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And   Now,   For   Something   Completely   Different

9/15/2022

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Jeff Corcoran
Capital City Cross was one of the first cyclocross races in Iowa. Now the progeny of BIKEIOWA Racing Team and located in Stone Park in Des Moines, the race has been around forever. ​And yet its organizers aren't satisfied doing the same old. In fact, this year Capital City Cross will feature two days of racing with four different events at two separate venues.
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For starters, for 2022 Midstate Racing has joined forces with BIKEIOWA for the weekend. The bad news is that means no Midstate cyclocross race the following weekend. The good news is that the weekend of September 24 & 25 has an awful lot going on.
Saturday at Stone Park will be Capital City Cross and a special Single Speed Extravaganza -- CCXSSX -- an "eliminator race" for a sweet winner-takes-all pot of $1,000. Sunday at Mullets in Des Moines will be two unsanctioned race events, A/B Short Track cyclocross races and  RELAYCROSS benefitting the Des Moines Street Collective.
"Much of the thought behind "unsanctioned Sunday" was because Iowa does not have many USA Cycling officials these days," said BIKEIOWA's Scott Sumpter. "So we'll officiate Sunday on our own, plus the fun aspect of RELAYCROSS will bring a lot more folks to the event."​
The collaboration with Midstate is, in part, down to the shortage of officials, and in part down to the lack of a firm venue for a separate Midstate weekend. "We all believe that a few quality races can supersede quantity (weekly races with smaller turnouts).
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"Did you see the $1,000 payout for the last race on Sat? The CCXSSX?  I would guess this is the highest paying race for single-speeds maybe in the USA this year! It should be a great draw for folks and hopefully bring some out-of-state talent." As if that's not enough, one of the event's sponsors, Quality Consulting, Inc, is also putting up four $100 primes -- one for each of the first four of five laps.
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Sunday!   Sunday!   Sunday!

So what the heck is short track CX? "An unsanctioned mini-cyclocross course, similar to the first Night Cap Cross. It actually happens at the same venue (Mullets). The course will be short and tight and hopefully flowy and fast with some unique features."
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Since neither of the events Sunday are USAC sanctioned, a racing license is unnecessary. Registration will be onsite and cash only. Never done RELAYCROSS? The format is simple:  two hours of 'cross racing with 4 teammates tagging in and out for as many laps as possible.  The team -- men's, women's, or coed -- with the most laps wins.
While we were bugging Scott, we asked about the state's 2022 cyclocross season. "I think the pandemic still has some effects on low participation," he said. "Folks figured out they could still be competitive and have fun without all the sanctioned events."
Is he talking about gravel? "Yes, everyone is a 'gravel racer' these days... the hype is unreal, yet very real... Gravel pretty much goes year 'round now and its entry point is even easier than CX, which I touted for years as the entry point to competitive cycling."
Is Iowa cyclocross hurting for lack of Jingle Cross? "I don't think the absence will affect us much going forward. Trek Cup is fulfilling for the folks who need to attend/race an event like Jingle Cross. So many locals weren't racing Jingle Cross since the competition was so fierce. Plus it really messed with the local race schedule when it moved to September versus 'Jingle' weather."
Thanks, Scott! We'll see you in Des Moines!

looking   Forward

So, for those of us competitive or compulsive enough to shudder when reading "no Midstate Cross the weekend after,​" what are our options that first weekend in October? For Eastern Iowa folks there are options both days in Illinois and Wisconsin. Personally, I can highly recommend Badger Prairie Cross in Verona (Madison), Wisconsin Saturday October 1, and Schiller Woods CX in Chicago Sunday October 2.
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Badger Prairie Cross was twice the venue for USAC Cyclocross Nationals, and it didn't disappoint. Schiller Woods is a first time venue, true, but it's also the first race in the Chicago Cross Cup, filling in for our beloved Caldwell Woods (which is under construction). ChiCrossCup races are big, welcoming, and fun, so you can't go wrong. Better yet, make a weekend of it and do both -- the two are only a couple hours drive apart.
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Iowa   Cyclocross   gets   Twisted

9/10/2022

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(most) photos by Angy Snoop (angysnoop.smugmug.com)
Tondro Pray Bike Park in Cedar Falls is a flat, sprawling 20-acre flood plain repurposed after the 2008 floods as a park for BMX bicycling, cyclocross, and mountain biking. The pump track and MTB skills areas see plenty of action, but the park on the whole is usually a relatively quiet spot nestled just north of the Cedar River.
But not next weekend.

September 17 & 18 Tondro Pray will host the seventh edition of Twisted Cross, the first weekend of racing in Iowa's 2022 cyclocross season.
"Well, I didn't know we would be the season opener until I saw the Facebook post about Cannonball Cross being postponed," said Race Director Steffoni Schmidt. "I know everyone looks forward to that race and venue as the kickoff to cross season, so we've got some big shoes to fill!" 
That's not a problem, though, as Steffoni and the Twisted Spokes crew know the drill. "Our team of dedicated volunteers has been working hard to get our race and course ready for this year. It will be the same course layout, great for beginners, utilizing some built features like berms and ramps, a sand pit and some prime hand-up locations."
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Over the years Twisted Cross has been in September, November, and October. It's been nice weather more often than not, but it's also been flooded (almost cancelled) and snowed on. But it has always been a good time. This year Twisted Cross promises more of the same.
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"We have many of the same outstanding sponsors," explained Schmidt. "We couldn't put this on without the support of the community. Speaking of which, Tondro Pray is within a mile of historic downtown Cedar Falls. We hope racers and their families will check out the shops, food, and hotels on Main Street. Many of these businesses are race sponsors and support the local cycling community year round."
Two sponsors that have been key to Twisted Cross' success are Bike Tech and Cedar Valley Cyclists. "They are a big reason the race happens every year. We could not do it without them!"
Twisted Cross has a long history of spoiling racers with free food and drink. This year? "Yep!" says Kimberly Breuer of Cedar Valley Cyclists. "We'll have Single Speed beer, Verve Kombucha, pizza from the Other Place, Fat Cup Coffee." ​
Pretty amazing, but that's not all. "Raffle prizes from Maple Lanes, Fit Gym, KJ and Kompany, Ninja U, Prairie Yogi Massage, Hansen's Dairy, and Transcend Mind-Body Wellness & Floatation Clinic. Hall Bicycle is providing on-site mechanical support. And historic Black Hawk Hotel is providing a discount on hotel rooms." 
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Twisted Cross is for every racer, from beginner to expert, it literally offers something for everyone. "Twisted Cross has a nice mix of turns and straights without any really technical sections," explained Breuer. Great for beginners, but also for racers of any category who like it fast and flowy. And the race offers equal cash payouts for the women's and men's P/1/2/3 races. 
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Cedar Falls Laser Engraving/Twisted Cross
On a shorter course there's even a doggy cross and a kid's race. ​And check out the medals!
"We are so fortunate in Iowa to have a vibrant cycling community state-wide," said Schmidt. "It's great to see more folks racing, growing junior teams, and a variety of events being offered, from mountain biking to gravel. With so many options for weekend warriors, I hope that each race put on is successful so that it can return for years to come. We love hosting a race and showcasing our community. I get excited to see my cycling friends from across the state, too. "
Glad to hear it, Steffoni, because you'll be seeing us soon!
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Wait... How did she?...
Twisted Cross 2022​ is September 17 & 18. Pre-registration is cheaper and easier for all, plus racers will be staged by their USAC ranking at the close of pre-registration. (Register on race day and you will start behind pre-registered riders.) Pre-register by Thursday at noon at BikeReg.com.
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2022   'Cross   is   Coming . . . Finally!

9/5/2022

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Iowa City Community Cross 2022
Shorter days and cooler weather have made it feel like cyclocross season lately. With Labor Day Weekend here and gone, the season is getting a late but solid start with two beginner's clinics and a mid-week training race. And we still have Cannonball Cross to look forward to in November. (More on that here.)
The Des Moines area has had the jump on Eastern Iowa this year, with a Renegade Cross beginners' clinic and Valley hot laps every Wednesday in August. But we're catching up fast with the Twisted Cross Beginners' Clinic Thursday, Cross Curious with Corridor Devo in Coralville Sunday, and the IC Community Cross training race next Tuesday evening.

Everyone   Begins   Somewhere

Have a friend who always says "this year I'll race cyclocross?" These clinics are for them. Are you a roadie or triathlete with loads of power but no cx skills? Either event would be a great place to start. Dusting off the 'cross bike and trying to remember how to ride that bike? These clinics serve as great reminders.
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"Cross Curious is being hosted by Corridor Devo," said the develoment team's Brian Brandsmeier. "The coaches and more experienced riders will lead the event. It’s a cyclocross clinic open to anyone ages 9-99. The purpose is to provide an intro to 'cross skills for new riders and to let more experienced riders practice their skills. Like the Gravel Curious event in Iowa City, this event will be casual to cater to novice riders."
Both Twisted Cross Beginners Clinic and Cross Curious are free events at dedicated cyclocross parks Tondro Pray Bike Park in Cedar Falls and Coralville Creekside Cross. 

Community   'Cross   Tuesday   night

"No frills, just fun." Says the Facebook event. "A fast yet challenging course with plenty of room to spectate and heckle." Tuesday night at 5:30? This has to be Iowa City Community Cross 2022.
The weekday training race started as part of the Chamois Time race series organized by the women of Iowa City Cycling Club. But when Chamois Time folded in 2019, Goosetown  Racing's Nick Sobocinski chose to continue the race. "I wanted to keep it going because the whole event is so beginner/newbie friendly: a central in-town location, shorter race times, fewer categories, lower entry fees, all things that make 'cross racing accessible to the largest number of people. Plus what a cool opportunity to ride through the massive  oak trees of upper city park!" That's not allowed any other time.
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photo by Angy Snoop
The course Tuesday will be what everyone has come to expect in Upper City Park. "I think the course ends up a little under a mile total distance."
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photo by Angy Snoop
So is that the same as the October race in City Park? Not quite. "The October race stages out of Lower City Park, near the skating pond," explained Sobocinski. "Quite a different terrain, with lots more flat down there. Although this year for the October event we are hope to use more of the upper park as well.
"I hope the Cross Curious event by the Corridor Devo crew really inspires some new folks to come out and see what cyclocross racing is all about, to see how much fun the local cycling community is, and to learn that you don’t have to be a 'professional' to have fun racing bikes."
We hope so too! Register for Community Cross today at BikeReg.com.
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SO   WHAT   HAPPENED   WITH   CANNONBALL   CROSS?

9/2/2022

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Most folks had Cannonball Cross penciled in for Labor Day Weekend this year, and that was no surprise. That had been its date since its inception in 2016. The big surprise was the sudden date change to mid-November.
"We chose the original date for Cannonball Cross because of the schedule at that time," explained organizer Matt Curtis. Jingle Cross, in it's first year as a World Cup race, moved from December to September. "People were looking for tune-up races before the big races at the start of the season, Trek Cup and Jingle Cross. At the time there were few opportunities to race before the big Midwest UCI races."
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Trek was the week before Jingle Cross, so the only real chance to race beforehand was Pella's since-deceased Dirty Wooden Shoe. Cannonball Cross was filling a void, but when it hit the calendar on Labor Day weekend there was definitely some grumbling from roadie and MTB types about cyclocross encroaching on traditional summer dates.
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Now Jingle Cross is gone and Trek is in October, and things look different, with several empty weekends on the calendar, and a pretty sparse November. "'Cross is traditionally a Fall & Winter discipline, so the former race calendar made our race really stand out as being very early in the season. We always loved spending the holiday weekend with our extended cycling family, but now our organizers and volunteers are looking forward to having the Labor Day weekend off.
"So, we are moving forward with a new date. Same great race minus the bugs!"
Does the constricting 'cross schedule signal hard times for the sport we love? "While cyclists have a tendency to move around disciplines, I think 'cross offers such a unique environment that it will never really lose its draw. It's an extremely social and high-energy setting, which makes every race an exciting experience. It takes a certain mindset to race 'cross, and the die-hards will never really walk away from that. The unique nature of the discipline continues to draw new people as well, similar to the traction gravel has been getting.
Speaking of absences on the calendar, are we suffering from the loss of Jingle Cross? "Jingle Cross has been a driving force behind Iowa cyclocross for a long time. It's been a staple at the end of the calendar, a high-energy kick off to the season, and a goal to strive for no matter what time of year it happened. 
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"The success of the UCI and World Cup races was a unique experience felt around the world -- it was even voted best World Cup at one point. That kind of impact can't be overstated.
"We lost a fantastic race, but it also leaves space for organizers, racers, brands, and fans to step up to the example Jingle Cross created. They showed us that the sky is the limit, and it's our turn to make sure that legacy carries on."
Thank you, Matt! More on Cannonball Cross 2022 later, but just for the record registration for November 19 & 20 is already open at BikeReg.com. Don't miss it!
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