I attended my first ever cyclocross race this weekend, the Java Johnny’s - Lionhearts race in Middletown, OH.  

I had the kids with me, so I didn’t dare try to attend the whole day, but we showed up in time to see Katie Compton tear up the course in the Elite Women’s class. Cyclocross seems to be an ideal race format for spectators.

We positioned ourselves in the middle of the course, where there happened to be a playground. The kids got to play and Dad got to watch the race. We got to see a couple of good hillclimbs - one with barriers to be jumped over, and another with switchbacks to be negotiated. From the same spot, I could see long straightaways, a fairly steep downhill and some off-camber corners.

As mentioned, US champion Katie Compton was in the women’s race, and Barry Wicks took the men’s title. Both were also scheduled to appear at another CX race in Cincinnati on Sunday.

Cycling News had good coverage of the women’s race, as well as some photos.

Now, of course, I want to try it for myself. The kids want to race with me, but they don’t get how we’re going to get the bike trailer around the race course.

If I can, I’m going to try to make it to the US Grand Prix of Cyclocross event in Louisville, KY at the end of the month. If I do, I’ll bring my journalist hat and my camera.