OCTOBER 29, 2009 ISSUE
Cyclocross Riders Set for 3rd Annual Hawksnest Crossfest November 1
Boone’s Aran Cacciola is followed by a host of riders as he takes a curve in the Hawksnest Cyclocross two years ago. Photo by Eric Greene
Doglegs, fairways and cart paths will have different competitors this Sunday, November 1, when the Hawksnest Crossfest cyclocross race is run on the mountain’s old golf course.
Golf carts aren’t permitted in these races.
Instead, more than 250 bicycle racers will be on hand to compete in the 3rd annual event in Seven Devils.
“It’s the most spectator friendly type of bike racing,” said Shaw Brown of Boone Bike and Touring, one of the event’s sponsors. “Most of the course is visible from the start to the finish area and it’s a very festive atmosphere.”
Races begin at 10:00 a.m. and run throughout the day.
Brown said his shop has helped put on a cyclocross event for 10 years in the area and there’s always a big crowd that participates.
Last year, though, another race was scheduled at the same time and the number of bikers dipped to 200. Brown said more are expected this year.
Riders keep coming back to the event, even though it’s a tough course. The terrain is pavement, grass, gravel and sand and there are man-made and natural obstacles to maneuver around.
Competitors will come from across the state, along with Tennessee and Virginia.
“Our course is tough because we are on the side of mountain,” Brown said. “Many cyclocross venues are super flat. The Hawksnest course is fun to race and super beautiful. Racers always comment how tough the Boone courses are, but they always come back.”
Riders can register online by clicking to www.sportsbaseonline.com and race day registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and closes 30 minutes prior to each race. Costs of the races are between $10 and $35, with an online registration discount of $10.
Awards will be given to top finishers in each of the nine races.
Boone Bike and Touring, Boone Velo Cycling Club, Black Cat and Sledgehammer Charlie’s Smokehouse and Grill sponsor the race.
For more information about the event, contact Brown at 828-262-5750, email shaw@boonebike.com or click to www.boonebike.com/images/hawksnest+crossfest+09.pdf.
Want To Go?
Date: Sunday, November 1
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Hawksnest Resort
Cost: $10 to $35 for competitors/free for spectators
Race Schedule
10:00 a.m.—Masters 35/45/55 (45 minutes)
11:15 a.m.—Men CX 3 (45 minutes)
Noon—Kid’s Race (two short laps)
12:30 p.m.—Women CX 4 (30 minutes)
12:30 p.m.—Juniors 15-18, Juniors 10-14 (30 minutes)
12:30 p.m.—Single Speed (30 minutes)
1:30 p.m.—Men Pro, Men CX 1/2 (60 minutes)
2:45 p.m.—Men CX 4 (30 minutes)
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