Cyclocross Season Is Here

Cyclocross racing is short, but it’s one of the most intense types of racing you can do. For thirty minutes to an hour you go all out from beginning to end. Not just riding, but navigating through pavement, gnarly and often muddy trails, loose, gravel turns, steep hills and obstacles requiring you to dismount and carry your bike while jumping over logs or walking up stairs. Oh, another popular obstacle is the beer hand-up, if taken, will keep the crowd wild and on your side. Not enough? The weather might run against you. Cyclocross season is October - February throwing everything at you from blistering sun and dry dust to torrents of rain, freezing snow and slippery ice. No matter what the conditions, racers are sure to be  challenged mentally and physically. Who’s in? It’s not easily explained but it seems to hook most everyone who jumps into it.

There are many stories about the origins of cyclocross. One is that European road racers in the early 1900s would race each other to the next town over from them and that they were allowed to cut through farmers' fields or over fences, or take any other shortcuts, in order to make it to the next town first.

Naturally this discipline started as road riders took their bikes off road. In the 1900’s riders got creative in the off season and would race to local landmarks and the first to arrive would win even if that meant climbing fences and crossing rivers. It was originally called “Steeplechasing” because every town has a steeple that could qualify as the finish. Now as an official, and very popular race series around the world, comes a specific bike equipt to battle a course like this. Our favorite cyclocross bike this year is the S Works CruX.

Are you curious about the intense, emotional, technical and most fun time you’ve ever had while racing? Check out the Reno Wheelman’s 2018 Sagebrush Cyclocross Season Schedule. With 2 races already in the books for the year, there are 2 left.