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Urban Treads running and cyclocross race series starts Sept. 13

Brittany Markert
bmarkert@gjfreepress.com

Go&DO

WHAT: Match-it Treads, Race #1 in Urban Tread series

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 13, 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Matchett Park, 28 1/4 and Patterson Roads

COST: $25 per preregistered racer

INFO: http://www.madracingcolorado.com

The change of seasons is here and for many cyclists it means a change in bikes. Road and mountain bikers take this time to bring out the cyclocross bike. Mountain and Desert Racing will kick off the cyclocross season in Western Colorado on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Matchett Park (near 28 1/4 and Patterson roads, Grand Junction).

If unfamiliar with cyclocross, it’s a cycling sport which incorporates natural and man-made obstacles where riders race in a half-mile to mile-long courses. Riders often use mountain bikes, but some use a cyclocross-specific bike, with the look of a road bike (thin frame, no suspension, thin tires) and knobby tread.

Series organizer, John Klish, hopes with the expanded race series it will bring more locals out to participate, from beginners to experts.



Each race will host both a running and cyclocross race. Runners will take on the same course as the cyclists, running over obstacles and for a few laps, depending on category.

Klish got the idea to incorporate a running race after running a cyclocross course himself.



“It helps break the barrier and is a good introductory to cyclocross,” he said.

He added cyclocross is a fast-growing sport, especially on the Front Range. He hopes to share that excitement on the Western Slope.

There will be six different races held throughout the fall and winter months, as most cyclocross races are held rain, snow, sleet or shine.

The first race is set for Sunday, Sept. 13, at Matchett Park. Races begin at 9:30.

The following five races are set for Oct. 4, Oct. 23, Nov. 8, Nov. 21, and Dec. 13. Races are set for Studt’s Pumpkin Patch (Fruita), Canyon View Park (Grand Junction), Palisade Produce’s orchard (Palisade), Little Salt Wash Park (Fruita) and Watson Island (Grand Junction) on the respective dates.

Races cost $25 for an individual preregistered cyclocross racer or runner and $10 for each individual race. It costs $35 for day-of registration. Children under 10 cost $10.

Never done cyclocross before? Klish will host a cyclocross clinic on Wednesday, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Camp, located at 171 Dike Road in Grand Junction. Clinics cost $10 per clinic and includes instruction on equipment, technique and tactics.

For more information, visit http://www.madracingcolorado.com.


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