Horsham is gearing up for its first ever cyclocross, Carpenter Cross bike race, to be held on Sept. 22, 2018 at Deep Meadow Park.
The first race begins at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until 3 p.m. There are races for people of all ages, including kids, as well as men and women over 50. Top cyclists in each category will receive a medal.
The course will be filled with turns, hills and grass, though it is not technically challenging and bikers of all skill levels are invited to participate.
“The majority of people will ride on a type of road bike with drop bars,” said Dennis Haggerty, Horsham Township’s Public Works director and USA Cycling certified race director, in a press release. “There are some nice obstacle-viewing spots on the course that will give spectators a chance to cheer on their favorite racer—or heckle others.”
Cyclocross events are usually held in fall and winter months, and feature a variety of obstacles where bike riders need to dismount their bikes to navigate the obstacle and then remount. Cyclists ride several laps of a course that is up to two miles long.
The organizers of the event had two parks in mind, but Deep Meadow Park had exactly what they were looking for in terms of obstacles and terrain.
“Deep Meadow Park was big enough and with the variety of terrain it offered, we didn’t need to go anywhere else,” Haggerty said.
“We have a great park system,” said Mark Hudson, Horsham Township’s Director of Administration. “It lends itself well for this type of event.”
Organizers are hoping that the event will have 200 contenders racing. So far, cyclists from as far away as Virginia and New York have registered. Cyclocross has been gaining popularity, even to the point of competing with golf tournaments.
“People are looking for new courses to challenge themselves,” Hudson said. “This could be the next boom.”
The event will be held rain or shine. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with the first race starting at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $35 for adult racers, $10 for youth ages 8 to 18, and free for kids 7 and under. More information and registration can be found on the event’s website.
