The 3rd annual Cross in the Park sponsored by Campus WheelWorks is cycling with a twist.
“When most people think of cycling they picture Tour de France,” said Ethan Johnson, owner of Campus Wheelworks, event founder, promoter and participant “A ton of people riding up and down a road.”
Cyclo-cross in this case however, is a unique style of cycling that involves a 1.8-mile USA-sanctioned closed course featuring mud, obstacles and barriers.
Combining slick conditions with a racer having to repeatedly dismount and mount their bike throughout various stages of the race sounds like a recipe for disaster or entertainment – depending on your vantage point, “It’s the best spectator sport in cycling,” Johnson said with a chuckle.
Cross in the Park takes place on Sunday, November 4, 2012 on a course that begins near the stone bridge on Rumsey Road and winds through Delaware Park ending back at the same location.
Last year, the race featured over 150 racers and some 400 spectators, numbers which Johnson hopes to exceed in 2012. In order to supplement the theme of evolution, there will be all sorts of fun and entertainment for spectators and riders alike.
DJ Eric Kendall will be providing the soundtrack for the afternoon, while Amy’s Place, Roaming Buffalo and Rolling Joe Café will all have their food trucks on hand to feed the masses. For the more involved cyclist, from street rider to mountain biker, Jamis and Felt Bicycles will have demos set up where people can test out the latest 2013 model lines.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the event for both
spectators and participants will be the inauguration of the ‘Wheel of
Misfortune’ (aka. Death Spiral or Wheel of Death). The Wheel of Misfortune is an
intense 180-degree turn that is being inserted into the circuit at the top of
the hill near Shakespeare in the Park.
Even the most experienced cyclo-cross riders (Categories 1-3) will
have their hands full with the introduction of the Wheel of Misfortune, so inexperienced
riders (Category 4 and below) beware: the turn can claim the pride of even the
craftiest cycling veterans.
For those interested in participating there are different race categories
for all ages and competition levels:
Start Time |
Category |
Duration |
Purse |
Entry Fee |
11:00 AM |
Citizens Race, Cat 4 |
45 Minutes |
Merch |
$25 |
11:01 AM |
Single Speed |
45 Minutes |
Merch |
$25 |
11:02 AM |
Women’s Open |
45 Minutes |
$150/Merch |
$25 |
12:00 PM |
Kids Age 9 and Under |
5-20 Minutes |
Medals |
$3 |
12:20 PM |
Kids Age 10-14 |
1 Lap |
Medals |
$3 |
1:00 PM |
Cat 1, 2, 3 |
60 Minutes |
$300/Merch |
$25 |
1:01 PM |
Masters 45+ |
60 Minutes |
$150/Merch |
$25 |
Pre-registration is $25 and can be found on the Campus WheelWorks
website: www.campuswheelworks.com or register the day of the race for $30.
All riders competitive and non-competitive must have a USCF permit
or purchase a one-day race permit for $10 and are required to wear an approved
helmet.
Despite the forecast calling for a cool yet sunny Sunday, the
event will take place rain or shine.
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or just looking for an
alternative to spending another Sunday consumed by football, Cross in the Park
2012 presents a great opportunity to get involved in any capacity; cheer, crash
or compete.