Cyclocross season in full swing
Over the past month, the bay area has played host to a handful of great race venues. After a some podium time for Scott, Jim Hewitt and I at the Halloween Surf City Cyclocross in Aptos, the team competed at the Pilarcitos Sierra Point night race. Solid performances by the whole team were expected and we did just that. Always a great vibe with the festive atmosphere at Sierra point.
Rocking the RockLobster singlespeed at Aptos High Photo: Ted Ketai |
Scott Chapin and I on the starting line at Sierra Point Photo: Rob Evans, Off the Back Photography |
Along with this rad shot of Scott from Ted Ketai!
Following Sierra Point, San Francisco played host to the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships in Golden Gate Park. Both Scott and I had custom singlespeed Rock Lobster's built specifically for this race as it was a high priority for the two of us. Qualifying was on Saturday with a tour of the City along with 5 "feats of strength" along the way. A hill climb up California St, a timed wheel change, a 420 steep run-up, a dollar grab race followed by a sand run determined who was eligible for the main show. Teammates Alex Work, Scott Chapin and I all qualified for the gong show staring on Sunday.
Gold bling and mullet ready for action |
After a night of little sleep and a morning beer, I found myself on the starting line with 150 other guys, many of which were wearing anything but Lycra. At the sound of the gun, the Le Mans start of gorrillas, dirty maids and oompa loompas scrambled up the first run-up and in search of their bikes. I quickly found myself in 4th going into the first section of singletrack. Disaster struck just 5 minutes in and I found myself laying in the mud after knocking myself out going under the scaffolding, less than ideal to say the least. Scott and Alex continued on to solid finishes as did many in the NorCal crew. Mallory even landed some airtime on Cyclingnews rockin' her "Team Super Awesome" kit. Word on the street Santa Cruz will play host to SSCCWC next year; redemption. Video of the event here
Post race muddy mullet Photo: Jason Perry |
Rockin' the number one bib gets you a great call up. Photo: Jason Perry |
Photo: Jason Perry |
Teammates going fast Photo: Ana Villafane Photography |
Photo: Mal Burd photography |
Scott Chapin riding the runup
Photo: Ana Villafane Photography |
Photo: Ana Villafane Photography |