Western Australian Cyclocross is a small but dedicated bunch of people who love riding, and racing, their bikes. We hold events and races for all age groups – from kids on balance bikes, right through to mens and womens elite racing, and everything in between.
WA Cyclocross held it’s first race on 3 December 2011 at Claremont Showgrounds. The racing was part of the Sweat and Sand Cyclocross Series, and since then it has gone from strength to strength. We now have a racing calendar that includes over a dozen races.
Cyclocross is a very specific type of bike racing. For the most part, the course is off-road, but there are sometimes portions of pavement included in the course. You can expect to encounter grass, dirt, mud, gravel, sand, and a whole slew of other assortments and combinations.
The races are based on a set time (measured by numbers of laps), not distance. Depending on your category, a race can be as quick as 20 minutes (for those just getting into racing), or as long as 60 minutes (for experienced riders).
While some grades are only open to riders with dedicated cyclocross bikes, there are grades that are open to all types of bikes, so grab your mountain bike and come down.
In most cases, race officials wait to see how quickly riders complete the first lap before deciding how many total laps will be completed. Depending on course conditions and rider speeds, the total time may be a few minutes less or more than the listed race time.
Courses are twisty circuits and typically, but not always, include barriers, as well as other ‘features’ that will necessitate hoping both off, and back onto, your bike. Those brave (and skilled) enough can bunny-hop their bikes over them. Often there are hills, sand pits and muddy sections that are too difficult or slow to ride, and thus a racer will shoulder their bike and run with it.
Cyclocross is a very safe form of bike racing for a few reasons. Firstly, as most racing takes place on grass, dirt, sand and mud, most mishaps just result in a free mud bath, and maybe a bit of dented pride! You’re likely to get a good cheer from the spectators too! Also, due to the sandy and muddy conditions, cyclocross race speeds are typically lower than other forms of racing so it’s perfect for those looking to improve their bike handlign skills without the risk of injury.
Cyclocross is a winter sport, so down under, that means our first race of the season normally takes place around the end of April, with the season coming to a conclusion in late September. This means that if you look outside and see rain, hail, or shine (we have had all of these on the same day), the show will still go on, and often, the more inhospitable the weather, the more fun the racing!
Technically, cyclocross is a form of bike racing, but we also think of it as a lifestyle that involves grabbing any bike, and navigating any type of terrain or obstacle, in the fastest and most efficient way possible. It’s also an adventure-filled style of riding, with a versatile bike that allows you to explore any gravel or dirt road, park or trail that you stumble upon.
We have venues across Perth where racing takes place. We also sometimes hold special events outside of Perth in some of WA’s beautiful regional towns. Some of our races are held on private property so please keep this in mind when you’re out looking for areas to train.
If you’re looking for a place to practice your CX skills, you can’t beat Garvey Park on Fauntleroy Avenue in Ascot. Open to the public, this area next to the river has all the terrain you need to improve your skills including grass, sand, gravel and mud (if there’s been some recent rain).