Cyclocross Flying!

So I am not sure this is the way to clear the hurdle. I was sure fast though.

Mid-Atlantic Cyclocross 2011

Ok so the Tri season is coming to a close, what to do... how about something a little different, Cyclocross. It is fast, muddy and a cross between road biking, mountain biking and full on heart pounding adrenaline. 
The Mid-Atlantic season is underway, MAC for short. 
Check it out, I am sure you can find at least one race to jump into:

The 2011/2012 MAC Series will not include UCI Elite Men/U23/Juniors or UCI Elite Women. The MAC Series will include the following USAC Categories (please note that all races will be counted in the overall MAC series points):U19 Junior Men - Amateur U19 Junior Women - Amateur Elite U19 Men Cat 1/2/3/4 Master Men 35+ Cat 1/2/3/4 Master Men 45+ Cat 2/3/4 Men Cat 4 Men Cat 3/4 Women Cat 1/2/3/4 Master Women 45+ Cat 1/2/3/4 Master Men 55+ Cat 1/2/3/4 Master Men 60+ Elite Men Elite Women Elite Master Women 35+ The MAC series is comprised of individual races including those races that have UCI categories as part of their event.
2011	Date	Race	Location	Results
Round 1	September 10th	Nittany Cross Day 1	Trexlertown, PA	Results
Round 2	September 11	Nittany Cross Day 2	Trexlertown, PA	Results
Round 3	September 17th	Charm City Day 1	Baltimore, MD	Results
Round 4	September 18th	Charm City Day 2	Baltimore, MD	Results
Round 5	September 25th	Whirlybird Cyclocross	Bryn Athyn, PA	Results
Round 6	October 15th	Granogue Cross Day 1	Granogue, DE	Results
Round 7	October 16th	Granogue Cross Day 2	Granogue, DE	Results
Round 8	October 29th	Beacon Cyclocross	Bridgeton, NJ	Results
Round 9	October 30st	HPCX	Jamesburg, NJ	Results
Round 10	November 12th	FSVS XCross at Fair Hill	Elkton, MD	Results
Round 11	November 19th	Super Cross Cup Day 1	East Meadow, NY	Results
Round 12	November 20st	Super Cross Cup Day 2	East Meadow, NY	Results
Round 13	December 10th	Geler Votre Cul Cyclocross	DE / MD /TBD	Results
Round 14	December 11th	Limestone Cross at the Kiln	PA	Results

US Gran Prix of Cyclocross

It's coming to Mercer County NJ, again. I know it early but get it on your schedule and get ready for the mud. Last year was great.

The second weekend of the USGP of Cyclocross returns to Mercer County Park on November 14th and 15th where the racers are sure to face windy, challenging conditions and deep fields from the highly competitve Mid-Atlantic cross scene.

Once again Clif Bar will present it's Kids' Cross Clinic featuring the Clif Bar athletes at the race venue.

Course designer, CyclocrossWorld.com's very own Stu Thorne, says about the Mercer venue:

This is a course for the powerful racers. The first turn after the start will be critical and it leads into a long, slow grind into the false flats on far-side of the course. The sand pits - three in a row - are long and favor the strongest, technical riders. On the final lap, the race could turn on a strategic run through the pits. The pit is located fairly close to the finish and right before the fly-over. The person who gets a good bike change in the pits would be positioned well for the last trip over the fly-over, into the technical section along the lake into the final gravelly turn onto the long up-hill sprint to the finish.

In general, with the fly-over, sand and grass there is more than enough on offer on this course to make it very interesting! Throw in the strong winds coming off the lake and we're in for a great weekend of racing.

Winter Biking

Looking for a good deal this time of year is right around the corner, Jenson USA has some great deals right now, take the Scott Cyclocross Comp a good bike that won't break the bank, wish the price way just a little better, still a great deal. Here is what Scott is saying:
he new CX Comp gets improved geometry and a sloping, hydroformed top tube for easier dismounts and improved stand over clearance. A carbon CX straight blade fork and Shimano 105 components make the CX Comp the perfect choice for the 'Cross fanatic on a budget.

With this type of prices $1049 and shipping just under $50 bike shops should beware, online is trying to survive just like everyone else. Sometimes online is better but you will still have to pay for tune-ups I guess that is where shops differ. If you can turn a wrench this deal might be for you. Plus it keeps you from staring at a TV all winter while you train.

Cyclocross, off season fun and training!

THE MOST FUN YOU WILL HAVE OUTSIDE OF RIDDING YOUR TRI BIKE. Cyclocross is amazing, getting the best of both worlds, road biking with the ability to go anywhere. Mountain bike trails, fire trails, roads it is fun. If most of you hate when the season comes to the end, extend the season and get a Cyclocross bike. Races seems to start in August and run into the new year depending on your region. Means you are not stuck inside on a trainer. Here is the racing calendar and the Mercer Cup a US Grad Prix is sure to be great.

"The second weekend of the USGP of Cyclocross returns to Mercer County Park on November 16th and 17th where the racers are sure to face windy, challenging conditions and deep fields from the highly competitive Mid-Atlantic cross scene.

Once again Clif Bar will present it's Kids' Cross Clinic featuring the Clif Bar athletes at the race venue. We follow that up with a Race Number Presentation taking place at Knapp's Cyclery from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. It's a great chance to meet your favorite Pro and check out some great gear at the same time!"

If you are looking for a second training bike or even a third bike the use that a cyclocross bike will give you will extend many years. Even if you buy a second set of wheels and turn your training bike into a CX bike in the off season you will not be disappointed.