***Masks required***
Who? I am teaming up with MFG Cyclocross to supplement the CX season with a call to action. They are calling this call to action, "The Big Idea."
What? Rather than produce an extremely watered down version of cyclocross racing for a very select group of riders, the folks at MFG CX decided to create this call to action and challenge people to come up with a personal riding challenge that they can achieve in one day, set a fundraising target, and donate financial support to a community-based organization of their choice.
The MFG reached out to me a few months ago and asked me if I wanted to be involved... Insert "Cyclocross Laps For Roanoke Outside"
The goal is to try to raise $2500. The way I will do this is by selling cyclocross laps. I am valuing 1 lap at $5. So for every $5 that is donated 1 lap will have to be done on our taped CX course! If we raise the $2500 then 500 laps will have to be done. However, if y'all donate more than $2500 we will do the corresponding lap count.
I say “we” because this event is open to the public free of charge, though a donation is recommended. If the 500 lap goal is met that doesn’t mean I personally have to do 500 laps. That just means that 500 laps have to be done by the end of the day. While myself and a few select others will be doing laps all day, it would be extremely helpful if everyone and anyone from the community came out and did a lap or two. That would take the burden off of myself and Frank Deal (who has already committed to over 60 laps)! Again, no skill level is required and anyone with a working bike is welcome to come check out the cross course.
For instance, if an individual or family group, comes out and does 5 laps, then only 495 more laps would have to be completed. Everyone and anyone who wants to participate is welcomed, though we require masks when in the park, congregating, and not riding the couse.
When/Where? On October 17th, Saturday, we will set up a course in Fallon Park. Where the world famous UCI GO Cross Cyclocross race has taken place the last two years. While this isn't a race the structure of the day will follow that of a normal race day where the first race would go off at 9am and the last at 4pm (9am-5pm time frame).
At the start/finish line we will have someone posted up in a camp chair ticking off laps as people go by.
CX Skills Clinic: Throughout the day, I will be offering 3 skills clinics (3 separate 2 hr time frames, limited to 10 people per group). We will get together and do laps for 2 hrs. Along the way we will be going over CX skills (dismount, remount, barrier suitcasing, and barrier hopping for those interested, shouldering, cornering, etc). These will cost the same as a typical race reg $35. Donate $35 here and then go to my bikereg page to sign up for the clinic time slot of your choice. The idea here is that as a group of 10 people we can knock off a lot of laps form the total needing to be completed but also get something informative out of it as well.
Why? A large portion of the MFG CX community, and the cycling community as a whole, pays around $35/race each during the season. With MFG and other series postponing their 2020 season, it would be great to see that investment, which riders would normally spend on race reg, redirected to a community-based organization in need, driven by a cycling-related challenge.
All the money raised will be going directly to the Roanoke Outside Foundation who is a huge backer of Go Cross and other outdoor events such as Go Outside Festival. They are an outdoor-oriented organization looking to spread the love and knowledge of access and opportunity for outdoor recreation in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.
Things to Know:
When will I have to wear a mask?
I ask you wear a mask when you are in the park, not riding, and congregating in a group. When you are on course and doing laps you don’t have to wear a mask. But standing around outside the tape I ask that you do.
Will you have water or food?
There will be no nutritional/water support. This is a BYO sustenance event. The only thing that we will provide you with is a taped course and encouragement to do all the laps you can!
Can I do some hot/fast laps?
Absolutely! I just ask that you be courteous to the people around you. That means not getting mad at others for getting in your way or slowing you up.
How much does this cost?
It doesn’t cost anything ,though, we ask if you can, to donate to the Roanoke Outside Foundation.