Lurk Hard

Hey... how are you?

Good? 

We are good too...

Had a nice summer?

That's great!

Here's something you might want to think about as the thought of hot days fade away and the winter starts to slowly peek over the horizon... or maybe you just want to ride a bike in an amusing costume.

More details coming on facebook and instagram... and maybe here. 

3 Wheel-Ups

pic courtesy Andy Rogers (back when he was just called that)


Well it's finally time for the return of the DDCX Prologue...

The start lists have been finely crafted and can be found here.

The night's schedule is as follows:

6:00-8:00 - Registration

6:00-6:30 - Course open

6:35 - Kids (incl Bal bikes) - 15mins

6:50 - Heat 1a

7:05 - Heat 1b

7:20 - Heat 2

7:35 - Heat 3

7:50 - Heat 4

8:05 - Heat 1a Race 2

8:20 - Heat 1b Race 2

8:35 - Heat 2 Race 2

8:50 - Heat 3 Race 2

9:05 - Heat 4 Race 2

9:20 - Presentations

9:30-? Pack down

Want to know what kinda of good times you might be in for? Check out this recap we found in the 'wayback machine'...

Welcome Ghosts

YEWWWWW!

WE HAVE DATES!

April 8th - Women's Skills Clinic - Darebin Parklands
May 12th - Prologue - Harrison St Velodrome
July 9th - Race 1+VICCXS
August 20th - Race 2

Locations are being finalised... But you can bet we will be back at the 'Spiritual Home of Vic CX' at Harrison St Velodrome (finally!)

We also have a few new tricks up our sleeves for the events.

Journey To The End Of The East Bay

As now broadcast on other channels the following has happened...

CALL OFF YOUR LAST MINUTE TRAINING!

Yes, it's true. DDCX is cancelled this weekend.

The short story is that the club track work isn't done and we can't race at Harrison St.

The longer story involves council bureaucracy and a lack of communication which lead to the panic alarms being fired up at DDCX HQ on Friday of last week. On Saturday we thought we had a solution, today it appears we don't. We've exhausted a number of alternatives, but with less than a week before the event and a reputation based on seven years of good racing and great times we don't want to tarnish the spiritual home of Victorian CX with something undeserving.

We will still be running an event as part of SSWC and after that we will look at how we can try and prove we still have skillz to create CX thrillz.

For everyone who has already entered, you will get refunded ASAP.
Believe us this decision was not taken lightly... it hurts us a lot to finish our local CX season like this when this year has seen such a phenomenal growth in racers and race quality.

So if you were planning to get some last minute racing done before heading over to crush euro souls at the US CX World Cups we sincerely apologise...

Incoming!

Our second round for the year is coming up on September 11, and we're back at Harrison St to help celebrate the refurbished Velodrome!

Entries will open soon and we're making the call out now for all you wonderful volunteers. Those of you that want to help out with the Building, Marshalling and Rego Desking, please contact us at ddcx.volunteers (gmail.com) and we'll get you setup with prime heckling locations, course recon and the usual swag perks. As always, we can't make this happen without the strong community support, so any help you can provide is appreciated.

Derailer

It is with our deepest apologies that we have to announce that the second round of DDCX has been relocated from the 24th July to the 11th September.

The location will be Harrison St Velodrome which many will know is the 'heart and soul' of DDCX. We have been running for 7 years and have never missed a year at 'the track'. It was definitely our plan to not make this year the first!

Some very delayed ongoing projects there have meant the original date was no longer possible and there wasn't enough time to find another venue where we got confidently host the growing horde of CX racers that we are coming to expect!

But don't despair! Ballarat have their 4th round of the Dirty Rat CX series on the Saturday and on the Sunday ol'mates Melbourne Gravel Grinders (which is like our longer-ranging half-sibling) have wizarded up a route for everyone to enjoy.

And... yes we know it's Amy's Gran Fondo weekend as well as the Bendigo round of the VES. Sorry!

Blessings

CYCLOCROSS RACERS! COME OUT TO PLAY!!!

Entries are now open for the first DDCX race of the year (and Round 4 of the Vic CX series).

All the details can be found on the EntryBoss event, or on the flyer to the right, or a past post. Actually just go to the EntryBoss event it has the most info!

If you have raced or attended DP before you know of its flowing course and stadium-like crowd atmosphere around the course. It's a great venue and we are very stoked to have it back in rotation.

We will also have the usual DDCX good times in form of food and coffee. We do ask you respect the local residents and park either at Pitcher Park or Alphington Train station. There are a few bus routes that run through the area and nobody wants their race interrupted by a 'please move your car' message (or your car towed).

So what are you doing reading this rambling post? Get entering and get ready to race!

Stove Lighter

So #crossishere... and after a flurry of announcements last week, here is another one.

DirtyDeeds would like to heartily welcome The Pedla to our honour roll of sponsors (see to the right, no not there, just a bit below that... they are in some very great company).

They make some very excellent technical cycling apparel with designs that won't date like last summer's cheesy pop hit. There's more than a few smart details that are born of an understanding of what works and what doesn't on the bike.

 

They are coming on board with a force and will be very visible at all our rounds. Definitely stop by to look over their range or ask them any questions you might have.

You should also look out for some pretty sweet co-branded items that we have simmering between us!

Seasons in the Abyss

DEAR EVERYONE...

WE WILL BE RACING AT DAREBIN PARKLANDS AGAIN THIS YEAR...

If you know how excited Nik is about this you will know how good this is likely to be... Or if you raced NCXS in 2013 or 2014 you will have a little idea of what's in store (but they have new toilets so no need to worry about that now).

DDCX will be racing there on 19th June (that's our Round One). We might also have some other special information to announce about the round soon.

The location for Round 2 (July 24th) is still TBA thanks to a couple of factors. Rest assured we have a couple of options up our skinsuit sleeves!

Such Great Heights

Greetings Cyclocross Fun Lovers...

ENTER HERE

Here are some updates on, and friendly reminders about the upcoming OckerCross...
Racing will kick off at 1pm Saturday 23rd of January at Australia's spiritual home of cyclocross, Harrison Street Velodrome, and we'll be cutting the lights and packing down by 7pm, the order of events is as follows (still subject to a little change):

1:00 - Registration and course opens
2:00 - Graded racing opens - Order will be Kids, Men's CX C/Open, Women's CX B/Open, Men's CX B, Women's CX A, Men's CX A. And then repeated. Short races, high levels of fun.
4:30 - Weetbix Race
5:00 - Relay Race
5:30 - BCCDDCXSSCXWC - Single speedin'
6:10 -  Presentations
6:30 - Pack up

"Relay" you say? Think a cyclocross version of the Little 500, (side note, there better be a team dressed up as the Cutters,) with two person teams racing on the same bike, mandatory bike changes each lap. Unlike the Little 500, you have to have brakes.

Weetbix race - Think egg and spoon meets CX. Race a lap, get a couple of weetbix and race the next lap holding them (no jersey pockets!) without crushing it. Winner is the fastest rider with unbroken biscuits.

SSCX, yes SSCX! - Singlespeed drivetrain (tensioners, zip ties and SS kits ok), tyres < 40mm, fully rigid frame, flat/drop bars, 26"/700C ok.

A reminder that we will not be selling adult licences on the day... You can use a valid MTBA/CA licence (don't forget to renew your CA licence!) Or take advantage of the free 2month MTBA trial. 

We'd like to take a moment to remind you that whilst we highly encourage dressing up, whether you're racing or spectating, please put some thought and creativity into your costume. Take a leaf out of Ohio University's book and skip the cultural appropriation, and give any pre-made costumes with 'sexy' in the title a pass. (Unless of course it's 'sexy zombie pigeon'.) Use your imagination, get your DIY on, poke fun at someone famous and see if you can win our best costume award on the night. Silliness is a great start!

The Power and the Passion

Here's the drill, we had some scheduling and life issues and SpookyCross had to be put on ice for a bit. But like a cold drink on a hot Australian summer's day this one is going to be just what you need...

OCKER CROSS

• Date: Saturday 23rd Jan 
• Time: 1pm course open, racing til about 7. 
• Format: Short races, relays, DDCXSSCXWC. Maybe a few surprise events... 
• Grades:
• Mens - A, B and C/Open
• Womens - A, B/Open 
• Kids and Balance bikes
• Entry via EntryBoss very soon!
• Entry Fees: Adults $10 w/costume, $15 w/out. Kids $5. 
• $5 from each entry to go to ASRC 
• Costumes DO NOT have to be australian themed... but getting dressed up is all part of the events spirit, racing or not!

Any questions, hit us up via email, twitter, FB or in person... 

ENTER HERE

Wide Awake

Dear Everyone,

The start list for this Sunday's excellent adventure (aka race) can be found here. Check your grade as the handicapping wizards have been at work.

REGISTRATION/NUMBER PICK UP CLOSES 30MINS BEFORE RACE START. This is in all caps as some apparently people need to be shouted at about this. If you miss this, you won't get to race. It's that simple.

There will be very limited spots available in Men's A/B/C and Open available on the day. Like ultra-rare super limited edition. Kids and Womens races will have a few more. If you want one, you best get to the reg desk when it opens (10:30). FIRST IN, FIRST SERVED. BE NICE, BE POLITE!

Ok so we need to talk about parking...
You can't park on Golf Rd or Ronald Rd. Please park in the Basketball/Athletics Track carpark (Outlook Rd) or the Coburg Pool parking lot (Murray Rd). We will have traffic wardens out there. Don't make us look bad.

We will have tshirts, coffee, burgers, chips and doughnuts on sale on the day... The sun looks like it'll be back. You are going to have so much fun... WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE.

We all need somebody to lean on

Hello cyclocross fans!

As you all know, DDCX Round 2 is coming up at Jackson reserve. We do love ourselves some great racing, and the crowd participation aka heckling always adds to the atmosphere.

Given the size of the parkland we're working on, we could really use some more volunteers to help things run smoothly and keep our vols force from burning out. I know, I know, those guys look superhuman, what with their high-vis and permasmiles. But they're human, and largely racers, who put on their bib shorts one silicone-gripped leg at a time like the rest of us.

So if you'd like to help out, what with the setup or marshalling (prime heckling here), please, drop us a line at ddcx.volunteers - it's a gmail address with the @gmail.com suffix - with your name, e-mail, number and what you'd like to do. If you've put up for volunteering via the entryboss, system, don't worry, we've already got you!

Lastly, we also have some ultra rare marshalling posts out on the street, where you can soak up the atmosphere from afar and direct traffic to the super cool parking lots. Sadly, we can't guarantee a lollipop (sign or candy). Let us know.

Council Estate of Mind

In these cold cold months layering is key... and seriously what better way to stay warm and harness your inner mud-ruling than with a cracking new tshirt.

But what to choose? Here's where DDCX comes in... We have another batch of excellent torso covers to help you fill that inevitable gap in your black tshirt wardrobe and level up your fashion status to 'AWESOME'.

Now we can't sell you Arnie's body (and to be honest it's probably not the best one for CX, not the least because the chafe from those loincloths was horrendous) but our operators are standing by waiting to dispatch your tshirt order.

So what are you waiting for... Sign up today to sport the freshest cotton across your top half and support the racing that you love.

Also - Entries are open for the next round on the 19th! They will close midnight Wed 15/7.

Tapedeck Sound

We are live!
Go to the BOSSest race entry system out there and sign up for the good times...

A special note - Kids entries will continue to be through the old pre-reg system for now.

VOLUNTEERS! Yes, we love you... and we would love it if you could help out again. If you are racing you can select that you are volunteering and provide the normal information. But if you aren't racing but are down to help send us an email at ddcxDOTvolunteersATgmail.com with your availability.

Basic Details

• Race date is Sunday 19th July
• SCHEDULE
  10:30-12:00 - Registration
  10:40-11:30 - Course open
  11:40 - Kids (incl Bal bikes) - 15mins
  12:00 - Kids Prizes
  12:20 - CXMC & Open (30mins)
  13:05 - CXMB (40mins)
  14:00-14:20 - Course Open
  14:25 - CX Womens A/B (45/35mins) and Open W (30mins)
  15:20 - CX Mens A (1hr)
  16:30 - Presentations
  16:50-? Pack down
• Race location is Golf Rd (North End), North Coburg

Teenage Exorcists

Location! Location! Location!

Well, we have a location for our next round on July 19th!

You will be racing here...

Which is here

Some of you will remember it from a number of years ago when we held a race there. Looking back at that race report I'm reminded how things have changed (Warrack Leach had his first A grade race and AJ and Amity didn't have a CX bike).

We will have entries open very soon and will provide the world with more information on where to park, where to sign on and a few other surprises!

In the mean time, if you want to get your legs warmed up or follow up on the fun you had at Cramwell Park last week you should consider a road trip up to the nation's capital for the next two rounds of NCXS. Entries and more details are here

Stiff Necked Fools

Allo Allo,

It was pointed out to me in a conversation this week that we hadn't posted anything after Round One... Chalk it up to a hectic double header race weekend followed by all the organising team being spread around the state/country in the coming weeks.

Anyways... here's some great shots and videos from kind spectators. Think of it as an acid flashback to another great day of racing and cheering on lycra clad fools.

Video Evidence of the day...

Some great shots

Shaun T
Tim Renowden
Gonzalo
Matthew Townsend

And of course don't forget the coming weekend the 'circus' comes to town with the arrival of the Vic leg of the National Cyclocross Series (NCXS). It's being run by Sunbury/Fields Of Joy at Cramwell Park. There's a lot of information here and more on their facebook page. Read it, enter, volunteer, tune in, get rad. 

Our next round is July 19th, more info on that to come when this upcoming storm of CX awesome passes Melbourne.

Verse Chorus Verse

Apologies for our tardiness in posting the results from yesterday but the CX hangover affects each of us differently...

Some like to swear off CX, some take some time with another poison (like road bikes) and some go out for a 'hair of the dog' and spend the day surrounded by tape again...

Here are the results for Saturday's extravaganza... (except for kids, we are still sorting that out). We haven't removed DNS's yet either. So consider them 'preliminary results', OK?

As always... if you have any questions or issues with the results, please take a deep breath and read this.

Men's CX A
Men's CX B
Men's CX C/Open
Women's Races

Also - Can we get a virtual round of applause for all the people who volunteered their time on Saturday (and for that matter Sunday @ FOJCX). There's a lot of moving parts to get these races run and done... all help is always appreciated. #thankavollie

From A Tower

As the clock ticks down on an action packed weekend of local CX it's been the usual hive of pandemonium at DDCX HQ.

A full start list can be found here... some people have had their grades 'adjusted' based on past performances (in both CX and other cycling disciplines). So PLEASE check the list.

UNFORTUNATELY UNLESS YOU ARE A SMALL HUMAN (KIDS) WE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING ON-THE-DAY ENTRIES. Turns out CX is kinda popular...

The day's schedule is as follows:

Delicate soul

Hello!

Do you like stabbing at grass with pointy objects? Laying down crime scene tape? Chewing gum and taking names? Wearing a sweet orange jacket?

Boy do we have a job for you on the 23rd.

It's the volunteers that help to make DDCX the ongoing success that it is, and we always love to see your faces, new and old, turning up to help us out. So if you feel like joining us for the day, an hour, a few minutes, please e-mail us at ddcx.volunteers@gmail.com. We get your name, mobile, if/when you're racing and any preferred roles, you get some stakes, a vest (probably) and swag.

You can keep the swag. That was implied. We'll probably need the stakes and vest back.