You can watch the elite racers or you can enter the beginners’ event yourself, but don’t miss the thrills and the fun of cyclocross in Middletown. The Java Johnny’s Lionhearts Cyclocross race will take place on Saturday, October 14th in Sunset Park.
If you can imagine the head-to-head of NASCAR, the graceful athleticism of ballet, the grit and human toughness of cross country racing and the technical skills of BMX, and roll them into one event – then you’re getting close to the cyclocross experience.
Two miles of twisting, turning, up-and-down, on-the-bike / off-the-bike course will be set up in Sunset Park and surrounding roads. Racers will fly off at the gun and try to be first to the finish line with race durations of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on race category.
Cyclocross (or ‘cross) is the fall and winter bicycle racing discipline, with a season stretching from late September until February. ‘Cross has a lot of appeal: It is the fastest growing form of bicycle racing in the U.S. Because it is done in suburban parks and forests – it is becoming as accessible as a soccer game; It’s the best way to try out bicycle racing for beginners; It’s the most fun to watch, and the training required to do well is within the reach of “weekend warriors”.
On October 14th there will be races for every age and ability, from beginners to some of the best in the U.S. SCHEDULE - Intermediate Men go off at 10:00 am, Beginner men, women and juniors aged 10 – 14 start at 11:00 am. At noon, Juniors 15-18, Master Men ages 35+ and 45+. Elite women start at 1:00 pm. At 2:00 pm, the SportsLeader Challenge is designed to let kids aged 6 to 12 try the sport out even before they are old enough to get a racing license. The day is capped off by the Elite Men who start at 2:30 pm.
Beginners (men, women and juniors) who want to try the sport are especially welcome and encouraged. Two instructional clinics will be held in Sunset Park on the following dates and times; Saturday, September 23rd at 1:00 pm; and Wednesday October 4th from 5:30 pm until dark.
Java Johnny’s Lionhearts ‘Cross is race number six in the Ohio Valley Cyclocross Series. Joining title sponsor Java Johnny’s Midtowne Café in making the race happen are Denny Lumber, SportsLeader, Heagen Lawn, Reser Bicycle Outfitters, and Al Neyer Inc. The race is presented by the Lionhearts, the select junior cyclocross team of the Queen City Wheels Inc. Bicycle Racing Club.
And if you enjoy Saturday’s event, Race number seven in the Ohio Valley series takes place Sunday, Oct. 15th just down the road in Fairfield’s Harbin Park. The Biowheels / United Dairy Farmers International last year saw a former junior world champion battling a former national champion and some of the regional elites, right up to the last lap and this year looks to be even more exciting.
We hope to see you out there.
For More Information: www.ovcx.com Doug Dobrozsi ddobrozsi@cinci.rr.com (513) 403-1951
