Night at the OVal is Back Tuesday

​Night at the Oval is back Tuesday, starting with a night of bike racing at Hawkeye Downs presented by Goldfinch Cyclery. Financial support from area bike shops makes Night at the Oval possible, but Goldfinch isn't stopping there. ​

"We'll bring our tent and some service essentials to take care of any mechanical needs for folks," said Logan Orcutt. 

"The shop team will be on-site with grillables, NA beverages, and good energy. We'll offer the hospitality free of charge but accept cash donations towards the Corridor Devo Junior Cycling Team's upcoming season." 

​Below, a few Night at the Oval testimonials from 2018, though all still very true today.

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(photo by Joanne Konrath McKillip)

Ryan Bimson, CRCX

"The latest NatO was Cam's first and he really liked it. He loved how each race was a bit different and really liked the race that started on the big oval for a lap then the mid oval and then the small oval." [Larry Howe's "Spiral of Death." Ew.]
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"I enjoyed watching all the races but the last one [the 'Granny Gear Race'] with everyone in their easiest gear for the one lap race was my favorite. That was funny!

"We are excited to be there this Tuesday and this time I will race too. See ya Tuesday!"

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Kat Porter, Twisted Spokes

"Love the Oval - I have been going for years. The different race formats are fun and make you think and get your strategy going.

"My favorites are the 'C Race' and points races. NatO gives folks an opportunity to ‘road race’ at a lowered risk level and practice drafting and lead out skills."

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Kaden Snoops

"I recommend NatO to anyone, whether you've done any sort of crit or pack racing or not. This is a really good event to learn skills about road racing since it's a closed course, and it's nothing too serious."

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(photo by Angie Snoop)

Mario Czarnomski, ICCC

"The Night at the Oval is a fantastic race-like workout that preps you for crits and sprints. Get a good warm up because the intensity is high from the GO!"

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Steve Tygrett,
​CRANDIC Racing Club

​"Nato has quickly become my favorite road race.  It's great for beginners like me because it allows you to practice riding in a pack at race speed, with relatively low risk of crashes.  

The races mainly take place on the 1/2 mile oval, so the terrain is flat and predictable, allowing you to just focus on staying with the pack, and timing your sprint.

​"At NatO there are multiple races in a night, which gives you the chance to try out different strategies.  If you mess up  your first race, just wait 10 minutes and go at it again with a new strategy.

"The best part is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  While it is competitive, everyone is there to have a good time on their bikes on a Tuesday night."

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Erik Bandy,
Johnson County Flyers

“Night at the Oval is a great atmosphere to practice sprint finishes and team tactics without the fear of being dropped miles from the finish.”

photo by Angie Snoop

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(photo by Angie Snoop)

Keith Snoop

"My favorite race is the 'Big C' as it requires technical skills to get through the tight corners. NatO is a great racing experience for beginners as it is low key and low pressure. It is also a great way to get in some interval training on a Tuesday night."

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Victor, Youth Off Road Riders & Goosetown Racing/New Pioneer Food Coop

"It's a great opportunity for kids to get to know their community and to meet new people and share new experiences with them. Especially those that mountain bike often but are trying to get into road racing.

My favorite race is the "Miss and Out," because it's very tense at times and relaxed at other times. I enjoy having to sprint often."

Wayne Fett, Goosetown Racing/New Pioneer Food Coop

"The Oval races help everyone with their race skills no matter how long they've been racing.  It also provides an excellent interval or sprint workout."

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"I started racing 10 or so years ago. I've done NatO every time since...when I'm in town. I've been leading out Karl 'The Sprinter' Rosenberg when we were both at HBA, then New Pi and now CRANDIC." (photo by Angie Snoop)

Rob McKillip, CRANDIC Racing Club

​"NatO is the Cliff Notes of bike racing ... just the important bits, none of the long, boring miles. It's a unique chance to try out the strategies you normally only ready about, or see on TV.

"Just try out different strategies, be bold ... if it didn't work, who cares, try something different in the next race, ten minutes later. It's an awesome workout. You will get to hear rates you'll just never see in your basement ... and have way more fun doing it!

"There's an A and B group, so don't have to worry about being slow. Besides, everybody is nice. Also, it's fan friendly -- you can see the entire race, so bring your family. There is no better way to learn to race.

"Come challenge the Snoops in the Granny Gear Race, or Rob in the Big Gear Race ..."

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