Combine culture, skills training and certification, and an all-inclusive getaway in Mexico! An intensive and memorable adventure race skills training week in an idyllic Mexican village nestled in the Sierra Madres. Instruction & certifications in all disciplines including flat and white water paddling, navigation, night travel, trekking, ropes, mountain biking, first aid, teamwork, strategy, transitions, nutrition and more. Top notch instructors include Bob Miller (Team Supplierpipeline, 4th PQ 06), Trish Westman (one of Canada’s top female racers), Jim Coffey (paddling, ropes, and first aid expert), and Geoff Langford (Race Director, Raid the North Extreme).

From the high alpine hut of Pico de Orizaba (4200m) to the Gulf of Mexico, the “Pico 2 Playa” (Peak to Beach) Expedition Training Week is a weeklong adventure sports training program simulating a staged expedition race across the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Shake out the winter cobwebs and watch your improvement as we review key strategies and advanced skills for successful expedition racing. We’ll tackle advanced navigation, paddling, whitewater, mountain biking, ropes, altitude, nutrition, and much more, while enjoying the spectacular scenery, culture and ancient history of this region of Mexico. Join top notch instructors Bob Miller (Team Supplierpipeline, 4th PQ 06), Lawrence Foster (Team Holofibre, 3rd PQ 05), Trish Westman (one of Canada’s top female racers), Jim Coffey (paddling, ropes, and first aid expert), and Geoff Langford (Race Director, Raid the North Extreme) for this memorable, all-inclusive training getaway.

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Very cool to hear that one of our local races has hooked up with Lance Armstrong and his LIVESTRONG foundation:

The staff at Global Biorhythm events is proud to announce that the 2010 Coolest 24 Race Against Cancer will be part of the Lance Armstrong’s Foundation LIVESTRONG. We are very happy to join thousands of LAF supporters around the world in raising money to help fight cancer. The Coolest 24 has raised over $174,000 in the last 4 years. The Coolest 24 race against cancer has become the largest ultra endurance MTB fund-raising event in the country.

Via Global Biorhythm Events

This weekend's 2009 CCCX DH #3 Results have been posted. Congrats to Mark Weir (WTB/Santa Cruz/FoxShox) who edged out Jeff Kendall-Weed (bicycleweed.com) for the Men's Pro/Semi-Pro crown and Kelly Johnson (Chainsmoke) who beat Rosie Bernard (ABS) for the Women's Expert win.

Race photos by Nate Phillips have also been posted.

A late change to this weekend's CCCX Downhill race near Monterey:

The race will be SUNDAY not Saturday, due some scheduling conflicts

Here's the course preview:

This Sunday's DH course will be approximately 3 miles long and descend 1100 vertical feet. The trail is nicknamed by the locals as "Rail Trail". Basically it is a railing, twisting & turning trail where holding your line at high speed is key to fast times. The Route starts on a very fast fire road, then drops into 2 miles of railing single track trails. The trail network features many tight turns, high speed turns, natural drops, berms, all on very fast single track. There is also some strength check sections where pedaling and fitness determine who can reach the highest speeds. This route has been a favorite during each of the previous CCCX DH Series and is used at least once each season. Please remember the race is on Sunday!

Again, the race is Sunday. Sunday, Sunday, Sunday.

The dates for this year's Pro XC Tour have been announced, and not surprisely, NorCal has been excluded:

The American national cross country series, known in its current incarnation as the US ProXCT presented by US Cup, finalized its dates and venues for 2010. The series will visit six venues starting in March in California and ending in July in Colorado. Along the way, racers will also stop in Alabama and Wisconsin.

Three venues are not returning to the series. They include the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, the Snow Shootout in Mount Snow, Vermont, and the Windham Cup in Windham, New York, which is hosting the 2010 World Cup final.

2010 USA Cycling's ProXCT presented by the US Cup

March 13-14: Bonelli Park, California (UCI 2 XCO)
March 27-28: Fontana, California (UCI 1 XCO)
May 16: Big Bear, California (UCI XCO 3)
June 5-6: Bump N Grind, Birmingham, Alabama (UCI 1 XCO)
June 26-27: WORS Subaru Cup, Mt. Morris, Wisconsin (UCI 2 XCO)
July 10-11: Finals - Carmichael Training Systems International Classic, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Via 2010 US ProXCT Series Dates Set.

I must be off Northstar's christmas card list because this press release dropped this weekend:

Tara Llanes of the Race for Tara and Andy Buckley the director of Northstar Mountain have announced that October 2-3, 2010 as the official date of the Race for Tara 4. Once again the race will be held at the beautiful Northstar Resort at Tahoe in Tahoe, California.

The Race for Tara started three years ago by Brian and Thayne Bolin after champion downhill mountain biker, Tara Llanes, suffered a horrific crash while racing at the Jeep King of the Mountain event in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The event was started to help raise funds for Llanes and her ever-growing medical costs. In its first year Llanes was still in the hospital and only able to call in on the loudspeaker to say, "thank you" to everyone that participated. In the second year Llanes was actually able to drive to the race and show her appreciation to everyone. At this year's event, Llanes was able to not only be at the event, but she was able to participate and race down the mountain in a 4-wheeler DH bike. Now heading into it’s fourth year Llanes would like to give back more than ever.

The Mega DH course is back. Downieville DH Champ and WTB top pro, Mark Weir, was quoted as saying, “It was the most well balanced course the U.S. has ever had.” The 10-minute long course will test the endurance and skill of every participant. The courses will vary depending on the level of rider. There will be a $35 donation for all beginners, intermediates, and experts and a $40 donation for all semi-pro and pro.

Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

More chances to get your racing sponsored in 2010:

Commencal is now accepting resumes for 2010 sponsorship. We are looking for top talent for our 2010 Grassroots program. If you think that you have what it takes send your resume or video to sponsorship@bti-usa.com or mail it to:

Commencal Grassroots
1216 Mercantile Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507

Commencal is proud to build the best race bikes in the world, and is looking for the best riders to spread that vibe in the US. In your resume please include:

• What discipline you race, and what Commencal model would best suit you.
• What level are you racing? Past race results?
• Goals for the future?
• Age?


• Hometown?
• How will you represent Commencal in 2010?
• What do you do in your area to help the sport grow?

Please make sure to provide a return address and email. Deadline 12/31/09

Via Decline Magazine.

The folks behind the ever popular Prairie City Race Series have introduced a new winter Cyclocross series for the Sacramento area:

Introducing the all NEW Folsom Rodeo Cross 2009 Series

The most fun you will have on your bike all week!

This is a brand new series being held at the Folsom Rodeo grounds. A challenging course has been laid out and anyone with a bicycle is welcome. So grab your cross bike... your mountain bike... or your neighbors bike. Come out and join in the fun at the all new Folsom Rodeo Cross.

Weekday NIGHT! Under the lights!!
Shorter course within the lighted arena area.

Weekend DAYS! Under the sun!
Includes all of the Weekday night course plus surrounding trails outside the rodeo grounds.

All the dates are on the sidebar or BICYCLINGEVENTS.COM.

Results for today's CCCX Fall Downhill Race #2 are already posted.

Congrats to Mark Weir (WTB/Santa Cruz/FoxShox) who edged Jeff Kendall-Weed (bicycleweed.com) for the Men's Pro crown, Nick Barton (Supercede) who took the Singlespeed category and Cathy Chevron, winner of the Women's Expert.

In case you have one of these:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Easton Sports, has announced a voluntary recall on about 6,400 bikes with EA30 stems.

The bicycle stem can crack and cause the rider to lose control, posing a risk of serious injury if the rider falls. The company received a report of a stem breaking, causing a minor injury to the rider.

This recall involves all Raleigh 2007, XXIX 700c MTN, RX1.0, Diamondback 2007, Mission, and Sortie bicycles with EA30 stems. The EA30 stems are black with white-and-gray graphics and feature a four-bolt stem face cap."EA30" is printed on the stem. EA30 stems sold as aftermarket items are included in this recall.

They were sold at independent bicycle dealers nationwide from August 2007 through August 2009 for between $500 and $1,200. Aftermarket stems were sold from August 2007 through September 2009 for about $30. The stems were manufactured in China.

Consumers should immediately stop riding the bicycles and contact any authorized Easton Sports for a free replacement stem.

Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

Sites (mostly) and dates are out for the 2010 USA Cycling National Championships:

USA Cycling announced today the dates and locations for the majority of its 2010 National Championship events. Next year, sixteen events will provide professional and amateur cyclists of all ages with opportunities to race for Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in five disciplines of competitive cycling. Of the fourteen events whose locations have been determined, nine are returning to their 2009 locations and five are headed to new host cities.

In June, ultra-endurance off roaders will make their way to Davis, W. Va., where the USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships will be held in conjunction with the 24 Hours of Big Bear. Scheduled for June 12-13, the competition will award Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in nine individual or team categories.

Fourteen more national titles will be up for grabs on the Fourth of July as ultra-endurance riders celebrate our nation’s independence at the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships. The event returns to Breckenridge, Colo. for 2010 to be held in conjunction with the Firecracker 50.

Fat tire enthusiasts will head to a site yet be determined in the Rocky Mountains to battle it out on the dirt at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships, July 15-18. The event will award national titles to pros and amateurs in several disciplines of off-road racing including cross country, downhill, short track cross country, four-cross, single speed, and super D.

Student-athletes will meet again the following month for the second national championship event of their season – the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships. Slated for October 14-17, the event will return to the Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort in Truckee, Calif. where coeds will fight for bragging rights in cross country, short track cross country, downhill, and four-cross contests.

All unconfirmed dates and locations will be announced as soon as they become available.

2010 USA Cycling National Championship Calendar
June 12-13: USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships – Hazelton, W. Va.
July 15-18: USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships – TBA, Colo.
July 4: USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships - Breckenridge, Colo.
October 14-17: USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships – Truckee, Calif.

Via www.usacycling.org.

Very interesting that there isn't a venue for the MTB Nationals ... I bet there is a story behind that.

Some new events from this year's Sea Otter Classic:

The Sea Otter Classic has added two new elements for 2010: a Gran Fondo and collegiate cycling categories ... Gran Fondo, or "Big Ride" as it's known in Italy, falls somewhere in between a century tour and a race. Open to all categories of riders, the Gran Fondo challenges you not to compete with your fellow cyclists, but to push yourself against the clock and the elements, all while taking in scenic views and enjoying great food ... The Gran Fondo will offer three fully supported ride distances: a 28-mile coastal route, a 45-mile coastal route and, for the more experienced riders, a 100-mile inland route. The short and middle distances wind along the coastal communities of Marina, Seaside, Monterey and Pacific Grove.

To ensure that there is no shortage of team rivalry at Sea Otter, open collegiate categories have been added to the 19-mile mountain bike Cross Country race scheduled for Sunday, April 18, 2010. Circuit racing will also play host to the young athletes, as a men's open collegiate category will be held on the famed Laguna Seca Raceway on Saturday, April 17, 2010."

Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

With the 2009 season winding down, it's time to start looking towards 2010 and figuring out who's going to pay for all those entry fees:

FOX is a racing company and we support race events on a technical and grassroots level across the US and globe. If you have a team or are a rider that has what it takes, we want help with your success by sponsoring you with the best performing suspension on the market.

FOX Racing Shox is currently accepting Mountain Bike racing sponsorship applications for the 2010 race season. The deadline is December 19th, 2009. You can also submit your Resume to us via regular mail, details are at the end of this page.

Via FOX RACING SHOX.

If you missed it last month, you've got another chance:

After its national, one-night-only debut on Oct. 22, the documentary “Race Across the Sky” will play one more time.
“Race Across the Sky” features the 2009 Leadville Trail 100, Lance Armstrong, Dave Wiens and a cast of thousands of adventurous souls taking on the epic high-elevation race out of Leadville, Colorado.
The encore showing is back to select movie theaters nationwide for only one night on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. EST/ 7 p.m. CST/ 9 p.m. MST and 8 p.m. PST.

Via Competitor.com.

Get after it:

Sea Otter Classic 2010 registration opens up on November 2.

To help us celebrate our 20th Anniversary, take $10 off your entry fee. Just use Coupon Code SOC20YEAR01 when you register for your favorite Sea Otter event. This offer is good through November 30, 2009. We look forward to see you in April at the Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM!

You can register at the Sea Otter Classic website.

Photos and results are up for yesterday's inaugural TBF Racing 50 Miler:

• Full results
• Divisional results
• Photos from James Pratt

Congrats to top mens finishers Clint Claassen (1), Nate Byrom (2) and Greg Anderson (3). Dawn Infurna-Bean was the first womens finisher.

The results for this weekend's CCCX DH opener have been posted. Congratulations to Ian Massey (Stone Racing WTB) and Annemarie Hennes (Family Cycling Center) and Kiran MacKinnon (CCCX) who were the fastest Man, Woman and Junior (respectively).

Nate Philips blog has some photos from the race.

Sorry about the lack of updates this week, I've been laid out with the H1N1 (or is it just the flu ? how do I know the difference ? should I care ?) since Monday morning. As I still don't feel that well, I'll keep it short and sweet:

• CCCX Fall DH #1 (Near Monterey on Saturday): consistently one of the best attended series in Northern California, this is the kickoff for the fall 2009 series. The course is described as "It is going to be a super fast course for the CCCX Fall/Winter DH Series opener. Speeds will be extremely high as recent rains have helped improve the traction on most of the trails. There will be some tricky turns added and some break check spots where tire traction will be tested. This course has some screaming fast spots in it where gravity takes over and it feels like your riding at freeway speed. Plus some slow sections of trail where line choice and rider control will dictate who is best. Most of all it is going to be fun!" Peruse the archives for extensive pics and past race results.
• DAWN OF THE SHRED!!! (Yreka, CA/Mt Shasta, CA on Saturday): I've read the website for this three times and I am still not sure exactly what all is going on here. But I think you will have a good time. I looks like there may be bacon involved.
• TBF 50-Mile MTB Challenge (Granite Bay near Sacramento on Sunday): TBF Racing (organizers of the early season XC races) branches out with the looong course race to close out there 2009 schedule.
• BASP CX #2 (CX race in San Mateo, CA on Sunday): A cyclocross race in the Bay Area at Coyote Point.
• Homegrown Cyclocross #1 (Woodward Park in Fresno on Sunday): More CX, Central Valley style. They have the best flyer of the week and a sweet deal for the willing.

Stay well.

NorCal HS MTB will hold their annual fundraiser next month:

The Bay Area’s cycling social event of the season, the NorCal League’s CycleFest 2009 will feature the CEO of Slipstream Sports, Jonathan Vaughters, as its special guest at its main annual fundraiser, a three-day gathering, November 6-8 in Mill Valley.

Also on show at the CycleFest dinner will be a vintage poster show displaying European poster art with a cycling theme. Elizabeth Norris of Vintage European Posters (www.vepca.com) will be displaying a portion of her collection of original posters from as early as 1890.

The CycleFest 2009 schedule is as follows:
Friday, November 6th: Cocktail reception with Jonathan Vaughters in Mill Valley
Saturday, November 7th: Benefit dinner, silent auction and vintage poster show, hosted by Jonathan Vaughters at the Mill Valley Community Center
Sunday, November 8th: Scenic road ride in Marin countryside with Jonathan Vaughters.

Proceeds from the ticket sales and silent auction go to supporting the Northern California High School Mountain Bike League, so be sure to purchase one for your friend/spouse/partner too! Regular tickets are $150.00, and Patron tickets, which include an intimate cocktail hour with Vaughters, are $195.00. All tickets are available online at http://norcalmtb.org/.

I believe that this website says that next year's SingleSpeed World Championship will be held on October 22nd, 2010 in Rotorua, New Zealand.

I don't usually fully cover the college MTB racing scene, but the US Championships are being held just up the road from me at Northstar this weekend (and I know a lot of college racers read the site):

Collegiate riders from around the nation are getting ready to converge on the Northstar at Tahoe resort near Truckee, Calif. to race for national titles at the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships, the second national championship event of the 2009/2010 collegiate cycling season.

The event, slated for October 16-18, is being hosted by the University of Nevada at Reno and will award a total of twenty-two national titles, including the overall team omniums in Divisions I and II. Fort Lewis College and Appalachian State University will look to defend the coveted team crowns they earned a year ago in Banner Elk, N.C.

In addition to all the racing on tap, the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championship Banquet will take place on Saturday night at the Mid-Mountain Lodge. The banquet will feature guest speaker Katerina Nash, a graduate of the University of Nevada at Reno, and will also provide a great opportunity for riders to meet USA Cycling’s new High School and Collegiate Program Manager, Jeffrey Hansen.

Via USA Cycling.

2009 Tree Shaker 12 & 6 Hour Mountain Bike Challenge Saturday, October 10 9AM to 9PM Anne Springs Close Greenway Ft Mill, SC The event will be held at Anne Springs Close Greenway mountain bike trails. The course distance will be roughly nine miles of awesome singletrack at the 2300 acre park. START/FINISH will be located at the Field Trial Barn [...]

Saturday, August 21 - 23 2009 Cackalacky Cup Lake Norman State Park, Troutman, NC Benefiting Bob Kariker and Family Charlotte Sports Cycling is joining forces with the gang from First Flight Bicycles and the Tarheel Trailblazers to host the 2009 Cackalacky Cup. The Cackalacky Cup is a three-day vintage-themed mountain bike festival with a little something for everyone. Mountain bike racing and riding, plus [...]

Widmer Brothers Rivers Edge Mountain Bike Marathon US National Whitewater Center Saturday, August 29 Charlotte, NC Endurance Racing, Food, Beer, Music and Entertainment for the Whole Family The 2nd Annual Widmer Brothers Rivers Edge Mountain Bike Marathon is a 50 mile mountain bike which will 2222 mountain bikers both mentally and physically. The race is held on the super sweet singletrack trails at the [...]

The team have recently returned back from the Iceland Ultra Race, race director Steve Clark has written the race report about the 09 event.

Make sure if you want to book your place on the 2010 race - you need to be quick as we closed entries for 2009 - 6 months before the race!

Yes we have dates and information about the eagerly anticipated Grand Canyon Ultra -  2 – 9 October 2010.  This fantastic new race will cover 126km – that’s 3 marathons!  It will be run in 24 hours across the vast, wild and remote area of the Grand Canyon North Rim.

Check our the itinerary for further details – then don’t delay and get your place secured on this amazing event – book now.

Serial ultra marathon competitor Joakim Jonsson has just completed the Spanish Al Andalus Ultra.  A 250 km race, over 5 days in extraodinary heat.  Read about the race here in Joakim’s race report.

Joakim will also be joining us once again on the Namibia Ultra Marathon in 2010 – it’s our third year and Joakim has been with us from the start.

The team have just returned from the Iceland Ultra Marathon.  Christopher Hough who also ran the race last year, not only bettered his time by an hour but was the first Bri to cross the line.   Well done Chris.   Race report to follow.

Book Now for 2010.

Across the Divide is heading out to Iceland on Thursday for the Iceland Ultra Marathon. 

“Very tough run but a beautiful challenge and great scenery. Very good organisation; Really enjoyed it and will be back next year.” Richard, 2008 competitor.

The “Laugavegur” course is one of the most beautiful in Iceland, stretching from Landmannalaugar in the highlands to Thorsmork, a natural reservation area. The area is famous for the yellow, orange and purple hues of the surrounding mountains.

Check out the 2008 race report.  Places for 2009 sold out in record time so book your place now for 2010.

Following the success of the last training weekend we are running another one in August over the weekend 21-23 2009.  It’s ideal for anyone considering or entered into a multi or single stage desert ultra.  Find out more.

You will run about 70km over the duration of the weekend including cross country and night runs.  These routes will test your fitness, stamina, equipment and fluid/energy plan.

There will also be talks and Q&A sessions with Race Director Steve Clark and a race doctor who will give expert advice on:

• kit
• medical issues and strategies
• health risks
• hydratin and energy

Plus much more…..

To book your place email jenn@acrossthedivide.com it’s a bargain at only £80!

Important stuff you need to know about the Cowbell Challenge Marathon: The Marathon Course is 6.30 miles to the Dirt, and an 8 mile loop for 6 laps. Cut-off time occurs 7 hrs after the 10 am start–that makes cutoff at 5pm. Start of the of the marathon race is on South St at the School Crossing sign, [...]

LEADVILLE TRAIL 100 MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE DATE: August 15, 2009 START TIME: 6:30 AM EVENT FEE: TBD Entries must include signed waiver and full payment. Absolutely no refunds or transfers once entry is accepted. Entries will be limited and determined by lottery. Entries must be received by Jan. 31 for lottery participation. Confirmations will be mailed by February 9. Unsuccessful [...]

Some of you have been asking how far is the black top road section of the marathon race to Fisher Farm Park; it is 6.25 miles to the dirt trails. The course: once inside the park will be about 9.25 miles of a race loop to do 5 times for a total of about 52.5 [...]

Go grab your copy of Men’s Fitness magazine to view some fantastic coverage about Across the Divide’s Namibia 24 hour ultra marathon.

Team Men’s Fitness went out and literally conquered with one of them, Darren Roberts, coming in first….just. The race is gruelling and extreme but all runners did phenomenally well, and the camaraderie was exceptional.

Join us in Namibia for the 2010 24 hour Namibia Ultra Marathon

U.S. Cup presents all new PRO XCT course for Bump N Grind event. http://www.bumpngrindrace.com/ The U.S. Cup in conjunction with USA Cycling has designed a new PRO XCT race course for stop # 3, the Bump N Grind event in Birmingham, Alabama on May 31st. “Historically Bump N Grind offers a 17 mile XC loop, explains U.S. Cup [...]

The Results of race number 2 of the Fisher Farm Series:  Open Male: Robert Marion  AM Men 18-30: Chris Armstrong  AM Men 31-45: Mark Odendahl  AM Women 31-45: Crystal Dellinger  Single Speed Men: KC Acetta  Single Speed Women: Sherry George  Youth Men: Jake Lewis  The Course was right under 3 miles, the phase two flat section, the climb, basically the Green loop…  The Next Course will be the more of the first section, the blue [...]

LEADVILLE SILVER RUSH 50 MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE DATE: July 25, 2009 START TIME: 9:00 AM EVENT FEES: TBD Cut-off for all entries will be Friday, July 24 at 4:00 PM. No race day entries will be accepted. Entries must include signed waiver and full payment. DEADLINE FOR ON-LINE ENTRIES WILL BE THURSDAY, JULY 23 Absolutely no refunds or transfers once [...]

Many thanks to Neal of “Charlotte Sports Cycling Inc” for all the great race info! Charlotte Sports Cycling Inc. 2022 Dembrigh Lane Charlotte, NC 28262 www.charlottesportscycling.com  www.charlottemtnbike.com