Today will mark 10 years of NC-Cyclocross (NCCX) races held at Salisbury Community Park. The partnership between Salisbury Parks and Recreation and NCCX began with an inaugural race held on Oct. 30, 2004, which brought 83 hard-core cyclists to the Salisbury area. With each passing year, races in Salisbury have grown, nearly averaging more than 300 local and regional racers along with those who travel cross-country to race.

Each cyclist competes for series points and a race win.  Tailgating, socialization and crowd cheering with those incessant cow bells and plastic trumpets called “vuvuzelas” are a must. 

Throughout the years, the Salisbury race has become one that racers clear their schedule and make plans to attend. Salisbury Community Park has excellent off-road terrain, asphalt pathways and elevation that allows for course changes each year to challenge racers of all skill levels.

Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing that consists of timed laps of a short (2.5–3.5 km or 1.5–2-mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount.  However, if you were to ask any racing competitor, they will quickly tell you a variation of the definition based upon their experience.    

Today’s races will begin at approximately 10 a.m., with the final Pro race starting at 3 p.m.  There is a free youth race starting at 12:45 p.m.  Live music entertainment featuring Evan Bloom Trio will be from 12-2 p.m. 

The location will be at Salisbury Community Park, 935 Hurley School Road, Salisbury. Parking is free.  Once inside the park, turn right towards the baseball/softball fields.

Local sponsors of Salisbury’s NC-Cyclocross Series Race No. 5 are: Novant, Busby & Webb Orthodontics, Riazzi Rhyne & Swaim Investment Group, Smart Stop Self Storage and New Atlantic Contracting.

Kerry Shields is event host and NC-Cyclocross representative.

For more information about this weekend’s Cyclocross race, including race schedules, race times and race registration, please visit: www.nccyclocross.org