Los Angeles State Historic Park received its designation primarily because in the late 1800s its location was one of the most important railway hubs on the West Coast. After the first weekend in December its historical significance will need to be re-written to include the role it played in the sport of cycling and its connection with the community.
On November 30th through December 2nd this quiet park near downtown L.A. and Chinatown will be rollicking with big-time cyclocross bicycle racing, neighborhood health and fitness activities and considerable fun for the whole family. It’s FREE to spectators.
History Will Be Made at the Park all Weekend:
- The first ever UCI Junior Men’s class, as part of two days of UCI racing. UCI is the international sanctioning body for bicycle racing). Elite Men, Women and Junior riders from around the country will vie for valuable UCI points. They will be joined on Saturday by a wide variety of competitors, from youth to masters and beginner to elite, during a full day of SoCalCross Prestige Series racing.
- The first ever night race in Los Angeles, featuring the UCI Cross After Dark Series Finale under the lights on Saturday evening. Some of the best riders from around the world will be in attendance, including Tim Johnson, Ryan Trebon, Adam Craig, Chris Jones, Craig Ritchey, Katerina Nash, Meredith Miller, Julie Krasniak, Nicole Duke, Courtney McFadden and others. They will be battling for their share of a $5,000 purse, putting Saturday’s race payout at a prestigious UCI C1 level.
- The first ever Single Speed CX World Championship event to be held in Los Angeles. Riders use bicycles with one gear only, a challenging sport that has reached almost cult-like status. This edgy, boisterous event is a party in itself with an emphasis on serious fun. An example of the character of this racing: the winners will each receive a mandatory tattoo, on the spot.
- The first ever Steeple Cross to take place at this park. On Sunday morning, trail runners will do several laps around the 2-mile cyclocross course, tackling a wide variety of terrain and obstacles.
There will be plenty of non-competitive activities as well, including fun rides, walks, yoga, a kids ride, live music, displays, food and beverage, and even a Best Bike Lights and Costume contest. There’s something for everyone, and the entire community is welcome to join in the fun.
Los Angeles has never experienced a weekend like this. It will be a fantastic festival of cycling and community from the highest levels to the grass roots. This 32-acre plot of protected open space in the heart of the big city brought people of all cultures and classes together with a high level of excitement over a hundred years ago, and will do so again the first weekend of December 2012.
For complete details, check out SoCalCross.org.
By Phil Beckman/PB Creative
