We learned that Texas had an opportunity to host the largest race in the land, and we won tied. So you better get ready, #CXnatsinATX in 2015 is a reality!

We see CX racers hitting the Texas road and mountain bike scene in search of base miles and racing speed to prepare for the upcoming fall CX season. Good job, y’all. It’s cool to see the same names on podiums in those other disciplines that don’t matter for much.

Men's Cat 3 Race - Tough CX 2011.

New Background! The latest image on our site comes from Austinite, Scott King. He captured this ferocious start of the Cat 3 race at Tough CX last September. Scott’s a solid sophmore racer who’s always smiling and eschews the common practice of bar tape (weird, right?).

Results from the annual TXCX Rider Survey
Finally… 75 of you took the time to help shape the races for upcoming seasons this past Decemebr, and for that we say thank you. Please share these results wherever you can. To view a bit larger, download the presentation using this link:

Lots of great nuggets in here. You pretty much:

• like a staggered start for travelers (later on Sat, earlier on Sun)
• are willing to pay $30 to race
• would like to have the same race times every weekend
• a 100% taped course
• quality venues
• food trucks
• forced upgrades
• P/1/2 races last
• results on TXBRA and USA Cycling sites in a day
• Bikesport CX was your favorite and Sugar CX left a not-so-sweet taste in people’s mouths.

Phew. Plenty of fun in that document, including the comments. Enjoy!

The next season – There will be a call soon for promoter entries. Hang tight, we’ll let you know when it’s coming.

Last note - please accept this author’s apology in not finishing out the season with a recap of podium winners and more. There was a major loss in this house at the end of 2011, and timing was not conducive for generating that content. Bring on 2012.

Hup! Hup! Hup, y’all!

They say a tie is like kissing your sister, still a win but not 100% the greatest. We'll take it.

Hey everybody, we’re all gonna get laid!

In a brilliant decision that spreads the wealth, USA Cycling told cross enthusiasts in Austin, Boulder and Asheville that their town is the best. Or something like that.

But it matters for naught, the circus that is national-caliber cyclocross racing will make it’s way to The Capital City in 2015, and likely with a national calendar event the year before.

There’s a lot of work ahead for the Austin Sports Commission and Cadence Sports, and our humble TXCX offering will certainly help shape the proposed course layout and experience. We’ve already helped promote the possibility via social media, and several Austin racers were on hand for the site visit with USAC. But that was just a tip of the iceberg of what’s to come.

Course features can't be disclosed just yet, but know the hilly terrain could be utilized (and it was quite fun to ride).

Danny Curtin is already counting back the days. Right now we’re at 1,040, which is plenty of time to start convincing your friends that the best form of cycling involves dismounting their bike and carrying it.

Special thanks to the two groups mentioned above – without them there is no bid and Austin isn’t even on the radar. Behind the scenes was also long-time Texas cycling advocate, Hill Abell. He knows Austin, and all the groups with interests in the park. We’re lucky to have all these folks on our side.

Please keep up with the blog for updates and we’ll spread information as it becomes available.

Hup! Hup! Hup! Y’all!

Click the image to jump off to our Facebook page and follow the events there.

Oh crap. Austin is on another top something or other list. We’re on tons of them, don’t you know.

This is quite likely the only one that relates to the great sport of cyclocross. After all, who actually races CX in Texas? A few of us anyway…so let’s get into some specifics.

Austin is one of three finalist cities selected by USA Cycling for Cyclocross Nationals in 2014-15. It’s a superior destination that’s different than many locales in recent years, and we think the unique nature of the Capital City will draw you in, too:

No. 1 – Austin is affordable.
Airfare is reasonable and we’re often direct from most major airports. What’s more, you can get to downtown on the bus with your fancy carbon bikes and wheelsets for a buck. Hotels range from affordable to chic and you’ll find breakfast tacos for under a dollar.

No. 2 – A true downtown CX course.
Zilker Park is the crown jewel in all of Austin. She lies in the middle of the city and sports great views of the growing Austin skyline. Something quite nice to look at when you’re anaerobic and want a distraction.

No. 3 – Mariachi bands and good Texas beer.
Nothing puts a smile on your face than the approaching melodies coming from a mariachi band on the top of a hill. Well, our seriously-great microbrews will likely do that, too.

No. 4 – You can’t beat the weather.
Average low? 41. Average high? 62. It can be cold and wet, and a sloppy course in Zilker would be great. But if it’s not, a fast, undulating, hilly and flowy course will be amazing, too. But no matter what, it will be spectator friendly for all.

No. 5 – Got kids? Your family (and significant other) will love it.
The Zilker Zephyr. Barton Springs Pool (in winter, really!). A huge playscape and park right off the course. Canoeing and paddling right there. A great children’s museum. Amazing boutique hotels and plenty of spas for the significant other. It’s a quality January destination.

No. 6 – Tilly loves Texas.
Current National Champ and World Champ. This guys knows CX and he’s told the world he’d like it in Austin.

No. 7 – Amazing food.
Tex Mex. BBQ. World-class sushi. Interior Mexican that would make a chihuahua break its chain. Austin reinvented the food trailer phenomenon and food seekers are partial to locally-owned institutions. If you dine at a chain you must be in the suburbs.

No. 8 – Live music capital of the world.
You can’t swing a rolled tubular in this town and not hit a musician or venue with live music. It’s everywhere, including on the course. Count on it.

no. 9 – Your roadie and MTB friends will love it, too.
2014 is a long way away, so you have plenty of time to start seeding your team with visions of winter training camps. There’s amazing trails right in town, and accommodations in the hill country for those roadies on your team who don’t race CX (those heathens!).

One item intentionally left off the list is an intense course with really cool features. I’d like to share more, but the locals are sworn to secrecy until plans are sorted. Just trust me – the design will utilize the best parts of the park for racers, spectators and promoting the growth of an emerging form of bike racing.

We hope y’all can make it if we get selected. You won’t regret a week in the Violet Crown, whether racing, cheering or both.

Hup! Hup! Hup!

I love the number 13. I started this post on the 13th and it is, in fact, CX Shenanigans No. 13. Combined with Race Previews and Ask A CX Expert, News and How To’s, we’re at 38 posts all year.

So let’s get this shit posted already.

Steve Tilford cross the line in 1st at The CX Scuffle in Moya Park. Sean Noonan, about to get lapped, waits for the leader.

The Day Tilly Came To Town
He wrote about us. We wrote about him. He even summarized The Shenanigans in the TSA Taunt Tent. It’s pretty cool that a world-class cyclocross racer came to Austin to race. The exposure he brought to our scene will certainly help us all. (Thanks, Champ!)

Well, maybe not the others who were in the money on Saturday, but still…this is the kind stuff.

Speaking of Tilly, he confirmed that Paul Bonds is a pro rodeo clown. Talk about a hardcore gig – what a crazy, tough way to make a livin. Paul’s clown name is Clyde the Clydesdale (or maybe it was, I don’t know his current job status). So be sure to hurl Clyde-esque heckles at him when he passes by in a flash, kicking ass all over the top of the Texas Cup.

TSA Taunt Tent, and the scene of trail altering that lead to a gaff by Bonds and allowed Tilford to ride away,

Last one ’bout Tilly – according to TSA, Mr. Tilford was afraid to race Mr. Bonds on account of the hurt that was laid down. I think the Overlord got that directly from a person who knows something about something, but I’m not sure. This I do know, though, we shouldn’t F around with the course. It changes outcomes, and these guys racing for money do not deserve that. Instead, let’s do it to the 4s.

This weekend was stupid cool. Both legacy TXCX courses lived up to previous editions and everyone had great things t say. If you’re looking for images, check out VC’er Scott Yates site for Webberville and Jim Hicks collection on Facebook for both days.

Here are some really cool videos. Watch them, or Santa won’t bring those yellow brake pads you asked for. Hell, one of them was shot with an iPhone.

TX State Championships Shenanigans
It’s all come down to this weekend, and here’s the latest scoop in the categories, including my very own predictions. Wanna put some money on it?

• M-P/1/2 – Bonds, Wiley, Rey, Dromgoole, Williams – it’s open right now. Fawley has yet to pre-reg, same with Stewart and Rothe. Former IL State Champ Bobbie Williamson could be a wildcard here (and in the 40+). TX Cup – Bonds has the series won outright. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Fawley if he shows, if not Bonds.
  
• SS – Virr and Roman have been slugging it out and another podium man, Voytilla, will be on hand. Should be close. TX Cup – It’s too close and anything can happen in bike racing, but Roman leads. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: These guys are both friends and I refuse to pick. Sue me.
• M3 – Wilmeth has upgraded, leaving the race to Fleming, Kane and Sisk. Ahmadi won the last two in Austin (is that an automatic upgrade according to the rulebook?) and Yantis has been on the podium a few times, and Carlson – he only podiums it seems. TX Cup – Wilmeth, even with the upgrade. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Ahmadi if he isn’t upgraded – if not, Carlson.
• M4 – Whitley, Martinez and Schaefer have been scrapping, and Reed finds the steps time to time. Barnett looks to win every time, too. Should be a solid fast race for three-four guys who stand above everyone else (can someone say “upgrade?”). TX Cup – too close to call here – Whitley leads. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Whitely in a close one with Martinez, since Adl appears to have upgraded after winning two 4′s (good on ya).
• W-Open – Moore. She hasn’t lost a race she’s entered, and she’s faster than half the men in the 3s. Watkins, Trevelise and Felton are always in the hunt. TX Cup – too close to call here – Watkins leads. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Moore. Go get it, and represent at nationals… a place where you won’t get dude’d. 
• W-3/4 – Watkins, Felton, Hartman, Kaplan, Chennault – who wants it? Podium spots have flip flopped all season. Koen is always a contender, too. TX Cup – Watkins has the TX cup outright. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Watkins.
• Jr. Open – Willemsen, Flemming, Harrington, Archer and more. Lots of mix up in this category – people winning local events and not traveling. TX Cup – Willemsen has the TX cup outright. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Willemsen with a tight race with Archer.
• 40+ – Park, Smith, Fitzgerald (the race promoter), Bergeron, Kerby and Turner – damn those guys are fast. Say, don’t lap me, OK? Can’t forget Williamson, (3 races, 3 wins). TX Cup – Too close to call – anything can happen and Smith leads. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Williamson.
• 50+ – Still fast. Jordan has won the majority, with Vaughn, Rossi and Alstot close behind. TX Cup – Too close to call. Will be Jordan or Vaughn. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Jordan.
• 60+ – This could be the upset on the day. DeBarbieris apparently is now 60+, and he doesn’t lose the races he enters (save for the Scuffle, which he lost to Bartle). Parks, Collins and French are in there, too. TX Cup – Too close to call. Will be Parks or Collins. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: DeBarbieris in a close match with Bartle.
• M19-29 – I look at the small lineup and see Dromgoole and Jarisch as the favorites. But that’s only if Fawley doesn’t show up, or if his PRO status doesn’t allow him to race age-based (I seem to recall this with El Gato last year). TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Fawley if present/eligible, or Jarisch in a fierce battle royale.
• M30+ – Roman, Adl, Bonds, Mad0lora, Mosely – it’s like P/1/2 all over again. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Bonds.
• w19-34 – Tough one. I see Kaplan and Lux in a scrum. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Kaplan.
• W35+ – Three fast girls, but only one who will win barring injury or mechanicals. TexasCX.com TXCX Champ Prediction: Moore.

Miscellaneous shenanigans:

• Want to know where you’ll start? Figure out who’s in your race (by confirmed riders at pre-reg) and then look at your points here. You can figure out where you’ll lie come the whistle blow.
• IF for some ungodly reason you find yourself in Abiline this weekend instead of Houston, here’s a race for you.
• My good friend Jason Alvarado wrote this piece for Embrocation after seeing a Adam Myerson post-race video. I like the message and hope you do, too. It’s why we race.
• Going to nationals? My pal Paolo (El Maya) over at The Bonebell gives you a written preview on the course. Hope for snow is all I got to say. Oh, and practice your hills according to IL State Champ (and SRAM employee) Scott McLaughlin.
• What are you doing for New Years? How about a UCI race in the swankiest city in America? See the Chicago Cross Cup website for details. Would be killa.

What else? Hit the comments for anything missed.

See you Saturday, Buttercup.

Day two of the Texas State Championship

One unique change for this year – all the profits raised at this race goes directly to the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation. Our hosts have been hit hard by accidents with miserable outcomes, so they’re doing their part to give back. Please race, and please donate if you can.

Eternal 40+ fast guy, Craig Fitzgerald, what’s your take on the 2011 Terra X?

How would you describe the course?
One big lump of glorified cyclocross nirvana. Mostly grassy with climbs, off-camber sweeping descents, straight-away sections, and a run-up section.

Anything special about the start/finish?
How ’bout a gridded start? For races that have a TXBRA Cup Series (e.g. Masters 40+), the first row (8 lanes) will be reserved for top 8 in the series. Subsequent call-ups will be by registration order. Non-TXBRA Cup Series races will be called-up per registration order.

Look, it's our first horizontal layout flyer in our last race. Nice!

How about technical sections – what kind and how many?
We have some nice off-camber sections. A surprising bit of elevation relief for SE Texas. The climbs will take its toll on the legs, but they also offer brief periods of recovery. What goes up must come down. Likely one set of barriers.

Will we be cursing your sand pit? Or a long run-up?
If you are in a sand pit, you better be cursing….because we ain’t got one. Expect a long run-up.

Danny Curtin will be happy about that. How long is the course?
Google Earth tells me 1.7 miles. But Earth also tells me there is only 10 ft elevation change on the course. Yeah right! I estimate the course will be approximately 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes long, depending on how old (or young) you are.

What is your favorite part about the new course?
What??? I have a new course? Nope. This will be our 3rd year at this venue. The course is very spectator friendly. The re-located pit should offer a nice ride-through from two locations on the course. Preliminary course map posted on TXBRA CX forum.

Where is the best place to put down the hammer?
There are actually several places. Whether you are a climber or can drill a power section, you will have your opportunities.

Could you compare it to another course in TX?
Not really. But just about all TX CX promoters could say that.

Any special tips for TexasCX readers?
Champion jersey to the winner of each age group offered! Medals to top 3. Progressive payout scheme. Payouts based on % of entry fees collected (varies for different groups), with a minimum total payout of $1500. Masters 40+ race payout is already greater than the listed minimum! Y’all bring the racers….we pay it back! Bring the family –  free kiddies race. Also, if you got a friend relative, co-worker, that has been wondering why the heck would one want to hop off and on a perfectly good bike rather than just riding it, we will also be offering an abbreviated “citizens” race. 1 or 2 laps of the course, which should give them their fill of cowbells ringing in thier ears and heckles being mercilessly lobbed in their general direction.

Pre-reg end date?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 @ 10 pm CST

Any local events that racers might want to be involved in?
Lots of other things to do in the area, too. Got some Christmas shopping to do? Plenty of shopping, including The Woodlands Mall and Market Street. Been ice skating lately? Well, here is an opportunity. Or check out a winter wonderland, take a boat ride on the Waterway Cruiser or paddle your own.

Any famous last words to share?
We are running this event as a purely non-profit event. Our team has unfortunately been sadly touched by spinal cord injuries, this year in particular. ALL profits will go to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for spinal cord injury research. While pre-registering, consider an additional donation to the foundation. There will be literature onsite providing info on the foundation. If interested in donating more/directly through the event, drop me a line.

This hilly course is fun, rolling and very challenging. A perfect ending to a great season. Some images from last year’s course can be at Carlos Rosario’s site. Plus here’s a take on the Kiddie’s Race start from last year and the preview video from 2009 is below.

Stay tuned for another Shenanigan’s report where I’ll break down the events races and possible Texas Cup victors. Plus there is a 2011 TXCX survey coming out, and we’ll need your help sharing it.

Hup! Hup! Buttercup!

There’s only two races left in the season. Yes, there’s the Big D Cup (WTH happened to all the wall posts?), Dirt Derby and others, but this is the last of the bike pro-style TXCX events.

Sad.

But let’s not lament just yet – the party is still going strong and “Tornado” Tom Boonen just showed up at the disco. That’s right, hard core.

This weekend is the Texas State Championship Weekend, and we start our day in glorious Mason Park, guests of Bikesport/ION as we toe the line in the CX Challenge. Don Paullo, tell us about your fine race.

Great looking flyer for this weekend's first event.

How would you describe the course? 
Mason Park has a little something for everyone, we have wide open grass sections, paved path, planks, a steep run up, and a nicely forested section.  The elevation changes are decent and flow very nicely.

Anything special about the start/finish? 
Not really,  just register early as we will do call ups based on top 8 per TXBRA rankings then registration order.  If we have a combined field we will stager the fields so each race has a separate start.

Ah, so if you don’t have points you need to register ASAP. Check. How about technical sections – what kind and how many?
The will certainly be one run up and a set of planks,  there are some 180 degree turns in the wooded sections but they are fairly wide. 

Will we be cursing your sand pit? Or a long run-up? 
No sand pit, and a few super humans are able to ride the run up.  Specifically we will not be placing a plank at the bottom forcing racers to dismount.  

How long is the course?
I have not measured but lap times will be in the six to seven minute range for the P/1/2 race.

What is your favorite part about the new course?
This is the third year we have used Mason Park and I would say my favorite part is what I call the heckle zone. Fans can walk just past the Start/Finish line into the woods.  From this vantage point they can watch both the plank section and the run up. 

Where is the best place to put down the hammer? 
On the paved section just before the 90 degree left turn into the run up.  The more speed you have the less running you will have to do.

Race for the title and a super sweet trophy.

Could you compare it to another course in TX? 
That is a hard one, maybe the GCCA course on the edge of Downtown Houston when they use a lane of Allen Parkway.

Any special tips for TexasCX readers?
If you have never been to the Mason Park race get your sorry butts down here.  Don’t be put off by the drive up to the park either.  Mason Park it is in a working class section of Houston that many of have never been to until we started racing here.

Pre-reg end date?
I keep it open until late on December 16th. It is easier for start lists to have the data entered electronically.  And this year I will not penalize day of entry registrants with a late fee. 

81 preregistered at the time of this blog posting. Nice. Any local events that racers might want to be involved in?
There are a number of family friendly holiday events in the Houston area this time of year.

Have you secured any hotel deals?
Not really with our race being just south of Downtown and the Sunday race in the Woodlands 50 minutes to the North we are fairly far strung out. Because of the distance I would recommend racers book what they find most interesting for their needs. Maybe downtown if you want a city experience or in the Woodlands if you want a short drive Sunday morning.

Any famous last words to share? 
Our race will have a decidedly Mexican Flair.  I don’t want to give away everything but a few hints are. Taco Truck, Mexican Music, Pinatas, and Free Beer.  I would also add that our always popular race t-shirt will be a technical t-shirt this year.  

OK, so FREE Beer. There you have it. Pre-reg today.

In all seriousness, this well-known event is going to be stellar once again. Check out previous editions through images – 2008 and 2010. Also like the Facebook event page for updates from the promoter.

Last – if you want to donate cycling clothing, place it in the back of the White Pinzgauer 6X6. Your gear will be donated to Bikes Not Bombs and the New York Bike Messengers Association. That’s tight.

YouTube appeal from Bikesport. Share with your friends:

Hup! Hup! Buttercup!

Bring it.

New Background! The latest image on our site comes from…well, I can’t tell you. A whole slew of them were given to me on the condition of anonymity. One of the many mysteries of TXCX…

If you haven’t heard, Steve Tilford is racing in Austin this weekend. How cool is that? I’ve seen him on shop rides from MJs in the past, but never at a CX event. Current Masters Champ, many-time Elite and Masters US Champ – stellar exposure for TXCX.

Speaking of Austin, TSA is pulling out the stops for The Scuffle. Click the party flyer for D’s>

PS – No day-of registration fees for Saturday (the promoter removed them). You have no excuse not to make it.

Some locals raced Jingle CX:
Day 1 – Fawley 10, Fish 19
Day 2 – Fawley 13, Fish DNF
Day 3 – Fawley 12, Fish 15

Fawley even showed how it is done in the technical stuff (:42 in – guy filming says “woah man, look at that guy. That guy’s good.”)

But wait, there’s more! Check out this video of Fawley not being polite up at the USGP. When will we see him in TX again?

Odessa CX. That’s right, Odessa CX. I think Curtin could even podium out West (internet heckling, wha wha?).

This video from the Ill State Champs 40+ race is pretty rad.

Ebb and Flow of CX by Justine Lindine is worth your read. Very poignant – he covers the reasons we all race. It’s not about the money for everyone, but it is about accomplishment and fun.

Houston Recap:
What a couple of great courses. 130 people toe’d the line on Saturday, and just over a 100 on Sunday. There were some hiccups with Saturday scoring because of series numbers used and mixed classes, but hopefully we can learn from this. Frank is looking to build a sweet venue at Houston Oaks, and I bet it happens. The GCCA event is a highlight on the calendar every year.

Behind The Barriers:
This series is doing a lot to promote the sport of cyclocross. In fact, we’re getting more mainstream, which is great for exposure. What I love about this week’s edition is the added fun of Barry Wicks and his heckling of Georgia Gould. This sport rules.

Finally, I’m now a fan of Morevelo Apparel and I’ve never even tried it on. Great video – Urban CX FTW!

RACE YOUR CX BIKE!

3″ of rain fell overnight, temps were near freezing, it was January and you were…well, it’s likely you were sleeping. Many people didn’t make the greatest version of Webberville that there has ever been. But this year you could get another shot at mayhem in the mud.

We had a chance to catch up with man who drives the coolest BWM 2002 in town, John Bartle, to get his take on the Violet Crown Cycling course.

How would you describe the course?
We try to make it a flowing course, not too technical but you will know you have ridden a cyclocross race.

Anything special about the start/finish?
Start is on asphalt into a wide grassed corner. Finish is heavy grass/dirt; the stronger rider will prevail.

How about technical sections – what kind and how many?
Few tricky sections (depending on wetness), hope to find a downed tree in the woods/run-up section.

Will we be cursing your sand pit? Or a long run-up?
Hope so.

You promoters are cruel. How long is the course?
Over a km.,7 to 9 min. laps

What is your favorite part about the new course?
Hope to put in a variation this year which will cris-cross a drainage swale. There is a kicker asphalt short climb which lets you know how tired you are becoming each lap.

Where is the best place to put down the hammer?
After the spectator’s pavilion, across the flat field to the woods run-up.

I recall that area – it’s fast into the woods. Any special tips for TexasCX readers?
You will likely use  your whole gear range.

Pre-reg end date?
Pre-reg ends Friday, but no late fees for day-of sign-up.

Any famous last words to share?
We have a great prize list:  $600 in cash prizes, plus $500 in merchandise prizes in addition to a first lap prime of massage certificates, and some special consumable “trophies” (i.e., bottles of Deep Eddy Vodka) for a few of the races.

Jamie Mitchell paves a way through the sand at Webberville.

Wow, more vodka for the racers. Titos and Deep Eddy are keeping us well lubed this year.

Interesting to note that the 4′s go last! Why is that good? Because you get to heckle the people who supposedly have the least amount of  skill. I call that fun. Also note the return to traditional race start times in non-grouped categories. Should be easier to score.

Here’s some additional media for you:

• Glennon Simmons shot a few images of the December race later in that epic 2007 year.
• YouTube – Sand video and Mike V of Pirate Race shows you how to negotiate the barriers.

See you in Austin. Let’s race!

Aww yeah, let’s see what the good folks at Team Brain and Spine have brought to the table this year. The Cyclocross Scuffle is about as old this guy’s chamois, and the event never seems to disappoint. But don’t take it from me, here’s James Sides interview on Saturday’s race.

How would you describe the course?
Roughly 8 minutes average racer.

Sounds, um, wait….Anything special about the start/finish?
The start and finish are slightly uphill.

How about technical sections – what kind and how many?
There are two run ups, off camber, sandpit that requires a dismount, bunny-hop railroad tie (or dismount), two very large logs/fallen trees that require dismount unless you are in a monster truck, and a challenging change in rolling terrain.  There are no CX barriers other than natural and you will not even notice it like last year.

Will we be cursing your sand pit? Or a long run-up?
I am hoping for both to be cursesd at, but later you will love it.

Pleasure and pain that is CX. How long is the course?
Roughly 8 minutes average racer in length maybe 6 if you are realy good.

Oh, you mean like Paul, Ryan and Wiley. Super fast jerks. What is your favorite part about the new course?
Logs

Indeed. Where is the best place to put down the hammer?
After the run ups.

Could you compare it to another course in TX?
Yes, the one we did last year in the same venue, but slightly different

Keep it weird, James. Any special tips for TexasCX readers?
It will be a race fought to the end and tire pressure will be a good thing to know.

Yes, pressure in tires is good. Pre-reg end date?
The 8th of December. Registration day of ends 15 minutes before race start

Any local events that racers might want to be involved in?
The following day is the Webberville race, another beautiful venue

Have you secured any hotel deals?
We are right accross from the S0uth entrance of the airport. (Editor’s note – there is a Hilton right at the airport for those interested).

Any famous last words to share?
Bring some money – or win some – to spend on Freebird Burritos!!!

The course map from last year. The new course will likely follow some or most of this design.

This I know – James would rather be racing than promoting, but he’s got a medical reason to be out. The former TX Cup winner will bring a cool course, that’s for sure.

Here’s some additional media for you:

• Facebook – Like the event and get updates and read other nonsense.
• YouTube – Check out this video from the sand pit at the Scuffle in ’10. Plenty of other vids from that year, too (embedding turned off or they’d be in this post).
• Showlist Austin – It’s the home of live music, get your fix.

Richard Moya Park used to be a Pecan orchard and the trees are massive. There are playscapes, walking trails and plenty for the family to do.

Oh, and you might need your light embro – high for Sat is 55 degrees. And Sunday could see rain! Hells yeah.

Hup! Hup! Buttercup!

Come Sunday, it will also be home to a ton of cyclists shredding an old golf course. We reached out to long-time TXCX promoter, Frank Karbarz of TwoWheel Racing, for his take on the new Cross Houston course.

How would you describe the course?
CX on a golf course! The land was developed as a links golf course then abandoned. Now they want cyclists to use the land. You can still tell where tee boxes and bunkers were made.

Wow, that’s great. CX races on golf courses are usually super smooth. Anything special about the start/finish?
You’ll have a fairly long runout to the pond before reaching any technical terrain. The start line will be visible from Magnolia Road, but spectators and riders will only be able to enter the course through the cart tunnel underneath Magnolia Road.

How about technical sections – what kind and how many?
Lots of rollers, tee boxes, and bunkers to race on or around. There is only grass and cart paths here. The entire course was mowed last Saturday. We picked two bunkers with 15” vertical wall exits as obstacles. One is a grass bunker and probably the easier of the two. The other bunker still has sand and is on top of a hill.

Love it. Those will add a whole new element. Will we be cursing your sand pit? Or a long run-up?
Nothing too technical or long, just pure CX fun!

How long is the course?
About 2.2 miles. We are targeting a 7-9 minute lap.

What is your favorite part about the new course?
Most of the course drains towards the pond with false flats that allow you to gain good speed if you sustain the power. There is a lot of minor elevation change. We will use the many rollers so you’ll experience more elevation change than you expect. See also Amen Corner in the map.

Where is the best place to put down the hammer?
Just my hunch, but I think everyone will pick up motivation where the course returns to the start/finish before turning sharply back out across two more “holes”. Call it Amen Corner.

Could you compare it to another course in TX?
I’ll let the racers decide, but I don’t know of any other golf courses on the schedule.

Any special tips for TexasCX readers?
This is the only place to see the course map! We should have a full pit lane setup. The last run-up is 350 yards from the finish line with a short but momentum-building descent before hitting cart path home. It will be a fast finish but you’ll need to execute your clip-in to capture the momentum.

Great tips. Thanks, Frank. What is the pre-reg end date?
Friday Night at 6pm.

Any local events that racers might want to be involved in?
There is great road riding nearby. You can get 100 miles in by starting from Zube Park.

Plus there’s always the race the day before! Have you secured any hotel deals?
Not this year. (Editor’s note – Hyatt Place near the airport has a good deal on suites at $76. New, nicer hotel chain with great amenities.)

Any famous last words to share?
No Mulligans! Also: There’s road construction on Hegar Road that will add 6 miles to your trip. It’s a quick and simple detour, but that’s why we changed start times from 9/10/11 to 10/11/12.

Be sure to download the flyer – lots of parking and route instructions. Also, allow yourself more than enough time to make this destination. No mulligans? What a great idea for CX. “Excuse me, I’d like to do that lap over again.” Ha!

Make it a double double friends. CX is almost gone.

Hup! Hup! Hup! Buttercup!