Ending with the GP Zac Daab on Sunday, November 15th, 2009, the Shimano Minnesota Cyclocross State Championship super-event concluded another season of cyclocross in the upper Midwest.  The event, which spanned two days of racing, drew over 500 participants and hundreds of spectators to Bassett Creek Park in Crystal, MN, for the weekend's festivities.

Most of the weekend's racers had pre-registered for the event and filled CRC Bicycle Shop and Coffee Bar in Minneapolis' Uptown neighborhood to the gills on Friday night where promoters had scheduled their packet pick-up from 7-10pm.  CRC's owner, Tommy "Hurl" Everstone, was pleased with hosting the packet-pickup prior to the event.  "I think it was a good turn out and I was stoked to be a part of it," Everstone said, "I think a lot of people that hadn't been to [CRC] before were exposed to the shop and in general the whole vibe of the weekend was cool."  Both on-line pre-registration and a packet pickup scheduled prior to the event's start conspired to eliminate registration lines on Saturday and on Sunday, as racers were able to focus on warming up and preparing for their respective races rather than waiting to pay their fees and pick up numbers.

Cyclocross in MN is HUGE and growing. 8 weekends. 16 events. Over 2500 race entries. Can't argue with those numbers.

It all started a little over 8 weeks ago, up in Moorhead, MN at the Red River Cyclocross Challenge, culminating with the MN State CX Championships this past weekend. Saturday's State Championship event was the largest Cyclocross Race ever in MN with over 300 entries!

Why is it gaining popularity so quickly? The family and spectator friendly nature of the events? The thrill of going fast, getting dirty, and completely exhausting yourself? Chasing that elusive win, or points in the Cyclocross Rider of the Year Competition or Lazer Helmets Team Cup? Whatever the reason, it's working.

Everyone involved, from the race promoters and their teams of volunteers, race officials, as well as the racers deserve credit for creating this hot bed of fall racing in the Midwest.

The local cross scene is gaining attention at the national level too, producing stars such as Bjorn Selander, Dave Hackworthy, and Linda Sone, just to name a few.

Is there room for improvement? Of course! In the coming months, the MCF intends to review what we learned this season, and take that forward into next season. The goal is to maintain our momentum, and continue to produce quality events, that will draw even more racers and spectators. If you're interested in getting involved in planning for the 2010 MCF Cross Season, do it! You can start by attending the Dec 7th MCF meeting.

Minneapolis – On the weekend of November 14th and 15th, hundreds of racers and spectators will descend upon Bassett Creek Park in Crystal, Minnesota (just a short 10min drive from Downtown Minneapolis) for the Shimano Minnesota State Cyclocross Championship Weekend and Expo.

Custom Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals will be awarded at each event*, to the top 3 finishers in each of the 4 junior categories: Jr Boys 10-14, Jr Girls 10-14, Jr Boys 15-18, Jr Girls 15-18.

Click HERE for a flyer on the series.

*The State Championship Event on Saturday, Nov 14 will award USA Cycling State Championship Medals.