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Cyclocross
Cyclocross
DOWNEAST CYCLOCROSS WEEKEND October 22 & 23, 2011
Pineland Farms - New Gloucester, Maine
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What is Cyclocross?
It’s not a road race and it’s not a mountain bike race, though both mountain bikers and road racers do it. Just what is a cyclo-cross race then? Well it is a mix of both disciplines. Races use school grounds, parks, XC ski areas and sometimes open pastures as a course.
There are hills but not too many and not too long. The courses are generally 2-3 miles long and generally sit on a ½ mile square of land. Races are short but very intense efforts, anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on category.
Cyclocross does not have single track but they do have technical turns and descents. There are also sections built into the course that force riders to quickly dismount and remount their bikes in an effort to clear obstacles. Some of the obstacles are natural and part of the landscape, like a short steep hill.
Then there are the crowd favorite hurdles. These are single or double sets of 12-14 inch high boards placed directly in the racing lane. Most riders jump off the bike and jump the hurdles while lifting the bike, some skilled riders can “bunny hop” the barriers without ever slowing down. The dismount sections always attract the biggest crowds as there are often spills and thrills there.
The courses are designed to be spectator friendly. They wind back and forth like ribbon so that you can see nearly the whole course from any vantage point. Lap times vary from 7-10 minutes so the racers are always in sight and the action is continuous. There are races for everyone from 10-55+, men and women, amateur and Pro.
If you have never been to a bike race then this is one you don’t want to miss! Admittance is free, bring the family.
There are hills but not too many and not too long. The courses are generally 2-3 miles long and generally sit on a ½ mile square of land. Races are short but very intense efforts, anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on category.
Cyclocross does not have single track but they do have technical turns and descents. There are also sections built into the course that force riders to quickly dismount and remount their bikes in an effort to clear obstacles. Some of the obstacles are natural and part of the landscape, like a short steep hill.
Then there are the crowd favorite hurdles. These are single or double sets of 12-14 inch high boards placed directly in the racing lane. Most riders jump off the bike and jump the hurdles while lifting the bike, some skilled riders can “bunny hop” the barriers without ever slowing down. The dismount sections always attract the biggest crowds as there are often spills and thrills there.
The courses are designed to be spectator friendly. They wind back and forth like ribbon so that you can see nearly the whole course from any vantage point. Lap times vary from 7-10 minutes so the racers are always in sight and the action is continuous. There are races for everyone from 10-55+, men and women, amateur and Pro.
If you have never been to a bike race then this is one you don’t want to miss! Admittance is free, bring the family.