A few images from the Great Big Cross race that was held at Memorial Park in Bentonville a few weeks ago. This was the 2nd of 6 races in the NWA Cyclocross Series. The weather was perfect for a cross race - cool, rainy and muddy.

If you’ve never experience a cross race I challenge you to come out on Nov 10th & 11th to Millsaps Mountain in Fayetteville where the 4th race of the series will be taking place. This race is part of the American Cyclocross Calendar (ACXC), meaning there are more participants, more shenanigans and bigger payouts.

If you’re not familiar with this type of event here is a description from CX Magazine

“Cyclocross is a very specific type of bike racing. For the most part, the course is off-road but there are sometimes portions of pavement included in the course. You can expect to encounter grass, dirt, mud, gravel, sand, and a whole slew of other assortments and combinations. The races are based on a set time (measured by numbers of laps), not distance. Depending on your category, a race can be as quick as 30 minutes (for beginners), or as long as 60 minutes (for pros).
Courses typically, but not always include barriers, as well as other ‘features’ that will necessitate hoping both off, and back onto, your bike. Officially, these barriers are considered obstacles that are no more than 40cm tall, and 4-6m apart. With very few exceptions, barriers are small enough for everyone to safely run through. Those brave (and skilled) enough can hop their bikes right over. (More on obstacles later!)
Technically, cyclocross is a form of bike racing, but here at Cyclocross Magazine, we also think of it as a lifestyle that involves grabbing any bike, and navigating any type of terrain or obstacle, in the fastest and most efficient way possible. It’s also an adventuresome style of riding, with a versatile bike that allows you to explore any gravel or dirt road, park or trail that you stumble upon.”
CX Magazine

If you’ve never participated in a cyclocross race and are interested in doing so you can find more info here and here. You don’t have to have a cyclocross bike to race. Many first time racers use their mountain bike, touring bike or hybrid bike with a few modifications. So, come out to race or come out to heckle the racers. It’s all in good fun.