{mosimage}There are four " run-up" sections with one being a traditional ‘cross barrier section in the first mile of racing. The other three were long hike-a-bike slogs on terrain that was either too steep or too rocky or both to ride on a regular ‘cross bike (see photo). These took ~ 30 min. total time to negotiate. Four checkpoints are scattered along the route and neutral bottle hand-ups are available. You can also send a bag of supplies ahead to one of the checkpoints from the start. Almost 100 riders took part in the Men’s race with the winner finishing in just under 4 hours!
Save for a missed turn and 20-25 minutes off course I would have broken 5 hours. This is an extremely well run event with online registration, awesome swag including a commemorative beer glass. t-shirt, and apair of way cool Iron Cross socks for all the finishers.
Check out highspeedcycling.com for more info as well as keystonebiking.com for some cool pics of the event. Iron Cross is usually held the 2nd weekend in October.
Thanks for reading, Jeff Unruh."
Local Racer at Iron Cross
Jeff Unruh of Team Slimenudngrossen sends this report, " I recently competed in the 3rd Annual Iron Cross Race in the Michaux State Forest, Carlisle, PA. Based on the infamous 3 Peaks Cyclocross race in England, Iron Cross is a 62 mile cyclocross race comprised of paved roads, gravel and fire roads, doubletrack, and singletrack trails It has over 6500′ of climbing throughout the course.