Small, grassroots racing is gaining a foothold once more in south central Pennsylvania. In response to rising micromanagement from sanctioning bodies and a supreme desire to have the most fun possible, racers are returning to a more primitive kind of racing in the fall. Not an old sport (Though the idea of an off-season fitness booster has been around a long time. If you youtube search “cyclocross history”, there are some cool examples from the 50’s era), cyclocross has evolved rapidly in the last 20 years from rough, creative courses on the back forty to highly groomed racetracks. Permanent cyclocross courses may be gaining traction across the country, but long, endurance races called “UltraCross” are also high in popularity. Whether it is short 60 minute races or grueling 60 mile races, one thing is for sure, ‘Cross is in its prime.
After hosting three fun events last winter, Fast Forward Racing Productions is offering a full schedule of local racing opportunities this fall and winter. These seven events target the 45 mile area between Chambersburg and Carlisle Pennsylvania, but will readily draw from areas like Frederick (Maryland), Baltimore (Maryland), Harrisburg (Pennsylvania), and State College (Pennsylvania). Easy access to the Cumberland Valley will also entice racers from the Philly and DC areas to make the 2 hour trip up for some good, ole Pennsylvania fun.
The seven races that make up the series offer ample opportunities for new racers and veterans alike, and will span the range of what cyclocross can be. Beyond traditional 8-minute courses, the series includes night racing, ultracross, and team relay racing. It really is a simple equation with an early race, a kids race, a late race, and a potluck cook out. The series has points based on attendance, awards, and an end of year white elephant raffle! Each race is a little unique, and you’ll have to come see what’s going on in PA!
Series Schedule:
September 28th: Spring Rise CX
October 5th: Cross in the Night
October 6th: Tuscarora Gravel Queen (UltraCX)
November 1st: Secret CX
December 22nd: Christmas Cross
January 5th: SSCX Semi’s
January19th: Genessee Valley CX Relay
Info at www.fastforwardracingproductions.com/p/c2cx-series.html
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year