After the pandemic canceled all of Northern California’s Bay Area cyclocross racing in 2020, 2021 promises a return of cyclocross with a unique doubleheader weekend on September 25 and 26.
Northern California cyclocross racers can get back in the grove with a double dose of fun. See the details in the announcement below.
Bay Area Cyclocross Kickoff Weekend
Bay Area Cyclocross Season drops in a few short weeks!
There are two great events lined up for the opening weekend:
- Sat. Sept 25: VSRTCX at Rowell Ranch, Castro Valley
- Sun. Sept 26: Mare Island PedalFest featuring the Wet Mile Urban CX race
VSRTCX at Rowell Ranch
In 2019, Valley Spokesmen Racing Team (VSRT) brought Cyclocross back to the East Bay. They are doing it again in 2021, returning to Rowell Ranch in Castro Valley, a classic venue that last hosted a cyclocross race in 2002. And Hans Kellner has the video to prove it!
Rowell Ranch is a historic rodeo grounds in Castro Valley operated by the City of Hayward, celebrating its 100th year in 2021.
VSRT is an elite cycling racing team serving the greater East Bay Area, 32 years strong, and part of the Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club, celebrating 50 years in 2021.
There will be something for everyone at this family-friendly outdoor event!
Rowell Ranch
For the racing-minded, you’ll be excited to know that VSRT, in collaboration with renowned course designer Dan English of the Rock Lobster Team, has engineered a legit cyclocross race course at this historic park.
Dan most notably designed the 2019 VSRT cyclocross course at their Las Positas Venue, where he transformed a “Hot Dusty Hellscape” to provide a great mix of technical features, leg opening straightaways, lung-searing climbs, loose descents that Cyclocross Magazine compared to the hallowed grounds of Zandhoven, Belgium, and most importantly, miles of smiles.
Course map of VSRTCX in Powell Ranch
For families with young buckaroos, we also have fun events all day! After a warm reception from both the cyclocross racers with families and the general community, the following will be on offer:
- Noon: Free kid’s race on a modified version of the racecourse.
- All-Day: Free balance bike and skills area for the younger cowpokes, open all day! (bring your bike and helmet, or use one of our loaners)
Prizes: Podium prizes have been provided by the generous sponsors at Trek, Hammer Nutrition, Altamont Beer Works, Zelios, and others. There will also be additional prizes with free raffles taking place throughout the day!
Notably, VSRTCX at Rowell Ranch also marks the return of the “Bay Area Super Prestige” series, after the 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic. It will be the first event of the five-race series which runs from September-December! Learn more at BASP84.com.
Registration is now open! See registration info here.
But wait! That’s not all! Did someone say “free beer?”
Participants at Sunday’s Mare Island Pedalfest who show their VSRTCX race number will receive a free beer (or non-alcoholic beverage)!
More information is available for Mare Island Pedalfest here.
The Bay Area Super Prestige Series is back for 2021!
