Go Ride Cyclocross

NEXT SATURDAY Kendal Cycle Club and Wheelbase are running a Go Ride cyclcocross event.

Designed for newbies to the sport (or those who’ve only ridden a couple of times). If you’re aged 16 or under come along and race – or if you prefer you can just have a go on the course without racing.

Stage 2 of the National Cyclocross Trophy will be taking place on the same day so you can be inspired by the best riders in the sport too!

Frog Bikes will be in attendance, with their fleet of lightweight kids bikes for you to test ride.

What is cyclocross?

Cyclocross is a great way to have fun on your bike during the winter. Cyclocross takes place on a course marked out on the grass. Riders do laps of the course for a set amount of time (starting at 10 mins for the Under 8’s through to 30 minutes for the U16’s)
As the race progresses the faster riders will lap the slower riders so everyone is riding around the course together. Once the bell rings you end your race the next time you cross the finish line, so there’s no chance of you finishing a long way behind the fastest rider. The winner is the person who has done the most laps.
Our Go Ride race is open to all first time and inexperienced cyclocross riders under the age of 16 years, and is a great chance to find out what cyclocross is all about.

What should I wear?

You must have a cycle helmet – other than that wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather on the day. Layers are best, and avoid denim that gets uncomfortable when wet or muddy. Tight fitting trousers that won’t get caught in your chain are preferable.

Do I need a special bike to race cyclocross?

Serious cyclocross racers will have special cyclocross bikes but our race is all about giving it a go on the bike you usually ride.
You don’t need a special cyclocross bike, but you will need a well maintained bike with working brakes (and gears if you have them) and pumped up tyres. You must have your bar ends covered – if the metal at the end of your handlebars is exposed you will not be allowed to ride.

Come and try a Frog Bike

Frog Bikes, who make a range of lightweight kids bikes will be on site for you to have a go on their bikes – ideal if you’re thinking of getting a new bike soon, or if you fancy upgrading to a cyclocross bike. So if you don’t have your own bike you can always come along and have a go on one of theirs.
Children racing in the U14’s and U16’s categories will have to lift their bike over several low obstacles on the course, so if you have a very heavy bike you may want to have a try with one of the lightweight Frog Bikes for comparison.

What time is the Go Ride cyclocross?

The course will be open from 10am through to 2.30pm with racing taking place from 11.15am until about 1.15pm. The rest of the time you can just have a go on the course. Please arrive in plenty of time to park and register.

What time will my race be?

11:15am – U8’s (10 minutes)
11:45am – U10’s and U12’s (15 minutes)
12:15 – U14’s and U16’s (30 minutes)
13.15pm – Come a ride the course (and test out Frog Bikes)

How much will it cost?

Race fee is £1 per child, with donations to KCC and Wheels 4 All gratefully accepted. Parking is £3 per vehicle. There is no additional cost to go and cheer on the elite riders taking part in the National Cyclocross Trophy event.

Will I have to push or carry my bike?

The older you are, the more difficult the course, and there may be a couple of slopes on the course. Some people will ride up them, others prefer to get off and push their bike.
The U14’s and U16’s will have small obstacles (about ankle height) to lift their bikes over – the younger riders don’t.

I regularly race in the NWCCA (or other) league – can I take part in the Go Ride racing?

Whilst we don’t want to exclude anyone from the race, please be aware that Go Ride is entry level racing designed to encourage children who don’t normally race to give it a go.

If you regularly race in a league why not bring your friends along and ride with them? We also need help signing people on and marshalling if you’re an older rider (or parent).

For more information on the National Cyclocross Trophy event at the Westmorland Showground go to https://nationaltrophywestmorland.ukcyclocross.co.uk/