The ACA Annual Meeting is right around the corner. There are a number of interesting proposals and here is one that caught our eye.

High Peaks Masters Cross Call up Policy Proposal

As the representatives for the High Peaks Masters, Team # 168, we would like to propose a revised Cylocross Call-up procedure, integrated into the Colorado Cross Cup points system.

Problem:
Under current Colorado Cup policy, ONLY Colorado Cross cup races score points and are used in Colorado Cup Races for rider staging (call-ups) This leaves all NON-cup races without a structured call up process, and an inconsistent call up/staging process race to race. To better mirror UCI cyclocross call up procedures, and provide a consistent and predictable call up process at ALL races, while still rewarding Colorado Cup Races, we are proposing a "Dual" Colorado Cup and Season Call up point system

• ALL races score points for Season Call up standings
• ONLY Colorado Cup Points races score points for Colorado Cup Standings
• Colorado Cup races score double points and over slightly more places (rewards Cup race Prestige & competitiveness)
• Points for season call up standings and Colorado Cup are tracked in 2 separate lists

From Mark Wollcott
It seems that every year there is an up-and-coming rider who puts a serious hurt on the field. In fact, I have featured a few of these riders and they seem to just take off after their first year. The next racer has been competitive athlete all of her life. Gymnastics was her sport of choice for a long time, but she actually dabbled in bike racing years ago.

She creates a new definition for the word powerful. Her time trial is something to watch. Hanging around bike shops and races, I have heard the term “wattage cottage” thrown around a few times for various parts of the anatomy. Well in this case, Angela’s entire body is ”wattage cottage”. She produces power that begins in her little toe and excellerates all the way through her helmet. And she is fun to watch.

Without Limits Productions put on the last cyclocross race of the season for 2009. It was the day after the 2009 Colorado State Cyclocross Championships and man it was cold. Without Limits Productions is putting on another race on November 21st and we caught up with Lance Panigutti and asked him a few questions about the new venue and what they have in store.

[303Cycling] This is a new cyclocross venue.  Tell us a little about the venue and the course?
[Lance] The venue at Union Reservoir is amazing!  Think of a smaller Boulder Rez with more trees and an old BMX track across the street.  The course offers a bit of everything; grass, hard packed pavement, asphalt, beach front, and the old BMX track.  The overall terrain is on the flat side so skilled riders will be turning some hot lap times. Both of us at Without Limits grew up in a BMX family back in New England, so the more banked turns, table-tops, and pump-tracks we can incorporate, the better.  

Obviously there is a fine line between any types of cycling course, but to us cyclocross is the melting pot of all of the cycling endurance sports. Part of the growth in the sport is due to so many facets of endurance disciplines coming together.  Look at the field make up and you'll see an even mix of roadies, mountain bikers, pure cyclocrossers, and (dare I say) even triathletes.

[303Cycling] I see you are using chip timing.  Any other out of the ordinary little differences you are doing from a typical Colorado cyclocross race?
[Lance] Last year at CYCLO X Boulder, we were the first cross race to bring in chip timing.  The feedback from the 80 brave souls who came out that day after States in freezing temps and 12 inches of snow was great.  Results were posted within 15min of each race and we were able to give out primes for the fastest lap split.  Operationally, chip timing also helps on the back end with results and lapped riders, especially as field sizes approach 80+. Overall, chip timing is a feature to enhance the athlete’s experience, not the foundation of a quality event.  

By avid reader, John Philips
Cyclocross is alive and kicking in the South Denver Suburbs! At BikeSource in Highlands Ranch we have a Wednesday night cyclocross ride that starts at 6pm. Hans, our store manager, begins by loading up his Surly Big Dummy cargo bike with portable barriers, his cyclocross bike and snacks from Whole Foods in Highlands Ranch (one of our awesome sponsors). We cruise over to one of several local parks and set-up a mini cross course. Once the course is ready, we do a slow lap so everyone knows the course. Then we’ll do 2-3 fast laps. To catch our breath, we relax for a few minutes and enjoy the snacks—this week it was hot apple cider and ginger snaps! After snacktime, we usually do some skill work. Hopping barriers, cornering, and transitions are commonly addressed. Some nights we’ll run another set of hot laps. We then pack up and ride casually back to the shop.
Anyone is welcome—we ride mostly cyclocross bikes but also some folks ride mtn bikes. Dress warmly, as it is getting chilly once the sun goes down. Good front and rear lights are important to see the course.