Sun, sand, surf, cyclocross: Storm the Beach 2009.
It's almost half way through cyclocross season here in Southern California, and there hasn't been any mud worth mentioning in the SoCalCross Prestige Series. Nevertheless, we can guarantee that your lust for epic racing will be sated on November 1 when the SCPS makes stop number eight in Oceanside, CA for Storm the Beach Cyclocross. Presented by Celo Pacific, Storm the Beach is patterned after the famous Duinencross race in Koksijde Belgium. Racers will be challenged by steep seaside bluffs, undulating sand dunes, high speed fire roads, and the Pacific Ocean itself as they dodge the surf for 400 meters along incoming waves. The race has been scheduled this year to coincide with low tide so that nobody will actually have to ride in the surf as has occurred previously (then again, if you want to go for a dip with your bike, we're not going to stop you). After the race, you'll be able to wash off those layers of sand, dust, and sea spray courtesy of Nomad Portable Power Cleaners. Fifteen fields across six races means that there is a skill level and an age group for every ability level. In addition, a free kids fun race will take place at 2:25 pm with prizes for all participants. If you don't want to race, come on out and watch: spectators can expect to see great racing all day long culminating in the Elite Women's race at 1:30 pm and the Elite Men's race, presented by Hoover and Nebrig, at 2:30 pm. The best cyclocross talent in the region will be chasing after SoCalCross series points and a generous prize list of $1200 in cash plus hundreds more in merchandise. Racers, make sure to sign up at SportsBaseOnline as all pre-registered individuals will be entered in a race day raffle to win a set of wheels from Revolution Wheelworks. For more information, go to www.celopacific.org