SSCXWCPDX 2016

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The Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships returned home to Portland, OR for 2016. Last weekend, racers with a sense of humor met at Sauvie Island farm to see what these diabolical organizers had in store for this year’s event. This is a bike race with variables you cannot predict. A traditional racer could easily get frustrated at many steps along the way, and that is the entire point. Fun is the focus and with the season winding down, this group gets it. We drove some San Franciscans up to get in on the action. Enclosed are some photographic details and notes from the 2016 SSCXWC PDX edition.

Portland is a natural fit for cross to thrive. An active, creative community who live in a wet, coldish climate during the traditional race calender. Oh, and they love food, beer, and good times. This all cooks up to create a super-host for this format of “racing”.
The Cross Crusader is an iconic heckler at the local CX series of the same name.This set up looked strange at first, until you realize just how sticky the mud is up here. Fat clearance, with little tires. Slicks would have even held less mud.

Cantis and fat tires did not play well out here.
Saturday was the qualifier, with up to three formats to make it to the main race. Fastest lap, holeshot shootout, and a proper dual slalom corse. With Saturday’s qualifiers settled, Sunday was the main event. The morning hosted more traditional geared races, and the afternoon ran a last chance, men’s and women’s events.
Portland still has that creative/weird magic. SF is losing it due to the cost of living. Oakland inherited a portion of that family, but Portland is a bird of a different color, and for that we love you.
This is a shot of a section of the course where mud-covered yoga balls get kicked at your face at full speed. Mud-covered wood ramps lead you out to a continuous mud slide, with vendors offering up free drinks and snacks the entire length of the race course.
The handups are done on an elevated level.
Chelsea running one of the grades.
OBRA trying to wrap their heads around how to officiate a shit show.
The farm location was a beautiful property to race bikes at. Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and no shortage animal feces all mixed up.
Rain flooded a field, and the organizers knew how to make it work to their advantage.
One section routed through the pond where a jump ramp was installed, because. The muddy run-up guaranteed not many would have speed to correctly jump the shark.

Walton is from Portland, so it was nice to get to visit with him. He has been navigating some health concerns this season and is finding a path to healing. We love this guy, and cheer for him always.
Chelsea, Derek, and Rainier felt they had worn costumes all season, so it was only fitting to do the same at a costume race.

Heckling at the day’s race was preformed at the level you would expect from seasoned professionals.

Portland is excellent at mud

The weather has changed in the Bay Area, with years of low rainfall, so a chance to race in these conditions was exciting for the out-of-towners.

Nature would surface from the mud in hopes of escaping and rescuers would then help re-route.
Money handups could later be used to pay to take short cuts on course.




The men’s field being lead into the corn maze to leave bikes for a Le Mans-style start. Bikes were then rearranged and tampered with before the race gun.

Contributors
A short foot race led to a bike search and start.
Chas, being versed in alleycat starts, found his bike quick and was on course early.
Eddy and a clown.
Sven Nys is a cyclocross legend and cult figure in the sport. He wanted to come and not FOMO another year of SSCXWC. Spectators loved it and he clearly took his share from the hecklers. He looked like a 250 2-stroke, spinning at a comedic cadence, and just RIPPING.
Two racers coming out of the dual slalom section.
Rainier running the beaver dam, consisting of half-round plastic tubes.

This punk martching band brought powerful energy to the race, hammering out a series of driving rhythms.
#notmypresident

Sven rode every obstacle, including the pond. He was off the front early but eased up mid-race.
The vibe was a mix of this and bike racing.
No shortage of crashes for the day, making it exciting for spectators, and nearly unbearable for racers.






The yoga ball mosh pit was very raw.



Some people won, all won spiritually. Some lost, and most lost dignity, while making it up in smiles.







We brought a ton of mud home. I’m sure most of us did. Thanks again for the good times Portland. You always know how to share the stoke.

MM

BASP #5 2016

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Bay Area racers headed to Vallejo California for the fifth and final installment of the Bay Area Super Prestige series. With rain on the radar, local racers looked forward to ending the season in a different weather pattern then the season started in, a dry hot, dustbowl. Derek and I jumped out of the van, and grabbed a few warm-up laps before the elite Men’s A’s got on corse. The following photo essay was shot on November 19th 2016, and celebrate the details from the day.

Menlo Velo bringing the mud and blood bright and early. Giro sent the team some custom Synthe helmets for the race season. This lean helmet has felt the best, of everything we have raced in over the years. Lean cut, not bulky. Minimal pads to wash, tons of airflow, while still feeling covered when the rain comes down.
This Belgian family knew how to interact with the racers.Eddy in a chicken wingStoker detailsLast race of the series means packing the race numbers and timing chips away till next season. Let’s make this one special.I like making these mask portraits. Some things never change, including changing.Eddy built up this Work frame prototype, and raced it for the first time. It has a makeshift nylon front brake, and the rear is mounted under the seat stays.
Murphy Mack must be ready for a break after promoting eight races this cyclocross season.

Peanut butter mud lined the course, a rare condition in the Bay Area.

In the Bay Area, there is always a stars and stripes jersey somewhere in the lineup.


Derek, Rainier, and Ryan fighting for the holeshot.
Ritchey Megabite tires digging into the dry duff on an off camber turn. Light and dry dirt under trees was sticking to wet mud on other parts of the course, essentially gluing the mud to the bikes.

Brandon at the top of the course, after a tough climb on his Mash SS.

Sean making himself comfortable.

Slippery grass made the tough climbs all the more difficult and decisive.

The uphill and muddy barriers were no match for Derek.
Neutral SupportHeckler
Eddy racing in his first Elite SS race, and learned what that extra 15 minutes felt like.

Derek chased the podium all day, never outside of eyesight.

Cubby making it look easy, while trying to bounce mud off the bike at each barrier.

Rainier not making it look easy.

Spokesman definitely making it look very difficult.

Stigmata frames with Enve/Chris King/Ritchey/Sella Italia can be built up to be under 17 lbs.

A light rain began to fall mid-way through the race, making the course all the more precipitous.

Ritchey Megabite tires digging into what little traction there was on this climb.

Rainier and Derek chasing Andy Jacques-Maynes and Murray Swanson down the finishing straight.

SSCX crusher, the Vallejo course is a good one for Kell McKenzie.
Selle Italia is supporting the team, and loving the new shapes.Brandon has given his all this season, and this smile shows me what the Bay Area CX season is truly made of. Ear to ear.

Photos: Mike Martin

Words: Rainier Schaefer

GIRO CX TEAM SYNTHE

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While in Santa Rosa, Derek shot some photos of the new Giro Synthe Team helmet on Rainier. This design will not make it to production, but look for them at the races!

Westside Invite 2016

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Westside invite is the west coast’s flavor of messenger summer camp. Originating in Portland over 10 years ago this years event made its way down the coast to San Diego where Courier Collective hosted messengers from Vancouver to Mexico and everything in between for 4 days of events, hot and sunny beaches, and hills…way more hills than I think any of us expected. As always It was nice to have an excuse to lay on the beach all day and sleep in way too late, but Joven and the dudes over at CC really killed it. Both the main Alleycat, coffee cat, and Out of towner race were ripping! There was a day committed solely to a group ride which ended at the beach complete with all the track bike shenanigans loved by all. I took first in the skid comp. NBD. The main race was a work simulation – which tested everyone’s wits and speed In the San Diego’s hot downtown streets, not to mention, during a Pirates game. Chas took home 1st place with the one and only fully completed manifest with just 2 min before the cut-off . Oakland won the bid for Westside Invite 2017  – so you already know where you’ll be next summer. Thanks again San Diego for the good times and sunburn. – Sean

Fred Marshall

Courier Collective HQ

Joven

“don’t touch the money”

yard sale

Looking out for each other

right before we got kicked out

Group Ride

Coffee Cat winner

YOT

Lifes a Beach

sometimes ya’ just gotta wazz

Tree’s Bag

Chas turning in the winning manifest

Steady Coolin

KOOK

Winners Circle

Sean Geivett

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While shooting an video to celebrate TCB, we shot with Sean. Chas was helping produce the schedule for us to meet riders when/where, in thier work day as messengers. The plan was to meet Sean on the top of Franklin Street, and drop it toward the Marina. We met up, had camera issues, left, and regrouped before getting the last shot in his chapter. Once we knew we wanted to create a bigger part for Sean, we looked to Yerba Buena Island to start him out. With killer views, and steep roads under construction, it fit the part. Look for the bonus features in a week or two. Finishing up now.

Commuters

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When we are out shooting on the streets, Martin and I would run into all types of people, often with the same purpose. Getting from A to B. Over the years, we saved up all of our favorites, and rewarded them with thier own chapter. Enjoy

NACCC 2016 – NEW YORK CITY

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The dust has finally settled. Sleep somewhat caught up on and work life resuming its normal flow. Realization sinks in of how truly rad and well organized the New York City NACCC really was. The week had everything you could have wished for in a championship. I’m talking everything – bandit cx, track day, warehouse partys, bagels, bands, sprints, footdown, killer qualifier, weather, 4am bars, cheap coffee and an incredibly challenging main race. New York, being a reasonable place to venture to, attracted couriers from all over the North Americas and many contingencies from over seas. NACCC brings together people from all the stems of messenger work. Its truly something special to have all your favorite people from all over the world in one spot…all on vacation (mostly).  Though there were Alley Cats and side events daily, the main race took place on 10/9 (Messenger Appreciation Day) and 60 or so qualifiers tricked themselves into delivering fake packages for 3 hours in less than ideal conditions for no money at all in hopes of being deemed the fastest, quickest witted, most professional courier in North America. Work simulation races are like no other, It takes more than just bike handling and speed, it takes concentration and focus..well legs don’t hurt either. This year Christina Peck (SF), who has displayed these traits countless times in multiple cycling disciplines, took home all the gravy- spanking the competition placing First Woman and First overall. Nico (chi) presented next level “Perpetual Professionalism™” raced in a collard shirt completely buttoned, took home the Men’s championship title. Standing in line at checkpoints with these two- you would have never known how badly they were beating you. The industry is only growing and the individuals in the industry are only getting faster. Events like these are extremely important and well just a damn good time. See y’all in MKE! – Sean

The start of the main race – it had just stopped raining. it was go time.

A rider from NYC’s own Samurai Messenger – Being professional probably- at the pbma/redbull checkpoint

OG

Fuego, a messenger from Paris, properly using a v rare halfskie mail bin.

The manifest was double sided, and the jobs had no value printed. Racers had to use a rate sheet to determine if the job was worth their precious time.

“this is a funny looking cheesesteak” – me

Racer getting after it in the Cargo Race

Chas took home another top 10 and king of track this time around!

Unloading all the packages for the main race. Volunteers and participants alike helped restock packages from checkpoint to checkpoint to keep the jobs flowing.

THE CHAMPION

Words: Sean

Photos : John Daniel Reiss

LION OF FAIRFAX 2016

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Set in the foothills of Mt. Tamalpais, The Lion of Fairfax was back at the local middle school campus. With the year’s first real rain, the stage was set for some mildly wet/muddy cyclocross racing. Chelsea, Derek, Dylan, Eddy, and Rainier came out to race with the Bay Area community. This photo series was shot on 10-15-2016, and include some notes/thoughts from the races.Gabe went to school here, so for years, we called this race the Lion of Gabe’s middle school.Frank is a force of radness behind the scenes. Thanks FrankI laughed when I saw this “epic” mud shot in my selected images. Really playing up that one time it rained for us in 2016.The school campus is really beautiful, set among dry grass hills and native trees at the edge of town where some of the most famous singletrack in the world begins. Team Vive La TarteChelsea <<<Quill-stemmed OM Flyer set up like a beach cruiser. Quickly, these races get strung out. Chelsea sat 3rd wheel for laps.Cool Marin Hippie mural doubling as a wind tunnel illustration.The hecklers staked out this ride up waiting to see who would slip up.It was a toe spikes day. Yay!Chelsea held on to 3rd for the day in the Elite Women’s field.The SuperPro vibe is about stoke foremost and a lack of formality is part of the format.Wind can also play a factor in cross.Rainer DerekMtbers heard the call.Brandon, Jimmy, and Dylan launched the hole shot.We are so stoked on how the team bikes and kits came together. Thank you to the sponsors, and Al for doodling it up!Dylan rode up these steps later in the race.This part of the course was under constant repairs as riders blew it here.Cone zoneDerek handling the back set of barriers.Basketball courts, Soccer fields, and a Baseball diamond all made up the race course on this day.Brandon moving up (with a rear flat) finishing 2nd in the SS A’s.Rainier broke a spoke in the first lap. With no pit wheels, he had a couple hours to study for the GRE.Dylan set up some Ritchey Tires tubeless and was able to finish in the SS As, winning the group.Several scratchable dogs on course.The hecklers brought their best psych-outs.The ruling on handups… YES!They don’t do that in Europe. Do they?The wind brought barrier tape into the path of the racers. Some finished sooner then they had hoped.

Photos: Mike Martin

Words: Brandon Reif

SANTA CRUZ FOR MASH CX STIGMATA

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We are excited to launch a new collaboration with Santa Cruz Bicycles. We are long time fans of this local brand, and the cult following of the first Stigmata frame sets. Santa Cruz supports our cyclocross team, and wanted to create a special paint on the Stigmata CC. We enlisted Al Nelson, and drew inspiration from some of the bold graphics used on emergency vehicles worldwide. The paint work on these frames are just beautiful. Santa Cruz operates at the highest standard, and the finish work affirms their craft.
There are 12 frame sets available, some sizes only have 1 or 2 pieces. Proceeds help support the 2016 MASH CX team racing program. We have the full kit available from Castelli. We love loud bikes and kits for CX, and Al smashed it with this seasons offering.

Santa Cruz is helping us generate bikes for the team, race entry fees and gas by selling a select number of the frame sets, and we are grateful to be the exclusive shop for this art collaboration.
There are 12 frame sets available total, some sizes only have 1 or 2 pieces. Proceeds help support the 2016 MASH CX team racing program. We are have the full kit available from Castelli. We love loud bikes and kits for CX, and Al smashed it with this seasons offering.
Derek’s Build:

Frame – Santa Cruz Stigmata CC size 56 in custom MASH paint

Wheels – Enve M50 rims with chris king ISO hubs

This CC-level carbon frame is every bit as stiff and strong as Santa Cruz’s C-level frame, but weighs about 280 grams less, due to the use of some lighter, stronger, and more expensive carbon fiber. Using this material in key places uses less material overall, which is what shaves off more than half a pound from the frame.

011 MASH 2015 WALTON AND KYLE

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This chapter is very personal for me. Walton has been part of MASH since he was 17 years old. We have traveled around the world together, and have cheered for him as he grew up, and began to race on the road. Kyle and Walton are friends from Portland. They both moved to SF to go to school, and we immediately got hooked on this Portland tribe. Both Walton and Kyle ripped on track bikes. They figured them out, and became very expressive on them. We would get out and shoot video from time to time, but once we locked down shooting a bigger video project, they where both committed to their road teams, and could not afford a possible injury.  We premiered a version of our video last fall, without Walton and Kyle’s part. It was a clear hole in my heart, and I wanted them to be able to express themselves in this way. After Europe, and Asia premieres, Walton had talked Kyle into coming down, and they had been planning some locations they wanted. Once it was all set, they surprised Martin and myself, by letting us know they wanted to make something. Let’s get out, and see what we get. With a day with Walton, and a day with both riders, we created a massive part in the video. It shows how playful and how serious these bikes can be, and we are honored to be able to share their section with you.