N.A.C.C.C.
Racers run to their bikes at the beginning of Sundays event.
The North American Cycling Courier Championship (NACCC)
All I can really say about this event is WOW!
This past weekend in San Diego might have been the most fun I’ve ever had at a bike event. Cyclists from across North America came together for this annual gathering focused on the niche world of bicycle messengers. Hosted by a collective of San Diego messengers, the event was so well-coordinated and thoughtfully put together that it felt like much more than a DIY race.
While the main events took place over the weekend, riders who arrived early enjoyed a full week of activities, including an out-of-towner alleycat race, a group ride to Tijuana, and other unofficial rides. On Saturday, about sixty riders competed in the qualifiers, with 40 moving on to the finals on Sunday. The final course simulated work tasks and unique challenges, reflecting the daily life of a downtown bike messenger.
Throughout the event, I moved around the course and spent time with different groups at the checkpoints. I hung out with the U-Lock Mob from DTLA, stationed at a simulated courthouse. Riders had to lock up their bikes and check in with the "front office," which directed them to the signing department across the park for their checkpoint stamp. The U-Lock Mob was incredible—maintaining a calm demeanor and a collaborative effort, they stayed true to the slow bureaucratic process of the legal system. Other checkpoints had riders hitting a baseball or replicating a package delivery, each station creating its own vibe and keeping everyone on their toes. I was even surprised on Sunday when a few riders approached me for a signature slip, later learning that Brandon from Omnium was giving out cycling caps as a bonus for signed slips. haha
But beyond the racing, what truly stood out was the sense of community. As someone originally from the Los Angeles area, coming down for this event allowed me to reconnect with a lot old friends and finally meet people I’ve only known online. But everyone at NACCC was so welcoming that by Sunday it felt like we all knew each other.
Pink Tag Bags was invited to sponsor the event this year and I was so happy to provide bags as prizes, donating enough so that nearly everyone who made it onto the podium received one. It was such an honor. I feel incredibly fortunate to still be part of the SoCal cycling scene, even after relocating to Portland in 2019.
When NACCC announced about a month before the race that no WTFNB (Women, Transgender, Femme, and Non-Binary) riders had registered, I decided to step up. Pink Tag Bags offered to sponsor five WTFNB racers by covering their fees, and I reached out to my friend at Omnium who agreed to cover another five. Inclusion and representation of Women, Transgender, and Non-Binary riders is a core value of Pink Tag Bags, and I’m deeply committed to supporting it. The bike community is for everyone, and all should feel safe and welcome at these events. We had a great turnout of Trans, Non-Binary, and women riders, and I hope that by uplifting these racers, we can continue to grow representation and create the safest, most welcoming space possible.
Between the events I posted up with my bike selling stem bags and wow my little beverage caps were going wild! I sold out of the 30 something caps I brought with me in like 2 hours of the first night. It was amazing and now I have more on order getting shipped to my mom in Arizona.
The Official Pink Tag Review?
5 out of 5 stars!
Next year, NACCC is in Vancouver, BC, and I can’t wait to see everyone there again! :)
Were you at NACCC? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!
