jpearl

For lack of getting a chance to race cyclocross this season, I made it a point to at least go watch a race. In this case, it was the Capitol Cross in Reston, VA, just outside of Washington DC. I went to kill curiosities, and to witness live what up to now, and for way too long, has existed for me only in pictures and thoughts. Here are some of the interesting things that I saw, and maybe they can answer some questions posed in some of the other threads.

For the record, I went mainly to see the C and B riders, and left before the pros went. The weather was partly cloudy, in the low 50s, and the course was mixed with grass, paved, gravel, three dismounts and two runups. The offroad sections were firm, but not dry or dusty.

Racers:
To my suprise, a portion of the C and a few masters B riders looked a lot like me, i.e., human with real weekly jobs, lives, and limited riding time. There was everything from thin and fit riders to riders who were slightly portly. There were moms and dads, wives and husbands, grandparents, and college students. There were weekend warriors and those who fit cycling into any nook or cranny thier schedules could provide.

Bikes:
This variety of bikes was also a big suprise. There was everything from carbon bling to steel relics. Most of the riders had stock CX bikes including Cannondale Cyclocross' (same and stock, just like mine), Kona Jakes, Bianchi Axis', and Fuji Cross'. There was also the assortment of sexy Jovelins, Alans, BMCs, and Ridleys. A glance at the riders lining up at the start revealed everything from Dura-Ace to Tiagra, from Zipp carbon wheels to the stock wheels found on $1200 bikes. The guy who toasted the c men's field rode a $1100 Schwinn Fastback. Also mingling with the pack were a couple of Surlys, including some singlespeeders. All in all, the range of machinery was as diverse as the engines riding them.

People:
Everybody was cool and friendly, ready to talk about cyclocross and cycling in general. Plenty of spectators with plenty of dogs and plenty of cowbells being rung. The riders rode hard, and then put on smiles and friendly faces afterwards.

The races:
Prety much what I expected. Everybody went out fast, spread out, and muscled through it. The gaps grew, but the determination remained strong amongst all of the riders, and everybody from the little 16 year old who smoked the junior field and then the advanced B group to the portly guy who was near the end of the C men and masters were all equally inspiring and commendable. It was obvious some where there to win, and some just to ride, but all were there because they wanted to be, and that was beautiful.

Long story short, it was fun to be spectator, and next year, G-d willing, I will be a participant.

same time

I did the C race - it was a blast! I was on a steel relic - a celeste green Bianchi. The nice weather had everyone in a festival mood. I passed some people, got passed, and have no idea where I finished. The racing was pretty close - for most of the race, I was on someone's wheel and someone was on mine.

Was great to see so many people there. The race organizers were handing out cowbells to all the kids, so it was loud loud loud.

See you next year!

jpearl

That Bianchi, it was an ol' skool Axis if I'm thinking right. There were plenty of new Axis' and Cross Concepts, but as far as I'm concerned, it's never really a Bianchi unless it's 100% celeste (yes, I do have a Bianchi fetish). And if I'm thinking of you as the right person, then I do remember seeing you ride and you did quite well, rode pretty strong.

Rotten Bastard

Hey guys, where was the track for this race? I happen to be in Reston and wouldn't mind riding it sometime, though not competitively, and assuming it's open to the general public.

jpearl

Lake Fairfax Park I believe it was. I ran around pretty much the whole course, and if it's open to bicycles, I wouldn't mind riding it as well. I guess we'll have to check with the local parks department on bicycle accesability. Otherwise, I hear that some of the guys who race it yearly know it like the back of thier hands. I can remember where much of it was, and a map of the course is available on the website for the race (Google Capitol Cross washington DC).

jfmckenna

I am sorry I missed it this year. None of my teamates were going and I didn't feel like making the long drive myself but I have races Restone several times and it's always a great course with large fields.

IMO time willing you should have watched the pro race. If you are thinking about racing you can learn a lot just by watching.

jpsaun

Here is the link to the site that hosted the race. https://www.potomacvelo.com/CapitalCrossClassic.htm

I also raced the C race. Had a great time. Big field with all levels of racers.

Jim

i_r_beej

Too bad you didn't get to do any racing. Make a point to enter a few races next year okay? You're missing out big-time!

That seems to be one of the best things about CX in this country-- it's still so inclusive. It's where mountain biking used to be about 15 years ago.

In a muddy race it doesn't matter how much one's bike cost or how fancy it is. Dura-Ace looks just like Tiagra under a heavy coating of mud!

I race in the C's (raced Beginner last year) and i have a day job, a child, domestic duties, etc. I don't race to see who is fastest. I race to see who has the most guts. (A nod to Mr. Prefontaine for that sentiment.) I race to see what I can do.

Racing against another guy for 42nd place is just a invigorating as racing for first-- the "race" is where you find it!

So get out there next year and enjoy!

Rotten Bastard

Thanks!

vpower

I was one of the surly singlespeeders. I made a video of the Men's B Race. I will post it up later.

vpower

Here it is

Hitch

Didnt know this was here - I would have LOVED to go see it.
Are there any more Cyclecross races around NOVA anytime soon?

jpsaun

This is a good site for races.

https://midatlanticcross.info/home.htm

The next race is in Charlottesville, VA on Dec 10.

https://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=3903

giantxc

Awesome! I'm the guy in the red and black with the white cross bike running the hill from second 15-19! Thanks for the coverage.