October 31/12 21:53 pm - Crosstoberfest - Cross on the Rock #5 Report & Results (B.C.)

Posted by Editoress on 10/31/12
 

It was a perfect storm of weather conditions in Ladysmith: warm, sun, and still a pretty sloppy, slippy course for the fifth race in the series at Transfer Beach for Crosstoberfest. The leading days had been quite rainy, but 208 Island racers enjoyed another day of racing, and that number is the second-most populated race in our history to date. What is in the Island's water supply that is driving so many to ride knobby tires on the grass??

This year's course at Transfer Beach was shortened from the monster 74 km-per-lap course last year, to a more manageable 2.3 kilometres, but also featured a bit more elevation than our typical courses, with about 16 metres of elevation each lap. This year, the start was on a 500 metre paved section, with a sharp left turn onto a descent, which promised chaos for pretty much every group's start. Mostly on grass with some pavement and a couple sand pits - one you hit atop a climb, the other at the bottom of a descent. Both made for good spectating. No giant log to scramble over this year, but the finish line was controversial with a slippery, off-camber hairpin turn that led to twin barriers, and the line a metre beyond that. You definitely wanted to come out of the mini-whirl in the lead.

Photos by Patrick Burnham

Beginners

The the Beginner's field featured 10 women. Danielle Lapointe (Gold River Roor Riders) finished with a good lead, improving on her previous second place finish, and a good sign for her to move up! The Beginner Men's field was huge, with 35 starters, and the fastest of them all was 15 year old Damien Parlee, making this three wins for the season, impressive given the size and depth of the field. Perhaps our youngest-ever racer (full course racing) was here as well; Luke Hubner finished his first Cross on the Rock Beginner's race!

Intermediate

On the women's side, Shelby Harlen (OBB Westshore) cashed in her chips from three third-place finishes, to win her first race, and another huge field with 27 starters!

The largest field was the Intermediate Men with 50 starters, and in a sprint finish over the barriers Pelle Gustavs (Sooke Mountain Club) took his second consecutive win.

In the series standings, after five races (and two remaining), Single-Speeder Seana Wright (Alberni SingleSpeeders / Ozzies Cycles) is in first place with 136 points. Not far behind with 106 and 104 points are Cristin Schlossberger (IRC) and Sylvia Storry (ProCity Racing), respectively. The Men's story is similar, with another Single-Speeder at the top of the heap. Parker Blook (Stuckylife) having earned 135 points, but much closer are 15 year old Joel Taylor (VAC/ProCity) with 123 points and Pelle with 116 points. With two races (including double points) and "the drop" coming, this series is far from decided.

Masters Men

The World's Fastest Man, Sam Whittingham (Team Naked), showed good leg speed (on a single-speed) off the sand flats, winning the day's race! He was seen later in the day in the Expert race sporting a huge wig and diapers, though this time on a purple Kona!

The tides have turned on the single-speeder in the series tho, as Sam is currently sitting in second place in the Master's field with 127 points. Captain Second, Sean Cruickshank (ProCity Racing), finishing as the bridesmaid for the fourth time this season, but holds the series lead with 133 points. Peter Wellsman (ProCity Racing) is further back with 98 points, but holds the distinction of being the top 50+ rider.

Open Women

It's no surprise Dawn Anderson (Oak Bay Bikes) once again topped the field, so we'll celebrate second-place finisher Joele Guynup's (Condo Group) effort, out-sprinting Janna Gillick (MIVA) who had glued herself to Joele's wheel for nearly the entire race.

Looking at the overall series, it closely resembles the race finish, with Dawn at a comfortable 145 points, Janna in second at 122 points, and Joele just behind with 107 points. Also joining the 100 point Club is Jen Erlendson (Tripleshot) - dressed as a fairy, she must have granted her own wish this race! Oddly, there are no Single-Speed riders in the Open Women's field.

Expert

On the Men's side, road sprinter Tyler Trace (Trek Red Truck) opened a large gap off the top and held it in his first visit to the series this year, tho Craig Richey (SponsorConnected.com p/b Ridley) valiantly worked his way up to finish 20 seconds back, and Raphael Lalumiere (Russ Hay's) earned his first ever podium visit in the series. Expert riders, but not men; deserving mention are Mical Dyck (Pro City Racing - Stans No Tubes) and Wendy Simms (Kona) finishing 15th and 18th, respectfully. Respect!!

Consistent riding is paying off for Kelly Guest (Marin), who continues to lead the series with 130 points. Seven points separate second through fourth, who are all gunning for the series honor as well, with Thomas Skinner (Oak Bay Bikes) with 112 points, Raphael at 110 and Jamie Cameron (ProCity Racing) at 105 points. Any of them could potentially take the series, given that the final race is worth double points.

Unofficial CotR videographer Pelle's video is already live Here.

Our thanks goes out to event organizers Tara and Mike Pollock and the Cowichan Valley Cycling Club.

Special thanks from the event organizer to all of the volunteers that helped out at Crosstoberfest Ladysmith! This event would not have been as successful if it was not for the commitment, creativity, and tenacity of this fantastic group of individuals! The rain and wind were intense for the set up crew that attended on Saturday night. They all came back for more, expecting the same on Sunday. Thank you! Thank you to each of you for giving up the sunniest day of the week to help make this event as good as it was. Thanks to Wolf Brewing Company for your generosity and for making history in the Cross on the Rock series...first beer garden!

More specifically, thank you to...

Kevin Knock
Gracie Knock (and friend for the scary pumpkin)
Trevor Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Dutton
Sue Glenn (amazing advocate and organizer)
Tiffany Chapman (and Finnegan)
Jen and Chris Day
Tom Rozendaal
Natalie Jones
Sarah Chapman
Rhiannon Biotini
Lindsay and Paul Ellis
Garry Robinson
Brian Kuhn
Ron and Rhea Hewittson
Sandra Beggs
Andrea Robson
Barbara Altimas
Dean and Jen Lewis
Hilary Grant
Mike (whirly whirl creator extraordinaire!)
Roland and Katie
Norm

Thanks to our sponsors and their amazing support:

The Town of Ladysmith
Cowichan Cycles
Wolf Brewing Company
Bouma Meats
The Drumroaster
Cycle Therapy
Experience Cycling

Next CotR race is back in Victoria on November 11th, with the Binab Grand Prix at Western Speedway, where the series will see the return of a fly-over!

Report courtesy Dave Shishkoff

Series standings after 5

Results