Big Elm Brewing Cyclocross Challenge 2014

Big Elm Brewing Cyclocross Challenge is back for its 2nd year to help kick off the New England Cyclocross season!  We have events for beginners, women, juniors, elite racers, masters, and kids

• All race categories are in reference to your USCF Cyclocross category!! (not your road category).
• the masters 55+ classes will start 1 minute behind the masters 45+ classes
• Mountain bikes (without forward pointing bar ends) are welcome
• Bike wash available
• All riders required to wear approved helmets and shirts with sleeves
• All USA Cycling rules apply
• Questions: Email Steffen at bikeandblade@hotmail.com
• Additional races $10 each. NO LATE REGISTRATION FEE
• Registration opens at 8:00 AM for 10AM race only, 8:45 AM for all other classes
• Registration closes 30 minutes before each class start time
• FREE BEER TASTING from BIG ELM BREWING!!
• 2013 NE Regional Champion will have entry fee reimbursed !

Course description:

The start is on a service road with a slight uphill grade. First person to the first turn wins the hole shot prime. The course winds into the woods with a gravel road section leading into a fast left hand sweeper on the grass. From there the course straightens out with a double back up a slight incline. This leads into a technical of camber switch back set of turns which opens up to a fast section before a short burst of a climb. From here the course winds it way to an open service road which leads into some sweeping turns to the first run up, which is rideable if you have the momentum and traction.  Once through the run up the course winds it’s way to the first set of barriers only to be followed by a 100 foot gravel pit with a set of stairs at the end. More sweeping off camber turned following the base of the ski mountain which bring you back to the start/finish.

Directions to Ski Butternut in Great Barrington, MA

Springfield 1 hour (49 mi)

I90 W to Exit 2 Lee, MA; Rt. 102 W to Rt. 7; Left onto Rt. 7 south to Rt. 23; Left at traffic light onto Rt. 23 east to ski area entrance about 1.3 miles on right.

Hartford 1 hour (51 mi)

Rt. 44 W to Canaan, CT; north on Rt. 7 into MA where it merges with Rt. 23 as you go through the town of Great Barrington; Continue on Rt. 7N & 23E at traffic light to cross the metal bridge. Just pass the Sunoco station veer right at traffic light onto Rt. 23 east to ski area entrance about 1.3 miles on right.

Danbury 1 hour, 15 min. (66 mi)

Rt. 7N into MA where it merges with Rt. 23 as you go through the town of Great Barrington; Continue on Rt. 7N & 23E at traffic light to cross the metal bridge. Just pass the Sunoco station veer right at traffic light onto Rt. 23 east to ski area entrance about 1.3 miles on right.

New Haven 1 hour, 45 min. (83 mi)

34 west to Rt. 8; Take rt. 8 north to Rt. 44 in Winsted, CT; West on Rt. 44 to Rt. 7 north; follow Rt. 7N into MA where it merges with Rt. 23 as you go through the town of Great Barrington; Continue on Rt. 7N & 23E at traffic light to cross the metal bridge. Just pass the Sunoco station veer right at traffic light onto Rt. 23 east to ski area entrance about 1.3 miles on right.

New York City 2-1/2 hours (128 mi from Manhattan)

Taconic State Parkway north to Claverack, NY / Rt. 23 Exit; Take Rt. 23 East through the towns of Hillsdale, NY then Egremont, MA and then through Great Barrington, MA. Continue on Rt. 7N & 23E at traffic light to cross the metal bridge. Just pass the Sunoco station veer right at traffic light onto Rt. 23 east to ski area entrance about 1.3 miles on right.