2009 News
Sun, September 20th:
Hey, look at me! I finally managed to scrap together some results!
Please don't hold my feet to the fire over any gross errors. Just help me out with some clues!
I am missing the names of a few riders, specifically #15 and #23 from the Mens B race, and #147 from the Master Men A race. Also, the kids race is not entirely sorted (I was too excited chasing them around the course), so don't go breaking any little hearts with this finish order!
Thanks again for coming out for another fine day of cyclocross at the Black Mountain Forestry Center. Have a great season, and be sure to pop over to Cascade Cross website for updates on more Bellingham races this year.
Wed, September 16th:
My apologies for not getting you any results yet! I've got your numbers, placements, and times, but I'm still waiting for my registration sheets from the Festival 542 folks so I can put down your names! In the meantime, entertain yourself with this cool vid of the B race and blog post from C race winner (on a mountain bike), RD Watters!
Mon, September 14th:
Thanks to everyone who came out for some fantastic (hot) 'cross racing on Saturday! The beautiful weather continued all the way through the Hill Climb on Sunday, which really wore me out! We'll get the results put together today as soon as possible.
Mon, September 7th:
I was just out reviewing the course layout at the Black Mountain Forestry Center, and I'm excited to change up Cross 542 a bit for 2009. Should be the same great season opener style, with a low key group, lots of fast grass, and an extra handful of dismounts. Come open up the legs for the Hill Climb or MFG on Sunday!
Wed, September 2nd:
Practice has begun at the Padden Ballfields! Come on out, every Wednesday night at 6:00. We'll give you some good drills, a little racing action, and instruction as needed.
2008 News
November 5th:
NOTICE: practice will remain at the Lake Padden ballfields for the rest of the season! Apparently the lights at Geri Fields are out of commission. So sorry I missed the one practice held there back in early September! Hopefully we will get a full season there next year.
I am happy to report a highly successful turnout at Cornwall Park a few weekends ago - perhaps a record for CX in Bellingham at over 110 folks.
Sadly, many locals were taken out by the slippery pavement sections or other course hazards. We bring these races to Bellingham so the locals can have some fun right outside their doorstep, not walk away wounded or with damaged goods! Just bad luck, I guess.
Nevertheless, cyclocross season rumbles on in full stride. We're very excited to see Marshall Will's new course in Sedro Wooley in another week plus, and this one's only a 1/2 hour away. Do come out to play, volunteer, or spectate!
October 18th:
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Cascade Cross Series comes to Bellingham!
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Practice, week 8
One week from today, Saturday, October 25th, is the second event in the Cascade Cross Series, and it's going to be a hoot. Get your costume dialed one week early and test your mettle on the fast grass and trails of Cornwall Park!
NOTICE: practice will remain at the Lake Padden ballfields until the end of October. Word is the parks department is now working on some lights at Geri Fields. We will get back there someday!
Turn-out has still been strong, despite the cooler weather and darker evenings - easily 30+ riders, and kids, too! Last week featured a cool bike-handling drill, basically a contest to see who could ride around the longest in an ever-decreasing area on the baseball diamond - hands off but some bumping allowed. Congratulations to Brian for taking the top honor!
October 6th:
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Cascade Cross Series begins!
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2007 overall results (finally) and,
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Practice, week 6
This Saturday, October 11th, is the first event in an exciting new line-up of races in the Pacific Northwest. Head on over to CascadeCross.com and read all about it! I'll be there doing results, hopefully better than I ever have before.
Speaking of which, I finally talked someone else into compiling the overall results for last year's series. I just wasn't excited about crunching formulas in spreadsheets, and it took me until this year to write some better software for it. Luckly, Colin Reuter over at CrossResults.com has the power to crunch it for me! Jump over to the points page for a link to your category's overall.
Last thing for this weeks update - practice! I have missed a few, but so far the turnout has been excellent. My sources tell me (thanks, Tela) that Jason Babcock over at Shuksan Cycles started organizing the evening's race into levels based on a qualifying race, with the fastest guys starting in the back. With the Western crew also back in town, and a National title in CX to defend, I can only imagine the turnout will stay strong throughout the fall. I'm actually really looking forward to getting back to Civic in a couple weeks for a real run-up!
I hope to see you out there.
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September 13th: 'Cross 542 results (really) and Practice, week #3
Cross 542 results are finally up! Have a look. Don't complain.
The Bennett family took some great photos, as did Bruce Greenstein. We'll get those gathered up for you in short order.
Practice in Bellingham last week was a bit of a dud (though some of us had a great trail ride over Galbraith). Turns out baseball unknowingly has been scheduled for the same fields we were promised for six weeks. No worries - we have a contingency plan!
Ryan, Susie, Quincy and Bandit are going on vacation for a week. I see you after!
September 10th: 'Cross 542 results and Practice, week #2
Last Saturday offered up a beautiful day of late summer 'cross racing out at Silver Lake Park. Thanks to the Norka Recreation staff and volunteers who helped put togther this cool, barrier-filled race course together in the damp early morn'. The payoff was an afternoon of sun and fun. Special thanks to the family who helped break it down when all was said and done!
Since the numbers were still relatively small, most people knew how they finished up, and maybe even collected some schwag. However, I've got the full, official results and will post them as soon as I can match up your number to your name. Thanks for your patience!
Tonight is the second night of Bellingham Cyclocross Practice at our new location in the Civic Field complex (that's the lower softballs fields, for those who were confused last week). It will be my first night out this year, so I'm looking forward to what sort of course Jim and Dave have lined up for us out-of-shape folks. Word is also that there are more beginners this year, which is awesome. I hope to see you out there all season!
August 20th: Wed. Night Practice and 'Cross 542:
Excellent news for Bellingham 'crossers! Jim Clevenger and Dave Neubeck have arranged for Wednesday Night practices again this fall, but this time we're moving to Civic Fields! It's in town, the lighting should be excellent, and the drainage far better than Padden when the wet season hits (now?).
Add to that, it's once again free for participants! Special thanks to the sponsors: Runningshoes.com, Kulshan Cycles, and Norka Recreation. See the Practice section of this site for more details.
Speaking of Norka, don't forget about Cross 542. It's our 2nd annual season opener, part of the Festival 542, and a great way to blow off the cobwebs. Start times will be early due to other events happening that day. Come on out to beautiful Silver Lake State Park for a half day of 'cross and other fun activity.
September 12: 542 'Cross
For a friendly season opener, come out for this great low-key event at
Silver Lake State Park. You can see from the park website that it's a great place to spend an end-of-summer day out in rural Whatcom County. Each year has offered up beautiful weather, perfect for getting the cyclocross juices flowing.
Here's your start times and race lengths. Categories are self-seeding:
- 9:00 a.m. Men C, Women B, Junior racers (teenagers) -- 40 minutes
- 9:45 a.m. Youth citizens (kids) -- 10 minutes
- 10:00 a.m. Men B, Women A -- 50 minutes
- 11:00 a.m. Men A -- 60 minutes
We design a shorter, wide-open course that emphasizes barrier technique and building some fitness (as opposed to diving right into technical mud, sand, or singletrack and putting your equipment or handling skills to the test).
According to rider feedback, this course was appropriate for this time of year. We aim for a clinic-style atmosphere with a total of six barriers and no run-ups. We welcome some newcomers to the sport as well as some seasoned vets.
In 2007, the Bicycle Northwest website sent out Sean Brandenburg and F. Joe Hamilton to provide race-day coverage and even mix it up in the grass with the others. Scroll down towards the bottom of their '07 Cross Season' coverage and look for a guy with his hiney sticking out.
Here's a shot of past A Men winner Nick Weighall (now a team rider for Cal Giant Strawberry/Specialized) putting the barriers to the test.
photo courtesy of Lavon Weighall
We appreciate your support of the following local businesses in Maple Falls and surrounding towns. They embrace bringing more cycling events to this area because they want to see your smiling faces in their shops! Harvest Moon Bakery comes especially recommended!
Additional event staffing comes from the Norka Recreation crew (Kelly, Margz, Charlie, and other volunteers) who continue on to execute a superb Festival 542 the rest of the weekend.
Here's an aerial view of the area and a rough outline of the course:
Proceeds go towards park fees for Bellingham's Wednesday night practices, so in addition to getting your season off on the right foot, you are also supporting the growth of 'cross!
Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. Practice!
Update: Practice is back at Padden in 2009! 6-8 pm at the ball fields near the dog park (south entrance). Lights provided, bring a bike and a light to get home if you ride out!
Special thanks to Dick Henrie of Bellingham Parks Department, Runningshoes.com, Kulshan Cycles, and Norka Recreation for providing the local 'crossers with a close, well-lit, properly-drained facility to practice their craft without charge! These sponsors have generously covered the facility costs for the entire season, so you have no excuse to not attend.
Here's how it works: volunteers set up break-away barriers (that is, you can't trip over them) and everyone starts by hopping on & off their bikes a bunch. Then we practice getting clipped into our pedals right off the start line and sprinting for position.
After these relatively simple exercises, we split into smaller groups by ability and do a shortened race loop. This gets us some intensity as well as more practice on cornering, run-ups, etc. It is great to get some 'race-pace' action mid-week!
Anyone with a bike can join us. New people are welcomed and often mentored into the art & madness that is 'cross.
You can find us every week throughout the season until mid-November.
2007 Series Info
11/19 Tractor Cross News: Preliminary Results are posted! Thanks to everyone for partaking in the epic demolition derby quicksand, skate park ramps, and near vertical run-up!
Series points will be posted after people have a chance to straighten me out about about Tractor Cross. Then prizes will be sent to your mother.
We will get some photos and write-ups about the 2007 series up soon. In the meantime, check out these fantastic photo galleries courtesy of Patrick Means and Dan Bennett, as well as Mike McQuaide's blog!
------------------------11/8 Muerto Cross News: Results are finalized! It was an awesome day at Cornwall Park, what some are calling the best course all season!
Special thanks to the WWU Cycling team for their major volunteer effort in putting the course together, while simultaneously securing a 6th place overall at Collegiate MTB Nationals!
One week later, the grass is quickly recovering and the impact is indiscernible in many places. If you think this venue is as special as we do and cyclocross should be allowed to return here, please send a message to Paul Leuthold at Bellingham Parks or call 676-6985 and tell him why!
Check out the many stylish photos taken by Jeff Morriss. We snapped a few ourselves:
Beware the Muerto Man - he will deduct points for no costume!
Fear the Spiral of Death!
Blogs: A couple of Bellingham locals newer to 'cross, Mike McQuaide and Glenn Gervais, scribed about their day of racing. Check it out!
Lost & Found: We found a very nice, red Giordana warm-up jacket at the start line at the end of the day. We also still have a red Giro helmet from 542 'Cross. Meet us at Tractor 'Cross registration and claim your goods.
Whatcom Youth Cycling
Another special addition for this year -- we will be fundraising for a new junior racing organization in our area called Whatcom Youth Cycling or WYC.
If you are (or know of) a youth aged 10-18 and need support in the pursuit of the sport of cycling, please e-mail us!
November 17: Tractor 'Cross
Our first visit to the home of the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden aims to be a fast & unique course setting that you will thoroughly enjoy!
Click the image below for an 11x17 pdf (163KB) outline of the course:
Wickedly close for Canadians, too, and no special license required! See below for special news about Skate Church!
To print just the information below, highlight it with your cursor. Then choose "File->Print..." and check the option to print "Selection"
Course Description: Fast compact grass, pavement, and gravel. Mostly flat with one descent. One substantial run-up and a barrier set. Mud will be sought after in the Grandstands and The Valley. Possibly a trip through the Swine Barn.
Directions: Coming from I-5 South through Bellingham, take exit #256A for Guide Meridian (same as for Cornwall Park), but this time turn right and head north to Lynden.
From the Trans-Canada 1A, take Hwy. 13 (264th St.) to the Aldergrove border crossing. Continue approx. 7.3 km to Lynden.
Both directions, turn east onto Front St. which passes between two cemetaries (scary!). The Northwest Washington Fairground is a few blocks down on your right.
Parking: Parking is plentiful on Main St. You can also enter the main gate (#2) and we will try to set up some parking within the fairground without interfering with the course, of course!
Registration: See the Entry Fees page for info on costs, race numbers, etc.
Race Times: See the Start Times page.
Waiver: Can be printed out and completed in advance: Tractor 'Cross Waiver
Warm-ups: Lots of room on the grounds to ride around, or take a tour of the little Dutch village of Lynden!
Food: There are several restaurants within a few blocks of this facility - the quaint & quiet downtown establishments to the east, and the fast & franchised back on Guide Meridian.
We will be offering some drip coffee for $1.
Facilities: We have rented People's Place for registration. This is a cozy little building with a fireplace, chairs, restrooms, etc. Your family can hang out here, but you cannot if you are muddy! Bring a change of clothes and spare clothes, please. Restrooms are also accessible from the outside.
Dogs: are not allowed at the NW Washington Fairground. Sorry!
Skate Church : This local skateboard youth group is currently occupying the Swine Barn. Pastor Shawn is allowing us to open up the building for our race to run through. Hopefully there will be some skaters hitting the ramps while we pass through! Tell your kid to bring the skateboard.
October 27: Muerto 'Cross
CycloCrazed is pleased to announce the return of Bellingham cyclocross racing to Cornwall Park, the former home of the 'Belly Cross!
Click the image below for an 11x17 pdf (445Kb) outline of the course:
Furthermore, this is as close to Halloween as we could get, so you can bet there will be major bonus points for racing in costume! Obviously, the better the costume, the better the points -- completely at the judgement of The Muerto Man.
To print just the information below, highlight it with your cursor. Then choose "File->Print..." and check the option to print "Selection"
Course Description: Mostly flat with one run-up and several barrier/log sets. Combination of wide forest trails, compact gravel, asphalt, and slippery grass. Be mindful of the roots on the long straight-away in the back section( they are painted white to help you).
Exhibition Race! Bonus round at 2:30 p.m. for those with costumes or a special bike to try out, preferably both! Try to outdo Cyclocross Man and Sprocket Girl.
Directions: Both directions off I-5 from out of town take exit #256 in Bellingham. From the South, take #256A (not Bellis Fair Mall) to Meridian street and turn Left. From the North, turn right onto Meridian Street. Cornwall Park is immediately after the next intersection at Squalicum Way, less then one mile south on your left.
There are actually two entrances here, one right after the other - please utilize both to spread out your large hunks of steel.
Parking: Parking will be limited. Locals who know the back entrance from Cornwall Street are advised to use that space, please. For those who follow the directions above and find a full lot, overflow parking is recommended on the shoulder of Squalicum Way (see map) and/or the new Mt. Baker Vision Clinic building from where several small trails lead into the park.
Registration: See the Entry Fees page for info on costs, race numbers, etc.
Race Times: See the Start Times page.
Waiver: Can be printed out and completed in advance (please, save our paper): 2007 Muerto Cross Release
Warm-ups: We recommend Squalicum Parkway, a long, quiet road where you cannot get lost. Head west immediately across the street from the northern-most park entrance on Meridian St. For a real good warm-up, ride about 1 mile west to find the future home of Squalicum Park on the old Pacific Concrete site. We have been trying to secure this location as the ultimate Bellingham 'cross course for several years now, but a portion of it is currently being re-constructed.
Food: There are plenty of food vendors within a few blocks of this park - perhaps too many to the north, but the southern direction is pleasantly referred to as the Fountain District. A Haggen grocery store is a few blocks down, as well as restaurants, coffee stands, etc. This park is also near the core downtown Bellingham area which houses many highly-favored restaurants, so we will not attempt to compete with them.
Restrooms: There are two sets of public restrooms, one on each end of the park. They are roomy, heated, and well-lit..
Dogs: are allowed in the park on leashes. This is a gem of a park and we are pleased to be using it, so please pick up after your animal. Naturally, keep them off the course.
Frisbees: Cornwall Park is the home of Bellingham's only "official" frisbee-golf course. Although holes #2, #6, and #9 will be completely obstructed by the cx course, and #1, #3, and #7 will be partially obstructed, #4, #5, and #8 will be wide open! If you want to shoot a few holes to cool down, by all means, bring your disks!
Lost & Found: We found a very nice, red Giordana warm-up jacket at the start line at the end of the day. We have a red Giro helmet left over from 542 'Cross. Please inquire at registration. (How have you kept your lid safe all this time?)