Bringing the Cyclocross Avalanche! Of Sharks!!

All-City Alpha Bikes is currently in a mano-y-mano de muerte (trans: hands of death) battle in the cyclocross standings for 2nd place in the team competition.  

Look how serious we are.

If you thought riding a Sharknado was intense, we are stepping our game up - and looking at you Will.

BE PREPARED - FOR AN AVALANCHE - OF SHARKS.

Zombies and Marketing Cyclocross

Instead of the standard race recap, I thought I'd start in a different direction.

What is cyclocross?  (This is already sounding like a 7th grade book report.)

I invite friends who ride road and mountain bikes - or don't ride at all - to come out to a race.  The natural question, is "what is cyclocross?"

When I've explained the logistics of a race, or the difference in a cross bike from a road bike, or just shouted, "IT'S AWESOME!", the typical response ranges from "Oh, that's nice", to casual but polite indifference. After Zombie Cross, I realized my marketing of cyclocross to those not in the sport should be different.

When I invite friends, I'm not going to call it a race.  

Here's my new recipe:

• Take 3 parts Tour De Fat
• Add 1 cup Mardi Gras
• 6 pints Great American Beer Fest
• 1/2 cup NASCAR
• 1/2 cup backyard BBQ
• A dash of the Red Bull FlugTag
• Add Friar's Club Roast to taste, for the heckling

Zombie Cross, the race, is a small part of what actually makes this sport/event/carnival so spectacular - and special.

The social component of cross is why IT'S AWESOME.  In my sporting life, I've played ice hockey, rec league basketball/softball/raquetball, and while the physical challenges may compare, I've never more fun than at a race. 

The teams and clubs are packed with simply great people, and some spectacular riders. Most of us suck, but true camaraderie comes from shared suffering and intense experiences.   

This season, your assignment is to invite 2 spectators to attend our carnival, and share the fun.  It's too great not to share.

Now, on to the race report.

A gorgeous fall day set the stage for Zombie Cross at Salisbury Aquarium Park in Parker Colorado.  

Our singlespeed assault consisted of Nic Handy, dressed as Prince(ess) Leia,

Matt Adamiak rocking the turkey helmet cover, Robert Thomas as our Boulder hipster, and Matt Sodnicar in full Disco / gilded thongness and sequined bowtie.  Chris Martel saved his talents to hammer on the open race with Nic in the afternoon.

All you really need to know about the race was the runup, and the "bad touch".

Post by Alpha Bicycle Company-All City CX Team.

Nic and Will were battling the entire race, and had to go through a practice sprint as our announcer (El Gee) needed help from this guy.  Brought to you by the Number 2, and the Letter M.

The guys sorted it out, and ended up on the podium, Nic racking up a 3rd place.

Zombie Cross also marked the debut of the hot dog roller / whiskey dispensary.    

Many thanks to our sponsors, All-City Cycles, Alpha Bicycle Co., White Industries, Kali, Ryders, Al Dente Cooking, The Warmfront, Omega Fitness.

And bring a friend next time!