Cyclocross, a bicycle race that combines the mud-splashing fun of mountain biking with the elegance and speed of the Tour de France will come to Gainesville on the weekend of Dec. 3 and 4.  The race course will be at The Rock Trails.  Free admission for spectators.

 

The Rock Trails are on the south side Newberry Road (State Road 26), 2.5 miles west of I-75.  If you are coming on I-75, take exit 387.  

 

The two day event, Swamp Cross, is part of the Florida state cyclocross series, and is hosting the Southeast Regional Cyclocross Championships.  

 

The race course is mostly dirt trails, with some asphalt pavement along the two mile route.   Obstacles on the course include a water crossing, stairs and a fence that riders will have to carry their bikes over,

 

The fun is not restricted to the participants.  Spectators are expected (and encouraged) to bring bells, horns and voices to make noise.   Vendors at the event will have food, beverages and bicycle supplies.   There may also be a band to provide music (and more noise!).

 

Though mountain bikes (fat tire bikes with upright handlebars) are certainly welcome in cyclocross races, most competitors will be riding special cyclocross bicycles,  which much like Tour de France bikes, have "drop" style handlebars, lightweight wheels with fatter, knobby tires, and special brakes for the mud.  At the end of each race, both rider and bike will be exhausted and a bit beat up.

 

For more information, please visit www.Floridacx/Swampcross