Submitted by Tacoma South Sound Sports Commission.
Cyclocross is an off-road bike race that involves varying terrain and obstacles, and racers must occasionally dismount their bikes to run uphill. It’s fast and gritty; you don’t leave a race clean. And this year, nearly 2,000 athletes from across the nation will race on the ultimate course in Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood.
Cyclists from ages 8 to 80 are preparing for the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship held December 10-15. The event schedule includes 37 races with cyclocross athletes from 45 states.
As a spectator you can watch the races; visit vendor booths; enjoy food, coffee trucks and two beer gardens; and stay for the award presentations at the end of each day. You also can volunteer to help with set-up, registration and more. Volunteer registration is online at volunteersignup.org/BYEXB.
If you go, make sure to catch Sunday’s elite races and the free, one-lap race for kids ages 10 and under. Spectator tickets are $20 for the whole week. Athletes and spectators ages 10 and under are free.
