In the beginning (early 1900′s) it was intended for road cyclists interested in training and racing during the winter off-season in Europe. The idea is that if you are on grass and pavement, the speed is lower and the intensity is higher. Additionally with the introduction of barriers, which require the rider to dismount, run and jump over the barriers, a riders feet keep warm. In countries like Belgium, France, Holland, Italy and Switzerland, Cyclocross enjoys tremendous popularity.

A Cyclocross race is a 40-60 minute circuit race that takes place on a short loop. It takes between 5 and 10 minutes to complete one lap. The course is a mixture of grass, dirt, asphalt, sand and possibly mud and snow. Some courses include forced dismounts and short running sections.

Dismounts are created with barriers that are 10-15 inches high and are placed in sets of 2 to 4. To maintain speed, riders will approach a set of barriers at speed, dismount and begin running while lifting their bikes and jumping over the barriers. They then set down their bikes, remount on the fly, and resume pedaling. Many times barriers will be placed at the base of a small hill called a ‘run-up’ where riders will dismount and shoulder their bike and sprint up the hill, remounting at the top.

Sometimes there are opportunities for racers to grab "hand ups."  Hand ups are where spectators hold out an object for the racer to grab.  Some examples are dollar bills, twizzlers, and swag.

There are specific cyclocross bikes but pretty much any bike will work when competing in Kisscross.  I (Jason) have used a mountain bike the last few years and still been very competitive. Come challenge yourself to compete with the fastest or push yourself to finish.