Upcoming: An All-Bike Weekend in Pomona...

I've had this flyer posted over in the right hand column for a couple weeks now

but there is so much going on that I wanted to give it its own write-up to go along. There will be so many events taking place in and around the Fairplex that the weekend could almost literally, be called 48 Hours of  Bike. The main draw will be two full days of cyclocross (cx) racing, both UCI-calibre competitions. Saturday's Spooky Cross will culminate with an aways popular night-time costume race, followed by races for professional men and women. The pro men and women will then, again, close out the weekend on Sunday during Krosstober-Fest. The UCI rating means that international ranking points are on the line, and the competition will be appropriately fierce. If you have ever been to a cx race you will know that the races taking place throughout the day are serious competition, with more than a little fun sprinkled in to the mix. If you have never experienced cx than this is one of those weekends not to miss. Put aside whatever else you had planned and head to the Fairplex instead. You won't regret the decision.

Now, about those other events; as I said cx is not the only thing taking place. These events of which I speak actually begin Friday evening when you will have the opportunity to participate in a cx clinic with the pros, and follow-up with a Happy Hour meet and greet at the 256 Bar at the Fairplex.

The next Tour de Foothills training ride will leave from the Fairplex on Saturday morning, and you can check the Facebook event page for more info about it.

On both Saturday and Sunday, a National Hardcourt Bike Polo tournament will take place - the 2012 West Side Invite.

There will be a free-style fixed bmx competition track set up for your viewing pleasure, both days.

The Pomona Valley Bicycle Coalition will be hosting a bike-and-part swap both days. And since I mention them, if you live in the area and are not already a member, you should be. At least like their Facebook page; they host a lot of great rides and events that I know you want information about.

Live music festival, food truck fest and a beer garden will provide additional entertainment and refreshment ... you guessed it, both days.

On Sunday, the Pomona Valley Bicycle Coalition will host a Historical Haunts - Zombie Fun Ride. This casual-paced, 26 mile ride will leave from, and return to, the Fairplex in the morning. There will be numerous stops along the way, culminating at the end of road in San Dimas Canyon. Pick up all the info you need to know at the Facebook event page.

Finally, and also on Sunday, a SteepleCross run will take place, with competitors running the cyclocross bike course on foot. A sort of cycle-cross-country race, if you will.

All these happenings are taking place under the general rubric of the LA Bikefest 2012.

I will be there at least portions of each day. Look for the big UCSB flag (assuming I can find a patch of ground to plant it in), walk by, and say "hey michael, ole´". I may respond to that greeting, but don't expect any prize, bottle of beer, or such, just the satisfaction of knowing you are part of a select group of five or so individuals who actually read this. What's with the flag you ask? Well, after all there are certain things a cx race must have (or so photos of European cx races have led me to believe); among those things are giant flags and cowbells (and the more the better). Things like mud, rain, snow, and foreign languages we are unlikely to find, so we need to make the best with plenty of the others.