race? Single SPEED? 35+ and 45+... ??? I guess we will know SUNDAY night. I am offering $40 for the WIN in the MENS B race! Also $40 for the first MASTER finisher!!
http://kingandqueenofcross.athlete360.com/

No excuses bring any bike and come race!

MTN/ UNI/ SINGLE SPEED/ ROAD/ BMX

2009 course

2008-11-06T12:26:00.001-08:00

Directions to course

2008-11-06T12:16:00.001-08:00

http://maps.google.com/maps?z=15&q=http://athlete360.com/kmlevent.ashx?eventguid=163fb71a-5b19-4eab-ad22-c2193ec80388

Here is the google link on how to get here!!
I think an early version of the flyer had the wrong directions!!
Directions: Off I-15, Exit 69(ISU and HOSPITAL), GO DOWNHILL
-take a LEFT on 15th street.
-LEFT at the 2nd Light (Martin Luther King Jr Dr)
-Immediate RIGHT on BARTZ WAY towards the ISU FINE ARTS building. Park in parking lot, registration/start just up the road

KING/QUEEN OF CROSS 4 days away

2008-11-05T20:19:00.000-08:00

OK sunday is fast approaching.
Who will be the 1st KING's and Queen's of Cross?
GET REGISTERED NOW
http://kingandqueenofcross.athlete360.com/

I just recieved 3 FREE CYCLOCROSS MAGAZINE 1 YEAR subsriptions to give away at the race. I will be giving ONE SUBSCIPTION to the CX racer who drives the furhest. I will be giving one to the CX racer with the OLDEST CX BIKE. I will be giving the 3rd away to the winner of the MENS B race.
http://cxmagazine.com/

GET registered on athlete 360... Drop me an email and let me know who is coming.
sam@kriegcycling.com

I heard the GUYS/GALS from VICTOR are coming, some MT riders are going to make the trip, several Boise racers have committed to making the trip, and of course some Salt Lake CXr's will certainly be at the start. Spread the word.... The CX season is quickly coming to an END..

2008-11-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

http://kingandqueenofcross.athlete360.com/

REGISTER HERE

START ORDER!!!!!! WILL BE OFF REGISTRATION. SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9th CX race... POCATELLO ID.
Classic grass course...
$$ for the A winners. Prizes and "CROWN BELT BUCKLES" for other Categories
1 set of barriers
1 classic run-up...one short suit case run
9-10 minute laps
Course is hard but WIDE OPEN

Power Bar SPONSOR

2008-11-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

WE just got hooked up by ZAC our local Power Bar REP. I have 8-9 boxes to give out for awards. CASH $$$ from ICE, Gloves from FOX, Krieg BIKE bags, and SWAG from the local SHOP ROB's and BARRIE's.

Not to mention the KING and QUEEN of CROSS BELTS for the WINNERS!

Cyclocross Rules for our course

2008-10-31T10:13:00.001-07:00

COME to the KING and Queen of Cross… you have rights!
I promise to do everything I can to give you the safest, hardest, and most traditional course possible.
Riders BILL or Rights
With all the excitement about cyclocross races are popping up all over the place. The enthusiasm is incredible. With this growth there are certainly going to be some growing pains. I have heard a ton of critisism lately about courses and the safety of RIDERS. So for the KING and QUEEN of cross I promise to deliver a Cyclocross course that is as SIMILAR to a European Cross course as I can given the venue I am working with. Here are my promises you you as a rider/racer/paying customer.
I have taken most of what the UCI states in their rules and tweaked them to fit what is realistic for a local event.
THE UCI STATES:
A cyclo-cross course shall include road, country and forest paths and meadowland alternating in such
a way as to ensure changes in the pace of the race and allowing riders to recuperate after difficult
sections.
-the organizer must check the condition of the course and carry out any
repairs required.
-closed circuit of a minimum length of 2.5 km and maximum 3.5 km, of
which at least 90% shall be ridable.
-The course must be at least 3 meters WIDE
--For the start -
The start section must be on firm ground, and preferably on surfaced road. It must have a length of
At least 200 meters and a width of at least 6 meters. It must be as straight as possible and not
Include any descent. The first narrowing or obstacle after the start section may not be abrupt, it must
Be such as to allow all the riders to pass easily. The angle of the first corner must be greater than
90 degrees.
Finish section
-The finish section must run straight for at least 100 meters. The width must be at least 4 meters
The section must be flat or uphill.
-The course may include no more than six obstacles. Obstacle shall mean any part of the course
Which is likely to require riders to dismount.
The length of an obstacle may not exceed 80 meters. The total length of obstacles may not exceed
10% of the course.
-Descents of flights of steps may not be used.
-The course may include a single section of planks. This obstacle must consist of two planks placed 4
Meters apart. The planks must be solid for their entire height and not made of metal. They must
have a height of 40 cm and extend the entire width of the course
In the event that the course is abnormally slippery, the plank section must be removed
-The pit areas must be straight and may not include any obstacle. They must be located on a part of
the course where the speed is not high, excluding graveled sections and descents.

REGISTER HERE FOR RACE NOV 9th Sunday

2008-10-14T10:01:00.001-07:00

http://kingandqueenofcross.athlete360.com/

REGISTER HERE
START ORDER!!!!!! WILL BE OFF REGISTRATION.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9th CX race... POCATELLO ID.

Classic grass course... No gravel turns, 1 set of barriers, 1 classic run-up, 10 minute laps
WE have taken away 30% less grass this year. So the course is STILL SUPER hard but much faster. TONS of room to pass on every straightaway.

RACE COURSE PICTURE

2008-10-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

NEW* COURSE for 2008. If you have raced in Pocatello in the past you have raced at Bartz and ridden the grass. This is a classic course with HARD RIDING. We have kept plenty of the hard riding and added some new sections this year. WE added a SICK RUN-UP. It is UCI Legal and smooth... No rocks or logs. Just a classic run-up. It will HURT. We all practice shouldering our bikes, but not many of the regional races have a classic run-up. This RUN is classic. You will not forget it. The good thing is we have built a course that is 9 minutes long at least.... so you will only encounter it 4-5 times. We will have 1-2 Runs and one SET of barriers per LAP. One of the RUNS will be ride able for some, and a short run for others. We have also been give permission to use the softball fields so expect some fast sections to break up the grass. We will be leaving Bartz each lap for 2-3 minutes of ALL new riding. There is some asphalt, grass, single track, and the run-up...that are all new for 2008.
See you SUNDAY November 9th for KING/Queen of Cross. Register on athlete 360 to get a good start position.

2008-10-04T11:48:00.001-07:00

KING & QUEEN of Cyclocross

CROWN BELT BUCKLE for category WINNERS

Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming Championships!

Sunday November 9^th

POCATELLO, IDAHO

SPONSORED BY: ICE & ISU SHEPERDS Club and ISU Campus Recreation

Category	Distance	Start Time	Prizes/Places	Entry Fee
KIDS RACE	-	11:30	PRIZES
Woman A	45 MIN	12:00	BUCKLE + $75	$20
Masters 35+ & 45+ *& SINGLE SPEED**	45 MIN	12:00	BELT BUCKLES 35+ & 45+ & *Single Speed	$20
C-RACE	30MIN	12:15	BUCKLE	$20
*ISU STUDENT	30MIN	12:15	BUCKLE	$10
Woman B	30MIN	12:15	BUCKLE	$20
MEN A Cat 1,2,3	55 min	1:00	BUCKLE +$125 cash	$20
Men B Intermediate & COLLEGIATE	55 min	1:00	BUCKLES	$20

Preregistration is encouraged- START POSITION WILL BE IN ORDER OF REGISTRATION ($5 dollar late fee for day of registration) PLEASE REG. on-line at www.athlete360.com
OR "day of" for $25 ( INCLUDES 1-DAY USCF )

Course: BARTZ FIELD on ISU CAMPUS. TONS of Grass and some great technical cross. We added some trees and asphalt… A Classic Cross Course. One great RUN-UP! CHECK out the BLOG for more info and pictures: pocatellocyclocross.blogspot.com *If weather is super wet we will use an alternate course.

Directions: Off I-15, Exit 69, GO DOWNHILL take a LEFT on 15^t^h street. LEFT at the 2nd Light (Martin Luther King Jr Dr) Immediate RIGHT on BARTZ WAY towards the ISU FINE ARTS building. Park in parking lot, registration/start just up the road

GO TO: www.pocatellocyclocross.blogspot.com

*Race Saturday in Utah or Rexburg ID. and then SUNDAY in POCATELLO for the 1^st annual KING and QUEEN of Cross!

Yeah its good be be KING or QUEEN! REGISTER NOW NOV 9th

2008-10-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

YOU CAN REGISTER HERE!!!
http://kingandqueenofcross.athlete360.com/

Pocatello Cyclocross NOVEMBER 9th! RACE

2008-09-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

It is in the works!! Please check back..I promise a rad course is in the works... not just rad...maybe as bad ass as HELL track!

SUNDAY November 9th. WE are trying not to schedule on other cross races dates!!
So we have picked the 9th of NOVEMBER to host the most stellar cross race of the YEAR. We are billing it as the IDAHO/WYOMING/Montanna/Utah State championships. So if you want a rad JERSEY to show that you are the toughest CX racer around. Then be there!

2008 Cyclocross Season starts TONIGHT

2008-09-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

CX practice starts tonight – every Wednesday at Bart’s Field.6:00 PM start

Skill drills

Practice on the grass

Short Practice races to end each session

Be there or be square
Bartz Field is in front of the FINE ARTS Center on ISU Campus.

Jingle Cross

2007-12-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

Well any doubts I have had during the suffering this season went away at Jingle Cross. I had stellar legs. I was able to track down some valuable UCI pts(14) and put together 2 great rides. 6th and 7th........I had some mega bike problems both days but had enough in the tank to make up for lost time......There have been more workouts lately that I have suffered through than earlier in the season. With tons of travel and driving across the country..a short ski trip with Hunter..family.. snow.. we all seem to find reasons to not train or to miss a ride or 2. I have done my best to remain true to the plan with a few tweaks to fit in LIFE. I felt like it was all falling apart until a 350 watt 20 minute yesterday on the trainer ........Now I am back mentally at least... Nationals are in 12 days!!!!!!!!!!!! I can hardly believe it. I am on a ski vacation at the moment and taking 2 days off. Friday I will train and Saturday RACE and Sunday or maybe I will get in some TEMPO.... Then I have to cross my fingers I can repeat the effort I had in IOWA. If you are doing the plan I am sure you have had some days that you wanted to quit or couldn't hit the wattage's.... I have had plenty of those.... WE made it. I just hope Kansas is a fitness course. I have the legs to ride a great hour.

Pocatello Cyclocross 2007 results

2007-11-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

OK POCATELLO CYCLOCROSS ROCKED!!

GREAT WEATHER AND A HARD GRASS COURSE. A BIT OF RAIN ON THE LAST LAP MADE THE COURSE JUST SLICK ENOUGH THAT WE ALL HIT THE GROUND ONCE!! $100 Bucks was handed out by BAD bob WALKER ON THE RUN UP!! KRIS Walker dontated $100 for the womans field PURSE. ALI Goulet killed the field and put on a cross clinic for all of us to see. A huge thanks to all the people who helped make the race happen. A huge thank you to Mitch White for his late night COURSE set-up. It was dark and cold and he was still putting up flags and pounding in stakes. Thanks to Kris for getting us some RAD barriers and setting them up so we could all SUFFER! Thanks to all the ICE members(Rob Van Kirk, Rob Mcgovern, and Justin Kline) YOU guys kicked butt. Men 45+
Name Place Time
Mitch White 1st 42:11:00
Tom Borschal 2nd :58
Dick Newsom 3rd 2:23
Jim Ditkin 4th 5:25
Jonas Neeser 5th Plus one lap

Men's B
Samuel Moore 1st 1:06:20
Rich Caramadre 2nd :58
David Cole 3rd 58:05:00
Devon Alvarez 4th :23
Marc Divall 5th :42
Mark Miller 6th 3:13
Eric Gardner 7th 5:01
Grant Baron 8th 5:16
Alex Whitney 9th 5:36
Ryan Miller 10th 6:07
James Evans 11th 7:06
John Thomas 12th 7:44

Women
Heather Holmes 1st 47:51:00
Kris Walker 2nd :19
Dayna Deuter 3rd 42:00:00
Karen Appleby-Krieg 4th :59
Meara Mclenakar 5th 2:27
Jennie Wade 6th 5:39
Marit Fisher 7th 6:20
Shanna Matheson 8th Plus 2 laps
Shannon O'Grady DNF DNF
Tiffany Pezzulo DNF DNF

Men's A
Ali Goulet 1st 58:03:00
Sam Krieg 2nd :56
Reed Wycott 3rd 3:25
Art O'Conner 4th 3:43
Eric Rasmussen 5th 4:48
Bryce Young 6th 6:49
Kevin Wilde 7th 7:00
Mark Skarpohl 8th Plus one lap
Seven Lewis DNF DNF

results for POKI CX

2007-11-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

RESULTS
THAT WAS A KILLER DAY
JUST MEGA GREAT WEATHER AND GREAT CX RACIN
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR

coming in a few hours
I will have a video mid-week of pictures also

POKI CROSS RACE November 17th

2007-11-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY ITS ON
HIGH NOON

poki cross preview 2007

2007-11-11T10:16:00.001-08:00

poki cross preview 2007

2007-11-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=6359485959274966299&hl=en" flashvars="">

Pocatello CROSS RACE NOVEMBER 17th SAT

2007-11-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

IT IS ON!!!!
SATURDAY THE 17th of November

HIGH NOON
A,B,C

race

$500 in cold Cash

We will give out $100 on the RUN-up.

I am working on a video of the course. Should have it posted soon. Only 20 bucks to race!!!!

We promise a good time will be had by all!!!!!!

POCATELLO CROSS 2008

2007-09-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah!!!2008 CX is here SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER(t-day)
WE WILL .... really be having practice full on in October but come out now to get the legs going.
Every Wednesday at 5:30 we will be at BARTZ. Brought you by ISU cycling club and ICE. We will do some drills from 5:30 to 6 and have a MOCk race fro 20-30 MINUTES from 6-6:30 No winners or loosers. Feel free to cut the course to stay in the action. Lets get out and get dirty and BUMP some elbows.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOME TRAINING STUFF
go to www.cyclocrosstraining.blogspot.com

Time trial SUNDAY March 4th(it's ON!!!!)

2007-02-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

IT"S ON!!!!!!! KAREN AND I WILL BE THERE AT 12:30! Truck Stop. I will time but please try to take your own so I don't mess it up! Weather looks great! 42 Degrees SUNNY!!!!! is the forcast so at 1:30 Sunday we will have an informal TT at the gate city course(we will meet at the Truck Stop!!!) First rider off at 1:35 so be ready to roll. Get there at 1 or earlier!!!! Check back to see if we cancel due to weather. I should know by Sunday morning if the weather will hold. You can call me 232-2054 or email me sam@kriegcycling.com

CX PRACTICE AT 4:30-5:30

2006-11-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

OK NOVEMBER 1st CX will be Wednesdays at 4:30-5:30(dark)
Race at around 5 oclock.

No matter the weather we will be out there. Till the 3rd week of November I will be gone T-day week and the week following but I bet Mitch and Kris Walker will be out there.

SNOW CX PRACTICE IS ON!!!

2006-10-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

5:30 Wednesday SNOW or MORE SNOW. We practice. I am sure most won't come but CX is about bad weather. So see you there.

Cyclocross in Pocatello Sunday

2006-10-15T16:58:00.000-07:00


Thanks to Mitch for shooting the photos Great race/ride Poki CX is growing People are catching the fever ...Like E-Coli

Cross Practice New time

2006-10-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

5:30-6:30( Every Wednesday.... no matter the weather....)
20-30 minute race(ride)fun not bard...

FUN FREE Race on Sunday(october 15th) Start at 12 oclock BartZ

Cyclocross Poki in SLC

2006-10-07T20:39:00.000-07:00


Poki Cross racers in SLC racing

brace

2006-09-26T12:31:00.001-07:00

a race video

2006-09-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

SOME PHOTOS MORE TO COME!

2006-09-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

VIDEO AND FULL RESULTS LATE TONIGHT I HOPE> SEND ME ANY PHOTOS OR VIDEO TO AD TO THE SITE> THANKS SAM K sam@kriegcycling.com

(RESULTS) If you build it they will come!

2006-09-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Poki Cross Rocked. 1st annual and the cars kept pulling in to Bartz Field. Some big hitters came out and a ton of great racing was had by all. Course was HARD!! No joke you had to earn every pedal stroke. Here are the brief results! tons of pictures/video info still to come. I WILL HAVE ALL RESULTS POSTED LATE TONIGHT HERE ARE JUST A FEW! THANKS TO ALL THAT MADE THE DRIVE.... AND TO ALL MY GREAT VOLUTEERS THAT STEPPED UP AND HELPED BUILD AND BREAK DOWN THE COURSE. Thanks to AMGEN FOR THE BLANKETS AND MUGS(KRIS WALKER FOR HOOKING THAT UP), STATIC MTN. FOR SOME MORE SWAG FOR PRIZES, ROB's Bike shop for getting us the DEMO bikes, Campus REC for letting us have the race!. Terry Huntley for making the race POSSIBLE!
Please email with any concerns over results we probably have made a few slight errors!
B Race(TOP 7) 19+ starters
1.Will Nesse "Cordless"
2 Craig Kidd “Team ICE”
3 Paul Hoffman “ISU Track team”
4. Brian Fuller
5. Strika Chord “COLE Sports”
6. Bob Walker “ICE”
7. Bryce Thather “ICE”
8. Kris Walker "LRC,ICE, "INTER MTN"
9. Eric Anderson "ICE"
???10. Linde Smith, Karen Appleby, Josh Gunter, Scott Toly, Terry Huntley, Mitch White, Bob Marcinko, Raul Sheen, Brian Jansen, Allan White...ETC

A RACE(20 Starters)!!!

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

CROSS IS ON!! SEPT 24th

2006-09-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Race is still on 11am Sunday in Pocatello on ISU campus. Weather looks like 60 Degrees and sunny. Course should be dry by sunday. Turnout is looking good. Several SLC, Boise, Jackson, Park City Riders have emailed with interest in coming. So we should have a great race. Can't wait to Kick Cross season off!
COME WIN AMGEN MUG AND BLANKET

CROSS RACE SEPT 24th Sunday 11am

2006-09-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

ONLY $10 Bucks keeping it cheap for all of you that have to DRIVE! PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT CROSS IN IDAHO. GREAT COURSE! A and B race.

"EPO" AMGEN MUGS AND BLANKETS TO THE WINNERS!!!!!! NO JOKE!!!Thanks to the drug reps out there keeping it clean.

RACE FLYER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CLICK TO ENLARGE AND PRINT IT!
COME RACE SUNDAY THE 24th of SEPT.
1st Annual
Call with any questions. 208-232-2054 sam krieg

DEMO BIKES ARE HERE!!

2006-09-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Rob's Bike shop has hooked up the Pocatello Cross scene with 2 DEMO GIANT bikes to try out. Here are some pictures. They are sweet. We have a Medium Full build that will fit about anyone. I am building up the Small so people can get there sizes and turn a few laps to see how Giant Cross Rig just flys. So thank the guys down at Rob's for being so supportive. They also have a Rad Surly at the shop to try or BUY.

Cyclocross

2006-09-15T13:54:00.000-07:00


6 Weeks TILL cyclocross just getting ready

2006-09-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

OVERVIEW OF CYCLOCROSS What is it?

2006-09-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

Background

Running up and over obstacles is an essential element of cyclo-cross
Photo ©: Russ and Nancy Wright
Cyclo-cross has been around since the 1940's or so, and was originally a way for road racers to maintain their fitness level through late fall and early winter. It was started in Europe where it has remained consistently popular. If you look at world class mountain bike races from the early-mid '90s onwards, the Americans (who invented mountain bike racing) are no longer dominant. Europeans win almost all the races. It's not because they picked up on mountain bike racing quickly, it is because of their background in Cyclo-cross. Several mountain bike world champions in recent years have been past Cyclo-cross champions.

Courses

Tight courses, marked with tape make cross great for spectators
Photo ©: Russ and Nancy Wright
The race course is usually a mix of grass fields, dirt roads, relatively short asphalt sections (if any), some sand (but not too deep), some mud or stream crossings (but not silly deep stuff that requires scuba gear) and several forced dismounts and running sections. The natural obstacles in 'cross courses are often less severe than in mountain bike courses, but many mountain bike racers will say that Cyclo-cross is physically harder and more painful than mountain bike racing, and of course it's very different from riding on the tarmac.

For example, there are no long, rocky single track descents in cross — in fact there are rarely any rocky sections. However, the descents might be significantly steeper, albeit shorter and on grass. Forced dismounts and running sections are the thing that really sets 'cross apart from other types of racing. Barricades 10-18in high (25-45cm) are erected in the course in sets of between two and six, and they are spaced closely enough together to prevent bunny hopping.

There's a balletic grace in the way an accomplished 'cross racer can approach a set of barricades at full speed, dismount and begin running while shouldering his or her bike, then jump the barricades, then setting down the bike, remount and pedal off. Remember that this all happens in continuous, fluid motion and there is very little reduction in speed. When I see a large field of racers do this in unison, it reminds me of watching a herd of antelope vaulting a fence or line of bushes. Other popular forced dismounts are short, very steep climbs that can't be ridden, or, sometimes, stair climbs.

Bikes and Equipment

Working in the pits
Photo ©: Brian Zeck
A classical Cyclo-cross bike looks very much like a road bike, but there are significant differences between the two. The rear triangle and fork have more clearance to allow for wider tires, and to help reduce mud buildup. 'Cross tires are wider than road tires, though the tyres a rider chooses will depend on the course and how wet, muddy or sandy it is. 25-35mm is more or less the common width range, still less than the 1.5in that's a common minimum for mountain bike knobbies, and have small knobs.

'Cross bikes have cantilever brakes for mud clearance and control in messy conditions. The handlebars are road-style drops it's arguable whether these affect control one way or another, but they reflect the sport's origins as off-season training for road racers as much as anything else. Historically the gear shifters were fitted to the end of the handlebars and known as 'bar-cons', but STI and Ergo have become popular recently. They're significantly more expensive and somewhat heavier, though, and purists claim they're not as mud-proof or crash-resistant.

Cross bikes are usually somewhere in weight between a road bike and a light XC mountain bike they need to be as light as possible because of the significant amount of lifting and carrying of the bike that is required over the course. Front shocks are very rare, since most courses have very little in the way of rocky or rooty sections, and they would add too much weight. Often the brake levers are set up opposite from road bikes, so that the left lever controls the rear brake. This is to allow for better speed modulation during a dismount, where the racer is still moving quickly, has already swung their right leg over the bike and only has their left shoe clipped into the pedal and has their right hand on the top tube (or down tube) ready to lift the bike. Using the left hand to brake the rear wheel allows for a smooth deceleration without the risk of locking the front wheel or making the rear wheel pop up.

It's not uncommon to see a 'cross bike with only have one chainring, sometimes sandwiched between "rock rings". This allows for shorter chains, and therefore less chance of the chain bouncing off, as well as reduced weight from the elimination of the front derailleur and shifter. Pedals are often double-sided clipless SPD style, used with off-road shoes that sometimes have spikes or knobs under the toes to improve traction in slippery running conditions.

The Riders

2005 world champ Sven Nys
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
Cross racing requires a combination of mountain biking and road racing skills and fitness. The races are short, so the huge endurance required for stage races on the road is unnecessary, but the constant switching between aerobic and anaerobic modes means you need a different type of endurance: the capacity to hurt (but it's a good hurt!) for 60 minutes. The ability to run, or at least to sprint for a few dozen metres, is mightily useful, and if you don't have the riding skills to control a (relatively) skinny-tyred bike on slippery surfaces, you will after a few races.

Having a go

Whatever turns you on...
Photo ©: Russ and Nancy Wright
Almost all 'cross races allow mountain bikes as long as they don't have forward facing bar-ends, which are banned because of safety concerns during a crash. Most beginners will first try 'cross on a mountain bike due to cost, availability and improved stability. However, many accomplished "A" category 'cross racers will always ride a mountain bike, while others sometimes ride a mountain bike depending on the course and conditions.

The best way to understand Cyclo-cross is to go and watch a race. Make sure to bring your bike (a mountain bike is fine) so you can ride the course before the first race. Looking at a 'cross course is always confusing at first because they are typically set up with ribbons and flags marking the course, which serpentines over a relatively small area. Of course, creating a 1-3km course in a relatively small area makes securing a venue and setting up/tearing down a course a little easier AND the smaller courses makes it great for spectators! Once you ride the course and then watch a Senior "A" race you will understand all.

Rob's Cross Series EVERY WEDNESDAY 6 PM BARTS FIELD

2006-08-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

CROSS PRACTICE STARTS TOMORROW AT 6 PM AT BARTS FIELD
EVERY WEDNESDAY TILL DECEMBER! 6 PM TILL 7PM
BRING YOUR MTN BIKE IT WILL WORK GREAT.

We are working on 2 DEMO bikes so you guys/gals who don't have a cross bike can try one out.
Sounds like Rob's Bike shop is going to hook us up with 2 DEMO Giants TCX's details are still to come but maybe by October 1st we will have some practice bikes so all can come out and Participate. Again thank the Guys at ROB's for all their help this year with the Crit series and now trying to help Cross part of southern Idaho.

CYCLOCROSS TRAILER Idaho Cyclo Cross

2006-08-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

OK click on this link an download the clip if you have broadband.
Turn up the volume.

http://www.filmbaby.com/product_info.php?a=b&cat=&products_id=339&page=1

After this read below and come out and learn to race cross.
Every Wednesday night BARTS.

Pocatello Cyclocross

2006-08-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

Cyclocross For the NoviceDave Carr, Nov 1995
Introduction
Ah, cyclocross. Ancient sport of the Euro-pro. Gray, nasty weather. Tough riders on skinny tires. I'd trade a pair of spiked Sidis for the chance to do one of those races.
If you've never tried cyclocross before, let me tell you: it can be a blast. It helps build your bike-handling skills and keep your fitness during winter, while keeping you entertained at a time when you might otherwise find it hard to train. Cyclocross races are short off-road races in a circuit-race format: 1- to 2-mile courses; short, steep hills; and a variety of surfaces from pavement to mud and sand.
The primary feature that all 'cross races share and that sets them apart from the other disciplines is obstacles that force you to get off your bike. Sometimes you will leap over something and get back on, other times you'll run with the bike for some distance. Now, if you're picturing those hike-a-bike sections in NORBA races, rewind and play it back at double speed. Cyclocross is a kind of dirt time-trial criterium where the key is to maintain high speed no matter what comes.

OK here it is... BARTS Field every Wednesday night between now and December I will be hosting Cyclocross practice. We wills start next WED(AUGUST 30th) with just some Cross Practice at 5:30pm-6:30. We won't have a race till the Second week of September. If we actually get some numbers we will have to move it to a field so we don't impact Barts. I am guessing that maybe we will see 2-4 riders so please anyone come out that is interested in gettting into cross. BRING YOUR MTN BIKE OR CROSS BIKE OR OLD ROAD BIKE. Please email me at sam@kriegcycling.com or call me 232-2054 before you come out to be certain it is on. I will post more info shortly.

BELOW IS THE BUNCH OF LINKS ABOUT CROSS AND HOW AND WHERE... ENJOY

BEST LOCAL SERIES
NO JOKERS HERE SOME OF THE BEST RACERS IN THE WEST ARE OUT OF SALT LAKE
http://www.utahcyclocross.com/

NEW SERIES HERE http://www.idahocyclocross.com/

RACE WITH THE BIG STARS http://www.usgpcyclocross.com/

MORE INFO

http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/index.cfm

http://www.maddogmedia.com/crossnet/howto.html

http://members.aol.com/napavelo/intro.htm