Friday, October 30, 2009
It's hit the Big Time now!
Cyclocross race must change locations after park permit pulled
A cyclocross bike race set for Saturday in West Seattle was canceled only four days before the event over what the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department calls a bureaucratic snafu.
By Marc Ramirez
Seattle Times staff reporter
A cyclocross bike race set for Saturday was canceled only four days before the event in what the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department calls a bureaucratic snafu, leaving hundreds of local cyclocross enthusiasts all revved up with no place to go — temporarily, at least.
On Tuesday, the city officially notified Seattle's Low Pressure Promotions that it was revoking its permit to hold the race at West Seattle's Lincoln Park, an event it had been planning for months.
"It's unfortunate," said Zac Daab, co-promoter of the event. "... With the timing, I don't feel like we were given any sort of recourse to either prove ourselves or to sort out from a community standpoint how to move forward."
Daab's organization was able to negotiate a last-minute venue with King County Parks, but the cyclocross community remained upset about the city's handling of the matter.
In an e-mail, Seattle parks officials cited three reasons for the permit revocation — resident complaints, the potential for damage and an earlier department decision not to allow such events at Lincoln Park after a similar event by another promoter caused "significant damage" in 2003.
Parks Department spokeswoman Dewey Potter said information about the 2003 decision was likely part of the institutional knowledge lost when a parks employee died several years ago, leaving current scheduling staff unaware.
"They were erroneous in issuing the permit for the event, basically," she said.
Asked why such important criteria regarding park usage had not been noted in writing, Potter responded: "That's a good question. This incident makes it clear that we need to do that."
Event organizers "absolutely acted in good faith," she said. "It was our mistake ... . We feel bad for the inconvenience to them and all their people."
Cyclocross is a European-based sport featuring road bikes racing on a three-kilometer course, a combination of grass, pavement and dirt.
Word of the race's cancellation set the blogosphere ablaze Tuesday, with 50 comments posted on West Seattle Blog in less than two hours.
Most were from cyclocross advocates, venting about the last-minute decision and the perception that parks officials had been swayed by a few vocal residents.
Potter said the permit was revoked not only because of resident objections but because the event, expected to draw up to 600 riders and an equal number of fans, was too large. "(Lincoln Park is) designed for small-scale recreation," she said. "It doesn't have the capacity to accommodate an event of this size."
Thus, the department's special-events committee should have been informed, she said — a rationale Daab finds mysterious since the race's expected turnout was noted on previous application materials.
The department has offered to refund $500 in fees to the group. Other venues it suggested either had unsuitable terrain or were already booked.
On Wednesday, Daab was able to negotiate terms with King County to hold the race at White Center's Lakewood Park — on Saturday, as originally scheduled.
"Typically, venues take months to confirm," he said.
A cyclocross bike race set for Saturday in West Seattle was canceled only four days before the event over what the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department calls a bureaucratic snafu.
By Marc Ramirez
Seattle Times staff reporter
A cyclocross bike race set for Saturday was canceled only four days before the event in what the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department calls a bureaucratic snafu, leaving hundreds of local cyclocross enthusiasts all revved up with no place to go — temporarily, at least.
On Tuesday, the city officially notified Seattle's Low Pressure Promotions that it was revoking its permit to hold the race at West Seattle's Lincoln Park, an event it had been planning for months.
"It's unfortunate," said Zac Daab, co-promoter of the event. "... With the timing, I don't feel like we were given any sort of recourse to either prove ourselves or to sort out from a community standpoint how to move forward."
Daab's organization was able to negotiate a last-minute venue with King County Parks, but the cyclocross community remained upset about the city's handling of the matter.
In an e-mail, Seattle parks officials cited three reasons for the permit revocation — resident complaints, the potential for damage and an earlier department decision not to allow such events at Lincoln Park after a similar event by another promoter caused "significant damage" in 2003.
Parks Department spokeswoman Dewey Potter said information about the 2003 decision was likely part of the institutional knowledge lost when a parks employee died several years ago, leaving current scheduling staff unaware.
"They were erroneous in issuing the permit for the event, basically," she said.
Asked why such important criteria regarding park usage had not been noted in writing, Potter responded: "That's a good question. This incident makes it clear that we need to do that."
Event organizers "absolutely acted in good faith," she said. "It was our mistake ... . We feel bad for the inconvenience to them and all their people."
Cyclocross is a European-based sport featuring road bikes racing on a three-kilometer course, a combination of grass, pavement and dirt.
Word of the race's cancellation set the blogosphere ablaze Tuesday, with 50 comments posted on West Seattle Blog in less than two hours.
Most were from cyclocross advocates, venting about the last-minute decision and the perception that parks officials had been swayed by a few vocal residents.
Potter said the permit was revoked not only because of resident objections but because the event, expected to draw up to 600 riders and an equal number of fans, was too large. "(Lincoln Park is) designed for small-scale recreation," she said. "It doesn't have the capacity to accommodate an event of this size."
Thus, the department's special-events committee should have been informed, she said — a rationale Daab finds mysterious since the race's expected turnout was noted on previous application materials.
The department has offered to refund $500 in fees to the group. Other venues it suggested either had unsuitable terrain or were already booked.
On Wednesday, Daab was able to negotiate terms with King County to hold the race at White Center's Lakewood Park — on Saturday, as originally scheduled.
"Typically, venues take months to confirm," he said.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Another Doping Incident
Swanguen suspended
By VeloNews.com
Published: Oct. 20, 2009
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency announced Tuesday that downhill racer J.D. Swanguen has accepted a three-month suspension from competition after testing positive for a metabolite of marijuana at this year’s national championships.
A urine sample provided by the 20-year-old Swanguen at the USA Cycling national mountain bike championships on July 19 of this year tested positive for Carboxy THC, a metabolite of cannabis.
Swanguen accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, which began on October 9, 2009, the day he accepted the sanction. As part of his sanction, the period of ineligibility can be suspended and reduced to time served since he accepted his sanction on October 9, 2009, upon completion of a USADA anti-doping educational program.
Swanguen has also been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on the date of his positive test, through and including the date the doping education program is completed.
Riding as a junior, Swanguen was a silver medalist at the 2007 world championships and competed as an elite rider in 2008, finishing 33rd.
By VeloNews.com
Published: Oct. 20, 2009
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency announced Tuesday that downhill racer J.D. Swanguen has accepted a three-month suspension from competition after testing positive for a metabolite of marijuana at this year’s national championships.
A urine sample provided by the 20-year-old Swanguen at the USA Cycling national mountain bike championships on July 19 of this year tested positive for Carboxy THC, a metabolite of cannabis.
Swanguen accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, which began on October 9, 2009, the day he accepted the sanction. As part of his sanction, the period of ineligibility can be suspended and reduced to time served since he accepted his sanction on October 9, 2009, upon completion of a USADA anti-doping educational program.
Swanguen has also been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on the date of his positive test, through and including the date the doping education program is completed.
Riding as a junior, Swanguen was a silver medalist at the 2007 world championships and competed as an elite rider in 2008, finishing 33rd.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
In case you haven't heard, one of our own has turned pro. Local rider and Cycle U coach Adrian Hegyvary signed with OUCH! and will be making his pro debut this Spring alongside Tim Johnson and Floyd Landis.
Adrian will be giving a talk at the new West Seattle Cycle U Grand Opening on November 7th at 6pm. He will be giving a presentation on the keys to his breakout season that led to his pro contract. Free and open to the public.
This location was a Chrysler showroom and is now a full service Specialized shop with wattage based training center. 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW. Plenty of parking and right off the West Seattle freeway. Open house prior from noon-6pm. Hope you can come celebrate another great homegrown success story.
Adrian will be giving a talk at the new West Seattle Cycle U Grand Opening on November 7th at 6pm. He will be giving a presentation on the keys to his breakout season that led to his pro contract. Free and open to the public.
This location was a Chrysler showroom and is now a full service Specialized shop with wattage based training center. 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW. Plenty of parking and right off the West Seattle freeway. Open house prior from noon-6pm. Hope you can come celebrate another great homegrown success story.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Jackass
LA road rage trial begins. Prosecutors play a 911 recording, the defense calls it an unfortunate accident.
By Patrick Brady
Published: Oct. 19, 2009
After one cyclist slammed into the rear of his car and vaulted over it into oncoming traffic, and another crashed through his rear window, Dr. Christopher Thomas Thompson called 911 and told the operator, “They’ll tell you they are seriously injured, but they’re not.”
Prosecutors presented a recording of the call on Friday during the opening day of testimony in Thompson's trial on assault with a dangerous weapon and other charges. The trial continues Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Prosecutors say Thompson, 60, a former ER doctor, purposefully braked in front of the two riders as they descended Mandeville Canyon Road on July 4, 2008.
Cyclist Christian Stoehr hit the back of Thompson's Infiniti sedan and went over the top into the other lane. His injuries included a grade-3 shoulder separation and road rash. Ron Peterson went through the rear window; the impact broke his nose, nearly severing it, and shattered several of his teeth. More than 90 stitches were required to reattach his nose.
In opening statements Friday, Thompson's defense attorney Peter Swarth said the collision was an unfortunate accident and not the result of any intentional action. He said Dr. Thompson had been saving lives for more than 30 years and would never deliberately hurt anyone. He told the jury there are two sides to every story and insisted that the facts of the case would exonerate his client, provided jurors kept open minds and didn’t decide the case prematurely.
Earlier incidents will be examined
District Attorney Mary Stone promised jurors that she would present evidence about the Fourth of July incident, including the tape of the 911 call, in which Thompson can be heard telling one of the cyclists to get his bike out of the road before downplaying the extent of their injuries. Stone told jurors she would also present evidence from two prior episodes on the same road, allegedly involving Thompson, the owner of a medical records company who lives on the road.
Mandeville Canyon Road is a two-lane, dead-end street in the Los Angeles suburb of Brentwood. It's popular with cyclists who want a climb with relatively little traffic.
In both prior incidents, the cyclists described a driver in a car similar to Thompson's and in one case the cyclist recorded the car's license plate number, which matched Thompson's.
The first incident involved car buff and casual cyclist Patrick Early. Early was riding up the hill in winter 2008 when he said someone resembling Thompson approached from behind, swung close and shouted at him, “Get the fuck off the road.” Early replied “Fuck you,” and says the driver hit his brakes, stopping short. Because Early was traveling uphill, he was able to stop without running into the back of the car. He reported the incident only after reading about Peterson and Stoehr's incident in the Los Angeles Times. Early told the prosecutor he felt remorse for not contacting the police at the time of the incident.
The second incident occurred in March 2008 when cyclists Patrick Watson and Josh Crosby were passed from behind by a car resembling Thompson's. After shouting at them, the driver allegedly hit his brakes and stopped, forcing Crosby into the oncoming traffic lane while Watson bunny hopped over the curb and rode into a yard.
The Fourth of July ride
Peterson and Stoehr had taken part in a Fourth of July group ride and were descending behind the rest of the group after assisting another cyclist who had fallen and waiting for paramedics to arrive.
They say Thompson approached the duo at speed in a late-model burgundy Infiniti sedan and honked at them before pulling alongside and telling them to ride single file. After a brief exchange of words, the cyclists say, Thompson pulled ahead of them and then stopped short.
Thompson is charged with two felony counts each of assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, battery with serious bodily injury and the added enhancement of causing great bodily injury. The reckless driving charge is related to the March, 2008, incident. The other charges are related to the July 4 incident.
Opening Testimony
Opening testimony came from Stoehr. Stone asked him a number of questions about his expertise as a cyclist, when he began racing, when he hired a coach, the attraction of riding on Mandeville Canyon, the nature of the road, the location of the crash and Thompson’s actions leading up to, during and following the crash. Swarth made four objections about testimony lacking foundation and each time Judge Scott Millington overruled the objection.
Swarth, on cross examination, tried to suggest that the cyclists involved in the Fourth of July holiday ride “took over the road.” Stone objected to the characterization, and the judge sustained the objection.
What followed was a lengthy discussion about Stoehr’s level of experience, whether his bike was in proper working order, how brakes work on a bicycle and the distances involved in the accident: how far Stoehr was behind Peterson at the time Thompson stopped, how much room Thomspon left as he passed them and how much room Peterson and Stoehr took up in the traffic lane as they descended. On several occasions Judge Millington had to admonish Swarth to allow Stoehr to finish answering a question before asking another.
Testimony ended early as a juror had to leave court for a funeral. Testimony will resume with Stoehr, followed by Peterson on Monday at 10:30 a.m. PST.
By Patrick Brady
Published: Oct. 19, 2009
After one cyclist slammed into the rear of his car and vaulted over it into oncoming traffic, and another crashed through his rear window, Dr. Christopher Thomas Thompson called 911 and told the operator, “They’ll tell you they are seriously injured, but they’re not.”
Prosecutors presented a recording of the call on Friday during the opening day of testimony in Thompson's trial on assault with a dangerous weapon and other charges. The trial continues Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Prosecutors say Thompson, 60, a former ER doctor, purposefully braked in front of the two riders as they descended Mandeville Canyon Road on July 4, 2008.
Cyclist Christian Stoehr hit the back of Thompson's Infiniti sedan and went over the top into the other lane. His injuries included a grade-3 shoulder separation and road rash. Ron Peterson went through the rear window; the impact broke his nose, nearly severing it, and shattered several of his teeth. More than 90 stitches were required to reattach his nose.
In opening statements Friday, Thompson's defense attorney Peter Swarth said the collision was an unfortunate accident and not the result of any intentional action. He said Dr. Thompson had been saving lives for more than 30 years and would never deliberately hurt anyone. He told the jury there are two sides to every story and insisted that the facts of the case would exonerate his client, provided jurors kept open minds and didn’t decide the case prematurely.
Earlier incidents will be examined
District Attorney Mary Stone promised jurors that she would present evidence about the Fourth of July incident, including the tape of the 911 call, in which Thompson can be heard telling one of the cyclists to get his bike out of the road before downplaying the extent of their injuries. Stone told jurors she would also present evidence from two prior episodes on the same road, allegedly involving Thompson, the owner of a medical records company who lives on the road.
Mandeville Canyon Road is a two-lane, dead-end street in the Los Angeles suburb of Brentwood. It's popular with cyclists who want a climb with relatively little traffic.
In both prior incidents, the cyclists described a driver in a car similar to Thompson's and in one case the cyclist recorded the car's license plate number, which matched Thompson's.
The first incident involved car buff and casual cyclist Patrick Early. Early was riding up the hill in winter 2008 when he said someone resembling Thompson approached from behind, swung close and shouted at him, “Get the fuck off the road.” Early replied “Fuck you,” and says the driver hit his brakes, stopping short. Because Early was traveling uphill, he was able to stop without running into the back of the car. He reported the incident only after reading about Peterson and Stoehr's incident in the Los Angeles Times. Early told the prosecutor he felt remorse for not contacting the police at the time of the incident.
The second incident occurred in March 2008 when cyclists Patrick Watson and Josh Crosby were passed from behind by a car resembling Thompson's. After shouting at them, the driver allegedly hit his brakes and stopped, forcing Crosby into the oncoming traffic lane while Watson bunny hopped over the curb and rode into a yard.
The Fourth of July ride
Peterson and Stoehr had taken part in a Fourth of July group ride and were descending behind the rest of the group after assisting another cyclist who had fallen and waiting for paramedics to arrive.
They say Thompson approached the duo at speed in a late-model burgundy Infiniti sedan and honked at them before pulling alongside and telling them to ride single file. After a brief exchange of words, the cyclists say, Thompson pulled ahead of them and then stopped short.
Thompson is charged with two felony counts each of assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, battery with serious bodily injury and the added enhancement of causing great bodily injury. The reckless driving charge is related to the March, 2008, incident. The other charges are related to the July 4 incident.
Opening Testimony
Opening testimony came from Stoehr. Stone asked him a number of questions about his expertise as a cyclist, when he began racing, when he hired a coach, the attraction of riding on Mandeville Canyon, the nature of the road, the location of the crash and Thompson’s actions leading up to, during and following the crash. Swarth made four objections about testimony lacking foundation and each time Judge Scott Millington overruled the objection.
Swarth, on cross examination, tried to suggest that the cyclists involved in the Fourth of July holiday ride “took over the road.” Stone objected to the characterization, and the judge sustained the objection.
What followed was a lengthy discussion about Stoehr’s level of experience, whether his bike was in proper working order, how brakes work on a bicycle and the distances involved in the accident: how far Stoehr was behind Peterson at the time Thompson stopped, how much room Thomspon left as he passed them and how much room Peterson and Stoehr took up in the traffic lane as they descended. On several occasions Judge Millington had to admonish Swarth to allow Stoehr to finish answering a question before asking another.
Testimony ended early as a juror had to leave court for a funeral. Testimony will resume with Stoehr, followed by Peterson on Monday at 10:30 a.m. PST.
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Sunday, October 18, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Race Across the Sky - One Day Only!
Race Across The Sky - Leadville Trail 100
10/22/2009
EVENT OVERVIEW
On October 22nd, experience a One Night Event in movie theatres nationwide featuring the debut of “Race Across the Sky” – a documentary covering the 2009 Leadville Trail 100 bike race, one of the most intense endurance races of all time - and candid conversations with Lance Armstrong, Chris Carmichael, Dave Wiens, and other elite and amateur cyclists who overcame extreme challenges to participate in this grueling race.
Race Across the Sky – Leadville Trail 100, featuring Lance Armstrong, Dave Wiens and other elite and amateur cyclists on October 22nd at 8:00pm ET/ 7:00pm CT/ 6:00pm MT/ with tape delay to 8:00pm PT.
This one night event will feature a panel discussion with Lance Armstrong, Chris Carmichael (owner of Carmichael Training Systems and Lance Armstrong’s coach), Dave Wiens (6x Leadville 100 winner), Ken Chlouber (Leadville Trail 100 Founder), Travis Brown (Olympian and professional mountain biker), and others before and after the debut of the documentary “Race Across the Sky”.
Playing at:
AMC Pacific Place 11
600 PINE ST
SEATTLE, WA 98101
206-652-8908
Vandenbroucke Dies
Belgian dies on holiday in Senegal
Frank Vandenbroucke has died while on holiday in Senegal. Reports in Belgium have said that 34-year-old Belgian cyclist was found in his hotel room and that early reports indicate that he died of a blood clot.
Vandenbroucke was out of contract after leaving Cinelli-Down Under but was looking for a team in 2010 just a few weeks ago.
He turned pro in 1994 with Lotto and won an epic Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 1999, along with two stages in the Vuelta that year. In a two-year winning streak he also won Paris-Nice, Het Volk and Gent-Wevelgem riding for Mapei and Cofidis.
However, his career was not without controversy. He was questioned by police for drunk driving and possession of doping products and despite numerous comebacks he never reached the heights of 1999. He also suffered from depression and tried to commit suicide after his wife said she would divorce him.
Nevertheless, reactions from his friends, family as well as the press suggest that Vandenbroucke was in good shape and spirits lately. He had worked as a consultant for Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad at the World Championships in Mendrisio, hoping to get a contract with a team for 2010.
"I'm satisfied with this year," he told reporters of the paper last week. "I understand that the teams are reluctant to give me another chence, because I carry this past with me. But I think I proved this year that even without a monthly salary, I am still able to live a 100 percent for pro cycling."
His mother, Chantal Vanruymbeke, confirmed that he felt good lately. According to Belgian media, her last contact with her son was on Sunday evening, when he called from his holiday location.
"He was very excited and happy. Mama, he said, I am in the most beautiful hotel in Senegal. He gave me his hotel room number so that we could speak on the phone in the next few days. I was so happy that we had found our son back this year after ten difficult years. And now this. This is surreal. Irreversible," she said.
Frank Vandenbroucke has died while on holiday in Senegal. Reports in Belgium have said that 34-year-old Belgian cyclist was found in his hotel room and that early reports indicate that he died of a blood clot.
Vandenbroucke was out of contract after leaving Cinelli-Down Under but was looking for a team in 2010 just a few weeks ago.
He turned pro in 1994 with Lotto and won an epic Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 1999, along with two stages in the Vuelta that year. In a two-year winning streak he also won Paris-Nice, Het Volk and Gent-Wevelgem riding for Mapei and Cofidis.
However, his career was not without controversy. He was questioned by police for drunk driving and possession of doping products and despite numerous comebacks he never reached the heights of 1999. He also suffered from depression and tried to commit suicide after his wife said she would divorce him.
Nevertheless, reactions from his friends, family as well as the press suggest that Vandenbroucke was in good shape and spirits lately. He had worked as a consultant for Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad at the World Championships in Mendrisio, hoping to get a contract with a team for 2010.
"I'm satisfied with this year," he told reporters of the paper last week. "I understand that the teams are reluctant to give me another chence, because I carry this past with me. But I think I proved this year that even without a monthly salary, I am still able to live a 100 percent for pro cycling."
His mother, Chantal Vanruymbeke, confirmed that he felt good lately. According to Belgian media, her last contact with her son was on Sunday evening, when he called from his holiday location.
"He was very excited and happy. Mama, he said, I am in the most beautiful hotel in Senegal. He gave me his hotel room number so that we could speak on the phone in the next few days. I was so happy that we had found our son back this year after ten difficult years. And now this. This is surreal. Irreversible," she said.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Election Update
Mallahan opposes completing the Missing Link (from Cascade Bicycle Club)
General election ballots will start mailing this week. Did you know where the Seattle Mayoral candidates stand on completing the missing link of the Burke-Gilman Trail?
Anti-trail backers are pouring money into Mallahan’s campaign. Mike McGinn shares Cascade’s vision of a livable, bikable city. What’s it worth to you to make Seattle a more bike-friendly city? Get more involved. And please consider how voting your pedals can make a difference this election.
On the King County level, Dow Constantine was by far the best candidate in a field of eight when it comes to bicycling and land use issues. Constantine proposed fast-tracking the purchase of the BNSF eastside right of way and the immediate construction of a multi-use trail on the rail bed. Throughout his interview with a Cascade panel, Dow drew comparisons between the active work of the Cascade Bicycle Club and policies and programs he would pursue as executive. Candidate Sue Hutchison did not return our calls or emails. Still, the race is close. If you're a King County resident, a couple of hours of your time to support the Dow Constantine campaign would be a big help.
General election ballots will start mailing this week. Did you know where the Seattle Mayoral candidates stand on completing the missing link of the Burke-Gilman Trail?
Anti-trail backers are pouring money into Mallahan’s campaign. Mike McGinn shares Cascade’s vision of a livable, bikable city. What’s it worth to you to make Seattle a more bike-friendly city? Get more involved. And please consider how voting your pedals can make a difference this election.
On the King County level, Dow Constantine was by far the best candidate in a field of eight when it comes to bicycling and land use issues. Constantine proposed fast-tracking the purchase of the BNSF eastside right of way and the immediate construction of a multi-use trail on the rail bed. Throughout his interview with a Cascade panel, Dow drew comparisons between the active work of the Cascade Bicycle Club and policies and programs he would pursue as executive. Candidate Sue Hutchison did not return our calls or emails. Still, the race is close. If you're a King County resident, a couple of hours of your time to support the Dow Constantine campaign would be a big help.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Possibly the oldest XC event around here....
23 Years running and I never won the raffle!
This annual event features biking opportunities for everybody: cross country races, road rides of 35, 70, or 100 miles through some of North Central Washington’s most inviting scenery, and awesome mountain bike rides for different skill levels and ages. A kid's race and a bike rodeo for riders ten years and under make this a wonderful family event.
Events, Food, Music, Contests, & Exhibits
Friday, October 2
Self Guided Rides all day long
Free maps are available at Winthrop Mountain Sports, the MVSTA office, Methow Cycle & Sport and Sun Mountain Lodge Activities Shop.
Cycling Film Night, 7:00 p.m. at the Twisp River Pub. Enjoy a meal or just the film at this Valley favorite eatery and watering hole. The movie is free.
Saturday, October 3
Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. at the Winthrop Barn
Fuel up for a day of mountain bike and road riding! $6.00 adult, (9 and older); $4.00 children (8 and under). Everyone is welcome. Purchase tickets at check-in Friday, or at the door. A fundraiser for the Methow Valley Junior Nordic Team.
Bike 101 Repair Clinic - Saturday, 2:00 - 3:00pm at the Winthrop park.
Participants will learn to change a flat tire by either patching the tube or replacing the tube, as well as how to repair a broken chain. Bring your bike and—if you have them—a chain tool, spare tube, patch kit and tire levers. Clinic is limited to 15 participants. Register online, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Friday at Methow Cycle & Sport, or 7:00 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Saturday at the Winthrop Barn. Cost: $10.00
Road Rides, All weekend long
Come and explore the Methow and lower Okanogan Valleys on your bike. Free road maps will be provided all weekend long with detailed course map directions. Choose from three routes:
The first loup of the Tour de Methow travels along the Chewuch River, followed by an out and back along the Methow River to Twisp (35 miles) or to Carlton (70 miles) on scenic county roads. Click here for the map and directions.
Or use your pedal power on the Tour d' Okanogan Century. The 100-mile route meanders from Winthrop to Twisp, up over the Loup Loup Mountain Pass (4300’) into Malott, down to Brewster and back up the valley to Winthrop. Click here for the map and directions.
Buck Mountain Ride, Depart Saturday, 8:30 a.m., from the Winthrop Barn
For the Buck Mountain Ride, you and your bike are chauffeured Methow-style to the top of the pass. The ride is 25 miles with some technically challenging sections. Register online, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Friday at Methow Cycle & Sport or 7:00-8:15 a.m. Saturday at the Winthrop Barn. Cost: $40.00. Registration fee includes transportation of the rider and bicycle to the start of the ride, guided ride and food stop. Click here for the map.
Mazama Ride, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. start from Brown’s Farm. Great 15 mile ride on the valley floor for riders of all ages not wanting to climb single track. Riders meet at Brown’s Farm (Wolf Creed Road, just off highway 20) to ride the Community Trail over the suspension bridge, up to Goat Creek, down into the Mazama Junction for a small food stop at the community club. From there, you’ll ride out to Jack’s Hut at Wilson Ranch before pedaling back to your car. Register online, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Saturday at Methow Cycle & Sport or 7:00-8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Winthrop Barn. Cost: $20.00. Registration fee includes guided ride and food stop.
Food, Beer Garden, Exhibitors, and Contests, Saturday, 1:00-5:00 p.m. and the Winthrop Barn and Park. Recover from the day’s activities and whet your appetite for dinner. Everyone is invited to enjoy food, drink and cycling exhibitors at the Winthrop Park. Visit exhibitors and vendors Kona, Winthrop Mountain Sports, Curtlo, MVSTA, Methow Cycle & Sport, Black Diamond, Shimano, Hutchinson, and Methow Time, among others. Beer from Twisp River Pub and food from award-winning Piggy D's BBQ available for purchase.
Kids' Rodeo, Saturday, 2:00 p.m. start at the Winthrop Park
A favorite for the budding bike rider. Come to the Winthrop Park and put your bike through the many challenges offered to kids 8 years or younger. Snacks and goodie bags for all participants, sponsored by Winthrop KOA. Helmets are required and will be available for purchase at discounted prices, compliments of Aero Methow. Free. No need to pre-register; just show up.
Mountain Bike Beginner Skills Clinic, Saturday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., at the Winthrop Park
Participants will learn basic bike handling skills involving balance, body position, braking, climbing and riding over small obstacles. After some building exercises, we’ll take a short ride and put the new skills into practice. Bring a helmet, bike, gloves and water. Clinic is limited to 20 participants. Register online, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday at Methow Cycle & Sport or 7:00 a.m. 3:45 p.m. Saturday at the Winthrop Barn. Cost: $20.
Evening Cuban Concert with the SuperSones
Unclip and unwind on Saturday, October 3rd with the SuperSones at the Winthrop Barn. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for food and drink, and the family-friendly concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a local opener followed by the SuperSones at 8:00 p.m. The SuperSones play the sublime music known as Son - the acoustic dance music of the Cuban countryside that inspired modern Salsa. Son is a unique blend of Spanish guitars and harmony, Afro-Cuban percussion and swing, call-and-response singing and trumpet improvisation. From the 1930's in Havana to the present moment, Cuban septets like SuperSones have inspired people around the world to dance and celebrate. $15.00 suggested donation at the door, students $5.00. Pre-schoolers are free. For more information check out the Methow Arts website.
Sunday, October 4
Cross Country Races: Sunday, 9:00 a.m. start at Sun Mountain's Chickadee Trailhead. Races for all ages and skill levels. Choose from Beginner, one lap; Sport, two laps; and the Expert, three laps of a course with varied terrain. Each lap is approximately 11 miles. Register online, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Friday at Methow Cycle & Sport, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the Winthrop Barn, or beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sunday at the Chickadee Trailhead. All registration must be completed 1 hour prior to start time. Cost: $25.00 adults ; $20.00 juniors (17 years and younger).
Click here for the map
Kids' Cross Country: Sunday, 11:45 a.m. start at Sun Mountain's Chickadee Trailhead.
For budding racers 12 years and younger. Choose from one of two courses depending on ability. Prizes for all participants are awarded at the conclusion of the race. Register online, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Friday at Methow Cycle & Sport, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the Winthrop Barn, or beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sunday at the Chickadee Trailhead. Cost is $10.00.
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Schedule
Friday, October 2
All Day Long: Self-Guided Rides (maps provided) Maps available at Winthrop Mountain Sports, the MVSTA office, Methow Cycle & Sport and Sun Mountain Lodge Activities Shop.
3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Registration and packet pick-up at Methow Cycle & Sport
8:00 p.m. Film Night at the Twisp River Pub
Saturday: October 3
7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast at the Winthrop Barn
7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Registration and packet pick-up at the Winthrop Barn for most events: Mountain Bike Rides, Kids’ Rodeo and Cross Country Races
8:30 a.m. Buck Mountain Ride loads up and leaves from the Winthrop Barn
9:00 a.m. Mazama Ride leaves from Brown’s Farm at Wolf Creek Rd & Hwy 20
All day long: self-guided rides. Maps available at Methow Cycle & Sport, Winthrop Mountain Sports, MVSTA, Winthrop Barn and Sun Mountain Lodge Activities Shop
1:00-5:00 p.m. Beer Garden, Food (11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) and Exhibitors
2:00 p.m. Kids' Rodeo at the Winthrop Park
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Bike 101 Repair Clinic at the Winthrop Park
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Mountain Bike Beginner Skills Clinic at the Winthrop Park
6:30 p.m. Super Sones at the Winthrop Barn
Sunday: October 4 : Cross Country Mountain Bike Races
7:30 a.m. Registration and packet pick-up begins at Chickadee Day Lodge, Sun Mountain
9:00 a.m. Cross Country races begin (see below)
9:00 a.m. Beginner & Junior Cross Country Race Begins
10:00 a.m. Sport Cross Country Race Begins
11:30 a.m. Expert Cross Country Race Begins
11:45 a.m. Kids' Cross Country Race Begins
2:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony & Raffle drawing for custom Curtlo frame
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Registration
Online Registration is now available.
On-Site registration and packet pick-up for pre-registered participants available:
* Friday from 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. at Methow Cycle & Sport
* Saturday from 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn
* Sunday beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Sun Mountain's Chickadee Day Lodge
General Info:
AWARDS AND RANDOM PRIZES
The awards ceremony will be held at the conclusion of each mountain bike race. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each 10 year age group division for adults, two year age groups for juniors and "kids". Random prizes will be given at the conclusion of each award ceremonies.
FESTIVAL T-SHIRTS
Tee-shirts and Methow Olympic Festival bike socks will be on sale throughout the festival.
HEAD PROTECTION IS A MUST…. ANSI HELMETS REQUIRED
INFORMATION: call the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association @509-996-3287 or e-mail us at events@mvsta.com
RACE RESULTS: posted upon the conclusion of each race at the finish line and on our results page on Sunday, October 4.
NO CAMPING AT SUN MOUNTAIN OR CHICKADEE PARKING LOT: Go to www.methownet.com/recreation.html for camping information.
DOGS: Dogs must be on a leash at Chickadee Trailhead.
RAFFLE: A custom CURTLO bike frame, made by local resident, Doug Curtiss will be given away on Sunday at the conclusion of the last race. You do not need to be a participant of the bike festival to enter this raffle. Tickets are available starting September 1 at the MVSTA office in Winthrop until Friday, October 2 at noon or at any of the race registration venues throughout the weekend. Tickets cost $2.50 each or 5 for $10.00. Odds of winning depend on the number of tickets sold. Sponsored by CURTLO bikes and the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS, BECAUSE THEY SUPPORT THE BIKE FESTIVAL. THANKS!
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