CX is evolving from the obscure to mainstream in the US. The rapidity that is happening is amazing. The New York Times even has an article today. Who would have thought that riding a short off-road course on unsuspended (read, uncomfortable) bikes for an hour or so in miserable weather would become widely accepted?
I wonder why XC mountain bike racing isn't sharing the same growth in interest. I suspect it may be the duration and length of the event. Short CX race equals doable for most, even if they are out of shape. If you are sucking wind and cannot turn the pedals over one more time, you just pull out and the car is usually a few hundred yards away. Plus, you have the rest of the day to hang out, drink a beverage, and watch others ride in circles. Whereas long XC mountain bike races with thousands of feet of climbing can sometimes make finishing a harrowing feat and the car is often miles away. If it is a really bad day, the venue could be nearly empty by the time you reach the finish. Then again, I'm probably wrong, because marathon and stage race endurance MTB events are also gaining popularity at a pace nearly equal to CX.
Whatever the reason, it's all good that more people are getting out on bikes. Gotta love the bike!
Blue Star
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