SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Mark your calendars!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Save the date!
The 2016 Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross will be back again to kick off the Michigan 'cx season on:
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Results and a survey!
I'm very sorry for the delay - after this year's Alma GP I headed straight to Las Vegas to help with 'Cross Vegas! Results for the 2015 Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross, p/b Velocity USA, can be found on USA Cycling's website HERE. (Alternatively, most have been on the photo stream on my Facebook page since race day after the mandatory 15-minute protest period!)
Also, if you haven't already done so, please take a moment to complete this year's post-event survey. The brief (5-minute?) survey can be found HERE. I appreciate you taking the time to give me feedback about the event!
Also, if you haven't already done so, please take a moment to complete this year's post-event survey. The brief (5-minute?) survey can be found HERE. I appreciate you taking the time to give me feedback about the event!
THANK YOU!
9/10/2016...
2015 Alma GP Recap (with Australians) by Jon Clark
Friday, September 11, 2015
Thursday, September 10, 2015
It's ALMOST here!
Don't forget! On Friday, September 11, the Alma Brewing Company in Downtown Alma is hosting an early number pick up and "meet the pros" event from 6-8 p.m.! You'll be able to grab your swag bag, which is filled with fantastic items from sponsors, and pick up your bib number and RFID helmet tag so you're set for race day (Saturday).
Also, you'll be able to grab a pint of the NEW Laatste Ronde beer, brewed especially for the Alma Grand Prix!
Even better? Chris Aitken, Tom Chapman, and Jack Hogan (Focus Bikes Australia), and Josie Simpson (Flanders-Nemesis 'CX Team) will be on hand to meet. Look for them next to the registration table!
I'll see YOU on Friday and/or Saturday! Bring your friends and family to the race - we'll have Mexican food available for purchase on race day, as well as race announcing from Scott Dedenbach and Mr. David Palan of the Cyclocross Network.
Even better? Chris Aitken, Tom Chapman, and Jack Hogan (Focus Bikes Australia), and Josie Simpson (Flanders-Nemesis 'CX Team) will be on hand to meet. Look for them next to the registration table!
I'll see YOU on Friday and/or Saturday! Bring your friends and family to the race - we'll have Mexican food available for purchase on race day, as well as race announcing from Scott Dedenbach and Mr. David Palan of the Cyclocross Network.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Pre-Registration closes on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6!
Don't forget, pre-registration for the Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross, presented by Velocity USA, closes on SUNDAY, September 6, at 11:59 p.m.! You can always day-register though, in the event you miss it:
https://www.usacycling.org/register/2015-2343
Don't forget about the Australian Cyclocross Clinic on Tuesday, September 8 either! Details are on the Facebook "event" page here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/525590464259351/
The Alma Brewing Company is graciously letting us host an early number pick up and "meet the pros" event on Friday, September 11, from 6-8 p.m. as well! Remember, this year camping is available at the race venue, so if you're planning on camping and/or attending the event at the brewery, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know on this anon survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8L37V7S
...and in case you haven't seen the course changes (and how much work we've been doing over the past few months) be sure to check out the preview video!
https://www.usacycling.org/register/2015-2343
Don't forget about the Australian Cyclocross Clinic on Tuesday, September 8 either! Details are on the Facebook "event" page here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/525590464259351/
The Alma Brewing Company is graciously letting us host an early number pick up and "meet the pros" event on Friday, September 11, from 6-8 p.m. as well! Remember, this year camping is available at the race venue, so if you're planning on camping and/or attending the event at the brewery, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know on this anon survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8L37V7S
...and in case you haven't seen the course changes (and how much work we've been doing over the past few months) be sure to check out the preview video!
Friday, August 21, 2015
Win a growler of Alma Brewing Company beer!
ENTRIES ARE DUE BY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, at 11:59 p.m. EST! Post your thoughts in the comments on the Facebook page. Enter as many times as you want.
I'm excited to announce the Alma Brewing Co will be producing a special beer for the Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross!
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to NAME THAT BEER! The
Alma Brewing Company and I will settle on the top name submitted, and
in exchange for your creative thoughts, you'll win a growler and a free
fill of your favorite fermented Alma Brewing Company beverage!
According to the master brewers at the Alma Brewing Company, this 5%
abv Belgian golden ale will have a subtle sweetness and complexity from
the unique yeast strain. This will release at the early number pick up
and meet the pros event (Chris Aitken, Tom Chapman, Jack Hogan, Josie Simpson) on Friday, September 11, from 6-8 p.m.. Don't forget, show your Alma GP bib number and get $1 off pints on 9/11 and 9/12!
Post your submissions in the comments HERE! Must be 21 or older or else you'll win a liter of cola and I'll keep the beer.
Post your submissions in the comments HERE! Must be 21 or older or else you'll win a liter of cola and I'll keep the beer.
Monday, August 17, 2015
2015 Course Preview Video
For your enjoyment. Feel free to share with your friends, relatives, family, and neighbors.
Monday, August 10, 2015
HUGE NEWS! Australian pros to race at the Alma GP!
I'm SUPER pumped to announce that this year, FOUR professional racers
from Australia (and one very supportive husband) will be racing Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross presented by Velocity USA!
Racing for the Focus Bikes Australia CX Team, Chris Aitken (recently crowned U23 Australian National Champion!) will be joined by teammates Tom Chapman and Jack Hogan to race in the Pro/1/2/3 men's event at 12:30.
Racing for the Flanders Nemisis race team, Josie Simpson will compete against the Pro/1/2/3 women at 11:00 on race day. Josie's husband, Courtenay Lee Shoy, will be making the trip as well!
Racing for the Focus Bikes Australia CX Team, Chris Aitken (recently crowned U23 Australian National Champion!) will be joined by teammates Tom Chapman and Jack Hogan to race in the Pro/1/2/3 men's event at 12:30.
But wait, there's more! MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Tuesday, September 8! Chris Aitken, Jack Hogan, Tom Chapman, and Josie Simpson
will be leading a clinic on the Alma cyclocross course! Details coming
in the next few weeks, but here's your chance to see first hand how a
pro dissects the Alma GP track, including the Velocity USA stairs, the Ass Savers steps, and of course, the brand new Pleasant Optics MONSTER stairs!
To make it even sweeter, plan to attend the early number pick up and "meet the pros" event at the Alma Brewing Co on Friday, September 11, from 6-8 p.m.! Pick up your great swag from our sponsors, have a beer, eat dinner, and meet some pretty great people.
So how can YOU make this event even better? There are a few ways:
1) REGISTER to race on the USA Cycling website!
2) Bring a friend on race day to RACE! I was only 15 when my good friend Dennis brought me to the state championships at Pontiac Lake back in 1998. I've been hooked ever since. Get that newbie out to the Alma GP, and let's make 'cx bigger and better together. YOU will make the difference.
3) Bring a friend on race day to CHEER! Seriously, we haven't had this much talent in a Michigan 'cx race since Tailwind Racing LLC held UCI events at Waterford and Springfield Oaks! This is the opportunity of a lifetime to watch and encourage racers from Australia at the Alma GP!
4) #SUPPORTOURSPONSORS! I cannot stress this enough! Find our sponsors on Facebook, like their page, and support their products. Let them know you appreciate their support of the Alma GP!
5) Read up on the Australian 'CX season at Australian Cyclocross Magazine, and catch up on our latest podcast chats on the Cyclocross Network!
OK that's it! Go spread the news, SHARE this with your friends, and let's make the 2015 the biggest 'cx race Michigan has EVER seen...
Photos from Focus Bikes Australia, Martin Kelly, and Sholto Douglas!
Alma College, Biggby-Alma, Milk Means More, Corset Shop Intimates, ProGold Bikes, NEMO Equipment, Inc., TP Logos, Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, Kuat Racks, Terry's Cycle, Wolf Tooth Components, LLC, First Endurance, Chamois Butt'r, Verge Sport, The Sufferfest - Cycling Training Videos, VeloInk, BEER Components, Zevlin
To make it even sweeter, plan to attend the early number pick up and "meet the pros" event at the Alma Brewing Co on Friday, September 11, from 6-8 p.m.! Pick up your great swag from our sponsors, have a beer, eat dinner, and meet some pretty great people.
So how can YOU make this event even better? There are a few ways:
1) REGISTER to race on the USA Cycling website!
2) Bring a friend on race day to RACE! I was only 15 when my good friend Dennis brought me to the state championships at Pontiac Lake back in 1998. I've been hooked ever since. Get that newbie out to the Alma GP, and let's make 'cx bigger and better together. YOU will make the difference.
3) Bring a friend on race day to CHEER! Seriously, we haven't had this much talent in a Michigan 'cx race since Tailwind Racing LLC held UCI events at Waterford and Springfield Oaks! This is the opportunity of a lifetime to watch and encourage racers from Australia at the Alma GP!
4) #SUPPORTOURSPONSORS! I cannot stress this enough! Find our sponsors on Facebook, like their page, and support their products. Let them know you appreciate their support of the Alma GP!
5) Read up on the Australian 'CX season at Australian Cyclocross Magazine, and catch up on our latest podcast chats on the Cyclocross Network!
OK that's it! Go spread the news, SHARE this with your friends, and let's make the 2015 the biggest 'cx race Michigan has EVER seen...
Photos from Focus Bikes Australia, Martin Kelly, and Sholto Douglas!
Alma College, Biggby-Alma, Milk Means More, Corset Shop Intimates, ProGold Bikes, NEMO Equipment, Inc., TP Logos, Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, Kuat Racks, Terry's Cycle, Wolf Tooth Components, LLC, First Endurance, Chamois Butt'r, Verge Sport, The Sufferfest - Cycling Training Videos, VeloInk, BEER Components, Zevlin
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Registration and prize purse incentive!
Here's a bit of a registration incentive for you all. (Currently only
the top five Pro1/2/3 men and women finishers are competing for $400 in
each of those two categories...$800 total + other swag awesomeness. All
other categories are competing for prizes "only"...) IF the total
number of non-junior pre-registered racers hits 300 by the time early registration
closes on Sunday, September 6 (at midnight EST), the following payout
schedule will be employed (bringing the total CASH purse to $2,120):
Pro/1/2/3 Men p/b Velocity USA: $800 to the top 8
Pro1/2/3 Women p/b Mountain Khakis: $800 to the top 8
Elite Masters 1/2/3 35+: $120 to the top 3
Elite Masters 1/2/3 45+: $120 to the top 3
Singlespeed (open) p/b BEER Components: $100 to the top 3
Cat. 3/4 Men 19-34: $60 to the top 3
Cat 3/4 Men 35-44: $60 to the top 3
Cat 3/4 Men 45+: $60 to the top 3
This is in addition to the Verge Sport winner's jerseys, Alma Brewing Co growlers to the first place finishers, NEMO Equipment, Inc., Helio showers to 2nd place, The Sufferfest - Cycling Training Videos to 4th place, and VeloInk to 5th place finishers. Plus the rest of the swag available thanks to our many awesome sponsors.
Is this awesome or crazy? Likely a little of both. Remember, this is valid for pre-reg numbers only... Last year we had 215 racers total. Let's blow that out of the water.
Did I say there was huge news to come? This isn't even close to being it. Hold onto your spandex, my friends. It's going to get crazy. Keep posted here - it's about to get even more awesome.
Register you and a friend here:
https://www.usacycling.org/register/2015-2343
Pro1/2/3 Women p/b Mountain Khakis: $800 to the top 8
Elite Masters 1/2/3 35+: $120 to the top 3
Elite Masters 1/2/3 45+: $120 to the top 3
Singlespeed (open) p/b BEER Components: $100 to the top 3
Cat. 3/4 Men 19-34: $60 to the top 3
Cat 3/4 Men 35-44: $60 to the top 3
Cat 3/4 Men 45+: $60 to the top 3
This is in addition to the Verge Sport winner's jerseys, Alma Brewing Co growlers to the first place finishers, NEMO Equipment, Inc., Helio showers to 2nd place, The Sufferfest - Cycling Training Videos to 4th place, and VeloInk to 5th place finishers. Plus the rest of the swag available thanks to our many awesome sponsors.
Is this awesome or crazy? Likely a little of both. Remember, this is valid for pre-reg numbers only... Last year we had 215 racers total. Let's blow that out of the water.
Did I say there was huge news to come? This isn't even close to being it. Hold onto your spandex, my friends. It's going to get crazy. Keep posted here - it's about to get even more awesome.
Register you and a friend here:
https://www.usacycling.org/register/2015-2343
Saturday, June 27, 2015
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Online pre-registration for the 2015 Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross presented by Velocity USA is now open! Please visit the registration page HERE and sign up before it closes on Sunday, September 6 (at midnight). Late registration ($5 extra) is available at the Alma Brewing Company on Friday, September 11 or on race day. Registration closes 30 minutes prior to each category start time.
Remember if you want a jersey you must pre-order those by JULY 31 and pick yours up when you pick up your bib number. Order your "race cut" men's or women's jersey when you register for the race for only $45! Sizing information is available on Verge's site here. These jerseys have a full zipper, flatlock stitching, and three rear pockets. They feature the Alma GP flag on the right arm band and are designed to be highly visible.
If you're up for it, race in a second category on race day for only $10 more. There are no late fees if you decide to double up on race day, but if you pre-register for more than one event, the second will reflect this reduced cost.
THANK YOU for your support of the Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross p/b Velocity USA and all of our sponsors! Your continued support of this event as well as those individuals and businesses that help out this race is sincerely appreciated. I'll see YOU on Saturday, September 12!
Remember if you want a jersey you must pre-order those by JULY 31 and pick yours up when you pick up your bib number. Order your "race cut" men's or women's jersey when you register for the race for only $45! Sizing information is available on Verge's site here. These jerseys have a full zipper, flatlock stitching, and three rear pockets. They feature the Alma GP flag on the right arm band and are designed to be highly visible.
THANK YOU for your support of the Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross p/b Velocity USA and all of our sponsors! Your continued support of this event as well as those individuals and businesses that help out this race is sincerely appreciated. I'll see YOU on Saturday, September 12!
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Winner's Jerseys!
Those of you taking the top step in each race category on 9/12 will not only snag a growler from Alma Brewing Company, but you'll also don this sweet winner's jersey from Verge Sport!
These jerseys will be available for pre-sale as well (via the USA Cycling registration page which will be opening shortly). Pre-sales ends on July 31, 2015. Jerseys are "race cut" so please be sure to check out sizing information from Verge HERE.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Custom socks, care of Corset Shop Intimates!
The first 200 racers to pick up their bib number will get these great custom socks care of race sponsor Corset Shop Intimates in Saginaw, Michigan! Yes, that's a camisole on the front of these...and no, you've never seen anything like this rolling around your LBS!
As always, SUPPORT THE SPONSORS THAT SUPPORT THE ALMA GP!
Saturday, June 6, 2015
STRAVA segment, Alma College / Alma GP Caps!
Also, the first 100 racers to pick up their bib number (either at the Alma Brewing Company on Friday, September 11, from 6-8 p.m. or on race day) will get this AWESOME cycling cap care of race sponsor ALMA COLLEGE! These are synthetic caps fully screened by Verge Sport, and frankly, they look awesome...
Remember to always SUPPORT THE SPONSORS THAT SUPPORT THE ALMA GP!
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Race Technical Guide (2015)
I've updated this year's race technical guide (as of 5/13). It's perma-link is in the Venue & Race Day Information tab, but it's housed on Google Docs for ease of downloading and printing. I will update this PDF periodically to include more detailed information that will help your travels and race day go smoothly. Last year we had quite a bit of road construction to manage - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we won't have similar issues this year!
Thanks for supporting the Alma GP. Remember to stay up to date using either the race Facebook page or my personal race account. Twitter hosts the not-quite-so-important musings as well!
Thanks for supporting the Alma GP. Remember to stay up to date using either the race Facebook page or my personal race account. Twitter hosts the not-quite-so-important musings as well!
Monday, May 4, 2015
Stay up to date!
For those of you on Facebook, make sure to "Like" the Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross page. However, once you've liked the page, on right side of the "Liked" button (in
this page's header), click the down arrow and select "Get
Notifications" to make sure that you received ALL of the great notifications and updates associated with this event!
For those of you on Twitter, follow @TheAlmaGP as well!
Plans are rolling forward faster than I ever imagined, and the 2015 Alma GP is looking to be bigger and better than every before. Hope you decide to come along for the ride!
For those of you on Twitter, follow @TheAlmaGP as well!
Plans are rolling forward faster than I ever imagined, and the 2015 Alma GP is looking to be bigger and better than every before. Hope you decide to come along for the ride!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Quiet here, but a lot is happening!
I'm sorry this page has been fairly quiet over the past month or so, but I can assure you that LOTS has been happening! First, Dr. Whitmore and I spent a while over at the 'cx venue doing our best to flatten the track for this year's event. Late last fall we expanded a few sections of the course to help increase the course length but also speed up a few areas. Those sections are now in great shape, and we'll get out there in the next few weeks with the screen to help drag in all of the chopped dirt.
Second, sponsorships are beginning to finalize, and the process to design winner's jerseys through Verge Sport has begun! Those will also be available for pre-sale (only) as soon as the race registration page opens (which *should* be in May).
As always, I ask that you continually help to support the sponsors that support the Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross (presented by Velocity USA)! Your voice and "thanks" to our sponsors helps expand both the footprint of this race as well as makes the sponsors aware that YOU are aware of their support! Get on their Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, or websites and let them know how much you appreciate their support!
Updates are fairly frequent on the race Facebook and Twitter pages! Registration through USA Cycling will be opening soon...
I'll see you on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12! (Unless, of course, I see you on Friday, September 11, camping at the venue and picking up your bib number at the Alma Brewing Company!)
As always, I ask that you continually help to support the sponsors that support the Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross (presented by Velocity USA)! Your voice and "thanks" to our sponsors helps expand both the footprint of this race as well as makes the sponsors aware that YOU are aware of their support! Get on their Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, or websites and let them know how much you appreciate their support!
Updates are fairly frequent on the race Facebook and Twitter pages! Registration through USA Cycling will be opening soon...
I'll see you on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12! (Unless, of course, I see you on Friday, September 11, camping at the venue and picking up your bib number at the Alma Brewing Company!)
Thursday, March 12, 2015
2015 TITLE SPONSOR - Velocity USA!
I'm PUMPED to announce this year's TITLE SPONSOR as Grand Rapids - based Velocity USA!
Velocity makes not only what is likely one of the most commonly used tubular rim for 'cross (the Major Tom), but also a pretty amazing MTB rim (the Blunt SL)!
One of their hubsets that is quite possibly the greatest thing since sliced bread is their convertible hub, which will handle any of the industry's changes from quick release to thru-axle!
As always, SUPPORT THE SPONSORS THAT SUPPORT THE ALMA GP!
One of their hubsets that is quite possibly the greatest thing since sliced bread is their convertible hub, which will handle any of the industry's changes from quick release to thru-axle!
As always, SUPPORT THE SPONSORS THAT SUPPORT THE ALMA GP!
Monday, January 26, 2015
WIN AN ENTRY TO THIS YEAR'S RACE!
Alma GP racers!
I hope your winter riding, running, skiing, or eating season is going well and you're doing whatever it is that you love to do!
We've
been hard at work setting up for a great 2015 event, which is once
again slated to kick off the 2015 Michigan 'cx season on Saturday,
September 12 (the first Saturday after Labor Day). Sponsors are signing
on and other new things are always in the works to make this a great
event for you and your family. I hope your winter riding, running, skiing, or eating season is going well and you're doing whatever it is that you love to do!
On the Alma GP Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/
Ass Savers http://ass-savers.com/
Corset Shop Intimates http://www.
Seals, Tacia, Bartz, Zainea, & Whitmore Optometry http://www.mieyedoctor.com/
First Endurance http://firstendurance.com/
Brian a.k.a. jb a.k.a. overexcited racepromoter...
Friday, January 16, 2015
Snow and Sponsors
Well winter finally hit the mid-Michigan area - there's currently enough snow around here to set your own XC tracks in the local parks. Unfortunately that means my 'cx fix is currently coming from live streaming of the European races and following up on the latest news in the industry.
If you haven't yet done so, please take a moment to stop by the SPONSORS page (or just look to the sidebar on the left of this page) and support those that support this event. Additionally, I've updated the MEDIA page as well, which now includes a link to the Cyclocross Down Under podcast where coach Jeff and I talk about the Alma GP. Also added to the Media page is Brian Harville's first lap in the Elite Masters 45+ race from last year. Man, those dry dusty days seem long behind us...
If you're not already following @TheAlmaGP on Twitter, do so! I always post sponsorship updates both there and on the race Facebook page. I'm sure lots will be happening in the coming months, so thanks in advance for supporting this race as well as all of the sponsors that support the event!
jb
If you haven't yet done so, please take a moment to stop by the SPONSORS page (or just look to the sidebar on the left of this page) and support those that support this event. Additionally, I've updated the MEDIA page as well, which now includes a link to the Cyclocross Down Under podcast where coach Jeff and I talk about the Alma GP. Also added to the Media page is Brian Harville's first lap in the Elite Masters 45+ race from last year. Man, those dry dusty days seem long behind us...
If you're not already following @TheAlmaGP on Twitter, do so! I always post sponsorship updates both there and on the race Facebook page. I'm sure lots will be happening in the coming months, so thanks in advance for supporting this race as well as all of the sponsors that support the event!
jb
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