WEEKENDER BLOG

Imagine bicycle racing through winding and rolling terrain while navigating obstacles along the course. That’s Cyclocross racing and Twisted Spokes is hosting Twisted Cross this Saturday, September 17, at Cedar Falls’ newest park, Tondro Pray Bike Park.

Every cyclocross event is different, with its own personality of features and obstacles. For example, Twisted Cross riders will race on a course that’s approximately 1.3 miles and they’ll need to maneuver through it quickly (as many times as possible in the time allotted) while hurdling obstacles that include logs and wooden plank barriers. They’ll either bunny-hop over these or they’ll dismount and lift their bikes over the obstacles. Several things could be classified as a barrier in cyclocross races so there may be a few surprises for riders come Saturday. 

There are categories for masters and first-time racers. If you’d like to make Twisted Cross your first cyclocross race, you’re welcome to attend! All riders will need to register as well as be licensed by the USCF (United States Cycling Federation) for Saturday’s race. No annual licenses will be sold the day of the race, but a one-day license will be available for purchase. Twisted Spokes wants to encourage new racers to attend and will refund your one-day USCF license fee if this is your first ever cyclocross race. Pre-registration closes 11pm Thursday, September 15, at www.usacycling.org.  An extra registration fee of $10 will be added to event-day registrations (cash only).    

If you’d like to be a spectator, the event is free. SingleSpeed Brewing Co. will be at the race and there will be a special kids event called “twisted kids” which is a free race on the BMX pump track (bring your own bike).

Tondro Pray Bike Park is a City of Cedar Falls park and caters to the BMX and MTB bicycle enthusiasts of the Cedar Valley. You can find the park at the intersection of E. Main Street and Logan Street. At Main Street, cross the Cedar River going north and take a left turn onto E. Main Street. The park will be on the right side of the street before you reach the intersection of Big Woods Road and Independence Street. Parking is free and available at the park or you can park at Gateway Park and ride your bike to Tondro Pray. 

Keep up to date with event announcements and keep in touch with Twisted Spokes on their Facebook page. 

After Twisted Cross, head downtown for a bite to eat (it’s only a few blocks from Tondro Pray) and then spend the night and enjoy the Cedar Valley Trails the next day. If you’d like to find more to see and do in the Cedar Valley, we invite you to contact the Cedar Falls Visitor Center at 319-268-4266 (800-845-1955). Or, visit Things to Do, Places to Stay and Places to Eat & Drink and put together a weekend itinerary using our Travel Pack! 

Photos are of riders at Tondro Pray Bike Park getting ready for Saturday’s event.

1. biking
2. cycling
3. outdoor rec
4. things to do
5. tondro pray bike park
6. twisted cross