Tales from the skinny-tire trails

For those of you who don’t know, Cyclocross is a race series that has been around for around 100 years and provides an off-road alternative to training in the fall and winter months. Traditionally it is held on a course that is a combination of road, grass, gravel or dirt trails and incorporates sections of barriers, mud, sand or steep hills that require riders to dismount and carry their bikes or try to power through the obstacle. Typical equipment is a modified road bike with 28 – 35mm wide knobby tires that have to balance the fast pace of the road and gravel trails, but also offer a little suspension over the bumpy trails and grip on the multiple off-camber grassy/muddy corners that are common in cyclocross.  

Due to the nature of a cyclocross course Saturday’s race incorporated many areas of the park that typically do not see much use from mountain biking. These included a full lap of the tennis court, a steep climb up the landing area of the “drop zone” and lots of off-camber grass sections next to the softball diamond on the east side of the entrance road into the park. The course provided many interesting features that forced the beginner riders to dismount and carry their bikes, while the advanced riders were able to ride.

 In total we had 75 racers, including the kids race that incorporated a shorter course, ranging from first timers to elite level local pro riders. Many riders in the first 2 groups were even allowed to participate on their mountain bikes and any SORCE member who volunteered was given a free registration to the race. We had lots of door prizes donated by Peninsula Cycles, Rocky Mountain Bicycles and Race Face Performance Products as well as cash prizes for the winners of every different category.   The race was a success and we have received tons of positive feedback about the course and the venue from the racers and Cycling BC. We are already planning the 2008 version, as well as working towards building the event status so that in the near future we can hold a larger event such as the BC Cup Series Final, Canadian National Championships or a UCI event that draws an international pro field.  The organizers would like to thank SORCE and the city of Surrey for developing, maintaining and promoting the Bike Park, the many volunteers who made this event possible and the generous support of our sponsors who donated a total purse of cash and prizes that exceded $2500.

 Results in Excel format  cx_results