General Information, Rules, & Techniques
This section explains the background on cyclocross as well as informs you of the rules and techniques of racing your bike in the Cyclocrazed series.
Who came up with cyclocross, and why?
Cyclocross may seem mysterious, but only until you try it. Then it will all make sense. For now, see the Resources below.
Rules of Cyclocross
The rules are simple. First one across the finish line wins! Also:
#1) Stay on the course (which will be clearly marked).
#2) Don't deliberately harm people or obstruct their progress (a good rule in life anyways).
#3) Wear an ANSI or SNELL-approved helmet that is properly fitted to your head (in case someone doesn't follow #2).
Furthermore, all bikes are legal! Cyclocross bikes are nice, mountain bikes are okay, bmx would rock, a road bike could be problematic but you would finish, unicycles would take some serious practice, a recumbant would be very funny, and so on. Just make sure there aren't anything pointy things sticking out like bar ends (see rule #2).
Technique of Cyclocross
There are two techniques specific to cyclocross that may be unfamilar to you:
#1) You will be required to negotiate your bicycle around sharp corners on slippery surfaces, preferably at speed (it is a race!)
#2) You will be required to dismount your bicycle, lift it over wooden barriers and carry it uphill. Quickness is also good here (see #1).
Practice and experience with these methods, in addition to general bike racing ability (endurance, speed, power, etc.) will certainly be an advantage to you. However, any able-bodied person can do these things without getting hurt! Just slow down (brakes help here).
Other Resources
(links open in new browser window)
In General
A Wikipedia entry on Cyclo-cross.
An overview of the sport on CyclingNews.com.
A brief history of the sport, as well as it's marvelous techniques, courtesy of Barry Boyce at CyclingRevealed.com.
Another brief explanation geared towards the younger racers on a great junior team's site, RadRacingNW.org
The Experience
Bellingham-based writer Mike McQuaide writes about his first experience racing 'cross in the Seattle Times last year.
Graeme Street of Cyclo-CORE writes about his first adventure with transferring 20 years of road biking skills to 'cross.
Other Series
The most comprehensive listing of all the Northwest 'cross races I have ever seen (although it is yet to be updated for this season).
The fantastic series in Seattle with many nearby courses and who are nice enough to post our events on their calendar.
The wild series in Portland with record-breaking attendance in 2006 and several UCI events this year (and Nationals in the past).