Cyclo-cross

Here I am, as promised, with a post about what we did Saturday morning. Rob has been really into bike riding lately and apparently in the winter, some cyclists move to a variation of the sport called cyclo-cross.

From Wikipedia:

"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 [...], and consists 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."

There was a race out in Delano Rob wanted to do so Kasper and I tagged along to see what the fuss was all about.

While Rob was getting his (new, special "cyclo-cross" bike) ready, Kasper and I took a hike. It was a beautiful morning and I had coffee.







Kasper ran down this big hill and had a great time. When it was time to turn around and walk UP the hill he took many breaks to look at the plants and eventually asked to be carried the rest of the way.




Here they are at the start!


The gun went off and the bikers disappeared to somewhere. The course was pretty long and we stayed in one spot so we had some downtime while they were riding. Good thing I brought snacks.



Here they are! Rob is the third one.


They ride around this course taped off with yellow tape. They apparently had to go over sand volleyball courts, up steep hills. This was a little series of switchbacks.




At the end of the switchbacks they had to get off the bikes and jump over some gates.



Bye Papa!


Time for books! I'm glad I was pretty prepared. I didn't know there would be so much waiting inbetween and I didn't want Kasper running on to the course.



Here they are again!



At 30 minutes, a bell rings signalling the last lap. Whoever is in the lead at the end of that lap wins. I think they did about 3-4 laps in this race.

Waiting at the finish.


Good job Papa!


Killing a little time before Rob made his way over. You can see him approaching in the background.


Rob said it was a hard course but he had a great time. Maybe Kasper will be a cyclist someday?




Time to go home and warm up.


And so ends the lesson on the mysterious cyclo-cross racing.