A CycloCross bike looks like a road bike but has higher clearance, wider tires, and the ability for accumulated mud to shed easily. In its simplest definition, CycloCross is a continuous sprint, over uneven terrain, where at some point you'll dismount, throw your bike over your shoulder, run up a hill while jumping over protruding logs, re-mount, and do it all over again.
On Sunday, at the MFG series finale in Woodland Park, I rode 6 laps, dismounting and remounting 12 times. It was fantastic.
An anxious and cold Riley waiting for the race to start.
Just cresting the hill after two sections of barriers.
And I'm off again, winded but loving every moment.
CycloCross is as close to the feeling of a nordic ski race as I've been able to find. You start as a mass of riders. The gun sounds and absolute chaos ensues. At the first turn everyone bottlenecks except for rider number one. People crash. Equipment is broken. Some people are faster on the flats, some are faster on the hills. Dismounts and running sections leave you winded and scattered as you attempt to relocate your pedals and rhythm.
Yet, through all of the chaos, the pain, and the difficulty you eventually find yourself alone at some point, smiling from ear to ear, and truly embracing that pure moment.
If you ever have the chance to spectate or compete, do it. You will not be disappointed.
Riley
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