SCPS #22: The finale race of the 2011-12 Southern California Prestige Series and the 2nd Annual Nor Cal vs. So Cal Showdown! Who will be the best?

PRESTIGE SERIES PRESENTED BY:

SATURDAY’S RACE IS RACE #22 AND THE PRESTIGE SERIES FINALE!

• OVERALL PRESTIGE SERIES PRIZELIST: Race Day $$$/Prize purse. Race Day points will be 1.5x the normal points, so podium is still up for grabs in many categories! Podium Awards to top 3 by Art of Cross/Prizes to top 5 in 22 categories from our Series Sponsors: SPY, Shimano, Jenson USA and more! Champion jersey to each category by Voler! $2,500 Bonus cash purse to top 5 “A” cats – must race finale to get bonus $$$… AND finish top 5 : )  Prizelist to top 5 in each category will be determined based on your best 11 finishes of the season with or without the Series Final.  Again, the final race points are 1.5x the normal point scale.
• WE WILL AWARD OVERALL SERIES PRIZE LIST AT THE RACE UNLESS WE ARE TOTALLY SOAKED IN FROM THE RAIN AND THEN WE CAN HAND OUT PRIZES FOR THOSE WHO NEED AND HOST AWARDS AT THE DINNER PARTY… SERIES AWARDS WILL COINCIDE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WITH THE RACE DAY AWARDS… WE ARE PLANNING TWO AWARDS CEREMONIES… 12N AND 3PM ON SATURDAY!

• END OF SEASON DRAWING… Bailey Bikes Carbon Frame, Attack Carbon Tubular Wheelset, SPY Performance Eyewear, Shimano CX Group: crankset, 10-Speed Shifters and Canti Brakes, Lazer Helmet, SDG Saddle/Seatspost and more!
• SATURDAY NIGHT – END OF SEASON DINNER-PARTY @ Lengthwise Brewing Company.  Dinner is $10.per person: 6720 Schirra Court, Bakersfield, CA 93313-2132 Dinner starts at 6:30pm.  Please email ASAP: sam@teamactionsports.com to RSVP …capacity is 200.  You can pay for and get your dinner ticket at the race on Saturday or at the brewery. You need a ticket to get a plate and get in line.  $10 and that includes a soda or tea, beers on your own. Lengthwise food and beer ROCKS, you’ll love it!—-when this is sold out it’s standing room only! Kids are welcome, family place.
  MENU:  BBQ chicken, Fresh homemade bread, Mac and Cheese (amazing stuff), Large, hearty dinner salad (this is not a iceberg, cafeteria salad)

Lengthwise Brewing Co – Brewery: 6720 Schirra Court Click here for a map Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-836-ALES — www.lengthwise.com

SPENDING THE NIGHT?  LODGING OPTIONS:

Spring Hill Suites Bakersfield- 3801 Marriott Drive (661)377-4000

Bakersfield Courtyard – 3601 Marriott Drive – (661)324-6660

NOR CAL VS SO CAL SHOWDOWN!

With the shift in the US cyclocross calendar comes a longer season and riders in California are no strangers to longer cycling seasons. This weekend in Bakersfield, the 2^nd. Annual Nor Cal vs. So Cal State Cyclocross Championships will be held in conjunction with the season finale for the So Cal Prestige Series. This end of season extravaganza, with beer tents, $6500 in prize money, Belgian Frites and hot cross racing action will provide an excellent opportunity for the two regions of the golden state to mix it up and battle for bears and bragging rights. With Nor Cal taking numerous national and masters world championship titles, they are hungry to take the regional title. Last year Nor Cal won many races, but So Cal won with a few more riders. This year’s event will include individual titles as well as the for fun regional title. The 1.6 mile course features a very European flair with a good balance of twists, turns, straight-aways and the ever popular “Lobster Launch Pad” flyover and the “Lightspeed Leg Buster” run up. With over 60 days of no rain, rain is in the forecast for both days….and as will all cross, it is welcome.

Racing action takes place Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. There is no admission charge, race day entry is available for any and all. The official race flyer can be found at socalcross.org. An enormous thank you to the Prestige Series Sponsors and the local Bakersfield sponsors. Races run rain or shine!

History and story behind the event: Cyclocross is a unique form of cycling that takes place mostly off road on bicycles that are hybrids of road and mountain bikes. The courses are about 1.5 miles in length and feature varied terrain and places where riders must dismount their bicycle and run over obstacles. It is a very spectator friendly and fun form of racing for all and most races last 45 minutes to an hour.

Held at Hart Memorial Park in Bakersfield has hosted cross for over 20 years. The race is hosted by the Kern Wheelmen Bicycle Club and race director Sam Ames. His passion for cross runs deep and  he came up with this idea over 20 years ago. “I was racing in Santa Cruz as much as I could back then, it was the only cyclocross racing there was really, until a few events sprung up in the LA area” said Ames. As So Cal cross grew, Ames knew well the depth of the road riders, mtb. riders and sheer volume of racers in So Cal. He felt it was a matter of time before So Cal cross took off. “I thought that a race for the whole state would be a blast…so cal cross was coming along, and why not have a big for fun throw-down someday.  As So Cal continues to grow and get stronger, Nor Cal has been one of the strongest regions in the country, winning national and world titles annually. On a local level, their races see attendance in the 400 range consistently.  “Last year and our first year the response and feedback was overwhelming….and that’s why I do it. Racers and fans came out and had a blast…we had over 200 riders and 1000 spectators. I know folks that race a bunch  were tired, some had traveled and raced so much. I value their support but really the race is for them. This year looks to be even bigger. Many of the riders and fans went back home and told their friends “You DO NOT want to miss this race!” I just love the sport and I hope we get some of the newly crowned national champs and world champs to come mix it up. We’ve put countless hours and 15K into this race….come eat, drink, race and enjoy.”

COURSE PREVIEW: CLICK HERE

PARKING PARKING PARKING!!! READ THIS!
There is no parking on the NORTH side of Alfred Harrell. It poses congestion and traffic issue. South side only, pull in head first. There is more parking East of the venue and near the intersection of the exit of Hart Park there is a ton…it’s not that far!