Devils Backbone Mountain Cross route ascends for 8 miles along the beautiful North Fork of the Tye river.
Southeast Cyclocross, Oxymoron? Nah…
By Joshua Stevens
Those of you who know me, know that I love racing cyclocross. So when this month’s “Off Road” issue came up on the calendar, I thought it a great opportunity to tell everyone more about my athletic passion and a few atypical cyclocross events that happen in the region.
Gravel, mud, grass and pavement are regular features of a cyclocross course. Often races are hosted at parks and schools. In addition, some areas of the course are unrideable and riders must dismount and carry their bike over the obstacle, such as in a barrier section or up a steep hill.
Courses are about 2-3 miles in length and a race repeats the same course over and over for a set time period. Races last 30, 45 and 60 minutes. Your placing across the finish line upon completion of the final lap is how you complete the event.
I enjoy them for the relaxed race scene, because they are a great spectator venue and because most race directors pony up for a keg or two from a local brewery. Enthusiastic beer-stoked fans make regular appearances at these races for added heckling and color. Also, it is the hardest style of racing I’ve ever done and this keeps me coming back for more every year.
These atypical cyclocross races are longer races (40- to 60-plus miles) that take place on steep gravel and dirt double track. There is usually a natural run-up area/ scramble-up-a-steep-hill-on-your-hands-and-knees section along with a barrier section near the start/finish area. Beyond that you just ride and have a good time.
Some of these upcoming events are Beech Mountain, N.C.’s Three Peaks (threepeaksusa.com) on Sept. 25, Carlisle, Pa.’s Iron Cross (ironcrossrace.com) on Oct. 9, and The Devil’s Backbone (vacyclocross.blogspot.com) in Wintergreen, Va., on Aug. 27. If you like bikes, racing and “fringe” sports, then riding ‘cross is for you.
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Joshua Stevens, D.C., is a holistic chiropractor in Chapel Hill and Durham, where he utilizes chiropractic, acupuncture, detoxification, nutrition and cold laser therapy with patients. A two-time Ironman finisher, he focuses on racing cyclocross and mountain bikes … much easier!
