Kentucky Cross Cyclocross Race

This course is fast and fun!

2 Mile Loop300 Feet of Elevation Gain/LossGrass, Gravel, Pavement, Mud2 Fast Drops2 Steep Climbs3 Passing Lanes6 Obstacles (Standard straw bales)60-45-30 Minute Events (All events are open class)Prizes awarded to the top three riders in each eventResults sorted by event type and agePaid registration includes a discounted custom race shirt 

Come ride this incredible course!

 

Course GPX File

 

Section 1: Bihlman Flats (GPX File)

The loop starts with a gradual descent with plenty of room for passing.  Open your lungs and enjoy this section's 60 feet of descent. Two standard obstacles. The surface is a mixture of grass and gravel.

.2 MilesNo Ascent50 Feet of Descent

Section 2: Marks Hairpin (GPX File)

Lean into the turn and regain your speed. After this section, you hit a grassy/gravel section that will be your last place to pass before the Dingess Descent. No obstacles. The surface is pavement after the hairpin turn. 

23 Miles7 Feet of Descent31 Feet of Ascent

Section 3: Horns Autobahn (GPX File)

Use this grassy/gravel section to pass before hitting tight turns and the Dingess Descent. One standard obstacle. The surface is a mixture of grass and gravel. 

.15 Miles16 Feet of Ascent No Descent

Section 4: The Dingess Descent (GPX File) 

Hold on as you enter section 4 (The Dingess Descent). A steep descent, with a hairpin turn at the bottom. No obstacles. The surface is paved. 

.27 Miles80 Feet of DescentNo Ascent!

Section 5: Cunningham Ridge (GPX File)

The easy part is over. Don't crash and burn on the hairpin, so you will have some speed left for Cunningham Ridge, a 110-foot ascent from the bottom of the Dingess Descent. No obstacles. The surface is paved. 

.22 Miles107 Feet of AscentNo Descent

Section 6: Dingos Drop (GPX File)

A fast 90-foot descent into a white-knuckle turn. Ride it like you are being chased by wild dogs! Try to keep your speed without crashing for the pending ascent. No obstacles. The surface is paved. 

.15 MilesNo Ascent90 Feet of Descent

Section 7: Laycocks Revenge (GPX File)

Save some steam for this final hill. A steep 75-foot climb from the bottom of Dingos Drop will leave you panting before hitting the final section and starting your next loop or sailing into the finish! No obstacles. 

.3 Miles75 Feet of AscentNo Descent

Section 8: Ride Scotty Ride (GPX File)

 Last section! Use this gradual descent to overtake other riders or to claim your new PR! Two standard obstacles. The surface is a mixture of grass and gravel. 

.29 Miles11 Feet of Ascent47 Feet of Descent

Standard mountain bikes, gravel bikes, or modified road bikes are allowed in each event. 

 

What is Cyclocross

Cyclocross is a unique, non-Olympic discipline of cycling that can best be described as a cross between road cycling, mountain biking, and steeplechase. Watching cyclists dismount their bikes to run up stairs and steep embankments often arouses questions about the sport's origin. Although it is difficult to find the exact reason, many legends say that cyclists would race from town to town off-road to bring a new element to road racing. These off-road adventures could have often required dismounting to hop fences and impossible terrain.

 

While many people refer to the type of bike used for cyclocross as a “cx bike,” “cross bike,” or “cyclocross bike,” most competitors use modified road bikes. These road bikes are equipped with skinny, knobby tires, disc brakes, and slightly different geometry, allowing for better clearance when passing various obstacles.

 

Cyclocross races generally occur on a closed circuit in a park or other open land, with competitors racing multiple laps. Since the cyclocross season generally takes place from September to February, races are often plagued with adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, wind, and mud—all of which add to the sport’s allure.

 

Riders begin in mass-start fashion and must navigate both paved and off-road terrain, often dismounting their bikes to hurdle barriers, climb steep hills or stairs, or traverse other obstacles.

 

Weather conditions aside, cyclocross racing is a spectator-friendly discipline of competitive cycling, given the short, closed course, the fast pace, the unique equipment, and the interesting obstacles the competitors face. Also, with relatively few cyclocross specialists in the world, the discipline lends itself to road and mountain bike athletes alike, as riders from both major disciplines compete on the cross-circuit each year. Throughout the fall and winter, cyclocross racing provides specialists in other disciplines with a competitive outlet during the off-season.

 

Can I use a mountain bike or gravel bike for cyclocross?

Yes, at local cyclocross races. Bicycles with drop handlebars are standard equipment for cyclocross, but flat bars (with no forward or upward extensions) are allowed. Gravel bikes can be used for cyclocross races, but riders must comply with tire width regulations based on the event.