Words - Joe Hamilton / Photos - Shae James and Matthew Fairbrother
Once a year, an event known as the Singlespeed Cyclocross World Championships rolls into an unsuspecting town. One part race, one part spectacle, and a whole heap of debauchery. For 2026, it was held in our own backyard of Bellingham, WA, and it may have stained the town for life. Kona was an event sponsor and hosted a Feat of Strength stop for the Saturday Alley Cat qualifier. Kona employees, friends, and family showed up in force to heckle racers forced to navigate the Hotdog Hillclimb - racers grabbed a hotdog and attempted to ride a course one-handed. Was the course rideable? Maybe. One racer did actually clear the entire climb!
Sunday was race day and was held at the Lookout Arts Quarry, a location that came ready-made for an event of this caliber. Permanently constructed features are present on the grounds, including a life-sized pirate ship, water slide, and a western village. Kona posted up at the old-timey saloon where we handed out beers, heckles, and made sure racers got a full dose of Kona vibes. Western attire was the call for the day, and we had a DJ keeping the party moving. Kona’s own US Sales rep Dale Plant raced the event on his LBF!
In all, a very memorable weekend of bikes, beers, music, and shenanigans. It’s heading off to Missoula, MT for 2027, so get ready for Big Sky Country next year!
