Kern Park Kross returns on Sunday, November 3 as part of the WICX Series, bringing cyclocross—and tracklocross back to Riverwest.
The day will feature racing on a looped course throughout the park, with on-the-bike challenges (and sometimes off-the-bike, too) for all ages and skill levels.
Cyclocross (CX) is form of short-track bike racing over a combination of obstacles and mixed terrains, including grass, mud, dirt and sand. It takes place in all weather and is usually raced atop road-style bikes with mountain bike-style tires, but to keep things easy and accessible to most people, most bikes are welcome in American races.
Spectating is free and Amorphic Beer will be situated on site for beverage purchases, and food and drink will be provided by Style Pop Cafe and Double Dub's food truck.
Kern Park Kross will feature the Humboldt Mole Shot (a prize for the first person into the first turn), a set of barriers or two, an off-camber hill and maybe even a log hop or a small set of stairs to navigate. The winner of the race will receive a pink squirrel statue.
Novices and first-timers wanting to participate should look for the Cat 5 (or Masters 5) races that best suits their age group and gender. There are also opportunities for Junior racers and even a free cyclo-tots fun race.
After the standard races, the day will close out with Wisconsin's only tracklocross race—that is, cyclocross on a fixed gear bike. No coasting allowed. Because of the daylight saving switch over the night before, lights are recommended for this race.
Prospective participants can save $10 on the day by pre-registering by Wednesday, October 30. For more information, or to register, visit wicxseries.com/race/kern-park-kross-2024. You can also RSVP on Facebook.
Jason McDowell grew up in central Iowa and moved to Milwaukee in 2000 to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.
In 2006 he began working with OnMilwaukee as an advertising designer, but has since taken on a variety of rolls as the Creative Director, tackling all kinds of design problems, from digital to print, advertising to branding, icons to programming.
In 2016 he picked up the 414 Digital Star of the Year award.
Most other times he can be found racing bicycles, playing board games, or petting dogs.
