Hopping Over Obstacles On Your Bike

There are certain times in Cyclocross races where it pays off to be able to hop up and over obstacles. Not every course has positions on route where being able to "bunny hop" obstacles equal speed advantages. But there are times when using the skill of "bunny hopping" can assist those who posses the power and talent to pull off this move. It does take strength, skill and guts, to hop up and over obstacles under race pressure. For the riders who are able to hop over boards, downed trees, or up stairs, they will tell you it is a fun skill and a natural feeling when done right. I personally recommend all riders practice all Cyclocross related skills that could come in handy during a race. Whether it be a fast start, running, turning, hopping, or a fast finish, practice makes perfect. All the skill sets used in Cyclocross will further help each rider when competing in Mtn. Bike Racing or Road Racing, or basically any type of cycling event.

Please have a look at this cool break down of "bunny hopping" from a section at the past Surf City race put together by the good folks over at the A40 Team blog-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC_zFdPaYTM&feature=player_embedded



For some riders it is natural to jump up and over obstacles on course....
Logan Loader displays a good "bunny hop" gone bad.....

Here Logan Loader gets it right! Loader is one of the best "hoppers" in Nor-Cal. Even if the boards are spaced closely together Loader finds a way to ride through and hop over these sections.....

Kerry Barnholt(Scott/Ritchey) is one of the most skilled riders in the Elite Women's division, and was one of the few Women to "bunny hop" the log section at CCCX #2......

Anastasio Flores(Cal Giant Inc.) going up and over at Toro Park....

Aaron Bradford(Onsite Ultrasound) is a Super D USA National Champion, and has shown great form this season in the Men's Elite division, Bradford also has the skill to "bunny hop" when needed....

Surf City main man Jeff Clark is seen here filming Scott Chapin(HRS Rock Lobster) "bunny hopping" the boards at the Halloween Cross race. Chapin is one of the strongest & most skilled riders in Nor-Cal and this strength & skill is needed when "bunny hopping" boards...

WTB's Kenny Burt seen here using the tops of the bars to get leverage and pull the front wheel up and over the boards at Surf City....

Gannon Myall(Cal Giant Inc.) is smooth and precise when floating over the boards....

James Coates(Cal Giant Inc.) is a multiple time National Cyclocross Champion in the Masters division. Coates has developed his hopping skills with practice & when the opportunity presents itself Coates uses his ability well....

Cal Giant Inc. sponsored Justin Robinson is one of the very best at hopping over obstacles on course. You will never hear Robinson complain about sections on course where a rider has an advantage to "bunny hop".....

Third Pillar's Mitch Bramlett goes big over the boards at CCCX #4. Bramlett demonstrates grace and style whenever he hops up and over obstacles on course....

Bicycle Planet To Host Cross Race At Folsom High School

A new addition to the NCNCA calendar is Bicycle Planet's November 15th Cross race to be held at Folsom High School. This is sure to be a good event as I know the Bicycle Planet folks are very proactive toward Cyclocross racing in and around Sacramento. I do recommend you make this event if possible! here is a link to the flyer information and course description and start times- http://bicycleplanet.net/merchant/461/files/Folsom%20CX%20Flyer%202009%20Bicycle%20Planet%20v2.pdf. Also check out Bicycle Planet's web site for more info on cycling action in the State capitol and further info on their Cross race coming up Nov. 15.- http://bicycleplanet.net/.

Homegrown Cyclocross Series Strarts This Sunday In Fresno

This Sunday the Central California Off Road Cyclists are firing up the Fresno Cross racing scene with the Homegrown Series for 2009. I personally have done many Cyclocross races in Fresno and it really is a awesome scene for all. The racing usually is played out on fun courses and the routes are classic circuits for Cross bikes. I highly recommend to give the Fresno racing a try and you will not be disappointed. Here is all the info on the very strong race series that is starting this weekend in Fresno.... http://homegrowncross.com/09/

Race Faces

Paul Doran captured some outstanding "Race Faces" at this weekends past CCCX Cross race. I speak with Paul Doran at many of the Road events I compete in, and he is always friendly and positive to me. He always seems to get a quality shot of myself, and I am thankful to him for filming all the events he has in the past. Doran produces outstanding film work and at the past CCCX race he put the freeze frame on many riders putting out their best efforts leading to some great "Race Faces". Some riders are super focused and completely absorbed in the task at hand. They show no sign of pain or duress, just a look of concentration and drive. While other riders bring the pain and suffering of the event to life in their expressions. The determination and desire they are put forth is evident from the fire in their eyes and the fight that is reflected on their face.

Doran was there to capture both- here are some great "Race Faces" of Nor-Cal Cross competitors.

Here is Doran's complete work-http://www.flickr.com/photos/vicarioussojourn/sets/


These photos speak for themselves- Be sure and click on each photograph to enlarger the picture and get a closer view of each riders "Race Face" frozen in time.....

Lion Of Fairfax Race Report

Congratulations to Brian Bruckner and his crew for a successful Lion Of Faifax event. Here is his race report of some of the days racing exploits....

Bike Race at White Hill Sees 300+ racers, including International Cycling Superstar.

Saturday’s Lion of Fairfax cyclocross race at White Hill Middle School saw a big turnout of racers eager to take advantage of perfect conditions generated by recent storms. Racers came from as far as Colorado for Marin County’s only cross race. An unexpected highlight of the day – professional racer, Ned Overend of Durango, CO (Specialized). Overend’s accomplishments include World Champion (Mountain Biking 1990), US National Champion (Mountain Biking 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992) and XTERRA Triathlon World Champion (2000). Overend, now 54, made it to the podium in the men’s pro race behind David Wyandt (HRS Rock Lobster) and Marin County’s own Josh Sneed (HRS Rock Lobster), who rode for the win , his 3rd in four years at the Lion.

Snead looked silky smooth pedaling his way around the 1.7 mile course. Team mate David Wyandt came in shortly after Snead, ahead of Overend. Me wonders if Wyandt might have caught Snead if there were one more lap…

In the women’s pro/ A event Devin Haskell took top spot, followed by Sarah Kerlin and Katheeln Hannon (Freewheel / Hunter).

In the men’s 35+ A race, Tao Bernardi (Van Dessel) and Henry Kramer (Cal Giant) had an all out bar fight for top honors, with Kramer taking the win. Rounding out the podium was DFL’er McNally, who looked very strong, and stylish too, white framed Paris Hilton like specs. The action didn’t stop at 3rd position – Rob (Ginger) Saybold (Freewheel / Hunter) and Fairfax’s Max Clifford (HRS Rock Lobster) came to the finish line shoulder to shoulder, fighting for the 4th slot – It looked like they were actually arm wrestling as they came across the line – pure NASCAR! Saybold eventually took 4th, Clifford 5th.

See you next year – we’ve got some very big plans 2010 and the 5th LOF.

Complete results can be found here:
http://www.bigswingincycles.com/lof09.htm

Brian Bruckner
Race Organizer

Shasta Cyclocross Oct. 25

David Marchi and the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center will be hosting a Cyclocross race along with many other fun cycling activities on the weekend of Oct. 24-25 near Mt Shasta. Some of the cool stuff lined up for Sat. will be a downhill bike rally from Bunny Flat on the slopes of Mt. Shasta down into town, then a bike party at the City Park with Bunny hop contest and skid contest. The following day will be a costume Cyclocross race in Shastice Park. This event will draw riders from Oregon as well as California, and all proceeds will be directed to benefit the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center.

David Marchi promises a good time!!

This really looks like a rad event for all cyclists who attend!

More info can be found here....

http://global-lines.blogspot.com/

Lion Of Fairfax Update

Brian Bruckner and Big Swingin' Cycles have lots in store for the 2009 Lion Of Fairfax race. The Ross Valley School District has assisted with great work on the course & the Town of Fairfax is ready for Cross racing. USA Cycling licenses will not be required at this year's event, potentially saving you $10 on a 1 day license. Many sponsors have stepped up to support the growth of this race & continue the positive vibe of this Cross Classic. Sponsors are: Cyclocross Realtor, Dino Wilson of Frank Howard Allen Companyhttp://www.marinsmyhome.com/, Studiovelo Mill Valley & Paradigm Cycles in San Anselmo, Cannondale, Surly Bikes, WTB, Moots Cycles, Yeti Cycles, Dolce Vita Cycling and Violich Farms and Julia Violich in particular.

More info can be found here...

http://www.bigswingincycles.com/

This should be a great time for everyone!