Saratoga Spa:Cyclocross

Posted on October 25, 2011 by aa
Saratoga Spa:Cyclocross, the 5th race of the NYCROSS.com Cyclocross Series, was held on Sunday October, 23. The race was held on the grounds of the historic and legendary Saratoga Race Course. This is the second year this race was held at the Saratoga Race Course. The cyclocross course was designed and set up in and around the stables area, away from the race track itself. You can just imagine the horses that might have been on the ground that we were racing on.
Once again, this was a good race course. It was fun to ride, a lot of tight turns, and a sand pit that was about 50 yards long. Of course, I’m not in the mix with the top half of the field, but I was still set on riding the the course cleanly each lap…and I did. I especially wanted to ride the sand. With a fairly large crowd at the sand pit, I didn’t want to have to shoulder my bike and run it.
Although I finished -2 laps (the lead guys were very fast), as always I rode hard, rode well and had a lot of fun doing it. Next week bring us to Bennington, VT for race #6 in the series, the Clean Bottle Wicked Creepy ‘Cross.
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How To Get Lapped Like a Pro

Posted on October 23, 2011 by aa
How to get lapped like a pro, from Exit17.net…I came across this blog post and had to share it. It is pretty funny, but also very good advice for the folks that aren’t quite the lead riders in the race. It is written for cyclocross, but you could adapt it to any bike racing. It is rated PG-13, so please keep that in mind when you read it.
Read the article HERE…
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Uncle Sam Cyclocross Gran Prix

Posted on October 18, 2011 by aa
This past weekend, October 15 – 16, was NYCROSS.com’s Uncle Sam Cyclocross Gran Prix held at Prospect Park in Troy, NY. This is one of my favorite ‘cross races. First, it’s only 20 minutes from home. Second, it’s two days of racing. Third, each day is always a well designed and fun race course. Utilizing the whole park, each day’s course had many of the same features, but each day was different enough to not get boring. Each day had a run-up that you could actually shoulder your bike and run. Each day had a fast entry into the barriers. And each day had tight, twisting turns, and fast stretches both on and off pavement.
The best new feature of the courses was on day 2, Sunday. Day 2 incorporated a set of stairs that transitioned from a stretch of pavement back to the grass. It was a fast entry into the dismount and then an immediate 90 degree turn to the 5 stair run. Back on the bike and to the tight, twisty sections of the race course.
This was my third year racing this weekend long event, and each year the event gets bigger. More entries into the races and more racers in their first cyclocross season. It’s good to see this kind of growth in grassroots cyclocross racing.
Next up for me is the Saratoga Spa:Cyclocross in Saratoga Springs, NY. The Spa:Cyclocross race is Sunday October 23 and will be held, for the second year, on the ground of the legendary Saratoga Race Course.
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CX @ Brewery Ommegang: NYCROSS.com race #2

Posted on October 3, 2011 by aa
Round two of the NYCROSS.com Cyclocross Series was held on Sunday October 2 at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY. If you actually need a reason to visit a brewery or Cooperstown, a cyclocross race is as good a reason as any. This is my third season racing cyclocross, and my third year at the Ommegang race. It’s not a difficult race course in Cooperstown, but the tremendous amount of rain we have had over the last month or so, made a challenging course. Isn’t part of the cyclocross thing all about the mud? Sure it is. But this day started by putting my Jeep in four wheel drive to get into the field to park. The whole race course was rideable but slick. I do fare much better if things are dryer, but these conditions are fun to race in. The masters field was ~30 racers. I raced (rode) my 45 minutes and finished -2 laps. The top guys are just crazy fast in any conditions.
Next up in the series is the Uncle Sam Cyclocross Gran Prix in Troy. Two days of racing, October 15-16. This is always a good race…and it’s close, just a short 20 minute drive for me.
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Vee Rubber Shows Off Eight New Cyclocross Tires

Posted on September 15, 2011 by aa

The Vee Rubber cyclocross tires all have V designs in the name and tread. Here we have the Flying V, Race V, 7 and Rail cyclocross tires (from left to right). All will come in a 700x35c and some in 40c. ©Cyclocross Magazine

(CYCLOCROSS MAGAZINE ON 9/13/11) – Vee Rubber might just be the oldest bicycle tires company you’ve never heard of, having made bicycle and motorcycle tires in Thailand since 1977. For cyclocrossers, that’s about to change, as the tire company showed off no fewer than eight tread patterns that it plans to release in 700x35c and 700x40c (for select models) sizes for 2012.
Jim Wannamaker of Vee Rubber said the tires are named after “V” engine configurations, with names like 8, 10 and 12 as in V8, V10 and V12 engines. The higher the number, the more knobs in the tread pattern. All treads integrate “V” cutouts into the tread blocks.
The tires will feature Kevlar casings, 120tpi casings, and are said to easily seal up with a NoTubes.com rim and sealant. These tires will also be available for mountain bikes in 26 inch and 29er sizes with different widths. Pricing? It’s simple. $40 for a folding tire, $20 for a wire bead, regardless of size.
Eight cyclocross tires is an impressive introductory launch into the cyclocross market, and we’re excited to test these options. Unfortunately, they will not be available this season, although the mountain options will be available October 15th.
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NYCROSS.com: Kirkland Cyclocross

Posted on September 13, 2011 by aa
The NYCROSS.com Cyclocross Series got underway over the weekend with the Kirkland Cyclocross Race. The race was held at Kirkland Town Park in the village of Clinton, NY. The day started out with the drive to Clinton, via the New York State Thruway. The parts of the Thruway that had been closed due to flooding from Hurricane Irene. The Thruway was open, but you could see along the way the water line showing how high the water had been. Water still receding from field and back yard and construction sites. I can’t imagine what it was like after the storms.
Once I made it to the race, all my cyclocross friends were there, and pulling into the parking area, I could tell that the race was going to be muddy. The ground was just soaked with water that made some sections of the ~2 mile course tough to pedal through…how often is the sand pit easier than an open field. It was a fun course, a challenging course and a sloppy course.
For my first ‘cross race of the season, I think I did pretty good…no crashes, the barriers come naturally now and the run-ups are faster than a walk. Results aren’t really that big of a deal anymore. Of course a descent result is nice, but the race is for the love of cycling. A good result is just a bonus for that day. I did finish 40th overall in the Masters 1/2/3 race. How it’s broken down to age, I don’t know.
Race #2 in the NYCROSS.com Cyclocross Series is on October 2 – CX @ Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY.
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2011 NYCROSS.com Beginner Cyclocross Clinic

Posted on September 5, 2011 by aa
2011 NYCROSS.com Beginner Cyclocross Clinic.
For race series calander and info see www.nycross.com.
Spots are limited so register today!

Great clinic for first timer cross racers! The clinic will cover a wide range of skills and topics needed for cross racing including:

Proper technique for:

  • rapidly dismounting your bike at barriers
  • remounting your bike
  • shouldering your bike at run ups
  • high speed cornering on grass, mud and other surfaces
  • sand pits
  • short steep hills
  • long, lung busting run ups
  • Training methods for cross including:
  • skill building drills
  • weekly workout regimines for building speed on a cross course
  • mental preparation and race tactics
  • warming up for a cross race
  • proper nutrition and hydration while racing cross
  • Bike set up:
  • Tubulars vs. Clinchers
  • How many gears?
  • light vs. strong. vs cheap parts
  • fit suggestions

The clinic will run from 10:00 am until 1pm and be divided into a short question and answer period, drills developing individual cross skills, a short mock race where students will have the opportunity to link the individual skills they’ve learned together on a short cross course, and a final Q&A period.

Spots are limited so register today!

Directions:

  • Google Map: 310 Congress Street, Troy New York 12180 .
  • From the North/South: I-787 to Exit 9E. East on off ramp towards Troy (RT 7). Travel East on RT 7 to Troy, entering Troy, make a right onto Eighth Street at the light at the end of the RT 7 Bridge. Follow Eighth Street to its end and make a left onto Congress Street. Prospect Park is on your right, .3 miles after the intersection of Eighth and Congress.
  • From the West: RT 7 east to Troy, follow directions above.
  • From Vermont: RT 7 West towards Troy. Left on Woodlawn Ct (Rt 133). Right on RT 2. Follow RT 2 to Troy. RT 2 becomes Congress St at the intersection of Pawling Ave. and RT 2 in Troy. Stay on RT 2/Congress St, Prospect Park is on your left, .5 miles from the intersection of RT 2 and Pawling Ave.
  • From Mass.: Take RT 2 out of Willimastown, to Troy. Follow instructions above.
  • From CT: I-90 west to I-87. I-87 North to Exit 23 for I-787. Follow directions above for from the South.

Contact: Eric Schillinger at eric.k.schillinger@gmail.com

* This clinic is targeted at beginners. Discussion and drills will be structured for first timers. Experienced cross racers are welcome to try and unlearn the bad habits and brush up on skills too!

** Riders must have a USA Cycling license for insurance purposes. One day licenses are available for $5.

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One is Enough: Why You Should Give Singlespeed Mountain Biking a Chance

Posted on August 5, 2011 by aa

Singletracks.com (July 28, 2011) – Do you remember the first time you saw someone riding a singlespeed (SS) mountain bike? I bet your first thought was “what do they think they’re doing out here without any gears? Don’t they know they have to ride up hills?” I also bet you were immensely confused when they rode away from you on a climb – I know I was! After my first SS encounter I walked away with the conclusion that you must have to be a beast to ride a SS MTB – I mean, it’s gotta be really hard, right? I’m going to let you in on a secret: singlespeeding isn’t nearly as difficult as you think. Heck, I rode almost exclusively on a SS for over a year, and trust me – I’m not that strong. Read the full article here…
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Shimano Launches Cyclocross Initiative with Series Sponsorship; New England Sponsorship Creates Nation’s Richest ‘Cross Series

Posted on July 12, 2011 by aa
Boston (July 12, 2011) – A pioneer in developing components for cyclocross, Shimano America announced today its sponsorship of the UCI sanctioned New England Professional Cyclocross Series.
“Shimano prides itself on the values of culture and history,” said Penina Bush, senior manager at Shimano America. Having long sponsored the UCI World Cup, the World Championships, and regional series in America, Shimano recognized the heritage of New England cyclocross.
“Shimano places great values on culture and history. We are honored to be aligned with the NEPCX to help strengthen the ’cross scene. New England’s culture, history and passionate followers are something we identify with as a company and as passionate cyclists. We look forward to our involvement for years to come.”
The Shimano New England Pro Cyclocross Series Presented by Verge will include eight races with considerable heritage in a region famous for cyclocross, the steeplechase of competitive cycling. Those venues will include Gloucester, Mass.; Providence, R.I.; Northampton, Mass.; and Warwick, R.I.
“Shimano recognized the power of the New England market in cyclocross,” said Richard Fries, marketing and communications director of the Shimano Series. “We are known for the quality of our riders, our venues, and our market. In looking to launch a cyclocross-specific component group, Shimano selected New England as the ultimate proving ground.”
The eight-race series is one of just three American cyclocross series sanctioned by the UCI. All events have UCI status with two, Gloucester and Providence, featuring Category 1 races. With Shimano’s backing, the series will offer more than $50,000 in prize money, including more than $10,000 for the overall series payout. Shimano has committed to the series for three years.
“We have thousands of ’cross racers within a few hours’ drive of these venues,” said Paul Boudreau, promoter of the series opener in Gloucester, one of the most fabled UCI events in America. “With gasoline around $4 a gallon, we’re happy to offer so many competitors – and spectators – a chance to see world class competition that does not break the bank.”
The Shimano Series sprung from the Verge New England Cyclocross Series, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious series. Verge will remain committed to the series as presenting sponsor.
“This is like watching your baby graduate,” said Michael Magur, president of Verge and long time supporter of cyclocross. “These races, these venues, these promoters are going to take American ’cross to new heights.”
About the Shimano New England Pro Cyclocross Series Presented by Verge:
The 2011 Shimano Series includes eight races in four venues:
  • The Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester, Oct. 1 & 2 at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Mass.
  • The Providence Cyclocross Festival Presented by Interbike, Oct. 8 & 9 at Roger Williams Park in Providence, R.I.
  • The Cycle-Smart International, Nov. 5 & 6 at Look Park in Northampton, Mass.
  • The NBX Grand Prix of Cyclocross Dec. 3 & 4 in Goddard Park in Warwick, R.I.
For more information visit www.NEPCX.com.
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32 Countries Represented at Windham Mountain Bike World Cup

Posted on July 7, 2011 by aa
(Ski Windham – Windham, NY) More than 400 racers representing 32 countries will converge on Windham, N.Y. this weekend (July 8 -10) for the seventh event in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup series presented by Shimano.
Fans of downhill racing where riders race the clock on treacherous descents will be cheering as American racer Aaron Gwinn (Trek World Racing) and British racer Tracy Moseley (Trek World Racing) go for their fourth wins of the series in the Men’s and Women’s Elite categories. Gwinn is the first American man in more than 10 years to lead in overall points and to be in a position to win the World Cup series.
In cross country Women’s Elite, Catharine Pendrel of Canada (Luna Pro Team) and Julie Bresset of France (BH – Suntour – Peisey Vallandry) will continue to jockey for the win at Windham and for the overall points lead. In cross country Men’s Elite, Jaroslav Kulhavy of the Czech Republic (Specialized Racing Team), who won the 2010 World Cup final, is the current overall points leader with two wins under his belt.
Hometown favorite Todd Wells of Windham (Specialized Racing), the highest placing cross country American racer, has had some great races this series and is holding on to the 20th position for overall points. American women Heather Irmiger (Subaru-Trek) and Georgia Gould (Luna Pro Team) are also strong contenders for Top 20 finishes.
In addition to World Cup events, a highlight of the weekend’s activities will be the Friday night block party on Main Street in Windham. The party, which runs from 8 to 11 p.m., will open with the Brooklyn Steppers drum line and the Taiko Drum Corps. Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers, a musical group, and the Albany All Stars women’s roller derby squad will also entertain the crowds. Six-time mountain bike trials world champion Mike Steidley will be on hand for the trials stunt show, and the Chatham Unicycle Club will perform its own stunt show and teach interested participants how to ride a unicycle. A 15-foot by 22-foot movie screen will be set up to show “Follow Me,” a movie featuring Windham athletes and others involved in the sport of mountain biking.
Main Street (New York State Route 23) will be closed between Mill Street and Church Street for the block party, which is free and open to the public.
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