A Heckler's Guide to Go Cross

Cross is no longer coming....Cross season is here! Both the VACx and UCI seasons kick off this coming weekend in Roanoke at Virginia's Blue Ridge Go Cross Race. This GoCross' first season as a UCI event which is really exciting both for racers and for the region. While the racers are really getting stoked for the weekend, the spectators should be getting equally as excited. So, since cyclocross is relatively new to Roanoke still here are some tips to help you through the weekend...

Why should I go? Lots of reasons...unlike many other types of bike races cyclocross is on a very small & concentrated course that makes it PERFECT for spectators. You can get right up next to the fence and really make your heckling/cheering heard. There's beer. And food. Heckling and cheering always more fun with both of these things. Finally, obstacles help create at least a little carnage.

Where should I go? And now, a breakdown of the course map from the spectator's standpoint...helping you to find your optimal heckling position!

1. The Sandpit. To meet UCI standards, 2 dump trucks full of sand were added this year to make the pit both wider, longer, and deeper. As such you can expect plenty of struggles around this area. Expect to see some impressive powering through by the pros and some epic fails by others. To improve spectating options there is a raised platform as well as some ground level seating to really get you a good view of the action.

2. The Flyover. Definitely fun to check out and watch some people get some air but don't expect too much carnage, it's really not that hard. Bonus? It's right by the finish line and food/beer.

3. Unicorn Corner. Named last year for some goober in a unicorn onesie (did we mention costumes are generally encouraged?) who even made Carla crack a smile mid lap. This spot is a little tougher to get to since it's on the other side of the course, is rather small, but gets you a great view of the log rollers both up and down and is shaded most of the day.

   

  

4. Far End. Tight, twisty turns through the trees are a good option if you want to get away from the main crowd a little. The trees also provide some shade and you're right by the start to watch that. It's also further out and let's be honest, you don't want to give the racers too long of a break from heckling...

5. The Stairs. Always a good place to watch. It's shortly after the start so especially the first lap folks are usually pretty stacked up on each other. Get ready to watch the coordinated, the highly uncoordinated, and prepare to laugh at cyclists who skipped arm day all year.

If none of these options appeal to you then roll right up to any spot on the course and cheer the racers on! Check out the GoCross schedule for other events such as a running race on Saturday and the Lil' Belgians Kids' Race for fun for all ages. 

Last but not least...to all those other dirt-loving hooligans who, like me are headed up to Stokesville for the other epic dirt event this weekend, good luck and have fun!! See y'all at Shenandoah 100....20th anniversary edition!!!! Also, there's a unicorn onesie up for grabs.

I'm not promising, but if you race @go_cross you might just get a good dose of unicorn heckles.

A post shared by Chris Merriam (@mrkrys66) on Oct 1, 2017 at 7:50pm PDT