Cedar Falls Cyclocross is Twisted

"I’m fairly new at cyclocross and Twisted Cross was the first race I got myself into last cross season," said Hannah Neary of the University of Iowa Cycling Club. "It was super fun and got me really excited for more." 

"​It’s a great beginner's course, super flat with a good amount of slight technical sections to keep it interesting and introduce you to what cross is all about."

"This is the 5th year of Twisted Cross," said Race Director Joel Mason. "We are excited to host racers at Tondro Pray Bicycle Park near downtown Cedar Falls.  There are $2,200 in cash payouts in addition to merchandise payouts and junior medals over the two days of racing October 12 and 13.

"New for 2019 is the SingleSpeed Brewing Company Single Speed race category that will be run concurrently with the Men's Cat 3/4 race each morning. SingleSpeed Brewing is providing some awesome merchandise for that race.  ​

"Volunteers have been mowing and riding the course for a few weeks now. Assuming we do not face flooding like we did last year, the course will be 1.5 miles long, longer than it's every been, and flat with flowing turns on the south side and a long straight away section on the north side.  2019 will mark the first year that the full sections on the north side and south side of old 4th Ave. will be joined together.

"There is one tricky corner on the south side of the course by the train trestle, but otherwise the course is very much beginner friendly. We've designed a course that flows. There is one sand trap, one mound to be powered up (or jumped on the second day), one set of tall barriers, and one or two smaller more easily hopped barriers.

"Given the length of the course, we do not intend to install the pinwheel that appears in the video. It was a fixture of the course for the first three years but was not used last year due to flooding. For pinwheel lovers, we hope you still come. For pinwheel haters, you are welcome.

"As in past years, Doughy Joey's Pizza Joynt will be providing pizza and pasta at lunch time. SingleSpeed beer will be offered at the race venue. For the potentially chilly mornings, we'll have Sidecar coffee and treats available as well." 

Twisted Cross on Facebook has a video and basic information. Registration is on BikeReg.com.  If you stay overnight, organizers recommend the Hampton Inn by Hilton directly across the Cedar River from the race venue. 
Tondro Pray Bike Park in Cedar Falls, home to Twisted Cross, is only 90 minutes from Iowa City and just over an hour from Cedar Rapids.

All photos courtesy of Angy Snoop (angysnoop.smugmug.com).