While much of the active world is unwinding after the holiday season or driving to the ski slopes for some powder runs, many bicycling enthusiasts will be heading to Longmont, Colorado for the Altitude Adjustment Cross race on January 4th and 5th. While the road cyclists of the summer relax and recharge during the winter months, cyclocross racers are at the peak of their busy race season.
Never heard of Cyclocross? Cyclocross is to bike racing what a muddy buddy race is to an easy jog on the beach. Think of a race that starts with the highest heart rate possible, sends the racer through twists, turns and up over barriers and running sections while shouldering the bike and is held regardless of weather or temperature, all in a spectator-friendly environment – that’s a cyclocross race.
With the national championships of cyclocross scheduled January 8th -12th in Boulder, the timing of Altitude Adjustment is perfect for fine-tuning of fitness for the Colorado-based racers. It also offers a great way for out of town visitors to get used to the almost Mile-High altitude of Boulder County. The two days of racing also serve as a last chance for competitors to gain all-important ranking points in advance of the nationals.
Watts Marketing of Longmont produces Altitude Adjustment Cross. Watts also produces Clif Bar CrossVegas and Gateway Cross Cup, two nationally recognized cyclocross events. Race Director Brook Watts commented, “I wanted to bring some racing to Longmont to show the world that despite the damage we sustained in the September floods our town is doing well and welcomes visitors.”
The two days of cyclocross racing will be a first for Sandstone Ranch Park located just a couple of miles east of Longmont on Highway 119. The multi-sports facility offers a range of terrain from fast flat sections, uphill runs and a punchy climb that will test the racers’ legs, with sweeping views of the 14,000-foot Longs Peak. Watts described the course as “another example that even an innocent soccer complex can create a fun, flowy course that will delight racers and spectators alike.”
In addition to the racing, racers and spectators can enjoy Oskar Blues beers in the Can’d Aid Beer Garden; with proceeds benefiting Colorado flood relief efforts. The Oskar Blues Bone Wagon will be on-site at the race daily beginning at lunchtime offering a great selection of foods.
To add to the fun, there will be Attitude Adjustment parties at CyclHOPS Bike Cantina in Longmont each night. For complete party details follow @AltitudeCross on Twitter.
Categories of racing are available for all ages and abilities. Complete information is available at www.altitudeadjustmentcross.com. Online registration is open through January 2nd at https://www.bikereg.com/net/Events/?ns=altitude+adjustment
First time spectators will be certain to be impressed by the thrill of cyclocross racing in their own backyard. Local organizations and individuals interested in sponsorships or volunteering are welcome: there’s always a need for help in advance of the race and race day. Please contact info@altitudeadjustmentcross.com.
Sponsors include Oskar Blues Brewery, The Plaza Event Center, The City of Longmont and 303 Cycling News.
