Cyclocross was created in Europe almost a century ago as a way for road cyclists to stay in shape during the winter months. Now CX in the US is on fire and one of the fastest growing and most popular sports today... once you find cross you don't go back. Why cross?

Cross is culture... cross is community... cross is dirty, muddy, hard, exhilarating... all in a window of time that flies by before you even know it's over. Culminating with the national championships each year... regions of racers take pride in their Cross Culture Communities wearing their regional fleece beanies with pride. How funny we look and yet how proud we to be cross-fanatics!!!

I got into cross about 12 years ago because I loved racing my bicycle more than anything. Each year, a small group of SoCal'Crossers looked forward to the race season... we loved helping each other out each race... "working the pit", ringing the cow bell... cheering each other on... "go, go, go"! Words coined by a good CX friend, Lee who was always there to cheer you on even when he was being passed during a race! As a new rider, Lee took to cross and its culture... and now at 60+ years of age Lee is a CX National Champion! How cool is that???

There is no sport like cross.  Bringing in all types of cyclists and multi-sport athletes as well as those who "just race cross" for 3+ months... long enough yet short enough... your social network is amazing... getting to know people you'd never taken the time to know swirling around in our busy lives. The sport lends itself to fun! Short intense racing... just enough to get your endorphines going and perfect for someone like me... 'cross is a time trial for someone with ADHD!

Cyclocross races often take place within community parks. Easy to get to races, entry fees are reasonable, great evironment to hang out in and fun for the whole family. Afterwards, there are lots of stories to tell... about the race and the breakdown of the course in detail over a nice cold one.

Most memorable moments of 'cross... National Championships in Portland... a man in full kilt playing bagpipes while in the background you can hear a drum core pounding as riders rhythmically wound through sticky, slippery mud - changing bikes twice a lap and So Cal's Mark Noble bringing home the gold! And the USGP in Portland - muddy men in speedos with pink hearts racing on beater bikes with pink ponies and post race recovery in a wood-fired hot tub atop a muddy mound in misting rain... then taking a little bit of mud in your ears back to the office on Monday... with bells still ringing in your ears... what sport does that... CYCLOCROSS!!!

So why 'cross... why not?