Cyclocross is a style of bicycling that originated with early 20th century French road racers training in the off seasons of fall and winter. Perhaps best described as a cycling steeplechase, cyclocross courses involve portions both on and off road with steep hills, stairs, and other obstacles. Due to the racing seasons and the off road portion of courses, cyclocross is strongly associated with cold weather and mud. On most courses it is common for a few obstacles to force riders to dismount and carry the bicycle for a short distance. The courses are similar to those for criterium races in that they are a shorter loop, usually around a mile in length, over which many laps are ridden during a fixed time period, often simply an hour. This makes the sport much more enjoyable for spectators than traditional road races.

Bama Cross is the cyclocross race series for Alabama. Its first season was in 2006, so it is still very much up and coming. We are proud to be one of the two presenting sponsors for the 2008 season, which features seven races, each in a different location around the state. It is exciting for us to be helping grow such a classic and yet independent and somewhat fringe sport here in our state. The fact that it is ridiculously fun helps too! We are out at each race with a table serving up samples of our deliciously hot coffee, and if that isn’t enough, some races occasion a barista or two getting muddy out on the course.

Check the Bama Cross website for more information and pictures from some of the previous races. The Tuscaloosa race will be held this Sunday 2 November at Sokol Park with racing from 10 AM to 2 PM. The week after, on Sunday 9 November, the Birmingham race is out at Heardmont Park with racing from 9 AM to 2 PM. The full season schedule is among the information on the Bama Cross website.