Marko, clad is his signature Croatian kit, relishes in the unique challenge cross brings.
Cyclocross, an odd mix between criterium, mountain biking and steeplechase races, sees riders taking what look like road bikes off road. And if that’s not enough, there’s a catch: there are barriers and stairs placed on the course, so riders have to hop off the bike, carry it up and over, and jump back on the bike without loosing precious momentum. If it sounds a little crazy, that’s because it is: cowbells, costumes, and the odd trombone or two are all often part of the party atmosphere that is 'cross racing.
Cyclocross racing, is blowing up in popularity stateside right now, and while we carry a wide range of race-ready, mud-slaying machines, we also believe that cyclocross offer some of the best bang for the buck in terms of utility and fun. Cyclocross bikes have room for bigger tires, which means a more plush ride over DC’s potholes, as well as space for fenders. Some cross bikes even have rack mounts, so they can make speedy commuters or nimble light touring bikes too. With a lower bottom bracket, and off-road oriented geometry, cyclocross bikes are stable and fun bikes that can take you wherever you want to go!
Cross Capable Steeds:
Foundry Overland
Felt F85X
All-City Macho Man Disc
Surly Crosscheck
Cross is easily one of the best spectators sports in cycling. Races are confined to short loops, so fans get to see plenty of action and are encouraged to interact with racers.
Ana tackles the sandpit in Occoquan Park at Bikeneticx.
A cupcake handup at DCCX
Cross is for everyone! Kids can try the Little Belgians course!
Courses often feature brief off the bike sections. Kevin and his Nature Boy leap over the barriers at Hyattsville CX.
DCCX 2013 - cyclocross serenaded by live mariachi band
DCCX takes places on the beautiful grounds of the Old Soldiers Home in Northeast, DC. Home to President Lincoln's Cottage.
Cyclocross is one of the most accessible forms of bike racing. Any bike that can accommodate wide tires is fair game. There are plenty of beginner categories and the atmosphere is all about welcoming newcomers to the sport.
There are two large cx race series in the area: the MABRA Super8 and the Sportif Cross Cup, giving you opportunities to race almost every Saturday and Sunday this fall.
2016 Cyclocross Calendar
9/4 Granogue Cross
Wilmington, DE Register Now
9/11 Hub Labels Cyclocross Challenge
Hagerstown, MD Register Now
10/1 MPPCX at Crossland Festival
Columbia, MD Register Now
10/2 Hyattsville CX
Hyattsville, MD Register Now
10/15 AACX
Davidsonville, MD Register Now
10/22 and 10/23 DCCX
Washington, DC
11/6 Ed Sander Memorial Cyclocross
Adamstown, MD
11/14 South Germantown Cross,
Gaithersburg, MD
11/20 Apple Cross
Winchester, VA Register Now
12/11 BikenetiCX
Lorton, VA Register Now
9/25 Syklo Cross
Sykesville, MD Register Now
10/8 and 10/9 Charm City Cross
Baltimore, MD Register Now
10/18 Schooley Mill
Highland, MD Register Now
10/29 BiketoberFest CX
West Friendship, MD Register Now
10/30 Tacchino CX
Upper Marlboro, MD
11/13 Rockburn Cross,
Elkridge, MD
11/27 MABRA Championship
Taneytown, MD
12/4 Capital Cross Classic
Reston, VA
MABRA Championships in Taneytown, MD. Ana took first place in Womens Cat 4 Race. For most of the staff this was our first season of racing and we can't wait for next year.
Cross bikes make awesome year round machines and are just begging to explore off the beaten path.