There's a big push from some in the local CX scene to improve the SS class start times and prize pool. The Rosaryville promoter sent me this about the race they will hold there. You can sign up on BikeReg.com
The race will be held Sunday, November 7, at Rosaryville State Park in Upper Marlboro, MD. One day licenses are available at race registration for those without a USAC license.
Last year was our first year at Rosaryville. We welcomed new racers and particularly our MTB'ing friends, bringing you Masters classes sponsored by Duvel/Ommegang, generous prize lists for the men’s and women’s Elite, mid-pack sausage primes in all races, prizes for best new riders in M4 and W4, Belgian style sausages and pommes frites for post race chow, a classical-musically educated funk band, and a unique centralized layout that made for a great spectator experience.
This year, we’re adding some course features to make your race more interesting, including a new technical twist & turn feature we call the Hand of Death, and some completely unnecessary stairs.
We’ve also added a prize list within the M 3/4 race for those who race single speeds – M4, M3, and women who are eligible under USAC rules to race in Men’s 3 or 4. Eligible racers who rock a single will compete for overall M 3/4 prizes, as well as the singlespeed prize list. Thanks to new UCI rules changes, you can rock disc brakes in any cross race - this means a SS MTB with disc brakes is a workable choice in the M 3/4 if you don't have separate CX bike.
We’re also working hard to improve your race day experience. We will have a moon bounce to help keep the young’ns busy, and some great Belgian style deserts will be added to the menu, for those people for whom sweet, sweet suffering is not sweet enough.
There will be special team parking close to the pavilions upon request and we encourage you to bring a popup and set it up along the course for convenience and to position yourself to cheer on your friends. If you would like team parking – one spot per team, spaces are limited – contact me immediately and get a teammate to haul all the trainers, popups and heavy stuff that is tough to bring from our somewhat distant parking.
Like last year, the race will be underwritten by Contes of Arlington and Besthesda, Duvel/Ommegang, Blueridge, Family Bike Shop of Crofton, In the CXhairs, and other great sponsors that we’ll tell you about as the race approaches.
Last year's race was great in part because we saw so many new faces, particularly so many mountain bikers who wanted to give cross a try. Seeing the look on new CX racers' faces - the dazed smile and giggling - was a huge reward. Our goal is to share the fun across the biking community - cross is cool because the most hardcore type A roadie can get out there and shred with the mellowest soul mountain biker on equal terms, and although the competition is bareknuckled everybody cheers for everybody else.
So come on out and be a part of the fun, and even if you don't race, please feel free to join us for spectating, great food and beer, and maybe some embarrassingly bad dancing if you feel so moved. We'd be happy to see you.
Jim McNeely Promoter, Squadra Coppi Road, MTB, & Cross Racer
