Green Acres CX in Lake, Elmo returns with big Junior fields, talented Elite fields, a prize raffle, Grav Fundo and more. Learn more about Colin Reuter’s favorite race taking place this weekend, October 13 and 14.
Green Acres Cyclocross is gearing up for another action-packed weekend of racing, October 13th and 14th in Lake Elmo, MN.
Weather predictions are looking to stray from recent years’ “nice” weather to be a bit more challenging (read: cold and wet). Highs may creep into the 50s, but rain in the days leading up could make for some treacherous conditions.
Set on the east side of the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area, event-goers can plan to stay the entire day. Starting with a coffee food truck in the AM (Misfit, no less, for the coffee connoisseur…) and finishing with pig roast-centered concessions in the afternoon. All racers earn a free meal and beverage both days with entry.
Vendor bike and equipment demos are planned in conjunction with title sponsor Now Bikes. This is one event that promises to keep the party going all day. As always, each day ends with a rather extensive prize raffle.
Run, don’t ride to Green Acres CX in Minnesota this year. photo: Todd Fawcet
Last year’s fields were the biggest ever, closing in on 700 racers for the weekend. 2018 is expected to be no different.
Once again, the Junior fields are expected to be packed. Iowa’s Central Junior Cycling and Spin Devo, returning team competition champs, look to re-kindle a border battle with local Junior squads. All it would take is a Wisconsin team to make the short drive and this weekend will easily have the biggest Junior fields this side of a World Cup.
In the Elite fields, race organizers are hoping for some excitement. Both 2017 men’s races came down to late surges on the bell lap, with Peter Olejniczak (Borah Factory Racing) winning both in thrilling style.
On the women’s side, Megan Barr (Angry Catfish) dominated the racing last year, but this year could be different. Depth is apparent, as several other local Elite women have recently posted impressive results at the Trek Cup/Jingle Cross weekends. Course conditions and strategy will no doubt play a big part in both races.
Back for its second year, the Grav Fundo Half Hundo, allows non-CXers an opportunity to stretch their legs before partaking in the usual revelry. Participants navigate 50 miles of self-supported gravel through the adjoining countryside. Several Strava segments are called out, giving riders a chance to claim prizes. Set up to get riders back in time for the Men’s and Women’s Elite races, this is the perfect opportunity for a traveling companion.
The berm is back at Green Acres CX this year. photo: Todd Fawcet
Green Acres is not your average weekend ’cross race. It boasts UCI-worthy course challenges and an all-around festive atmosphere. Long-speculated to be ready to move in that direction, GACX has remained a grass-roots effort. “UCI means paperwork and prize money” commented race director Bob Sumada. “That’s not where our priorities lie. We want a great experience for all, which is why we added the Grav Fundo, and always comp racer’s food. Sunday night I want to pull course tape, sit down and relax, not submit samples to USADA.”
Aside from prize money and points, Green Acres pulls out all the stops to make it the weekend event in the area. Already, racers from as far away as Canada and Texas have registered. The berm is up, the course is dialed, the prize raffle is piling up meaning an epic weekend awaits.
Registration is now open at bikereg.com.
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