Tuesday, October 11, 2011

2011 Moose Cross - Bigger. Faster. Awesomer.

The 4th annual Moose Cross Cyclocross Festival is in the books and it was the best yet by far. With two weeks to go, I have to admit that I was nervous that it wouldn't come together but our team rallied as usual and our volunteers stepped up big-time. We could spend a lot less time on the event and put on an "average" cyclocross race but that is not how we roll. We want the racer who travels from Missoula, MT or Boise, ID or Elko, NV to leave Victor feeling as if it was worth every hour they spent in the car to get here.

THANK YOU to all of the racers, volunteers, spectators, and my fellow Victor Velo Board members. It takes a team effort to pull this off each year.

Why do we do it?
Victor Velo exists to promote healthy lifestyles and economic development in Victor, ID by providing diverse cycling opportunities.

Every cent of profit generated by our cyclocross races goes back into Victor Velo and specifically the Victor Bike Park. We try to make our races affordable and attractive for both locals and the traveling racers. This year, every racer got a free entry into Oktoberfest, a Moose Cross t-shirt, and a yummy Tram Bar.

JayP leads out the kid's race. Kids, don't follow JayP's example and ride with a sucker in your mouth. Photo by Chris Larson

This little ripper exemplifies the Moose Cross stoke. Photo by Chris Larson

It wouldn't be Moose Cross without Peeto on the mic all day. Photo by Chris Larson

The Men's 1/2/3 leaders railing the "Narrows" section. Photo by Chris Larson

Frank Gonzalez, John Curry, and Owen Gue broke free early. Photo by Chris Larson

The chase group in Saturday's Men's 1/2/3 race. Photo by Chris Larson

Gabe "Fiddee Cent" Klamer airing Sunday's mini barriers. Photo by Tracey Petervary

Tim Kelley, always a Fitzy Teammate at heart, runs the railroad ties. Photo by Tracey Petervary

Frank "The Tank" Gonzalez won Saturday's Men's 1/2/3 race. Photo by Chris Larson

BC/DC rocked Victor's ice rink following Saturday's racing. Their version of "Thunderstruck" was especially good. Crappy pic by me

A few closing thoughts:
1) We are better race organizers than we are race promoters. Doing a better job at promotion is the only way we will continue to increase our racer numbers.
2) Seeing many racers attend their 4th consecutive Moose Cross was very cool.
3) Moose Cross + Oktoberfest + Live Music = Good Times!
4) As we do every year, we are already making notes on how to improve the race next year.
5) Timing and results still kick my ass but for the first time in the history of Moose Cross we had results online Monday morning. Woot Woot!

1 comment:

Hamilton said...

Dave, I got dragged away mid-weekend kicking and screaming. Super bummed to miss Sunday (and still sneezing), but want to extend my congrats and thanks. In terms of promotion, I think it is wise to look for ways to improve, but man, going up against a USGP in Ft. Collins, you have to think it would be a hard sell to bring folks from the Front Range this way. That said, how much promo was done in Laramie? (with the shops and Uni. cycling team). I was very impressed with the event in every detail from the course, to organization, and an amazing band. Great Job Victor Velo!!