UltraRob's Adventures

The second Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross race is this Saturday at Bear Creek park. I will be there at o-dark-thirty helping set up the course. Throughout the day I'll be shooting photos and helping out with whatever needs to be done.

The plan is for the course to be the same as the September cyclocross race. Check the race flyer for the times for the different races.

Because of the fairly short laps, cyclocross is great for spectators. It looks like the weather will be nice so come on out with your cowbell if you aren't racing.

Related Links

• Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross photos Sept 12, 2009
• Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross photos Sept 13, 2008
• Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross photos Nov 22, 2008

- UltraRob

Van Dessel Gin Trombones Cyclocross Bike Price: $2379.00

Van Dessel Gin Trombones Cyclocross Frameset Price: $999.00

Blue Competition Cycles Norcross Cyclocross Bike FREE BIKE CASE Price: $3686.00

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

I now have photos from the Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross race on September 12th, 2009 posted for all categories. I had photos posted for all but the last 2 races before I went to Interbike. Unfortunately I got sick soon after I got back and didn't get much done last week.

Race results can be found on the ACA website by clicking here. We had good turnout although racer numbers were down slightly from last years first race. I'm not sure why but maybe it's because the cross schedule is getting fuller.

There was lots of good racing action all day. It was cool and overcast most of the day. It finally rained a little during the SM 4 race. About half way the final race, SM 3 and Singlespeeds, the rain really started coming down.

There were a couple spots that were causing crashes. One was the sharp off camber right turn along the parking lot. The other one was the turn at the short, steep drop after the straight section with the start/finish. There also was a crash at the start of the SM Cat 3 race. I made a video of the crashes from some of my photos.

Next Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross race is November 21st at the same location.

- UltraRob

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Blue Competition Cycles Norcross Cyclocross Bike FREE BIKE CASE Price: $3686.00

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross

Tonight was an exciting night of cyclocross racing at Cross Vegas.

In a surprise move in the Elite Men's race, Chris Jones went off the front early and only Jamey Driscoll jumped up to him.  They managed to stay away the rest of the race.

Photos of Cross Vegas Elite Men

Cross Vegas Elite Men Top 3

1. Jamey Driscoll
2. Chris Jones
3. Jonathan Page

In the Elite Women's race, Katie Compton started hard and soon only Katerina Nash could stay with her. A few laps in, Nash crashed in a corner and never got close to Compton again. Kelli Emmett, racing with a broken hand, fought Georgia Gould hard for 3rd place but ended up coming away with 4th.

Photos of Cross Vegas Elite Women

Cross Vegas Elite Women Top 3

1. Katie Compton
2. Katerina Nash
3. Georgia Gould

- UltraRob

Blue Competition Cycles Norcross Cyclocross Bike FREE BIKE CASE Price: $3686.00

Van Dessel Gin Trombones Cyclocross Bike Price: $2379.00

Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Regular Price: $39.99 $35.99 on sale

Labels: cycling, cyclocross

The Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross race went well yesteray. Although it was cloudy all day, the rain held off until the final 2 races.

In between helping out with the race, I was able to shoot over a 1,000 photos. I'm still going through them. Check back later to see the photos and for a more detailed race report. In the meantime, there are several photos on my Twitpic stream.

Update 9/14/09: First set of Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross photos is uploaded. I'll be adding many more.
- UltraRob

Blue Competition Cycles Norcross Cyclocross Bike FREE BIKE CASE Price: $3686.00

Van Dessel Gin Trombones Cyclocross Bike Price: $2379.00

Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Regular Price: $39.99 $35.99 on sale

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

The Pikes Peak Velo Supercross cyclocross race is this Saturday in Bear Creek Park in Colorado Springs. Races will going on throughout most of the day. See the race flyer for start times for each of the age groups/categories.

The planned course is pretty much the same as what we used last year. Of course it's possible there could be some late changes base on weather or other factors. You can take a look at the course map

Cyclocross is a fun way, intense way to stay fit. If you've never raced cross, you should give it a try.

If you aren't into racing, it's also great for spectating. Cyclocross races are held on short courses so you get to see the racers come by several times. The way the PPV Supercross is laid out you can also see several parts of the course at once on the north side.

I plan to be at the race most of the day. I won't be racing this one but I'll be helping set up the course, greeting people as they drive in, roaming around checking the course and whatever else needs to be done. I'll also be shooting photos whenever I get the chance.

- UltraRob

Related Links

• 2009 Colorado Cyclocross Schedule
• Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross photos Sept 13, 2008
• Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross photos Nov 22, 2008

Michelin Cyclocross Jet S Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Cyclocross Mud 2 Tire Price: $48.99

Salsa Bell Lap Cyclocross Bar Price: $54.99

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross

The days are getting shorter. Although the days are still warm, the nights are getting crisper. This is a sure sign that cyclocross season is just around the corner.

Fort those that aren't familiar with it, cyclocross is a from of bike racing that takes place during the fall and winter. The race courses can be a mix of dirt and pavement. It's also common for there to be plenty of mud. Traditionally there have been barriers where riders dismount and run. Over the last couple years, the barriers have started going away.

The bikes look similar to road bikes but have more clearance for the tires. This allows for wider tires and also keeps the mud from jamming up as bad.

Cyclocross in Colorado is kicking off here in Colorado Springs on September 12th at Bear Creek Park. This is 1 of 2 cyclocross races that Pikes Peak Velo is putting on this year. The race flyer has the details.

Below is the 2009 Colorado cyclocross schedule. Check the American Cycling Association site for changes.

Pikes Peak SuperCross #1	Sept. 12	Colorado Springs
VeloCross	Sept 13	Boulder
Green Mountain Sports Cross	Sept 19	Golden
Brecktobercross	Sept 20	Breckenridge
Boulder CX Series #1	Sept 26	Boulder
Cross at the River	Sept 27	Buena Vista
Frisco Cyclocross	Oct 3	Frisco
Frisco Cyclocross	Oct 4	Frisco
Colorado Veldrijden Crusade (Carbon Cross Epic Ride)	Oct 10	Littleton
Boulder CX Series #2	Oct 11	Boulder
Valmont Bike Park Ground Breaking Cross	Oct 17	Boulder
RRV Cross Series	Oct 18	Lakewood
Castle Cross	Oct 24	Castle Rock
Boulder CX Series #3	Oct 25	Boulder
Blue Sky Velo Cup	Oct 31	Longmont
Boulder Cup	Nov 1	Boulder
Rocky Mounts CX	Nov 7
Alpha Cross #1	Nov 8
Colorado Veldrijden Crusade	Nov 14
Boulder CX Series #4	Nov 15
Pikes Peak SuperCross #2	Nov 21	Colorado Springs
Green Mountain Sports Cross	Nov 22
Alpha Cross #2	Nov 28
RRV Cross Series	Nov 29
Colorado Veldrijden Crusade Colorado CX Championships	Dec 5

Related Links

• Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross photos Sept 12, 2009
• Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross photos Sept 13, 2008
• Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross photos Nov 22, 2008

- UltraRob

Blue Competition Cycles Norcross Cyclocross Bike FREE BIKE CASE Price: $3686.00

Van Dessel Gin Trombones Cyclocross Bike Price: $2379.00

Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Regular Price: $39.99 $35.99 on sale

Labels: Colorado, cycling, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

I finished uploading my photos from the November Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross race last week. I updated the original photo post with the link and put it on twitter. I realized some of you might not see those updates so I'm writing this post.

Nashbar X Aluminum Cyclocross Frame Regular Price: $229.99 $129.99 on sale

Blue Competition Cycles Norcross Cyclocross Bike FREE BIKE CASE Price: $3686.00

Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Regular Price: $39.99 $35.99 on sale

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

Update: View many more PPV cyclocross photos split out by class.

Today was the 2nd Pikes Peak Velo's SuperCross race. It wasn't cyclocross weather though. The course was dry and dusty with warm temperatures.

I helped with course setup and then roamed around the course. I was able to get a lot of photos. By a lot, I mean about 1,700. It'll take me a few days to go through them and post the good ones. In the meantime here are a few for you to enjoy. Click on the photos to enlarge them.

You can also look at my photos from the September cyclocross race. Those were taken with my old point and shoot camera so they aren't as good as the ones I took today with my digital SLR.

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Labels: Colorado Springs, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

The Pikes Peak Velo SuperCross race is tomorrow. First race is the juniors at 9 AM. Pro women are at 2:15 PM and Pro Men are at 3:10 PM.

There will plenty of racing action throughout the whole day. See the SuperCross race flyer for times for the other races. Cyclocross is perfect for spectators so even if you're not racing, come out and watch.

The course will be the same as in September. I thought we might have a bit longer loop on the hillside but that isn't the plan. There can also be slight changes on race day though.

Salsa Bell Lap Cyclocross Bar Price: $54.99

Michelin Cyclocross Jet S Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Jet Cyclocross Tire Regular Price: $48.99 $43.99 on sale

Labels: Colorado Springs, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

I've finally posted my photos of the September Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross race. Unfortunately I had to use my old Olympus Stylus 410 since my Olympus 750 got broken.

This weekend is our 2nd cyclocross race this fall at Bear Creek Park. We'll basically be using the same course as in September. There was a section we had to take out because the park manager was afraid it would get torn up because of the mud. That section may get used this time.

I'll be out at the course early Saturday morning setting up barriers and tape. During the first couple races, I'll be course marshaling. If things are running smoothly after that, hopefully I'll get to play with my Nikon D80.

Michelin Cyclocross Jet S Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Cyclocross Mud 2 Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Jet Cyclocross Tire Regular Price: $48.99 $43.99 on sale

Labels: Colorado Springs, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

The parking and course have been changed for this Saturday's cyclocross race at Bear Creek Park in Colorado Springs. I had posted a couple weeks ago that we wouldn't have as much work with directing traffic this year for cyclocross as we have in the past.

Unfortunately the Penrose Center decided today to not let us use their property so we'll be parking where we have in the past. You can still use the directions from the race flyer to get to the race. You'll just make the 1st right into the park once you turn onto Rio Grande Street.

It also means we can't use the new course we were planning to use. Last week the county had gotten all the grass mowed down. I rode a few laps of the complete course last Sunday and it was going to be very tough. Instead we'll be using a course similar to last year with a few improvements.

I won't be doing this race but may do the one on November 22nd if I can get in some good training. I'll be either course marshaling or directing traffic from around 10:30 to 2:30.

Come out and race and I'll cheer you on. If racing isn't your thing, cyclocross is great for spectators. The laps are short and you get to see riders several times. You also have a good chance of seeing some crashes.

Michelin Cyclocross Jet S Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Cyclocross Mud 2 Tire Price: $48.99

Salsa Bell Lap Cyclocross Bar Price: $54.99

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross

Update: Race parking will be the same as last year at least for the September 13th cyclocross race.

It's hard to believe but cyclocross season is almost here. Our first cyclocross race at Bear Creek is on September 13th. The 2nd race is on November 22nd.

Some good news for this year is we'll be using the Penrose Event Center's parking. The last couple years we've spent a lot of time directing traffic to the Bear Creek parking lots. Although a little of the course will be the same as last year, a lot of it will be new as you can see if you click the course image.

If you've never given cyclocross a try, you really should. If you live in the Colorado Springs area, people are meeting informally at Bear Creek on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 PM to practice. Some barriers will be set up and there will be a 20 minute practice race at 7 PM. This isn't organized by any group and you participate at your own risk.

In addition to the informal practice sessions, Bicycle Village is putting on a cyclocross clinic on September 6th. It will be from 10 AM to 2 PM and costs $40. Registration required by 6 PM on September 4th.

Blue Competition Cycles Norcross Cyclocross Bike FREE BIKE CASE Price: $3686.00

Van Dessel Gin Trombones Cyclocross Bike Price: $2379.00

Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Planet Bike Cyclocross Fender Set Regular Price: $39.99 $35.99 on sale

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross

As I posted on Friday, Katie Compton, a local cyclist, was racing the 2008 Cyclocross World's today. She had been having muscle problems and had been seen limping.

According to a report on VeloNews, Katie started today and was going to see how she felt. She ended up pulling out after the 1st lap. It had to be a big disappointment after all the training she has put in. Unfortunately no one gets to choose when they have bad days.

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Michelin Cyclocross Mud 2 Tire Price: $48.99

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Labels: cycling, cyclocross, Katie Compton

Local cyclist Katie Compton is scheduled to compete in the 2008 World Cyclocross Championships this Sunday in Treviso, Italy. Until a couple weeks ago she was favored to win it.

Last year she won the silver medal as a relatively unknown rider. Althouugh she has been winning the National Championships since 2004, she wasn't doing any UCI races. She had been piloting a tandem for a blind rider for the Paralympics. Racing UCI races would make her ineligible to compete in the Paralympics.

Last winter she made the decision to move on from the Paralympics and do Cyclocross Worlds. Since she didn't have UCI points she had to start near the back and it took most of the race for her to work her way to the front. This year she became the 2nd US woman to win a World Cup cyclocross race and went of the win a 2nd one. The other woman to win a World Cup cyclocross race is another local cyclist, Alison Dunlap.

Unfortunately the last couple weeks haven't gone well for Katie. I haven't been able to find much information but there was a bit on Cycling News earlier this week. She didn't race last weekend and said she having some musle problems. She's struggled with leg cramps in longer races but hasn't seemed to be a problem in the shorter cyclocross races.

Katie is still on the start list that was updated today. I'm hoping that she has a great day on Sunday and pulls off the win.

Our local paper did a good article on her last week if you want to read more about her.

Michelin Cyclocross Jet S Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Cyclocross Mud 2 Tire Price: $48.99

Salsa Bell Lap Cyclocross Bar Price: $54.99

Labels: cycling, cyclocross, Katie Compton

Update: 2008 Pikes Peak Velo cyclocross race info

Today was our 2nd cyclocross race this fall at Bear Creek Park. I showed up at 7 AM to help with the course set up. It was a bit chilly but not bad for this time of year. Another warm day was forecast and it didn't take long to warm up. In fact it got up to 68 degrees.

Since yesterday's Red Rocks cyclocross race in Denver was canceled, I think a lot of racers came that probably weren't planning on it. I don't know the final number of racers but one of the guys doing registration said he thought it was the biggest turnout for a cyclocross race in Colorado Springs. I'm not sure that there's been any cross races in the last 15 years that I haven't raced, volunteered or both and the fields certainly were the biggest I remember.

I roamed around the course quite a bit to make sure everything was Ok. Once there was more traffic, I spent time helping direct traffic since we had the road to the parking areas down to 1 lane. We were using the other lane for part of the course.

I was able to get several pictures when I was roaming around in the morning. I was gone for a couple hours during the early afternoon. My kids wanted to go watch the race and play in the creek so I also got some pictures of the Women's and Pro Men's races.

Both Velo Soiree and Two Wheeled World bloggers were there racing. Unfortunately I wasn't around when Matt was racing. Although he's been mountain bike racing for years, this was his first cross race. Velo Soiree posted several great pictures a couple weeks ago of the Boulder Cup race that you should check out it if you haven't already seen them.

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Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross

Update: 2008 Pikes Peak Velo Cyclocross Race Info

The 2nd cyclocross race this fall at Bear Creek Park is this Sunday, November 18th. Although I've been riding a little more lately, I'm still in no shape to race but I'll be there in the morning helping out. My teammate, Matt, from the old Schwinn grassroots team says he'll be there for his first try at cyclocross. He may take a beating on the barriers but I still expect him to be fast.

I took several pictures of the September cyclocross race. The results for the last raceare posted on the ACA website.

Michelin Cyclocross Jet S Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Cyclocross Mud 2 Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Jet Cyclocross Tire Regular Price: $48.99 $43.99 on sale

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross

Thanks to a link from Mad Dog, I found that The Gazette, out local paper known for not covering cycling, has an article in today's paper about cyclocross. Although the article is about cross in California, it does mention our upcoming race on November 18th. You can also look at my pictures from our September cyclocross race.

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Truvativ Cyclocross Ring Price: $30.99

Crossed UP Cyclocross Build Kit Price: $1069.00

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

The results for Saturday's Pikes Peak Velo SuperCross race have been posted on the ACA site. The next race will be on November 18th.

Related Links: Race Flyer | Saturday's Race Pictures | 2006 PPV SuperCross pictures

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Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

Yesterday was the first of 2 cyclocross races that Pikes Peak Velo is putting on this fall. The next one is on November 18th. It seemed like we had good turn out although I haven't seen the number of racers.

I got to Bear Creek Park at 7 AM to help get the course set up. We had the course set up in an hour which gave us an hour before the first race. The course had some different section than we've used in the past and it seemed like people liked it.

The morning started out cool and foggy but by afternoon it was sunny and hot. It was also dry so we had dust instead of mud like last year.

The plan was for me to roam around the course during the races but I spent most of my time doing traffic control. We had a section of road down to one lane since we were using it as part of the course. There are 2 pavilions along that section of road and the plan was for them to not be used during the race. Somehow 2 large groups got them reserved and so we had a lot more traffic than we expected. Although it made extra work for us, I think things ran pretty smoothly.

Velo Soiree did the race. He recognized me and introduced himself. I got a couple pictures of him in the pictures I took. I think this is the best one of him.

Related Links: Results | 2006 Pikes Peak Velo Supercross pictures

Michelin Cyclocross Jet S Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Cyclocross Mud 2 Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Jet Cyclocross Tire Regular Price: $48.99 $43.99 on sale

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

The Pikes Peak Velo SuperCross race is this Saturday. The race flyer is on the website and has start times for each category. The categories and times are the same for the race on November 18th.

Last year we had perfect conditions. There was rain the night before which gave us plenty of mud but we had sun during the race. Last year I wrote a post about the cyclocross race. I also took several pictures of the races.

Van Dessel Gin Trombones Cyclocross Frameset Price: $999.00

Michelin Cyclocross Jet S Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Cyclocross Mud 2 Tire Price: $48.99

Labels: cycling, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo

It's hard to believe that cyclocross season is almost here. This year Pikes Peak Velo is putting on 2 cyclocross races in Colorado Springs. The first one is only a few weeks away on September 22nd. Dennis has been working on the course layout. The 2nd one is November 18th.

Related Links: September 2007 Race Results | September 2007 Race Pictures | 2006 Pikes Peak Velo SuperCross pictures

Michelin Cyclocross Jet S Tire Price: $48.99

Michelin Cyclocross Mud 2 Tire Price: $48.99

Salsa Bell Lap Cyclocross Bar Price: $54.99

Labels: Colorado Springs, cycling, cyclocross, Pikes Peak Velo