Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Obvious, right?
In the mid to late 90’s of the last century, local cyclo-cross races were starting to draw more than 25 racers per event. That was a big deal for a niche sport. Big enough of a deal that Overland Park was selected for the site of the 2000 USCF Cyclocross National Championship.
USCF to USAC. Change.
A critical venue in Lenexa that helped launch that local CX era is now literally at the bottom of a lake (see the photo above). There were a handful of race promoters in those formative years. Roughly 30 years on, those promoters have aged out or moved on. Cyclocross grew to 20 races per season at the high water mark. The 2023 season reverted back to 6 race days.
Road cycling in the Kansas City metro has been robust at times. Weekly training races from late Spring through the end of Summer, monthly time trials, and a calendar of criteriums, road races, TTs (and a few stage races).
The Tour of Kansas City had one of the longest uninterrupted run of any bicycle race in the U.S.
But like cyclocross, road appears to be in a steep decline.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Gravel. In Kansas there was once a singular eclectic event, The Death Ride. Billed as a ‘mountain bike’ race it was certainly niche. Somewhat unexpectedly it lit a spark for what has become the largest recent change in American cycling. Gravel. Participants from the Death Ride went on to become promoters and advocates for gravel riding. The former DK, now Unbound was birthed from those enamored with the Death Ride.
Why and how gravel riding found momentum across the U.S. (and other parts of the world) is a lengthy discussion. But it is driven by rider interest and the industry. Gravel events are popular and continue to proliferate.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Here is a list of factors, some weigh heavier than others, that have changed the sport:
Suburban sprawl and development (fewer closeable roads and fewer green spaces for CX).
Aging racing population (Men Masters 60 was the second largest field at a recent road race).
Aging or retired race promoters (few new promoters in the last 30 years for our region).
Lack of licensed officials.
License fees and liability.
Rider interest (perhaps the most critical…whether organic or driven by marketing)
Some positives. People are riding bikes. While the industry is suffering some post-pandemic issues, a lot of people purchased bicycles in recent years.
Mountain biking, because of the extensive trail systems, is quite healthy in the KC metro and nearby. Certainly less event oriented, but the trails are well used.
Two essential youth programs. Donderdag! Youth Cyclocross Clinics and NICA mountain biking. Both are pipelines to future racing events. Developmental programs that could counter the aging population.
Nor is road ‘dead’. Spring Fling in Lawrence and a Wednesday Night Worlds in Olathe, plus a smattering of single day races, continue to keep the flame.
And Gravel. Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes