NorCal Cycling News – Cycling and Racing in Northern California

Cats Hill Classic

On Saturday there is a steep small hill in Los Gatos which will crack bodies and minds like a Vulcan with a Klingon fetish.  Cat’s Hill Classic is old school – it’s been won by luminaries that count Greg Lemond and Karen Kurreck in its ranks.  There is no crit other than Nevada City which compares in status and or physical demands.  If you are a racer, make sure your shifting is rock solid.  If you are a fan bring air horns, and a mega phone because you have to scream like a banshee when riders are trying to crawl up that rock they call Cat’s Hill.  They will need every piece of motivation they can get.  Word is Cal-Giant is bringing a fleet that will rival the Spanish Armada in their hey day.

Scotts Valley Grand Prix

Scotts Valley GP is the new kid on the block and currently has the distinction of being the only Twilight Crit on the Peninsula.   Both these races are taking up a good spot in the calendar since the Amgen TOC starts the same day and there will be a bunch of eager bike races looking to nail some corners in the Santa Cruz mountains.  I have a feeling the crowds are going to be something this year given that it’s a night race and that there are going to be some hungry men and women looking to make up from getting their ticket punched at Cat’s Hill.

Tour of California

So many other rags are covering this we need to come up with our own spin.  Since Saturday and Sunday are slow news days I’ll try to throw some lines out over the weekend talking about our take on the TOC.