JayP

Endurance Cyclist Jay Petervary, Jackson, WY


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Sunday, 19 Oct 08

Victor Cross Series

The 3 race series that took place in Pioneer Park in Victor, ID. is offically over. You missed out if you did'nt attend any, so bookmark it and keep it in mind for next year. Victor Cross Series 
J-9 Cross
J9 doing some negotiating.

Back in September a few guys got together walked around the town park in thigh deep scrub saying "this would be a sweet spot for some barriers", "how cool for some banked turns through these dirt piles", "how about this one for a run up", "hey what about some S-turns through here", "this bit of bike path would be great for passing", and now the vision was met. We have all these things which makes up one superior cross course.
Bergy - suitcase carry
Bergy, Moose Cross visionary, showing his skills.

Watching all 3 races and seeing the course develop with improvements anyway possible along the way makes me belive this is going to grow into something special. 
The first race dubbed the Moose Cross (soon to be the biggest cross race in the region) was the introduction to the series and was held in conjunction with Octoberfest, no brainer there, any event held around a beer fest is a good time. No lack of professionalism for this first event, a no question marked course, bleachers for the fans, a three tier podium for the awards, some of the best comentating/anouncing I have ever heard, and a free 12 and under race for the up and comers (an incredible family event espically with the play ground within the course).

Run up
Before this run up is 2 barriers and then you roll into a bank turn.

The next 2 races were added after the apparent interest in Moose Cross turning it into the Victor Cross Series. Race #2 was what you think of when you think cross. Heavy rain, mud, and wind. More of a local showing but still a few out of towners (thanks for coming). I know I don't need an excuse to feel like a kid again but there is something about getting loose, playing in the mud and liking it. Big smiles at this one and a great post race lunch.

The Narrows
Father and son rippin The Narrows.

Race #3 this past weekend was highlighted with "splitter" weather, you know "perfect". Of course there is the given "wind" which is sort of always. A few more out of towners showed which I like to talk to and get some feed back from. I just can't get over all I seem to hear is how fun the course and the people are. There was a family that even mentioned to me "my kids will be sleeping on the ride home after playing so much in the playground, this is a perfect venue"
Kids Cross
Tasting cross early.

I stood on the sidlines this year attending each event, put in a few hours of trail work, and even milled around during a few mid-week practice sessions. Usually I am on just about every local start line that involves two wheels but being on the other side was also very enjoyable. Hearing the stories, seeing the smiles, being thanked, and just enjoying the energy of others is awarding in another way.

It took mutiple people, organizations, and businesses to put together such a series. It was brought about from a vision, passion, and devotion to cross riding. I know I'll miss a few but of the businesses that stepped up to support were Fitzgeralds Bicycles, Rocky Mountain Bank, Peaked Sports, Cloudveil Appareal, and Athlete 360. Lots of people were involved building trail and organizing but there is always one person that does a bit more and stands out. Lets recognize him.

Dave announcing
Dave Byers is the stand out, a Victor resident, addicted cyclist, hard working successful business professional, and an all around good guy/friend that has done his fare share to get the Victor Cross Series under way. Being just a few minutes from the course he has sunk numerous trail building hours into the course. Athlete 360, an event registration site that Dave started was one way to sign up and also kicked down some start up $$$. He also spent hours on the web researching cross details and spreading the word. This is just one of the many times I have seen Dave have a goal, put together a plan, delegate properly, and excute with success while working hard throughout.

Thanks everyone, I will surely be on the start lines next year, can't wait.

Peace Out
PEACE OUT!

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