MidState Sets Course along the High Trestle Trail

11/5/2019

"It was never really a question of if we would promote a cyclocross race," said Rob Versteegh of MIDSTATE Racing. "It was just a question of where and when.

"MIDSTATE is new this season, but our team is compiled of folks with years and years of experience designing courses and hosting events. We will continue to bring compelling races into the Iowa cycling scene."

photo courtesy of MIDSTATE Racing

photo courtesy of Angy Snoop (angysnoop.smugmug.com)

For its first new event the new team will stage MIDSTATE CX November 16 & 17 within coasting distance of the High Trestle Trail. "The city of Slater and Nite Hawk Bar & Grill, our race headquarters, are incredible supporters of cycling.

"With Nite Hawk being our host for Gents Race, a spring gravel event we do annually, it was a no-brainer to collaborate with them on a cross race. The course will utilize Grimm Park to the south of the bar and the green space to the north."

Teammate Janan Hicks explained, "Basically, MIDSTATE likes to play bikes and have a good time. "Anyone that enjoys these two things needs to race MIDSTATE CX as there will most likely be shenanigans of some sort. It's going to be just what you would expect from this crew."

photo courtesy of Angy Snoop (angysnoop.smugmug.com)

Since it's just a week before, MIDSTATE CX will obviously be an important race for anyone honing their fitness for the Iowa State Championship. But what can we expect of the race course?

Asking Hicks about MIDSTATE's plans reveals more about her team than the race itself: "Ok. It’s worse than herding 5th graders. We probably won’t know the exact course 'til we set up on Friday. But it’s a very friendly race with a party atmosphere since it’s located at a bar. Anyone thinking about trying out the cyclocross scene should do MIDSTATE CX.

"Also," continued Hicks, "the Felts' Flyover may not be on course this year, but now it's a must for next... right next to the Betters' berm."

According to Versteegh: "We can tell you what the course does not have: elevation.
Aside from that, plan on a course with pavement, gravel, grass, sand pits, and off-cambers. Racers will pass by the bar twice a lap.

"We look forward to seeing you all at MIDSTATE CX. Shawn at Nite Hawk will have drink and food specials for us all weekend, and a DJ playing Saturday, starting at 6pm."

photo courtesy of Angy Snoop (angysnoop.smugmug.com)

Slater, Iowa is north of Des Moines, so right around two hours drive from either Iowa City or Cedar Rapids. Registration for MIDSTATE CX is on BikeReg.com.

From Ankeny to Woodward on the High Trestle Trail

Usually I love my trainer, but for MIDSTATE CX I might just leave it at home. The perfect warm-up for MIDSTATE CX is out and back along the High Trestle Trail.

SPecial Thanks to all of MIDSTATE'S Sponsors

Janan Hicks: "We’d like to thank all of our sponsors that stepped up to support this race and our new team. It means a lot to us to have that much support with new adventures."