What Does ABD Cyclocross look like:
I've been slacking on race reporting during this cross season but wanted get something out there for the group before we hold our Cyclocross race on Sunday in Bartlett. Your ABD Cross unit consists of mostly Masters Men and Woman. Currently a strong portion of our Woman's Team is on the disabled list with some injuries, heal up ladies. Our team would easily accept anyone on 2 wheels Sunday as it promises to be a fun event. As for performance, we have had some decent results and you are more likely to see us in the front 1/3 of the race than the back 2/3rds.
What Cross is:
For those of you who didn't get the bug or gist of cross from Rich's previous account, which described the event and evidently Jason and my "slow" efforts over some dirt mounds. I would love to judge Rich's style of riding but for the record I have never actually seen him pedal a bike. (JOKE, kind of) CycloCross is the intersecting point of Road and Mountain biking and each of them have brought a friend to the party: Pain and Suffering. It's redline from the gun, it's a pretty tough workout but it is probably the most fun I have had on 2 wheels. The crowds are great and the smile they bring to your face helps numb the pain. For example last year, the small mound in the middle of the course in Bartlett last year was topped with a couch, people on megaphones and enough hipsters to consider it a rally. It has unofficially been referred to as "Heckler Hill" recently. They spent there day cheering, handing out bacon, dollar bills or insults; and if you were lucky, all of the above. At Cross races you are always allowed to let your freak flag fly. Whether you are someone who enjoys the thrill of a great race or the carnage of a series of crashes; you can have it all in Bartlett on Sunday.
If you wanted to race cross and don't know where to start:
It doesn't take much to toe the start line! All it really takes is a mountain bike or if you really feel like it a cross bike. Although no bike company has tons of different models of Cross bikes, Trek/Gary Fisher have numerous Cross bikes at various price points. I have gotten everything that I am riding on (Bike, Wheels, Tires) through Prairie Path and I know Mike, Mary Lee and the Gang would be happy to get you rolling. I think you would be surprised at how low the cost of getting rolling is if you don't have a mountain bike hanging in the garage. Also, for you time trialists out there, the dominant cycling clothing involved in Cross is the Skinsuit and what better way is there to increase the ROI on that sexy Onesie than a few more races. In all honesty, you could actually just wear you skinsuit to watch, you wouldn't be the most unusually dressed person.
See you Sunday!
The 2 enduring factors that go along with ABD are the top notch events we put on and the people that make up our club. The Captain of ABD Cyclocross Jim Nowak will have the course set for the throw down on Sunday, so we know the event will be great. We would love to see everyone out there cheering, heckling, racing or volunteering; come take a look to see what it is all about. It is an extremely family friendly good time.
Take care,
Ben
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