Cyclocross Practice

We are proud to bring you the 2024 CX practice series with help from our partner Smanie Saddles.

S.manie in Italian translates to “Mania for Sports”. As a company, Smanie Saddles is, above all else, passionate about all things two wheels. We are bonded by our love for cycling and the community around the globe that it encompasses. It is with this passion that we meticulously strive to design innovative, high-end, ECO-friendly saddles with riders’ passions on the forefront of our minds. Smanie strives to support local events and athletes. We proudly support not only CX practice, but local professional racer Jen Malik.

Join Cap City Collective and the Columbus cyclocross community for another year of cyclocross practices! This year the practices will remain at Cap City Collective's home base, Big Run Park's Derby Hill. This practice is appropriate for riders of all levels, from "I've never ridden a bike on the dirt before" to "I podium at KingsCX."

  • Proof of vaccination required to participate - no exceptions

  • No on-site registration

  • Masks must be worn at all times when not actively participating in practice

  • Helmets and a functional bike (Cyclocross or MTB) are required.

  • Water & food are not available on-site, so please come prepared.

  • Gloves and glasses are recommended.

The venue will be open from 5pm until dark, with organized instruction beginning at 6pm. The series runs every Tuesday evening starting the first Tuesday in September until the last Tuesday in October.

Tentative Practice schedule:

  • Week 1 - Barriers & Introduction to Cyclocross

  • Week 2 - Cornering & Starts

  • Week 3 - Climbing & Off Cambers

  • Week 4-8 will begin the mock races.

    • We will have a short course arranged with flags or tape to simulate situations you will encounter in real races.

    • A, B, & C groups will each have 2-3 chances to race throughout the night.

    • New or inexperienced riders will be able to participate in breakout sessions to work on specific skills independent of the racing.

About The Donations & Cost

In the past cyclocross practices in Columbus have been free. These practices were uninsured and not permitted. To use Big Run Park and to take advantage of the insurance provided by USA Cycling Cap City Collective is required to cover the fees associated with the USA Cycling Permit, the City of Columbus park permit, and a per-rider insurance fee. Your donations will go directly to covering these costs. Any profits will be directly contributed to future off-road development programming through Cap City Collective. A $80 donation will cover the per-rider insurance fees for one rider and a portion of the permitting fees for the event. You are encouraged to donate more than $80 to cover other riders or future programming. 

2024 Columbus Cyclocross Practice Series
USA Cycling Permit # 9773