1999 Single Speed Mountain Bike Worlds Report

These events are what make this a great sport. Great people. Mark owner of TCB Cyclery in Fullerton took on this task that will be carried on every year. His goal was to start something new and that he truly did. With over 100 entries in both men's and women's fields that race/event took place February 14 in the Sports Bar in Rancho Cucamonga, CA at 915 (or 20) AM. Estimated was 8 AM but this was really layed back.

The course was a mystery to some including myself and I took a 36x18 gear. Almost all had lower than that. Why? Simple, the race was to go up in the MT. Baldy area for what ended up being some 5,000 ft of climbing. Continuous, may I add. A fast start up to the base and from there a hike a bike welcomed us. Needless to say walking was what we all did.

This race went on for a long time up. Many outfitted small gears and suspension but the hardcore guys like me went rigid and with a bigger gear. We all payed the price at the end.

Among the single speed bikes were a few single speed tandems and beach cruisers. Yeap! they too took on the challenge. Only a handfull of retired riders mainly due to mechanicals and a few were actually smart.

Many top riders showed up as you had to be to do such a race. Riders from Colorado and Minnesotta made the trip to Southern California for the first Single Speed Worlds. Sponsored by TCB Cyclery, Nema, Troy Lee, Tioga, SPOT, Bob Roll, Bianchi, Coppi, Anthony's Cyclery and many other companies including your MOM. Money from fees were donated to aid from what I believe a young girl. Truly a special event for a special person in Valentine's day.

Travis Brown took the men's title closely followed by Darryl Price and a few others. On the women's side it was Marla Streb which took the tattoo for the girls. Tattoo? yes, there was no trophy or medal but a gift to forever remember, a tattoo.

Last time I left Travis and Marla they were drinking tequila to get the tattoos done. By the way Travis and Marla and all the rest are great people. Truly are. It may seem that many of the participants were from another planet but all are great people.

Did I mention the course was super hard. Next year the same even if I have to put some work into it. Same course so we all now know.

Check a bit in the Mountain Bike Action Mag as a fotographer was out there taking shots and stories.