Event Profile: Cyclocross

Cyclocross is a sport that takes place in the fall and winter months and has its roots dating back into in the late nineteenth century in France, Holland and Belgium (still the Mecca for the sport). This town-to-town Steeplechase event was a way for the professional cyclists of the time to stay fit and warm for the big summer tours.

Traditionally the European race, over fences and hedges, through streams, up steep banks, on and off roads, across fields, and in the mud, snow, ice or rain, was a rallying point for hot beverages, bier and cowbell ringing fans to gather and make noise for their favorite bike jockey. The worse the weather, the better the race, and the elements made the sport of cyclocross a cycling tough-man competition.

Today the sport attracts racers from both road and mountain racing, and the skill levels range from top-notch professional to weekend warrior. It allows anybody the chance to race with the pros, get muddy on race day, and enjoy a hand-crafted beer.

As for the cowbells and party atmosphere, cross is the best way to see the sport of cycling. The sidelines are full of tradition-laden moments, bells of all sizes, beer, fans, men, women and children, bikes of all kinds and the occasional Belgian waffle. It’s probably one of the best spectator sports that still allows you to be part of the fun. Over the years the size, complexity and popularity of the sport has grown to almost every corner of California and the nation.

Cyclocross never cancels for foul weather!

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Bay Area Super Prestige Series – www.BayAreaCX.com
* September 29 – CandleStick CycloCross
* October 20 – CandleStick Repechage
* November 9 – Sierra Point Night Cross
* November 24 – Trippel Stick
* December 8 – CCCP Coyote Point

Surf City Cyclocross Series – www.Cyclo-X.com
* October 13 – CX Race #1
* October 27 – CX Race #2 Costume Race!
* November 17 – CX Race #3
* December 1 – CX Race $4

CCCX Central Coast Cyclocross Series – www.CCCXcycling.com
* October 6 – Toro Park, Race #5
* December 15 – Manzanita Park, Race #6
* December 29 – Toro Park, Race #7
* January 19 – Fort Ord, Race #8

Sacramento Cyclocross Series – www.Cyclo-X.com
* October 6 – Orangevale Park, Race #2
* November 2 – Lembi Park, Race #3
* November 17 – Lange Twins Winery, Race #4
* December 1 – Condon Park, Race #5
* December 15 – Laguna del Sol, Race #6

Sagebrush Cyclocross Series, Reno – www.RenoCX.com
* November 21 – Clayton Middle School
* December 12 – Bartley Ranch

Santa Rosa Cup Series – www.BikeMonkey.net
* October 19 – Santa Rosa
* November 23 – TBD
* December 7 – Maxwell Park, Sonoma

Lion of Fairfax – www.NCNCA.org
* October 1 – Fairfax

NCNCA/USA Cycling District Championship Cyclocross Event – www.NCNCA.org
* December 29 – Salinas

SoCal Cross Prestige Series – www.SoCalCross.org
* October 6 – SCPS #2, Velocity Cross, Chino
* October 13 – SCPS #3, CX in the OC
* October 19 – SPCS #4, Pacifica Crossfest, Camarillo
* October 26-27 – SCPS #6/7, Spooky-Kross Weekend, Pomona
* November 2-3 – SCPS #8/9, SLO Cross
* November 9 – SCPS #10, SDCX
* November 10 – SCPS #11, Udo Cross, presented by SPY Optic, Escondido
* November 17 – SCPS #12, Cross at The Beach, Long Beach
* November 24 – SCPS #13, Turkey Trot Cross, Glendale
* Nov 30-Dec 1 – SCPS #14/15, CXLA-Cross After Dark Weekend, Los Angeles
* December 7-8 – SCPS #16-17, Hart Park CX Weekend, Bakersfield
* December 14-15 – SCPS #18, Santa Cross Weekend, Los Angeles

Sea Otter Classic Cyclocross – www.SeaOtterClassic.com
* April 10-14, 2014, Laguna Seca