Cyclo-cross (sometimes CX, cyclo-X or cross) is a form of bicycle racing. Races take place typically in the autumn and winter (the international or "World Cup" season is September-January), and consists of many laps of a short (2–3 km or 1–2 mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, jump the barrier and remount in one graceful motion. Races for senior categories are generally between 30 minutes and an hour long, with the distance varying depending on the ground conditions.
Cyclo-cross bicycles are similar to racing bicycles: lightweight, with narrow tires and drop handlebars. However, they also share characteristics with mountain bicycles in that they utilize knobby tread tires for traction, and cantilever style brakes for clearance needed due to muddy conditions. They have to be lightweight because competitors need to carry their bicycle to overcome barriers or slopes too steep to climb in the saddle. The sight of competitors struggling up a muddy slope with bicycles on their shoulders is the classic image of the sport, although unridable sections are generally a very small fraction of the race distance. -Wikipedia
Now that we have that out of the way, I'll give you my experience with Cyclocross.
Have you noticed that Mountain Bike races have been decimated? After getting a 2006 Specialized Epic Comp, I felt compelled to compete with it. There was just one problem, there were very few Mountain Bike races. The MTB races I found were far from the SF Bay Area. Last month (August 2006) the Cyclocross community posted the 2006 race calendar. The races were close, cheap, friendly, and you can use a wide range of bicycles. So the decision was clear, give cyclocross a try.
The first CX Race of the season was in Folsom on September 17th. No pre-registration was neccesary, one day ($10) and annual USCF ($60) liscences were available at the event. Race fee was $25 for all categories, and $3 for juniors. This was my first CX race so I chose the beginner category, Mens C. Start time was 9:30am, a welcome relief compared to road race start times. The atmosphere was much more relaxed and comfortable than a road race. Classic rock was playing on an amp by registration. Water, energy drink, and homemade cookies were given out by a local bike shop.
The course was short, between 1 and 2 miles. Every possible type of terrain comprised the course. Wood chips, gravel, hardpack dirt, grass, loose sandy dirt, loose rocks, pavement, and of course mud. With the generous time allowed by the 9:30 start time, I pre-rode the course a few times. Two flats. Being the first on the course means you get the job of trail sweeper. I needed two tubes, my request was quickly filled by other riders in the parking lot.
Thirty three bikes of many styles were laid out across the pavement. It was a LeMans style start, meaning the riders have to run and pick up their bikes at the beginning of the race. Cyclocross bikes made up a little over half of the bikes. Hardtail mountain bikes and hybrids made up the rest. We lined up on a grass field about 50 yards from a tall pile of wood chips. Race instructions were briefed by the director. A whistle sounded and we were off.
The barriers were very different than anything I'm used to.
A running mount is not in my repertoire just yet, I purchased my CX bike a week before the race.
Descending is in my repertoire and I made some time here.
Ouch!
Like a Criterium, replacement wheels can be placed in a designated area in case of a flat or damaged wheel.
I was the only one who speed tucked.
Expect a whole lot of running, way more than any kind of bike race (a triathalon is not a bike race.)
In the end, I got 7th place of 33. I was happy with that, but more importantly I had fun. High fives were had at the finish and a great sense of comraderie with fellow competitors. I now plan to compete in many more CX races, most of which are very close, or are in the Bay Area. Applause goes to the event coordinator.
-Calvin Spivey
