Cyclocross Racing

CYCLOCROSS

by Mitch Graham

Publication Date: January 2000

Just as soon as the cool weather started moving its way through the Midwest, many cyclists started gearing up for what has become cycling's third and final race season of 99 - CYCLOCROSS SEASON! "Cross" for many reasons, is gaining in popularity every year and is rapidly approaching mainstream status as a viable racing form. The Ohio Valley Cyclocross Series has seen itself grow along with the popularity of cross. What once attracted ten racers on a given weekend four years ago is now seeing 70+ cyclists of varying abilities from Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, and Michigan.

So what's the deal with cross?

Decades ago in Europe, long before mountain biking had become mainstream, road racers had been practicing some extreme cross training in preparation for the "Spring Classics" road races in Europe. Cyclists facing winter temperatures would modify their bikes a bit to enjoy some on and off-road adventures through rural roads and fields. They would climb grassy hillsides, hammer down long dirt roads, and run with their bikes to try to keep their feet from turning to icicles. This would include dismounting, hurdling farmers' fences and remounting in one fluid motion. With thousands of fans spectating each race, Cyclocross racing has existed for years and years.

Americans in general are a more sedentary bunch and usually have a hard time empathizing with athletes - hence the reason for the popularity of professional wrestling, monster truck extravaganzas, and the Jerry Springer Show. USA Cycling Organization is finally getting excited about Cyclocross because it offers a more spectator-friendly event, with shorter, more visible loops, a mixing of road and off-road athletes, and the amounts of crashing that spectators, of course, love to see involved. More spectator-friendly events invite more corporate sponsorship.

Bio Wheels Workshop in Cincinnati, Ohio started the "Bio Wheels Cyclocross Race Series" four years ago as a fun "wildcat" style of racing involving technically challenging courses, low race fees, and a friendly atmosphere. Mountain bikers made up the majority of the racers and they loved the muddy, root-infested courses. As more road racers have mixed into the festivities, more smooth hammer sections have been added to appeal to this group. The result is courses that are generally fun for both groups.

Watching a beginner ("C" category) race progress through is a fun thing to do. Seeing a handful of faces on the starting line with a "what have I gotten myself into look" is a cool thing to see. This look disappears as everyone gets into the rhythm of the race and realizes it's just like any old fun ride they had done - just a little bit faster than they'd pushed themselves before. As they reach the first dismount area, some are off their bikes and through the hurdles like they were nothing; while others actually come to a complete stop before gently walking their bike over the hurdles. Towards the end, more than just the first timers are walking through the hurdles as winded riders are everywhere on the course. After thirty minutes, happy finishers crowd together to chat and recover.

Some more serious faces are seen at the 11:00 starting time. The pros and experts are the first off the line...rippin down the first stretch in search of a good position going into the first dismounts. Three minutes later the intermediate riders fly out of the gates in greater numbers. By the time riders work their way up to these levels of competition, they're able to push faster speeds and work the dismounts with Jesse Owens-like technique. Pros making appearances this year in the Ohio Valley Series include Jen Dial, one of the top five women in the country; Phil Noble, a Xenia, Ohio pro who has had an amazing 99 season; Kirk Albers, a Columbus, Ohio road pro and one-time national amateur champion; and Ryan O'Connor, a West Virginia pro and Mongoose ad model.

Four years ago mountain bikes were the bikes of choice for Cyclocross racing. In 99, at least 60% of the bikes are now cyclocross-oriented bikes. This alone demonstrates how much fun folks are having racing Cyclocross, that they would go out and invest in another $1000+ bicycle. Cyclocross bikes, in a nutshell, are road bikes with a touch more laid-back seat and head-tube angles, longer wheelbase, slightly knobby tires, and mountain bike brakes. This allows for a bike that rides fast but is a little more stable for the bumps and turns of a Cyclocross course.

Mitch Graham is the Bio Wheels Workshop Manager and Racing Team Co-Captain.