Sambarn Promotions, the promotion crew from Bakersfield CA, is proud to re-launch the showdown of the year for California riders, North vs South in a regional battle of cyclocross awesomeness. The Nor Cal vs So Cal State Cross Championships takes place December 17th and 18th.
The event was born 7 years ago after literally decades of contemplation. Sam Ames, longtime cross racer and partner in Sambarn, was a frequent traveler to Nor Cal back in the jungle cross days. As So Cal cross grew into its own, he always wanted to create a full state-wide champs and make it fun with a regional bragging rights overall competition.
The format is simple: over two days of racing, riders score points for their respective region in each of the offered categories and the region with the highest points wins the homemade, newly created trophy plaque and bragging rights for the year. In addition, riders are also competing for individual titles in all categories with the “Bear of Cali” champion jerseys awarded. The prize list is impressive at over $4000 in cash and merchandise.
The Showdown ended in a tie in 2014 between North and South so a “sprint=off” was held with So Cal’s Gareth Feldstein narrowly taking the win over Tobin Ortenblad giving So Cal the title. © Phil Beckman
A new venue was secured this year due to excessive thorns at the legendary Hart Park venue. However, Sambarn says the new venue at Lake Ming (located just east of Bakersfield near the Kern River Golf Course) is quite possibly even better with big, wide power sections, on/off camber sand pit, run-ups and a road start and finish that would make any Euro course jealous. Parts of the course overlook Lake Ming and the surrounding foothills. The promoters say consistent power riders will be favored but there is a need for plenty of bike handling prowess to master the off-camber speed sections. Couple this with FREE, yes FREE camping (there are 50 sites), Belgian waffles, frites and the legendary Dave Towle on the mic and ladies and gentlemen, we have something truly special for California riders. Out of state riders are MORE than welcome to race and the event is USAC sanctioned for points.
This is likely a race you don’t want to miss! A complete flyer can be found at www.sambarn.com and below. Online registration is open until midnight pacific time Wed Dec 14th. The Nor Cal vs So Cal shootout began in 2010 and we also have coverage from past versions of this event in 2011, in 2012 and in 2013.
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