Cyclocross racing in Belgian
Single Speed Worlds, Auckland, New Zealand, Oct., 2010 – A first hand account.
Single speed mouton bike rider and personality Essam Welch shares his recent journey and experience to Auckland, New Zealand to participate in the 2010 single speed mountain bike World Championships.
Starting last spring with a local Steamboat fundraiser, the first ever Gear Mashers Ball, hosted by JR Thompsen of Spindle One Bike Tours. This event was lots of fun, with shared stories, lots of beer and successfully raised funds to help send Essam to single speed worlds.
He and Deborah arrived in Rotorua with some minor travel complications but ready to ride. In preparation for the SSWC, Essam road in a one hundred kilometer off road race that boosted some of the trails that he would be riding at the SSWC.
Ready to race, Essam has his game face on, oops he lost Deb but no big deal, she had fun riding with local riders. Meanwhile, Essam is taking on a Wallaby; almost running over the native pest but gets his tail instead. Ready to ride and thankful for all the local Steamboat support that helped get him there, Essam falls a sleep in his tent with Deborah with a big smile on his face.
The race! 1000 racers lined up, no not really, they started in a circle. The start was chaos, riders in costume and all sort in-between, music blasting, riders surge across the grassy field to the single track. No winners tattoo for Essam but an experience and a strong showing that was well worth the effort.
That’s not all, the journey continues with a ferry ride to the south, and more mouton biking adventure…
Northwest Trail Alliance & Cyclocross Racing:
Rob Mitchell goes to Portland to witness the night of the BTA and the Northwest Trail Alliance raffle. Rob presents the Moots Dealer of the year award to Cyclepath.
Dan Seaton checks in from Belgian and the Cyclocross race scene.
