Smooth riding for state cyclocross championship

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, December 13, 2016

By all accounts, the Whidbey Island Bicycle Club’s foray into hosting the Washington State Bicycle Association Cyclocross Championship at Fort Nugent Park Sunday was a success.

In addition to holding the state finals, the WIBC also sponsored a stop in the Cascade Series Saturday.

“It went really well,” race director Brad Nelson said. “I lost count on how many people said it was their favorite venue. The race course provides the complete package — parking, play area, near to town.”

Officials from USA Cycling and WSBA “loved it,” he added.

“It was a success,” Matt Plush of WIBC said. “We could have had more spectators; maybe on our part we need to do more educating leading up to it.

“The people that did come said they really enjoyed it. The racers really liked it, said it was an awesome course, the best of the year.”

Weather Issues

The weather kept participants and spectators away.

Snow made travel hazardous for some, but most didn’t realize that around Whidbey it was a non-factor, Nelson said.

“Saturday it was dumping everywhere by here,” Plush said. “A lot of people went skiing. When you get two feet of powder, why go bike in the rain.”

There was snow on the course when organizers built it Friday, but it wasn’t muddy on the weekend, according to Nelson.

“Saturday it was windy and dry, and Sunday it was really calm and sunny with only a few drizzles,” he said. “The course was great, but people from other areas didn’t realize the weather here was different from other places around the state.”

Double Duty

Nelson, one of the state’s top riders, wasn’t sure if he would compete because of his director duties.

After 13 years of racing, he now “enjoys putting on races.”

“It was really enjoyable but eye-opening, understanding what goes into these events,” he said. “I had a lot on my plate at once.”

It was a pleasure to see the variety of people who took part, Nelson said. One, 70-year-old Mike Merickel, rode in a full Santa Claus outfit.

With the help of WIBC and Navy volunteers, Nelson was able to race and came away with the Category 3 (mid-level) state championship. It was his first title in Washington after winning several in Indiana, where he lived until three years ago.

Nelson wasn’t the only Oak Harbor titlist. Mario Rivas captured the Category 5 (beginners) crown.

Worth the Work

Although Nelson, Plush and the WIBC put in many hours, it was worth it they said.

“We are already talking about dates for next year,” Nelson said. “We definitely want to bring the state championship back to Whidbey.”

“We will do this again,” Plush said. “We will put in a bid in a few years.”