Cyclocross is returning to Caldwell County. On Saturday, October 15, over 400 racers from NC and its surrounding states will convene at The Patterson School for the ‘Patterson School Cyclocross Race’ hosted by the Fiets Maan Racing Team presented by Luna Cycles and GRAVA Bikes of Lenoir. The race is a family-friendly event and free to spectators. It is the lead-off event in the 14-race North Carolina Cyclocross (NCCX) Series, which is entering its 20th season. The Patterson Race is the first of two race days over the weekend in the High Country, with racing in Boone the following day held at the High Country Fairgrounds.
Cyclocross is form of bicycle racing that takes place off-road. Racers compete on a short circuit, typically about a mile and a half long and comprised of grass, gravel, and trail. Races vary in duration from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, with racers completing around 5-10 laps depending on the duration of the race. Courses have technical features that require racers to dismount and run with their bikes over barriers, through sand, or up short, steep hills.
With races occurring in fall and winter, competitors also have to contend with whatever elements Mother Nature gives them, such as mud, rain, or snow. Courses are set up in large, open areas, and with racers doing multiple laps, it makes cyclocross an exciting spectator sport. In addition to hosting the race, Fiets Maan Racing is designing and setting up the course at the Patterson School, and it will feature stairs, a sand pit, and plenty of hills. The layout of the course on Patterson’s campus will provide excellent vantage points for spectators to see large sections of the race course.
A portion of the race proceeds will go to the Patterson School to aid in restoration projects that are being done to renovate the historic school. Racing will begin at 10:00am and will go until 4:45pm. There will be 14 USA Cycling sanctioned races, with categories available for first-time racers. There will also be a free youth race at 12:10pm. Racers as young as 5 and beyond 70 will be competing, including professional races with equal prize money for both men and women. The race is FREE to spectators, and food and drink will be available for purchase. The address is The Patterson School, 4646 Patterson School Drive, Lenoir, NC, 28645.
Dorm rooms are available for rent on Patterson School campus with a hot homemade breakfast served. Read Cyclocross Riders: Dorm Rooms Available Friday and Saturday Nights, Right on Campus! for more details.
Further information can be found at the 2016 Patterson CX Race Facebook page, and additional information about the NCCX series can be found at www.nccyclocross.com.