Motor Cross and Cross Country are both common names in the world of sports, but the sport known as Cyclocross is much less commonplace. Though cyclocross races have been in existence in Europe since the ’50s, its presence and popularity in the United States is limited, partially because the season occurs during the last part of the cycling calendar, which is typically fall and early winter.

There is an effort underway to draw more attention to the sport, however, and local enthusiasts, like Mike Kuhn of Marysville, are leading the pack. In addition to traveling to Philadelphia and different locations up and down the Northeast for races, Kuhn holds weekly practice sessions for cyclocross riders and plans two races that are held locally each year — both of which take place in early November.

A hybrid of two types of cycling, cyclocross is a mix of equal parts road racing and mountain biking. Using a bike that has components of both types of the aforementioned bikes — a thick sturdy reinforced frame with thin nubby racing tires — racers navigate a course that optimally has a diversity of terrain, from dirt, and grass to paved surfaces— forcing riders to think on the feet and make a variety of adjustments. The track is generally about two meters wide and unencumbered by rocky or rooty obstacles. This type of racing gives riders the opportunity for long periods of speed, but is broken up by the change of terrain and a series of manmade obstacles that look a lot like very short hurdles. These hurdles, known as barriers, force riders to dismount, run a few steps or sometimes more, and then remount, all with out missing a beat or falling down. Sound easy? It’s not. The pace is fast and hard, finishing in an hour or less, and dismounts occur about once every minute. The pace and the ability of racers to think on their feet makes this one of the most intense and difficult of cycling events.

The races scheduled for Marysville should be no exception. The first of the two races, The Perry-Roubaix Cyclocross, is scheduled for November 5 and is very low key. Held at the Oseterling Farm located just off of 11 & 15, it is easy to get to and will give local riders and spectators an opportunity to get a taste of what this type of biking is all about. And while this event will more than give you a taste of the action, the real event happens the following week on November 12 at the Lion’s Club Park. The Saturn of Harrisburg’s Rockville Bridge Cyclocross Classic — part of Mid-Atlantic Cup Series — brings professional riders from all across the Northeast.

Perhaps the nicest thing about this race is that it will be a real event, with lots of fun things for riders and spectators alike. In addition to a number of races for riders of all age and skill level, there will be a Kids Ride on Saturday which will give kids, even those without much experience, an opportunity to meet and ride with some of the pros.

The day begins early, starting with a cyclocross clinic given by Andrew Albright, the founder and regional coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Cup. After that the racing starts. A perfect opportunity to see what cyclocross is all about.

In addition to the busy racing schedule there will be different activities through out the day, including a DJ from WINK 104. The following is an abbreviated schedule of events for Saturday and Sunday.