Cyclo-cross (sometimes cyclocross, CX, CCX, cyclo-X or 'cross) is a form of bicycle racing. Races typically take place in the autumn and winter (the international or "World Cup" season is October–February), and consist of many laps of a short (2.5–3.5 km or 1.5–2 mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount.I'd seen Cyclocross races on TV, and Alan and Sean went to the National Championships held in Louisville, KY a few years ago. I like the athleticism it adds to cycling and since it requires strong technique and a dose of bike smarts, I believe it might be one of those sports in which age and treachery can overcome youth and skill...just like my previous favored sports endeavor, beach volleyball.
I attended a day long clinic in August put on by a local women's racing group, Lady Gnar Shredders I was hooked. It was so much fun and the people are so nice. I've competed in three races so far. My primary goal is to not DNF (did not finish)--that would most likely be due to a crash and that would be no bueno. I also try to not FDFL (finish dead f--ing last). I've met my goal in all the races. I got 3rd place out of 9 racers in the first time racers category at my first race. I finished 21 out of 31 racers in my second race and 7 out of 9 racers in my last race. I'm still figuring out the best technique, riding really tentatively because I don't want to hurt myself, and thinking way too much to be good but it's fun, the people are nice and it's starting to feel more natural.
It is fun to beat people much younger than me plus I'm pretty sure I've gotten first place in the stem cell transplant survivors category at all my races. And, I am the number one ranked female cyclocross racer in the state of Ohio for my age....of course, there's only 2 of us. ;) In the ranking report on USA cycling, I'm at about the 65th percentile in the different ranking categories they track, . Not too bad for this old dog who's learning new tricks after 3 races.
Here's a video of the elite race at my second race. Same course, we're just not as fast.
http://dirtwire.tv/2014/10/ovcx-3-gun-club-elite-women/
And here are some pictures from my last race--
In my first race, I was on the grass and going through a hairpin turn a bit too fast when my bike slipped out from underneath me and I landed on my hip. It took about 5 days for the bruise to show and more than 3 weeks for it to go away. When I was at my checkup with my oncologist this week, they asked the standard question "Have you had any falls since you're last visit?" I replied, "No", figuring the type of fall I had isn't really the kind they're worried about.
It's so nice to be able to go out and do something new. This is so much fun!
