This January, Cyclocross Nationals come to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. The event kicks off with packet pick up and course inspection on January 4, and concludes January 10 with the Elite Men’s race. We’ll be on hand to provide you the most in-depth coverage around—results, full race reports, pro bike profiles, photos, videos and more.
While the race action is the focal point of the weekend, Shop Kitty Productions had the idea to give racers, families and support crews an ability to cut loose, all while raising money for a good cause—the Asheville Foam Party. Shop Kitty provided us a press release with more info on what is shaping up to be a great event for a good cause. CXM was at the Louisville foam party, and if Asheville is even half as fun, you’re in for a good time—and don’t worry, there probably won’t be foam.
Jeremy Powers and crew were out in full force at the Louisville Foam Party, will they make their return to Asheville? © William Huston
By Shop Kitty Productions
In January, the City of Asheville will host the 2016 Cyclocross National Championships. Organizers expect the five-day event, scheduled for Jan. 6-10, to draw spectators and elite racers from across the country, including areas like New England, Portland, Oregon, Boulder, Colorado, and Louisville, Kentucky.
When Shop Kitty Productions owner, Megan Archer, found out Asheville would be hosting the event, she immediately started brainstorming about what she could do to lend a hand. “So many people have provided me the means to ride and race bikes, and I’ve always wanted to be able to give back. I’ve never had the luxury of donating money, but I’m really good with people and projects, so I started thinking outside the box”.
The Cyclocross World Championships came to Louisville, Kentucky in 2013, and a handful of ‘cross fanatics started an internet joke that there would be a “Louisville Foam Party” proceeding the race. The joke continued by proclaiming well-known American racer, Jeremy Powers, “might DJ”. As the internet rumor spread, pranksters realized the party needed to happen, and decided transform the joke into a reality. Jeremy Powers DJ’d and racers and spectators from all over the world joined together on the dancefloor that night. The biggest joke of them all? There wasn’t actually foam.
“The 2016 Asheville Foam Party started with a $10 bill and an idea,” Archer says. “I wrote up a sponsorship proposal and started sending out emails to everyone I knew in the cycling industry. I decided to start my own business [Shop Kitty Productions] and make myself a legitimate event planner. I wanted to create an after party that would cater to the Nationals crowd, bring together racers, and raise money for a local non-profit. I felt like I had finally found the golden ticket.” The benefiting non-profit, Trips for Kids WNC, offers bicycling opportunities for local school-aged children.
The Asheville Foam Party, Presented by Bike Law, will be held at New Mountain Asheville (located at 38 N. French Broad Avenue) on January 10th, 2016. Major sponsors include Cyclocross Magazine, DeFeet International and NEXT Wheels, as well as locals Asheville Cyclocross and Cane Creek Cycling Components.
The after party will follow up the Elite Men’s and Women’s races held at Biltmore earlier in the day. Doors will open at 7pm. A donation of $5 will be required for entry to the event, however, racers and spectators will be given free entry with Nationals armband (required for entry to Biltmore venue).
New and lightly used cycling gear will be accepted that evening to be resold at The Bicycle Thrift Shop, a local shop run by Trips for Kids. There will be a raffle with prizes from both local and national vendors. Entry fee and raffle ticket sales will be donated to Trips for Kids WNC. Music provided by local DJs Marley Carroll and Justin Mitchell.
If you would like to donate raffle items or get involved, please contact Megan Archer at: [email protected]. And be sure to visit the event Facebook page.
