And now for something completely different….cyclocross

[acc]

There is a multi-week clinic for cyclocross being offered at Wakefield Park in Annandale on Tuesdays from 7-9. The first session was last Tuesday.

I really should have googled the word “cyclocross” before I showed up at the clinic and asked, “Do you take beginners?”

I never considered what those 30 cm barriers placed 4 meters apart could possibly mean. Until I saw several young, fit men, approach them quickly on their bikes, dismount, pick up their bikes, run towards the barriers, leap over them, then jump back on their bikes. I am not making this up.

This is so cool.

If biking has lost the fun for you, and you think jumping over a barrier while hauling your bike might be fun, come on out.
Meet and sign the waiver behind the main building on the asphalt path between the soccer fields and softball fields. Cross bike or MTB are ok. Helmet absolutely necessary. Cost: $2.00

Much rollicking good times to be had. As long as you don’t fall too hard.

acc

Topic

[PotomacCyclist]

I registered for DCCX last year, even though it took place on the same day as the Army Ten-Miler (which I ran). I recovered after the ATM, cleaned up a bit, and headed over to DCCX. Then I proceeded to get lost as I tried to find my way from the Georgia Ave Metro station. I didn’t have my smartphone because I didn’t want to wreck it during the race. I asked some local residents about how to find the grounds of the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home. They pointed me in the wrong direction. By the time I finally got to the race site, it was too late. I watched some of the race from the other side (wrong side?) of the fence, and then left.

That would have been my first cyclocross race. I had signed up for the Rookie Race, designed for cyclocross newbies. I would have had some minor issues using a mountain bike, but I think I would have finished in decent shape.

I’m not sure if I’ll sign up this year. I’ll wait a few more weeks before deciding. I’ll do a cyclocross race at some point. Maybe I’ll even get a cyclocross bike someday. I did some reading up on the sport last fall. I watched some of the pro races on Universal Sports. I did some practices on my own, jumping on and off the mtn bike, and carrying the bike over simulated obstacles.

[jrenaut]

My supervisor, and the guy who encouraged me to bike to work, is one of the main promoters for DCCX, so I can pass questions along if you have them.

[eminva]

Does anyone know where and when any cyclocross events are scheduled in the DC area? It doesn’t have to be super high level competition. My son is intrigued about cyclocross and I thought it might be fun to go watch live somewhere. Thanks.

Liz

[PotomacCyclist]

DCCX is the only cyclocross event in DC. It’s scheduled for October 23 this year.

You can find updates on the DCMTB site and on their Facebook page:

http://dcmtb.com/?page_id=766

http://www.facebook.com/pages/DCCX/137070666858

The site of the race is the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

Last year they had several races throughout the day, from rookie races for beginners up to more advanced races. I know that they had a beginner race in the morning and another one in the late afternoon, with other races in between.

There are other races in the area. MABRA and DCMTB should have more info.

[Author]

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