Happy New Year! Okay, friends and rivals. I've been really excited to announce this, but wanted to finalize some of the details. I also figured it would make for some good news to brighten your first week back at school and/or work. Boooo! Let's think about bike racing and more parties! And more cowbell!

As a reward to the supporters of the Bellingham cyclocross scene, from series overall winners to spectators to volunteers, I am throwing an exclusive post-race finale party at the Hotel Bellwether, right in the heart of Bellingham Bay, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 16th. It is a 3 mile straight shot from Cornwall Park down Squalicum Parkway, right past the location of Hilly Cross, and a stunning setting for a night out on our enviable coastal town with fellow bike racers and 'cross fans.

I am still dialing down some of the colorful details that will be included in the evening, but you can anticipate some or all of the following: 1 hosted keg of Boundary Bay IPA, trays of assorted appetizers, a killer turntable DJ powered up by YOU using the Power Wheel from the Make.Shift project, current footage from European cyclocross World Cup races, and award presentations to both 2008 and 2009(10) Cascade Cross Series overall winners!

This event is just $5 for Chilly Cross participants and volunteers, and only $10 for spectators & cyclocross fans. But here's the deal - I have to limit this to about 75 glorious cycling bodies, so you have to come down to the race at Cornwall park on Saturday to sign up (+1 guest). Contrast this with the Mid-Atlantic Cross Series Awards Banquet who is using this thing called the “internet” and robots?

I want to see your pretty (muddy) face at a cyclocross race in January! Is that too much to ask?

More details will be posted as they become available. Thanks for keeping it real!