Cyclocross event ... well, kinda...

[Griffin]

Just wanted to test the waters and see what the possible interest is for a CX styled event in the KZN Midlands (Howick). 

 

We usually host a 40km MTB event but planned timber harvesting is indicating that we will be losing about 60% of our usual trails for 6 to 8 months.. and this is a huge challenge as it means that our usual trails will not be available for the MTB event. Cutting new trail (to this extent) is not possible as its the whole forest area that is closed.. not just the current trails themselves

 

One of the possible alternatives is to host a cyclocross event instead... but not in the European style of laps .. rather in the traditional Point to Point format. I am thinking around the 60km mark with the route being 70% dirt road and the balance forest road and easyish singletrack. 

 

Event open to both MTB and cyclocross/Frankenbike... bike choice is yours

 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

[Ryanpmb]

European style laps is traditional cx. This sounds like more of a gravel grind.

 

Cool idea though. But it'll essentially become a non technical classic. You'll have to open it up to normal MTBs too - unless you plan on having 17 entries.

[Monark]

When do you plan on having this party? I'm in. So is Ryan....

[Fat Boab]

Don't let semantics get in the road of what sounds like an interesting event!

 

Maybe check out the Swartberg Gran Fondo event to see if they successfully weave their way around CX, gravel-grinder, MTB etc etc.....

[Griffin]

European style laps is traditional cx. This sounds like more of a gravel grind.

 

Cool idea though. But it'll essentially become a non technical classic. You'll have to open it up to normal MTBs too - unless you plan on having 17 entries.

 

Agreed...although a gravel grind sounds..well.. not so exciting. Unless I take it up to like 100km then its basically a MTB dirt road ride with little singletrack and that feels wrong

 

Any suggestions on how it could be spiced up?

[Griffin]

When do you plan on having this party? I'm in. So is Ryan....

 IF it goes ahead.. March 2017

[jugheaddave]

Why not unclude some sort of challange, like ketty shooting, or ball throwing ect..

[Griffin]

Why not unclude some sort of challange, like ketty shooting, or ball throwing ect..

 

Or Craft Beer glugging... 

[Ryanpmb]

Agreed...although a gravel grind sounds..well.. not so exciting. Unless I take it up to like 100km then its basically a MTB dirt road ride with little singletrack and that feels wrong

 

Any suggestions on how it could be spiced up?

How about adding some proper cx elements?... Perhaps 3x 20km loops heading out from a central point and returning to the same point. The loops should all be different, but all return to a clubhouse or zone of sorts which has a cx course - think plank run-overs, bails, sand trap and a muddy bank. Loop 1 and 2 would end with the course prior to heading out again and then final 3rd loop could end at a normal finish line. Means good fun for spectators and the ability to have 20/40/60km rides. Call it CX Extreme. I'd enjoy being involved if you need a hand...

[Griffin]

How about adding some proper cx elements?... Perhaps 3x 20km loops heading out from a central point and returning to the same point. The loops should all be different, but all return to a clubhouse or zone of sorts which has a cx course - think plank run-overs, bails, sand trap and a muddy bank. Loop 1 and 2 would end with the course prior to heading out again and then final 3rd loop could end at a normal finish line. Means good fun for spectators and the ability to have 20/40/60km rides. Call it CX Extreme. I'd enjoy being involved if you need a hand...

 

Great suggestions... but they come with a few challenges :

 

- We don't have a club house and the staging area necessitates crossing a main tar road (not ideal)

- The main reason I am trying to come up with an alternative is the usual areas are closed for timber harvesting.. which makes putting in 3 x 20km routes almost impossible

- Spectator areas are very difficult to allocate because access into the forests is strictly controlled by the land owners

[Monark]

The loops could even be the same...   I wouldn't mind riding the same thing three times. Makes for cheaper and easier organisation as well. 

 

When not use some forest roads as the loop? that would be awesome. Remember these are CX bikes so the technical stuff can be excluded. We will get our laughs in the CX course.

 

Do we really need mud? really... I will be that guy carrying his bike...

[Monark]

Ryan what about your coffee ride out idea?

 

Point A to Point B for a coffee / picnic and then ride back.

[Ryanpmb]

The loops could even be the same... I wouldn't mind riding the same thing three times. Makes for cheaper and easier organisation as well.

 

When not use some forest roads as the loop? that would be awesome. Remember these are CX bikes so the technical stuff can be excluded. We will get our laughs in the CX course.

 

Do we really need mud? really... I will be that guy carrying his bike...

The idea is to shoulder and scramble up the bank

[Griffin]

The loops could even be the same...   I wouldn't mind riding the same thing three times. Makes for cheaper and easier organisation as well. 

 

When not use some forest roads as the loop? that would be awesome. Remember these are CX bikes so the technical stuff can be excluded. We will get our laughs in the CX course.

 

Do we really need mud? really... I will be that guy carrying his bike...

 

That is possible...

[Ryanpmb]

Ryan what about your coffee ride out idea?

 

Point A to Point B for a coffee / picnic and then ride back.

Done it multiple times. For free . Welcome to join. Add a sleeping bag and it's an adventure.

[Ryanpmb]

That is possible...

Do it.

 

Course area could even be in the middle of the forest. Just somewhere central.