Ride With Us – Use The Links Below!
- Prospective CX riders: Fill out the 2024 Season Interest Form
- Prospective CX coaches: Fill out our CX Coach Interest Form
- Youth cyclocross clinics
- 2024 season event calendar – Cyclocross, MTB, clinics and more!
What is Cyclocross?
It’s as if the X Games collided with the Tour de France, sprinkled with a bit of adventure and exploration on dirt trails. Cyclocross, aka “CX,” is a fast paced, off-road racing discipline that blends the best of road biking and mountain biking. You’ll navigate short, challenging courses filled with obstacles such as barriers, sand, and mud.
Got Skills? You’re in the Game!
So, you’re interested in cyclocross? Here’s some skills you’ll need:
- Dismounting and Remounting.
- Bike Handling.
- Shouldering Your Bike.
- Running with Your Bike.
- Cornering Like a Pro.
- Barrier Hopping.
- Mud and Sand Navigation.
Cyclocross vs. Mountain Biking
So, you might be wondering, what’s the difference between cyclocross and mountain biking?
- Cyclocross takes you on a wild ride through dirt, asphalt, grass, pavement, sand, and mud.
- Courses are filled with obstacles that require you to jump, run, or bunny hop.
- While strength is important, the key to cyclocross is technique and form.
- It’s an individual sport where you navigate through challenging courses.
- It’s a whole new biking world.
Cyclocross vs. Road Biking
Road biking involves riding on smooth asphalt and pavement, while cyclocross involves riding on a variety of surfaces, making it a more adventurous ride:
- Road biking is often a team sport, while cyclocross requires individual skills and capabilities.
- Cyclocross challenges your abilities as you navigate diverse terrains.
What to Expect on Cyclocross Courses?
When it comes to cyclocross, you’ll be exploring parks with a twist:
- Parks offer a bit of everything: paved trails, gravel, and grass sections.
- Mix it up! Switch from one surface to another, and conquer obstacles like fallen trees or stairs.
- It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of biking!
Basic Equipment to get Started?
- Bikes: Almost any standard two-wheeled bicycle can be used for cyclocross. Bicycles specifically for Cyclocross closely resemble road bikes, but are equipped with specialized tires (with a maximum width of 33mm) for diverse surfaces. These bikes are generally lightweight and often do not have water bottle cages for easier carrying, when necessary.
- Shoes: While there are specific shoes designed for cyclocross, many racers find that standard mountain biking shoes are suitable. Mountain bike pedals, compatible with these shoes, are the standard choice. However, if running is a significant part of your races, cyclocross-specific shoes might offer a slight advantage.
- Helmet: Participants are generally required to wear a helmet that meets safety standards.
Cyclocross Bike vs. Mountain Bike vs. Road Bike?
- Cyclocross bikes have wider tires than those found on road bikes, but narrower tires than those found on mountain bikes.
- Similar to mountain bikes, Cyclocross bikes have tread to tackle the wild off-road sections.
- Road bikes are all about smooth sailing on asphalt.
Is There a Cyclocross Season?
- April, May, and June: Preseason and Promotion– recruiting bikers, recruiting coaches, barbecues and other fun team events!
- Starting June 1st: Practices start– once a week.
- September – End of November: Race season!
