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NorCal Classic
Mon, 08/25/2008 - 5:24pm — Nick Valencia
Saturday, August 23rd will go down in San Jose history as the first annual "NorCal Classic" BMX race. Nothing was too classic and we may as well change the title of the race to "A Bunch of Older Out of Shape Riders Getting Loose." Santa Clara PAL played host to approximately twenty-five of NorCal's shadiest freestylers, all of whom went racer for a day. The idea was conceived about a week or so before the event was set to go down, so nobody had any chances to try and get any racer skills developed. It made for some shady and sketchy racing for all involved. Two classes were quickly formed consisting of 16-29 Sketch, and 30-and-Over Sketchier. Maybe next year we should allow clipless pedals to increase the sketch level, haha.
16-29 Sketch had a few guys looking to bag some loot right from the beginning and although the internet message boards had pegged Pat Buchanan for the win, they would be sad to find out he was a no-show and a blast from the past by the name of Dan Klay would fit right in his spot. Dan would do battle all day long with eventual winner Dustin Hanson. Derek Ford of NorCal fame was a heavy hitter as well, but after two rounds called it quits. These three were a step ahead of the rest of the pack, and if you didn't know better, you'd think they had a set of clipless pedals and full race gear at home. The Best-Dressed award went to Dan for showing up with a RAD-inspired numberplate that was almost as big as some of the bars I see kids running these days, and a pretty sick helmet to go along with it. These two put on a hell of a show in the rounds where Dustin locked up the overall win just edging out Dan at the line and holding onto the 1st two motos with wins. The main event went to Dan, so although he won the last battle, the war went to Dustin.
1st- Dustin Hanson
2nd- Dan Klay
3rd- Eric Sandlin
Our featured races of the day, of course, were the 30-and-Over motos. As the gate loaded up with eight riders, it was pretty apparent that some came from an early happy hour, and some came to take the first-ever NCC title. You know things are serious when Oscar Gonzalez makes an appearance in an original Skyway jersey. Vince Torres looked like he was hoping any or all seven guys would get in his way and Mike Davis downplayed his skills all week while training up in the mountains, I believe. Old School Joe wasn't out for fun and games, as he brought out a completely raced out [ed. note: and gay, and Asian] S3 Aitken to get a leg up on his competition. A big thanks goes out to NorCal's own bigmouth Al Roybal who brought us some entertainment over the mic. As the gate loaded up he cut the tension with a classic line out of the Roybal Announcers' Bible and said "These guys look more confused than an Arkansas family reunion!" The race action from this bunch was comedic to say the least; eight guys charging hard and trying to keep it rubber side down. It worked for most part, but when things got airborne was when the crowd got really into it. There were a few guys that added about a hundred extra feet to the track just by zig zagging so much. The early favorite was Mike Davis, who secured the first round win, but a few too many late nights came into play and left him in the pack for the second moto. The points were all jumbled up and after two rounds of racing there were five guys who had a tie for the lead with six points! Don Ypil, Mike Davis, Oscar Gonzalez, Marlo Ibon, and OS Joe all had a shot at the win. It would come down to a one-lap dash for the trophy. The gate slapped down and out of nowhere a total sleeper Vince Torres had the lead and was running things smooth! The action in the middle of the pack was what mattered, as whoever finished the best would be the overall winner. But sure enough, just like the Titanic, Vince went down quick as the last straight approached. Don Ypil and Mike Davis used every bit of the track and chalk was flying everywhere as they got into the last turn. Mike Davis must've been getting his makeup ready for the picture at the finish line, because he didn't even see Don dive to the inside of the turn. Don had second place locked up if he played it safe, but second place is only the first loser when it comes to the NCC. Don shot through the turn and right before coming out he somehow slid out. On flat pedals. Didn't anybody tell him to stick his foot down and roost it motocross-style? Don wouldn't recover in time and there to pick up the pieces was none other than Oscar Gonzalez followed up by Joe. The first ever 30-and-Over Sketchier podium was set:
1st- Mike Davis
2nd- Oscar Gonzalez
3rd- Ol School Joe
Thanks to all the sponsors who donated product for the winners:
Moeller and the crew @ S&M Bikes- Check the banners that everyone signed and were awarded to the overall winners!
Tom and Tina @ EmpireBMX- Fresh tees so we didn't have to put up with the smell of alcohol being sweat out, haha. Tons of goodies!
Bill @ Supercross BMX- Thanks so much for the product and continued support of the local scene in NorCal.
George @ Knight Bikes- George kicked down a huge bag of just about everything in the Knight lineup, and all the riders were very appreciative!
Mike @ Ramp Rats- Ramp Rats sent a stack of free session passes to be distributed to the athletes. Hopefully they can ride smoother there!
Aaron @ Solid- Aaron Huff is a long time supporter and steady backdrop of all things NorCal and BMX. He came through with the goodies and quite a few people walked away with some of the best stuff NorCal has to offer.
Psykopath- Yet another local Bay Area company who put up some product and cash to make things happen.
Thanks to all involved and look forward to more events of this type in the near future!
There's a newspaper article in the Merc here. Check Saturday's photos below, courtesy of Daniel Porter.
Dustin, Oscar, and Mike.
Mike.
Dan.
Eric Sandlin.
Me, about to hand out some cash to the victors.
Me getting boosty at Stonegate after the race.
16-29 Sketch had a few guys looking to bag some loot right from the beginning and although the internet message boards had pegged Pat Buchanan for the win, they would be sad to find out he was a no-show and a blast from the past by the name of Dan Klay would fit right in his spot. Dan would do battle all day long with eventual winner Dustin Hanson. Derek Ford of NorCal fame was a heavy hitter as well, but after two rounds called it quits. These three were a step ahead of the rest of the pack, and if you didn't know better, you'd think they had a set of clipless pedals and full race gear at home. The Best-Dressed award went to Dan for showing up with a RAD-inspired numberplate that was almost as big as some of the bars I see kids running these days, and a pretty sick helmet to go along with it. These two put on a hell of a show in the rounds where Dustin locked up the overall win just edging out Dan at the line and holding onto the 1st two motos with wins. The main event went to Dan, so although he won the last battle, the war went to Dustin.
1st- Dustin Hanson
2nd- Dan Klay
3rd- Eric Sandlin
Our featured races of the day, of course, were the 30-and-Over motos. As the gate loaded up with eight riders, it was pretty apparent that some came from an early happy hour, and some came to take the first-ever NCC title. You know things are serious when Oscar Gonzalez makes an appearance in an original Skyway jersey. Vince Torres looked like he was hoping any or all seven guys would get in his way and Mike Davis downplayed his skills all week while training up in the mountains, I believe. Old School Joe wasn't out for fun and games, as he brought out a completely raced out [ed. note: and gay, and Asian] S3 Aitken to get a leg up on his competition. A big thanks goes out to NorCal's own bigmouth Al Roybal who brought us some entertainment over the mic. As the gate loaded up he cut the tension with a classic line out of the Roybal Announcers' Bible and said "These guys look more confused than an Arkansas family reunion!" The race action from this bunch was comedic to say the least; eight guys charging hard and trying to keep it rubber side down. It worked for most part, but when things got airborne was when the crowd got really into it. There were a few guys that added about a hundred extra feet to the track just by zig zagging so much. The early favorite was Mike Davis, who secured the first round win, but a few too many late nights came into play and left him in the pack for the second moto. The points were all jumbled up and after two rounds of racing there were five guys who had a tie for the lead with six points! Don Ypil, Mike Davis, Oscar Gonzalez, Marlo Ibon, and OS Joe all had a shot at the win. It would come down to a one-lap dash for the trophy. The gate slapped down and out of nowhere a total sleeper Vince Torres had the lead and was running things smooth! The action in the middle of the pack was what mattered, as whoever finished the best would be the overall winner. But sure enough, just like the Titanic, Vince went down quick as the last straight approached. Don Ypil and Mike Davis used every bit of the track and chalk was flying everywhere as they got into the last turn. Mike Davis must've been getting his makeup ready for the picture at the finish line, because he didn't even see Don dive to the inside of the turn. Don had second place locked up if he played it safe, but second place is only the first loser when it comes to the NCC. Don shot through the turn and right before coming out he somehow slid out. On flat pedals. Didn't anybody tell him to stick his foot down and roost it motocross-style? Don wouldn't recover in time and there to pick up the pieces was none other than Oscar Gonzalez followed up by Joe. The first ever 30-and-Over Sketchier podium was set:
1st- Mike Davis
2nd- Oscar Gonzalez
3rd- Ol School Joe
Thanks to all the sponsors who donated product for the winners:
Moeller and the crew @ S&M Bikes- Check the banners that everyone signed and were awarded to the overall winners!
Tom and Tina @ EmpireBMX- Fresh tees so we didn't have to put up with the smell of alcohol being sweat out, haha. Tons of goodies!
Bill @ Supercross BMX- Thanks so much for the product and continued support of the local scene in NorCal.
George @ Knight Bikes- George kicked down a huge bag of just about everything in the Knight lineup, and all the riders were very appreciative!
Mike @ Ramp Rats- Ramp Rats sent a stack of free session passes to be distributed to the athletes. Hopefully they can ride smoother there!
Aaron @ Solid- Aaron Huff is a long time supporter and steady backdrop of all things NorCal and BMX. He came through with the goodies and quite a few people walked away with some of the best stuff NorCal has to offer.
Psykopath- Yet another local Bay Area company who put up some product and cash to make things happen.
Thanks to all involved and look forward to more events of this type in the near future!
There's a newspaper article in the Merc here. Check Saturday's photos below, courtesy of Daniel Porter.
Dustin, Oscar, and Mike.
Mike.
Dan.
Eric Sandlin.
Me, about to hand out some cash to the victors.
Me getting boosty at Stonegate after the race.
Comments
shit was hella fun, i only got to watch but it was fun to watch
next one should be clips blind folds and 10 guys
omg, i feel the love!!!!!!!!!! Good race! hope Dustin is there next year! lol!
Thanks to Nick Valencia,Santa Clara Bmx track, the sponsors that are mentioned on here and everyone that got involved and came out! It was fun and a great experience that I will never forget! Al Roybal was funny as hell! I had the stemina but lack the technic, but always came back strong in the end! I watched (Ain't mad at Cha) video to grab some technic and inspiration from Greg Romero,Cecil Johns, Terry Tenette and try to get that Nor Cal pull. You can see that it worked on all the races, but the first race you can see me pull hard at the end as I took Marlo on for the 2nd place slot and took it right under him. The last race I almost got sandwiched by Oscar Gonzalez and Vince Torres on the second jump. Thats why I got all wiggled out from trying to slow down. Now all I have to do is work on gate starts and those first couple of jumps I think I can be unstoppable the next time. Oh yeah a better set up bike as well with a long rear end. From watching the video my wife took I might as well nose wheelie through the whole track. Look out Mike Davis I'm a commin!!Ha hahahhaa!
Nick--I was reading the Sj news paper and read that Dean Townsend family was out there too. Where was Dean at? I'm gonna have to borrow cruiser to take him on!!!! Nah! he will walk me for sure!
hell ya, "I ain't mad at cha", that is the best joe
damn that sounded like alot of fun im friggin pissed that i missed it,hopefully it happens aqgain next year or earlier than that.that sandm banner is awsome,see yall at cunningham tomarrow.
you know joe....i think i need some credit for your podium!!! I am soo bummed i couldnt make it out. I was working that day. It sounded like a great event. Thanks for calling me the night before Joe, i totally would have come out to race if i didnt have work.
Congrats to all the old ass farts that went out there and pushed there teeny bikes around the track. I wanna see more pictures. Good job Mike, i didnt know you had racer in your blood. Oscar...you are still the man...
Old School...FYI...my bike is jinxed, i swear when it comes to competition that bike likes to crash or not take podium...But good job for being alive!!!
The younger guys...good job Dan, i just wanna let you know that at P.A.L. they require brakes and no pegs...how come ur not complaining. J/K. Good job Dustin, you prolly know that track better than most of us, except Pat and Nick.
Nick thanks for putting on the event it was a good time. Next time I am going to get into better shape so I don't die with two straights and one corner to go. It was great to see Danny and Dustin give the "racer guys" fits in practice. OS Joe and Marlo closet racers where did they get all the track skills from. Oscar a true demolition man with a elbow to the gut of Mike. Mike gets big props for his gate starts and not tuckering out at all, I think he is younger than 30. Don, I hope your bike survived me running over it. Good times man, we were talking about it at the skate park the next day.
Yeah it was a blast hanging out with out guys and almost throwing up after every heat. I suggest having oxygen tanks set up for us old farts to recover after each race. Watching Dan and Dustin go at it like kids racing to the ice cream truck was great.
I gotta give credit to Vince though for hanging in there after our 3rd practice run he looked liked he was done, but he hung in there, even got a good shot out of the gate during the last race. Also congrats to the top 3 “over the hill” winners, enjoy cause next year you’ll be older and slower.
Mike we will be gunning for you next year. Don keep that foot down when sliding out. Oscar quit drinking by midnight a day before the race and let those elbows fly more. Joe quit passing me by on those rhythm sections and keep that back wheel down. Vince it must have been those front brakes slowing you down. Dustin keep those keys in your pocket. Dan drill some holes in your number plate to lessen the drag. Endo maybe next year if you don’t break anything.
To the rest of the slaps that didn't make it no excuses....be there next year.
Thanks Nick for setting it up.
Marlo
WOW. Congrats to all you guys. The pictures say it all. Dustin you have Cunningham to thank for this for getting your fatass into shape. OldScar is no stanger to the podium but check out Mike D. You guys rule, guess I will have to wait until next year. Props to all who organized that whole race, fucking looked like a sick event! Hope to ride soon with all yall azzes. Only thing I was surprised to learn was not who landed on the podium, but that Skyway actually made a jersey big enough for Oscar to wear. Good job Nick.
hahahaha, "Watching Dan and Dustin go at it like kids racing to the ice cream truck"... yeah Mario, i wish i got ice cream after that. :)
I am stoned, rode some street today after cunningham yesterday. We need more cool racing event's like this. i think DMX (Dog Motocross) would be hilarious. you would start on the gate with your dog between your legs, then you and your leashed dog would have to get around the track first, some dogs would want to stop to piss or lick some other dogs balls, or sniff some shit from the 2nd place dog.... it is only 1/4 mile and I think DMX would not only be a big hit, (and a lot of shit to clean up). it could help with funds and be so funny you would piss yourself.... maybe I am just too high. :)