Alice’s Cyclocross Propaganda

You may have all noticed that over here at hervelo towers we are all a bit bat shit cray for cyclocross! However, we didn’t even need to nudge Alice, a mum of 2 little uns, to share why she loves it and thinks you should all join in the fun/madness!

It's that time of year again. Time for the cross season to begin. And I am incredibly excited! For me, the cross season is the highlight of the year for bike riding. This is my little article to convince you to that riding round in circles, in a muddy field in the rain is actually a sane thing to do and incredible fun too.

Everyone races cross for different reasons, for some people it is winning. For me it is a chance to be involved with the club, see friends and to forget my responsibilities for a little while. Cyclocross makes me feel an incredible buzz every single time.

The toughest part of a cyclo-cross race is getting to the start line. When I entered my first cross race I was intimidated, and worried I was not fast enough. I think the gazebo has already helped this, meeting the Hervelo gang at the start of the event, the laughter and support quickly banishes any intimidation. The more Hervolos in the gazebo the more the camaraderie.

During the race, the course winds and wiggles back on itself. Giving a good opportunity to cheer on other riders throughout the race too.

I've also learnt that "fast enough" doesn't exist. Once the whistle has gone, it doesn't matter if you are racing for first place or ending up in last place. Every race is your own. I love how friends in the crowd still cheer me on when I'm in last place. Everybody in every place belongs in the race.

I race cyclo-cross because it is an opportunity for me to be included in club activities. I have 2 small children. Since having Lucy I have barely ridden my bike and I don't have the fitness or the time window to join the club for any long rides. But this is not taking away how excited I am for the cross season. For me I won't get fit for cross, I'll get fit by entering cross. I have the fitness to ride for 45 minutes at my own pace, and that is enough. Cross is inclusive of all abilities.

My 3 year old Andrew, will be riding around on his bike, Lucy will be wrapped up in her buggy and my partner will get a chance to race his own race too. It is a full family day out.

It's my opportunity to be a big kid too. Being able to go totally hyperactive is the main gift of cross. During the race I forget I have kids, or responsibilities. It's the closest I can feel to being a 4 year old, and splashing in muddle puddles and grinning the whole way round the course. I love the madness of it all, and playing in the rain like a kid.

Soon cross encourages you to love the rain, the mud, the cold and actually look forward to winter. Whilst everyone huddles indoors feeling bored, we embrace the elements and look forward to the craziness. Soon winter becomes the highlight of the year.

So, this is my invite. Come and join us in the gazebo, come and let us cheer you on in the race, and come and discover the buzz for yourself. It's going to be a great season!