If you enjoy the idea of taking your road bike, or a slightly modified version of it, off the pavement and into a designated park area, cyclocross may be for you. Also called CX, cyclo-X, or ‘cross’, the actual name is cyclocross, and it is a form of bicycle racing that is known worldwide. Cyclo-cross has parallels with mountain bike and gravel racing, cross-country cycling, and criterium racing. The CX course is typically set up temporarily in a city park, usually in the fall season.
Marked by plastic tape that goes up, over, and around rolling, grassy, and forested terrain. If you want to try cyclocross, most states welcome amateurs to participate and give it a try. If nothing else, it’s a fun spectator sport the whole family will enjoy.
The right cycle-cross bike for you
Cyclocross bicycles are similar to road racing bicycles. They are lightweight, with somewhat narrow tires and drop handlebars. However, if you are just starting, a mountain bike or road bike with a few modifications will suffice. Stop by your local bike shop, and they can assist you in preparation so you can try this exciting sport.
Looking closer at the CX bike, there are greater tire clearances, lower gearing, stronger frames, disc brakes, and a more upright riding position than standard bikes. They also share characteristics with mountain bicycles in that they use knobby tread tires for traction. The main reason for being lightweight is that cross riders need to carry their bicycle over barriers occasionally.
The ideal terrain for a CX course
A cycle-cross race consists of many laps on a short (2.5–3.5 km or 1.5–2 miles) course. The race route typically follows the grass and may incorporate pavement and wooded trails. Obstacles along the way can include steps, steep hills, and other barriers requiring the rider to bunny hop or quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction, and remount. As a result, cyclocross is also known as the “steeplechase of cycling.” The sight of racers struggling up a muddy slope with bicycles on their shoulders is the classic image of the sport. Usually, there are only a few unridable sections of the racecourse. For a spectator, it makes a great place to stand on the sidelines and cheer.
Cycle-cross racing tactics
Compared to other forms of racing, cyclocross tactics are relatively straightforward, with an emphasis on the rider’s aerobic endurance and bike-handling ability. Although cyclocross courses are less technical than mountain biking, obstacles can require a specific technical ability of a rider.
For example, rider experience and technique come into play on course sections that are extremely muddy, wet, or even snowy. Normally too extreme to be ridden on a standard road bike tire, the challenge in cyclocross lies in maintaining traction in loose or slippery terrain at fast speeds. The rider’s power is generally higher over the duration of the race, enabling them to overcome greater amounts of rolling resistance from loose dirt or grass.
Overcoming the cycle-cross barriers
Although getting off and on a bike sounds simple, doing so in the middle of a quick-paced race is difficult. Often, when sections become highly technical, racers will carry their bikes and jog for an extended period to conserve energy. Being able to dismount, pick up, and take the bike fluidly, then put it back down, requires practice and skill. In competition, CX riders may do this many times throughout the race.
Now with the leaves changing colors and cool crisp days of fall upon us, here are some links to the race schedule that welcome new riders – in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and other states in the U.S. Visit your local bike shop for more information and extend your summer fun with cyclocross.
Remember, if it rains, you play harder – Have Fun!