This just in:
2008-09 Southern California Prestige Series of Cyclocross, SCPS
SCPS 2008 Schedule

These dates are pretty much set as there might be a few changes before the season but we will keep all Southern CA cross racing enthusiast up to date with the series information, results, and race reports again this season.

-DSheek
Ride, Jump, Run, Ride… It’s almost cross time!

It’s official. I would like to formally announce that I will be racing cyclocross this fall season guided by my trusted friend Mr. David Sheek and made strong by my peep Felipe at Breakaway Training. I basically plan on sweeping the beginner, 12 – 14 year old category by lying about my age and paying a little kid to register me.

I actually don’t plan on winning anything but have convinced myself that going out and sucking while having a good time is a solid idea. Dave is helping to put together a bike for me while Julie and Carter have pledged their full support.

Racing road bikes in the mud will be a blast!

Dave, what’s the name of the series were racing?

Andy B
outsideallday.com

The Carbon Bike
I think I have found my new bike for cross season… But, price will tell. I have rolled around on the BH G4 Road bike, which this frame was obviously designed around, and it rides awesome. It was responsive and a comfortable fit, something I hardly say. If the carbon version is too much they also have their aluminum version.

BH released this about the new bike:
Next month, BH will present its new frame: the Cross Carbon, designed specifically for cyclo-cross.
This cutting-edge monocoque carbon frame weighs as little as 1.250 kg, and together with its Full Carbon fork, will revolutionize the field of cyclo-cross.

Following the positive results obtained last season with the BH Titan frame, and after almost a full year of testing different prototypes, improvements have been made to the frame’s geometry, strength and weight. Proof of this is professional cyclist and Ag2r team member John Gadret’s 8th place position in the last World Championship in Livigno.

Laboratory tests have also shown that these improvements are a big step forward, by optimizing performance without sacrificing reliability, which is essential for competition.

The frame will be available in four sizes (51, 54, 57, and 59) and in the Ag2r colors, as well as in aluminum.

The frame will be used by some of the best cyclo-cross racers such as Unai Yus, Isaac Suárez, John Gadret, Jerome Chevalier and the women cyclists Rocío Gamonal and Ruth Moll, among others.

The Aluminum frame with Carbon Fork

For more information go to:
www.bhbikes-us.com

-DSheek
Mountain Bikes are beating me up… I need cross season!

This young racer has been to the world championships three different times and this year Chance is again representing the USA in the Mens U23 world championships…

Read More about Chance and how you can help:
Chance Noble Fundraiser

Submitted by:
Dorothy Wong, Southern California Prestige Series Promoter

DSheek
Go Chance!!! His shirts are cool.

A friend sent this email from Georgia Gould, US National Mountain Bike Champion (Team Luna Bar) as she is expressing her concern for equality in sports (Cycling) with her petition:

“Hi Everyone-
Please sign my petition for equal prize money for the top-5 men and women in UCI races. Thanks, and spread the word!”
-Georgia

Link to the petition: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/equalpay/petition.html

I have heard and read a lot of conversations about equal prize money for women before but in the worlds of Surfing and Snowboarding. The bummer is it is always a controversial topic. Competitors or event promoters (men generally) remark with comments such as, Women generally have less competitors at a competition… I specifically remember reading one article with a professional snowboarder who said, “When they can go as big as the guys they can have the same…”

This is an interesting conflict so I have attached the link to the petition for those who want to get involved or if you are interested in reading a recent interview with Georgia and Velo News click the link.

Velo News: Pay Day: A conversation with Georgia Gould

-DSheek
Don’t hate me. I still can’t go as big as the women…

Look at our So Cal Cyclocross Event Coverage Section for the latest reports and results I am receiving daily as these fair weathered racers are out battling the cold, ice, and storms of Kansas City, Kansas for the US Nationals of Cyclocross.

Tonight they are expecting to receive 3-6inches of snow and racing begins again tomorrow morning in the sub 30 degree temps. Good luck ice racers!

DSheek
-If its snowing and icy give me edges!

This past weekend racing cross was fun, yet frustrating with mechanical problems in both races. The first was in the single-speed race as I was doing well and on my last lap, my chain decided to jump off my singleator (better change that product review) and cog, leaving me on the side of the course putting my chain back on and moving back to 4th place.

The second was the better of the two. I was doing well in the race and as I came around on my second to last lap my seat post snapped. I went into the dry creek bed portion of the course and came up the other side a little to fast smashing my genitals against my seat, which caused the post to snap from the force of my pelvic thrust.
The result of my thrusting was me leaping off the bike like a cat being hit with water as I flew about eight feet into the air. After a short rest, rubbing my boys and picking up my saddle. I remounted my bike carefully to finish the race (18th yes!).

I don’t mind losing but I hate Mechanicals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-DSheek
I am still icing…

THE INSIDE TRACK- Training Center at Sand Canyon Cyclery

Hello all,

Seems like most of us got off easy compared to our neighboring counties during the fires, but we’re left with air far too unhealthful to ride in. Therefore, we’re opening our brand new indoor training center, named The InsideTrack, a little early to anyone who wishes to spin a little over the next few days at no cost. As many of you know, we’ve put in ten Commercial Spin bikes, complete with computers that track heart rate,effort, and cadence, etc. Our official sessions are a week away; however, since everything is up & running, we thought we’d open it up to encourage people not to ride outside right now.

The bikes are brand new from Star-Trac, and have double-sided pedals which accept SPD-style cleats on one side, and have a flat pedal with cage on the other. Additionally, we have a few sets of Look pedals on standby, and you’re always welcome to bring your own pedals in to use as well.

This offer will remain throughout the work week, and possibly into the weekend. Spin for free, but keep others in m ind if demand is high and limit your time to one hour. We have a High Def big screen up on the wall, and plenty of fans to keep you cool. Don’t be shy – it’s a great way to check out the new set-up!

Jim Manton / Owner
www.ridetheinsidetrack.com
Sand Canyon Cyclery
jmanton@sandcanyoncyclery.com
(949) 450-9906

2007/2008 Southern California Cyclocross Prestige Series
www.socalcross.org

CLICK THE GREEN TO READ…
The Next Races are this weekend:
Saturday, October 20- Hansen Dam, Lake View Terrace, CA
SCPS #3- CICLE Cross
+
Sunday, October 21- Hansen Dam, Lake View Terrace, CA
SCPS #4- DAM CROSS **UCI (C2)**

The series has been a bunch of fun. Go to the event coverage section to read more!

-DSheek
ride, run, jump, ride+ = So Cal Cross

Since Cyclocross season has started and tires can be course specific. I found out that Jenson-Usa is having a great sale on all Hutchinson tires!

While I am not the biggest fan of their Mountain Bike Tires. The road and cross tires ride well.
MSRP: $55 Sale Price$25 Hutchinson Pirahna Cross
700x34c – ready for cyclocross season.

Last Saturday I decided to race with the big-boys, elite men, at the first Southern California Prestige Series (SCPS), cyclocross race. After a season of feeling successful mountain biking and racing my mind had me fooled thinking I could put out some real power and race up with these real racers. The result was a dominating 22 out of 30 finish, and probably 5 racers did not finish (DNF).

With this awesome display of my skills, I decided to take a couple mental health days from my bike and enjoy other exercise and sleep. But, last night I got out for an evening ride with the Monster Man Savage and we spun through some nice single-track in a secret college location to enjoy ourselves, our cross bikes, and the views.

While it was a beautiful night. I finally felt old as I rode across the college campus a few times, to get to my secret trail-of course, seeing freshman woman that looked like sixteen year-olds. I guess this big bad wolf syndrome has me thinking older/adultish, eew!

I can’t wait to ride tonight!

Me getting my but kicked, SCPS #1:

-DSheek
Enjoy the ride and outside!

Always a fun topic.

The USADA (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) wants to know what you think… of them and thoughts on doping in sports.

So, if you are a fan of Olympic sports, cycling, etc. and hate seeing things such as athletes with gargantuan Neanderthal looking muscles and foreheads, taking records away from those who actually work hard for their achievements then look at the following page and fill in the short response area with comments, ideas or suggestions.

http://www.usantidoping.org/contact/feedback.aspx

For questions related to prohibited substances, please call the USADA Drug Reference Line at 1-800-233-0393 (within the U.S.), or 1-719-785-2020 (outside the United States), or e-mail your inquiry.
Contact USADA’s Play Clean Line (1-877-752-9253 or e-mail) when you believe the integrity of your sport is compromised by doping. Tip providers can remain anonymous.

http://www.usantidoping.org/contact/feedback.aspx

And another fun site to always visit is Doperssuck.com

-DSheek
No more 12:1 EC!

Today I received the following email from USA Cycling about a recent request I made to upgrade my racing license to another level. The results explain my REJECTION! And, I also attached my response…

*Quick understanding of terms to comprehend the emails:
Cat = the group one races in
1,2,3,4 = the levels of the groups
The levels broken down into terms associated to mountain biking: 1 (pro), 2 (semi-pro), 3 (expert), 4 (sport), 5 (beginner)

The Email Contents:
Request Date: 09-07-07
Status: Closed and Denied
Date Closed: 09-12-07
Member: David Sheek
11 Urban CycloCross 5 2

SCNCA

The Response:

USA Cycling Representative,

I thought more about this rejection and want to express my concerns as I do not think my entire year of mountain bike racing and cyclocross have both been considered.

It is my understanding that the groups in mountain biking, pro, semi-pro, expert, etc, translate directly into which CAT (group) one races in cyclocross.

I read the rules and other forms which inspired me to upgrade. And, the reason why I feel like I just got dumped by the woman I was supposed to be with for the rest of my life (yuck), is because of my mountain bike racing, which is under the same license. I moved up to expert this mountain bike season, racing in a group that has finishing times close to that of semi-pro and even some pro racers in my local series. Now, if I can get my butt kicked in expert or, as I did, do well enough to finish in the top five for more than 80% of my expert races. I ask, why am I not allowed to move up to CAT 3 in cyclocross to get my butt kicked there until I learn to ride faster?

I hope this receives you well,

DSheek

Stay tuned for the next response…

-DSheek
Rejection Sucks!