Cyclocross is an exciting, high-intensity autumn/winter cycling sport where riders compete in multiple laps on short, varied courses that include pavement, grass, dirt, mud, sand pits, and barriers.

What to Expect

• Courses:

  Races occur on short (2.5-3.5 km) multi-terrain loops featuring different surfaces like grass, dirt, sand, and paved sections. 

• Obstacles:

  Riders must overcome artificial barriers, steep hills, and sometimes even staircases, often requiring them to dismount and carry their bikes over them. 

• Season:

  Cyclocross races are typically held in the fall and winter, making it a popular discipline for athletes to maintain fitness in the off-season. 

• Duration:

  Races are short and intense, usually lasting 30 minutes to an hour, with laps calculated based on time rather than a set number. 

The Bike 

• Cyclocross bikes: are specifically designed for this sport, resembling road bikes but with features for off-road conditions.

• They have wider, knobby tires for better grip and tire clearance for mud, disc brakes for stopping power in wet conditions, and a geometry optimized for fast handling and frequent accelerations.

• If you don’t have a cyclocross bike, don’t worry! Any bike with wider tires and some extra grip will work fine, especially for races when the weather is dry in the Pacific Northwest.

The Spectacle

• Cyclocross is highly spectator-friendly, with short laps and a compact course that allows fans to see the action. 

• The sport is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with spectators often cheering with cowbells and offering "hand-ups" of food or drinks to riders. 

• Costumes are a common feature, and the overall vibe is often described as the "punk rock" of bike racing. 

Photos provided by Bike Tires Direct and the HarvestCX Cyclocross Series.