Monday Blues: Short Changed
I know, it is a little early for a Monday Blues, but I wanted to give this one a little extra time.
The setting, the challenge of the course, the enthusiasm of the organizers, and energy of the spectators make the race stand out from most other single day events you will find in the state. All that is reflected in its longevity - the Nevada City Classic is the second oldest, continuously run race in the country, not just California. In its time the NCC has seen America's best racers - from Greg Lemond to pre-p.e.d. Lance Armstrong, compete around its fabled course. Think of the course in terms of an isosceles triangle - dripping sweat in the June heat on the painful climb along one long side, a short flat stretch along the top to let you catch your breath, and then sweating bullets of fear (which never the less dry before you hit the turn at the bottom) through an incredibly fast descent along the other long side. People living along the route set up in their front yards with lounge chairs and barbecues, kids sell the best thirst-quenching lemonade you have ever tasted, spectators along the bottom of the course line the sidewalks, cheering, shouting, cowbells ring out all along the uphill side and, if you are lucky the folks at the top have their garden hose out providing a brief refreshing shower as you race past. From a racers perspective being able to say "I raced Nevada City" carries meaning; from a spectating perspective, they don't get much better.
The setting, the challenge of the course, the enthusiasm of the organizers, and energy of the spectators make the race stand out from most other single day events you will find in the state. All that is reflected in its longevity - the Nevada City Classic is the second oldest, continuously run race in the country, not just California. In its time the NCC has seen America's best racers - from Greg Lemond to pre-p.e.d. Lance Armstrong, compete around its fabled course. Think of the course in terms of an isosceles triangle - dripping sweat in the June heat on the painful climb along one long side, a short flat stretch along the top to let you catch your breath, and then sweating bullets of fear (which never the less dry before you hit the turn at the bottom) through an incredibly fast descent along the other long side. People living along the route set up in their front yards with lounge chairs and barbecues, kids sell the best thirst-quenching lemonade you have ever tasted, spectators along the bottom of the course line the sidewalks, cheering, shouting, cowbells ring out all along the uphill side and, if you are lucky the folks at the top have their garden hose out providing a brief refreshing shower as you race past. From a racers perspective being able to say "I raced Nevada City" carries meaning; from a spectating perspective, they don't get much better.
If it was not such a long, time-consuming drive, I would go up every year. This year's edition of the race would be the 58th running - the first taking place in 1961 - but, due to last minute funding issues is in danger of being cancelled. The Nevada City Classic is a true American classic. To raise the necessary last minute funds a GoFundMe account has been established. It would be a shame to let the races' unparalleled run come to an end. Honestly, forget about the big names who made the race famous over the years, think of all the others, the men and women, boys and girls, who never aspired to the same level of greatness, but who challenged themselves around the very same course, and can look back and say, "yeah, I raced Nevada City."
Your contribution, no matter how small it may be, might be all it takes to keep this great race going.
Though the last time I was there was 2014, the photo below is from the 2012 edition. Clicking those links will take you to my report of each.
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