This story is brought to you through a partnership with Gelbbrucke - Spirit of Sport.
Kern Park Kross returns to Riverwest on Saturday, November 8, which brings quality WICX Series cyclocross racing for all ages and skill levels. And yes, the Wisconsion Tracklo-kross ST8 Champs race—that is, cyclocross on fixed gear bikes—is back along with it. Participants are invited to save $10 on the day if they pre-register by Wednesday, November 5.
Cyclocross is a short-form style of bicycle racing that sends competitors around a closed course of twists and turns, and across a variety of mixed terrain, such as grass, dirt, mud, sand, snow and pavement. Many courses also include obstacles (such as barriers, stair sets, steep climbs and off-camber hills).
Race duration in cyclocross is short, but the intensity is high. Even though a typical course maxes out at 2 miles and competitions last between 30 and 60 minutes, it's often a sprint from the gun that doesn't ease up until the end. At the highest levels of competition, tire-width is limited to just 33mm, which makes navigating across slippery off-camber hills a little tricky.
"In a cross race you get to do—or accidentally have happen to you—all sorts of bike handling things that would be too risky anywhere else," said Gelbbrücke team member, David Hall. "I love feeling the bike move around under me, telling me that this is all we've got, cap'n, she can't grip any more. If it does go sideways (and then horizontal), I am laying down in the grass with bruised pride and not much worse than that."
"Now that I'm in my second season and doing some of the same races I did last year, I can see how much I've improved in different areas of racing," said Gelbbrücke team member Michelle Hawkins.
But it's not just about suffering for speed. Cyclocross is a weird sport that is often silly at times; its perhaps the only bike racing discipline that tries its darnedest to get you off the bike and make you run.
Kern Park Kross aims to bring a nice balance between a freewheeling atmosphere while still providing high-quality racing that the WICX Series is known for.
Bringing spirit to the sport
The day is not just about bike racing, but enjoying the day surrounded by bikes racing.
"I have enjoyed getting to know the racers in my category, celebrating everyone's successes, no matter how big or small," said Hawkins.
According to her dad, Frances Hayden, who started racing with Gelbbrücke this year at age 9, said "she loves how the all the races so far are different and give her new challenges. And she also likes seeing her friends each week."
To add to her entertainment, Red Bull's DJ Jared will be slinging tunes from their Big Beats Battle Truck and food will be available for purchase from Double Dubs and Don Pastor food trucks. And for the adults, Amorphic Beer will be releasing a new, special Belgian Blonde Ale called QDQA, a beer that helps you pronounce "Squirrel Tail" in French (say it with me now, Queue d'Écuruiel).
Zachary Seib Photography will be roaming the course, documenting the day.
"I hope that the folks choosing to race Kern Park Kross get the chance to experience a small taste of the great Milwaukee County Parks system while finding their flow through the sweeping turns of our beloved course," said race director Ethan Ley.
"And for those opting to spectate, I hope they have just as much fun watching and heckling as their friends and family push themselves to the limit out on course."
When asked for tips on how to win, the advice was simple: "Pedal harder, brake less."
Where do I sign up?
Participants can choose one of the 8 race blocks throughout the day and sign up through the WICX Series. You do not have to race the whole series to participate. Beginners can join any Cat 5 race of their preference. Youth who are 9-and-over can sign up for their most appropriate Junior race (or any Cat 5 race they prefer). And those under 9 can sign up for the Kiddo Cross race at noon.
About Gelbbrücke - Spirit of Sport
Gelbbrücke - Spirit of Sport is a cyclesport team that looks to support healthy, inclusive, outdoor sporting endeavors for all ages, from beginners and beyond, "fer fun n' friends, whether fast er no." You can follow their endeavors on Instagram or Facebook.
Jason McDowell grew up in central Iowa and moved to Milwaukee in 2000 to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.
In 2006 he began working with OnMilwaukee as an advertising designer, but has since taken on a variety of rolls as the Creative Director, tackling all kinds of design problems, from digital to print, advertising to branding, icons to programming.
In 2016 he picked up the 414 Digital Star of the Year award.
Most other times he can be found racing bicycles, playing board games, or petting dogs.
