'Cross Rocks!
Top Ten Reasons that Cyclocross Rocks!"
by Karla Kingsley
So, 'cross might be my favorite thing about cycling. 'Cross (officially cyclocross, or CX) is pretty much everything that's good about bikes, all in the same
discipline. In a nutshell, there's an off-road circuit, usually around 1-2 miles, that probably has some or all of the following: dirt and grass, barriers (about 16" high), steep uphills (run-ups), mud, trails, and fast downhills. You go around the circuit, riding your bike when you can, and then getting off and running over the barriers and up the steep inclines (carrying your bike). To keep it simple, I'm going to lay out "the top ten reasons that cyclocross rocks."
1. It's super laid-back. Seriously. You don't need to feel intimidated about showing up to a cross race. There are always people laughing, drinking a beer, and eating chili.
2. It's still pretty new -- ask some of the long-time racers of Minnesota. They can tell you about the beginnings of cross around here. Which means it's still evolving and growing and you can be a part of it!
3. The male and current female CX-ers are welcoming and supportive to newcomers, especially new women!
4. You get TOTALLY fit! Running, riding, uphill, downhill, lifting your bike, jumping on and off your bike, etc., means you will get more of a full body workout than you can in most other cycling activities.
5. It's speedy (the best part of criterium racing) and technical (the best part of MTB racing), but not too speedy or too technical.
6. In addition to riding your bike, you get to run and leap! (It's kind of like recess in elementary school.)
7. You get to get dirty! With a fall season, cross is often done in the mud and rain, so things can get sloppy. (However, in MN last year, we had beautiful sunny weather for just about every race.)
8. The races are only 30-45 minutes (depending on your level).
9. There's a clinic and mock race series on Boom Island all set up by the Alan team to help CX-ers of all levels. Check out mcf.net for details.
10. It's just plain fun stuff.
You can find the race schedule on mcf.net as well. I'll be going to most of the races on the calendar!
Karla
Karla Kingsley is a Cat 3 racer for Velo Bella. Last year was her first full season of 'cross and she loves it! Karla would like to share her love of 'cross by answering your questions and even carpooling to races with you. Email her at karlajane(at)gmail.com.
by Karla Kingsley
So, 'cross might be my favorite thing about cycling. 'Cross (officially cyclocross, or CX) is pretty much everything that's good about bikes, all in the same
discipline. In a nutshell, there's an off-road circuit, usually around 1-2 miles, that probably has some or all of the following: dirt and grass, barriers (about 16" high), steep uphills (run-ups), mud, trails, and fast downhills. You go around the circuit, riding your bike when you can, and then getting off and running over the barriers and up the steep inclines (carrying your bike). To keep it simple, I'm going to lay out "the top ten reasons that cyclocross rocks."1. It's super laid-back. Seriously. You don't need to feel intimidated about showing up to a cross race. There are always people laughing, drinking a beer, and eating chili.
2. It's still pretty new -- ask some of the long-time racers of Minnesota. They can tell you about the beginnings of cross around here. Which means it's still evolving and growing and you can be a part of it!
3. The male and current female CX-ers are welcoming and supportive to newcomers, especially new women!
4. You get TOTALLY fit! Running, riding, uphill, downhill, lifting your bike, jumping on and off your bike, etc., means you will get more of a full body workout than you can in most other cycling activities.
5. It's speedy (the best part of criterium racing) and technical (the best part of MTB racing), but not too speedy or too technical.
6. In addition to riding your bike, you get to run and leap! (It's kind of like recess in elementary school.)
7. You get to get dirty! With a fall season, cross is often done in the mud and rain, so things can get sloppy. (However, in MN last year, we had beautiful sunny weather for just about every race.)
8. The races are only 30-45 minutes (depending on your level).
9. There's a clinic and mock race series on Boom Island all set up by the Alan team to help CX-ers of all levels. Check out mcf.net for details.
10. It's just plain fun stuff.
You can find the race schedule on mcf.net as well. I'll be going to most of the races on the calendar!
Karla
Karla Kingsley is a Cat 3 racer for Velo Bella. Last year was her first full season of 'cross and she loves it! Karla would like to share her love of 'cross by answering your questions and even carpooling to races with you. Email her at karlajane(at)gmail.com.
posted by MWCMR Admin at 11:44 AM
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