There are many skills essential to cyclocross that you won't learn in any other cycling discipline. Remounting your bike, for example, is about as peculiar to cyclocross as the hand sling is to track cycling. This is all the more reason that (cyclocross) practice makes perfect: no matter how strong you are on a bike, if you're slow over barriers, meager in muddy turns, and uncomfortable shouldering your bike you'll likely lose to less "fit" 'cross racers with better skills. To make cyclocross practice more effective and more fun many racers across Iowa have joined in group practices, at a local park or a dedicated 'cross course, for drills and practice races or "hot laps." All it takes is space, a few cones, and some friends.
"We start off the season with a beginner's clinic and then have 10 practices which takes us to the end of October and daylight savings. We set up a different course each week. The course is minimally flagged and includes 1-2 sets of portable barriers. "Practice starts with a few warm-up laps. Then we all line-up and give an update on the upcoming CX Races and a spot for post-practice refreshments. After that we mass start like a race which quickly breaks up into groups. You can race/ride as many laps as you want. Some folks will break out and work on barriers, mounts/dismounts, etc. "Back in the day, we would get 20-30 folks to come out. Now, early-season practices bring 100-150 tapering down to 50-75 toward the season's end. Many who show up don't race, but are there for fitness and skills building and the camaraderie of other cyclists." Practices in Mason City are in beautiful East Park, the home of Cannonball Cross. SPIN DEVO's Brooke Bailey explained, "We have an 'adult Spin Racing' Wednesday night practice and a SPIN DEVO Thursday night practice. Beginners are welcome at both. "We especially encourage beginners to participate in DEVO practice because we do a lot of skills and drills work -- cornering, off camber, lifting front wheel, mounts and dismounts, hill riding, and running -- then end with a couple of laps. "Our Wednesday night practice is hot laps on a rough course set up with flags and trees and a few barriers. Our DEVO kids are invited to this as well." Practices at Tondro Pray in Cedar Falls started last year, mostly with hot laps around the dedicated cyclocross course. Dave Roll, from Cedar Valley Vélo Ride Guide, explains that "this year we'll try and structure more training. We are planning classes for dismounts
In Cedar Rapids, CRCX throws down a course at Daniels Park each Wednesday evening. Riders of all levels are welcome, and more often than not they'll find others at a similar pace. Hot laps can be competitive but the atmosphere is always friendly and fun. And as if that isn't cool enough, Goldfinch Cyclery will be there to sweeten the deal. "We'll have our fleet of youth CX bikes on site and available for any youngster 8-12 years old," says Logan Orcutt. In the Iowa City area, CRANDIC Racing Club is practicing Wednesday evenings at Coralville Creekside Cross. We'll have a course marked each week for hot laps, but we'll also set up cones for drills and we look forward to helping beginners. "I attended a cyclocross clinic at Creekside last season and it really helped me refine my skills, and allowed me to practice things I often neglect, like group starts," said CRANDIC's Steve Tygrett. "There was a great turn out and I think it inspired people to either try their first race, or increase the amount of races they were doing." There is always a chance that we'll mix things up a little -- hit Woodpecker Trail next door or some other local park, or even head up to CR to join friends at Daniels Park. For the latest plans or weather warnings, look for word on CRANDIC's FB group or sign up for our newsletter.
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The Fourth of July is still a week away, but it's not too early to start thinking about cyclocross. Why so soon? 'Cross season is a short, sharp shock to your system, so your fitness needs to be there right from the start. As if that's not enough, you need your cyclocross skills honed as well, and that means practice, practice, practice, especially if you're new to the sport. Last but not least, 2018 looks to be an outstanding year for racing cyclocross in eastern Iowa, all the more reason to plan your season wisely. If you're part of the .2 mile club you might consider a bit of running just to get used to it. If you're mainly a runner you should probably clock some miles on your bike. If you bike but your thing is marathon mtb or century rides, try to fit in some intervals or hard shorter efforts. Any training will help, but training that resembles cyclocross will help more. Have fun with it and do what you can, but understand that fitness is a process, it's not an end. Greg Lemond should have been talking about cyclocross when he said, "It doesn't get any easier, you just get faster."
The good news, though, is that cyclocross basics are not at all hard to pick up. Dismounting, remounting, and various carries can be learned in a matter of minutes. Then all you need to do is practice them for hours: it's one thing to remount at your leisure while rested in a quiet park, it's another to remount as fast as you can while exhausted and gasping for air, with racers on either side and the sound of your heartbeat just barely muffling the heckling from friends. During your race you want to think about your line and what gear you need next, or maybe your next beer handup, but not "how do I do this again?" Fortunately there are some great instructional videos around, like the one below from Global Cycling Network. Hit YouTube with "how to cyclocross" and you'll find plenty to keep you busy. Pick up a trick or two then visit the nearest park to try them out. Either that or meet up with me or a teammate for a lesson or two. We are always happy to talk someone through the basics. The 2018 season will be special We're spoiled racing cyclocross in Iowa. The best World Cup race anywhere, Jingle Cross, is just down the street in Iowa City. Another World Cup race, Trek CXCup, is just three hours away in Madison. Iowa's season kicks off Memorial Day weekend with two days of Cannonball Cross in Mason City and just hammers away from there.
but 2018 will culminate in a very special way with Cyclocross Nationals rescheduled for mid-December in nearby Louisville, Kentucky. Yea!
'Cross Words In the next few posts we'll look a bit more at training for cylocross, for both fitness and skills. We'll also look at some of the races coming up. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to cover, hit the comments below or write us at CRANDIC Racing Club. Are you ready for 'cross? In cyclocross a hot lap is a practice lap taken at full speed. Before a race hot laps are an all-important step in warming up. After registering, going to the bathroom, checking out the course, going to the bathroom, dressing and eating, going to the bathroom, warming up, and going to the bathroom, hot laps serve as a final check on tire pressure, traction, and chosen line, since everything is different at full speed.
Cyclocross practices are not races. Not even "practice races." Even an informal practice race (Chamois Time in Iowa City, for example) is official enough to count for USAC points and, more important, to require event insurance. For cyclocross practice there is no fee, no registration, and no results. Only fun in a public park. So in cyclocross practice we don't race, we ride hot laps. Need competition to really rev up your engine? No problem. Hot laps can be one big start, like Renegade Cross, or just rubbing elbows with whoever comes by. You probably know who you're close to. If not, you will soon. Challenge them to a hot lap. Or two or three. Then repeat. Valley Cross in West Des Moines started last year with races in November and December. This year there will be only one day of racing, this coming Saturday, December 2nd. This is your last chance to race 'cross in Iowa in 2017, and in what looks to be surprisingly good weather, to boot. Each lap of Valley Cross is 1.9 miles. The course is fast with sweeping turns, a berm with off-camber sections, a steep hill run up, and a fast 1/2 mile section around the Global Greens Farm. "It's a great venue for those new to cyclocross since the course is mostly flat," explained U-ME COMPETE's Jeff Osborn. "The berm off-camber sections can be fast when dry, or more difficult if it rains or snows. Also the purse for the Mens 1/2/3 race is $600." Despite the seasonal lack of daylight, Valley Cross offers fields for juniors, masters, fat bikes, men and women. Details are listed at USAC. Proceeds from Valley Cross will help support Global Greens Farm (LSIowa.org). Registration will be inside the Valley Community Center. The race is right in the heart of the West Des Moines area, close to Valley West Mall and Jordan Creek Town Center. There are several hotels and restaurants within minutes of the venue.
Driving time from Iowa City is under two hours. And again, depending on when you race the sunny day Saturday is expected to top off at over 50*F. John Stonebarger Originally published by Goosetown Racing Club In 2008 the Iowa State Cyclocross Championship moved to its current location at Lion's Park in Altoona. The venue is mostly a frisbee golf course with some paved trail and road sections along with a touch of gravel. At first glance you wouldn't think much of the elevation change involved, but the race's organizers have been creative in using what they have. "Over the years there have been minor changes here and there, but for the most part the course has had a very similar feel," said Race Director Justin Guiter of Team Emu. "Barriers and railroad ties add to the fun. Probably the most memorable feature of Lion's Park is the paved uphill finish -- spectator friendly and usually very exciting to watch." The State Championship has been going on for some time now. In 2003 it moved from Cedar Rapids to Newton. In 2008 it moved from Newton to its current location in Lion's Park in Altoona. "This is my first year as Co-Race Director," said Guiter, "but I've been around helping with the race. I am lucky to step into this role with a such a solid foundation built over the years. "We try to draw in everyone who has raced cyclocross. The course isn't particularly technical, so a beginner shouldn't be intimidated. However, there are areas that can catch you off guard." As is often the case, the Championship's late date late only adds to its challenges. "Being so late in the season, the weather can be a factor. It's unpredictable, but usually a bit cooler. Also, as daylight becomes an issue training outside can be tough, so a person's fitness can become a factor." Zealous Racing opted out of this first season of the IACX series. "Being so late in the year we battle with daylight a bit. With the series having a variety of different categories, it's hard to cram all of those into a shorter day without starting earlier, and the earlier you start, the colder it can be. Hopefully those involved with the series will also chase a state medal for their category and their season doesn't end with the series wrap up." Altoona has a lot to offer for places to eat and stay. According to Guiter: "A few of my favorites are Jethro's BBQ, which was featured on Man vs. Food, and the Sugar Shack, which has a great old diner type of feel. Also La Feria Mexican Restaurant in Pleasant Hill." And of course, Des Moines is only minutes away.
John Stonebarger Originally published by Goosetown Racing Club Cedar Falls' Tondro Pray Bicycle Park is on land reclaimed from the 2008 flood. Essentially river bottom, it's pretty flat. Twisted Cross, this weekend's cyclocross race at Tondro Pray, runs on a flowing 1.25 mile (2 km) flat course. The course features barriers, a spiral, a sand pit, and a log run. The consensus in 2016, the first year the race was held at its permanent home at Tondro Pray, was that the course flowed nicely, that speed could be carried through the corners. At only 2 km the course is short by modern standards, but even that seemed welcome judging from feedback last year. "When the course was created in 2016," said Race Director Joel Mason, "great care was taken to create a smooth course using heavy equipment." Weekly cyclocross practices were held through August and September. "Before the rains hit in October the course was fast and smooth. We hope it stays that way. The course is not designed to be so hard that it frustrates less experienced racers." The park's soil is sandy and dries quickly, but if Cedar Falls gets the rain forecast for Friday it could make the spiral and the west end of the course muddy. "We want our course to be one that racers of all skill levels can enjoy. In 2017, we will once again offer a one-day USAC license free of charge to racers doing their first cyclocross race ever at Twisted Cross," said Mason. "Twisted Cross is now a 2-day event. Day 1 of the race will have the course in its design from last year and Day 2 will be slightly different. The race is also later than in previous years. We will have a heated hospitality tent and SideCar Coffee will be on site serving hot beverages. SingleSpeed Brewing company will once again be present. Doughy Joey's Pizza Joynt will be providing pizza." Twisted Cross is the last two days of racing in the Iowa Cyclocross Cup series for 2017. After the races Sunday there will be a series podium presentation at SingleSpeed's downtown Waterloo location. "SingleSpeed purchased and renovated the old Wonder Bread factory in downtown Waterloo. It was a masterful renovation project and is definitely worth staying after the races to see and enjoy." The standings in several fields in the state-wide series close enough that they won't be decided until Sunday. Check the series standings at iowacx.com. If you stay the weekend Cedar Falls offers plenty of options for lodging. The Hilton Garden Inn and Comfort Suites are near the intersection of Hwy 58 and Hwy 20 in Cedar Falls. Country Inn and Suites is located near the intersection of University Ave. and South Main. For a different lodging experience, try the historic Black Hawk Hotel in downtown Cedar Falls. The Black Hawk Hotel is located just across the Cedar River from Tondro Pray. Downtown Cedar Falls also offers some excellent dining. "There are a number of good pubs, Cup of Joe's coffee shop, Soho Sushi Bar and Delhi, Whiskey Road, just to name a few located on Main Street downtown. For an elegant dining experience, you can't beat Montage on Main Street. If you dine at Montage, dress casual but nice casual and reservations are recommended. Jim Landau and his wife own and operate Montage and they also own and operate The Brown Bottle that is located on Center Street near downtown Cedar Falls. They are both excellent restaurants with very different menus. For pizza and a great pub atmosphere, Twisted Spokes highly recommends Chuck Landau's Doughy Joey's Pizza Joynt at Hwy 58 and Viking Road in the middle of the new shopping areas." "During the races Andy's Mobile Bike shop will be onsite to assist with bike repairs. If you need a part and Andy has it, he'll sell it to you and do the repair right there. Otherwise, team and race sponsor Europa Cycle and Ski is located on University Ave. in Cedar Falls and race sponsor Bike Tech is located near the race venue in downtown Cedar Falls." Register at USACycling, check the race flyer for more details. Check out all the features on offer at Tondro Pray. John Stonebarger
Originally published by Goosetown Racing Club Frosty Cross started in 2011 and has run annually ever since. Race Director Mark Strub, from Bike Central in Le Mars, explained, "We started with about 30 entrants and have grown to 140 registrations last year. We are proud of that steady growth and grateful to those that have attended in the past. I have been associated with the race every year and have watched it get better and better. We didn't have a clue what we were doing that first year, then we sanctioned the race with USA Cycling and it really took off. "Our races are at the Le Mars Municipal Park. The building we use for registration is a recently remodeled 1930s stone Work Project Administration project. It sits in the middle of our race course and allows spectators to see 90% of the race from one spot. the park has some ups and downs, plenty of open space, and some wooded areas that we use as part of the race course. It's a beautiful park adjacent to the municipal golf course." This year organizers have inserted new stairs into the bank of a steep hill. With the remodeling of the shelter and parking area, access to the shelter will be different but will be clearly marked so everyone can find their way. Beyond that, says Strub, "We don't usually publish the new quirks of the course. We like to surprise everyone!" Frosty Cross is stop 13 & 14 of the IACX series, the last weekend of events before the finale at Twisted Cross in Cedar Falls. "We are very happy and excited about that, especially because at Frosty Cross racers get double the points for the series! Hopefully that means more participants and even more competitive races. "We try not to target one specific group. The junior races have been great. We added fat bike races last year which was awesome. We hope to appeal to the beginner as well as the experienced racer. We have races for men, women, boys, and girls of all ages. We have competitive races and treat the participants and their friends that come with gratitude and respect. We have a great community here in Le Mars with great support locally for Frosty Cross."
Frosty Cross gets a lot of support from area businesses. The Baymont Inn in Le Mars (712-548-4910) offered a block of discounted rooms for participants who made reservations by the 5th of November. Give them a call even though that deadline has passed -- if rooms are still available the discount will apply. As for food, Strub said, "P's Pizza House has been a supporter since 2011 and offers a fun environment and more than just pizza. Other great restaurants include Archie's Waeside, with the best steaks in Iowa. And 4 Brothers is also a great place. And don't forget the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor. After all, Le Mars is the Ice Cream Capital of the World and headquarters of Blue Bunny Ice Cream." Le Mars is a ways from Iowa City--nearly 5 hours of driving. But Frosty Cross is quite an attraction, with a strong juniors showing thanks the Central Juniors Cycling Development Team and a level of competition strong enough to attract racers from South Dakota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and throughout Iowa. Do your best to make it up there! John Stonebarger Originally published by Goosetown Racing Club This coming weekend, October 21 & 22, BIKEIOWA will host two days of cyclocross at a new venue, The Sands Volleyball club just off Grand avenue in the heart of Des Moines. According to Race Director James Armstead, "The most obvious feature of The Grand that everyone thinks of is...sand. There will be sand. It may not be used in the way every one thinks, although we did toss around the idea about a sand pinwheel (joking, that would be horrid)." "People will be surprised by this venue. Most people in Des Moines, know where The Sands is and have looked at it on google maps. But this won't be just another wide open field race. There is a large wooded area, a fantastic open area with some great small hills, some sand, and an amazing patio and area for a great party. The owners have been more than welcoming to this idea and have done an amazing job accommodating us in this new venture." The Sands will also be pouring beer from BIKEIOWA's sponsor, Oskar Blues. It will feature food from Big Acai food truck both days and pizza from 515 Pi Saturday. This is the first year for The Grand, but it was born out of the ashes from two separate teams and a few different races. "When Flat Tire Lounge/Level B Racing ended and a good chunk of our team joined up with BIKEIOWA we wanted to bring something new and fresh back to Des Moines," said Armstead, "New venue, new ideas, new team members, and a growing cyclocross community. This year is a rebuilding year. BIKEIOWA Racing is back and is helping to grow the cycling community over the next few years. We hope that this race will become a staple in the Iowa racing schedule similar to how Nite Cap became everyone's love a few years back. "As race promoters we strive to make the event appealing to every level. As a new race, we are focusing on getting as many people as we can to come and experience this new race and venue with us. We want to learn how novice racers enjoyed it and what they hated, and we want the same from the more expert level racers as well. This should be an awesome race for all levels." Mid series IowaCX Saturday and Sunday of The Grand are days 8 and 9 of IowaCX, meaning it marks the very middle of the series (http://iowacx.com/). "The IACX is a great new addition to the racing calendar this year. As Iowa racers ebb and flow with their interest in the sport, the promoters need to grow with it. Jacob and team did a great job identifying and looking at other regions to see how they are growing their communities. It will be great to see how the series ends up and watch as the competition heats up towards the end of the year. I’m hopeful the series will bring some good consistency for racers over the next few years." The Sands is so close that it would be easy after racing to take the trail into downtown Des Moines and explore. There are also some great mountain bike trails (the Center Trails) nearby, some of the best in the area. Finally, "There has been some talk of an after party at Sully’s across the street Saturday after the race. If you are around, most definitely hit it up to let us know what you think and what we can do differently for next year. Or, just come to smell Sumpter’s beard. Your choice." The Sands in Des Moines is under two hours from Iowa City by car. So far, at least, the weather forecast looks fine for the race with a better chance of rain later Saturday. Check out The Grand at BIKEIOWA.com.
John Stonebarger Originally published by Goosetown Racing Club This coming weekend, October 14 and 15, eastern Iowa cyclocross racers will be spoiled rotten with Bobbers Cross Saturday and Morgan Cross Sunday. The two old favorites -- one with some new twists -- are just 30 minutes apart. Hopefully both in one weekend will work up a lather and draw some folks who don't always make it to races beyond their metro area. HEAR THAT DES MOINES? Saturday we'll be back in North Liberty for the eighth edition of Bobbers Cross, "The best little cross race in Johnson County," presented by the Iowa City Cycling Club and the good folks at Geoff's Bike and Ski. What can we say about Bobbers Cross? That the beach-volleyball sand-pit can be a monster? That the beer-garden sprint is sweet? (Duh.) That we love them dearly but everyone involved with this race is nuts? (See "dryland ski race.") Sunday: see Morgan Cross Bobbers Cross is fun. Bar-and-grill-with-playground-equipment fun. The organizers are a lot of the same folks that bring you Jingle Cross. But this is what they do to unwind and have fun. Mud Speaking of fun, the forecast for Friday night and Saturday currently includes a lot of rain. What could be more fun than that? There's camping at both Bobbers and Morgan Creek Park. For that and other options see the Morgan Cross site at https://www.morgancrosscr.com/camping. Register for Bobbers Cross at USACycling and keep up with the latest on Facebook. If it's not too cold this year maybe Brett will leave his van to officiate? Maybe?
John Stonebarger Originally published by Goosetown Racing Club Captain Roy's in Des Moines is the newest bike-trail bar and grill in a city that loves its bike trails. Saturday the Iowa Cyclocross Series continues at this new venue with a new race, Captain's Cross. "The venue is what makes this race great," says Race Director Corey Philips of the Sakari Race Team. "The race will take place in Union Park (of Race Like a Girl/Squirrel fame) and Birdland Marina on the banks of the Des Moines River and finishes right at Captain Roy's. Captain Roy's has fantastic grub, local craft beers, and will host post-race music with Cold Filtered, featuring MTB extraordinaire Darvish Shadravan. "The course itself is no joke," says Philips, "featuring a paved, full-road, uphill start, three fast descents, and numerous off-camber and technical features. Plus there are another two major climbs, one with rideable barriers -- if you have the skills. "Hicklin Powersports and KTM Bike Industries are our presenting sponsors. KTM is pushing really hard into North America in 2017 and Hicklin Powersports is one of the first to carry their bicycles in the Midwest. Hicklin is a professional motorsports shop with a lot of championships under their belt. They understand cross training, with most of their competitive racers using bicycles to stay in shape. This partnership is a natural fit and a great way to cross-promote our sports and passions." Hicklin Powersports will have KTM fat bikes, cross bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes on display Saturday. This is the first year for Captain's Cross, but Philips and Sakari are no strangers to pulling off a good event. Sakari offered up Palooza Cross in 2013 and 2014, and hosts an annual road race and the Juicy Gravel Race. "Our race targets all bike racers, with a division for everyone. We have cash payouts for all divisions other than juniors and beginners, with equal payout for men and women. It's a killer venue in a great setting in the heart of Des Moines. Cyclocross, craft beer, grub, and music... what more could you want?" Birdland Marina is under two hours drive from Iowa City, and the weather for Saturday looks good so far.
John Stonebarger Originally published by Goosetown Racing Club |
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