Iowa Cyclocross gets Twisted

(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."

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.

"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." 

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. 

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!

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.