As multi-discipline racers like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock and Puck Pieterse hit the cyclocross circuit for their kerstperiode racing, many West Coast U.S. cyclocrossers lament the lack of racing opportunities just as the conditions become ideal.
#TrueCrossConditions enjoyed by Jeremy Borgeson. Rockville Cyclocross Series in Fairfield, CA happens each Sunday in January and February at Solano Community College. © J. Silva / Cyclocross Magazine
Thankfully, diehard cyclocross racers, as well as multi-discipline racers like Wout, MvdP and Puck, looking to build their form for spring and summer goals (attention NICA racers), have eight weeks of racing left in the season thanks to the Rockville Cyclocross series in Fairfield, California. The Rockville series offers racing every Sunday in January and February. We affectionately call it “peak season cyclocross racing” in honor of David Gill’s aptly named late-season series last held in 2013.
Rockville Cyclocross Series in Fairfield, CA happens each Sunday in January and February at Solano Community College. © J. Silva / Cyclocross Magazine
Held on a serpentine, often muddy course at Solano Community College, the race series is grassroots cyclocross at its best. This series historically boasts just two start times, an affordable entry fee ($25 in 2023) without race day surcharges, one-day license fees, or controversial call-ups.
The Fairfield location, just a mile off Highway 80, offers easy access for racers from all over Norcal, about an hour’s drive for most racers from the San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland and San Jose areas.
Some of the best racers in the country, including Marcis Shelton, use the Rockville Cyclocross Series in Fairfield, CA as training for Worlds. © J. Silva / Cyclocross Magazine
This year, the series will feature a few course additions, and the promoters will try out a new e-bike category at 11:30 am, after the pedal-powered racers are finished.
Are you curious about cyclocross and #shorttrackgravel racing but unsure if it’s right for you? The Rockville Cyclocross series promoters are confident you’ll have a blast, and are doing their part to grow the sport, participating in the free first-timer promotion in partnership with Cyclocross Magazine. For the first three Sundays, those who have never tried cyclocross racing before can do a race for free.
The series tracks overall points, with a volunteer uploading results to Crossresults, but most racers are not there for points or prizes but for a no-frills day of racing with friends on a fun course. Those who stick around to the series end are rewarded however, with a special final day of racing, complete with a relay race, a potluck, and handmade trophies in the spirit of BostonCross.
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We interviewed promoter John Silva two years ago as to what makes his series unique, and why he puts on racing when most race promoters have called it quits for the season. Read that interview here.
Promoters John Silva and Esther Pryor have sold their bike shop, Rockville Bike, but are still promoting their series this year. John, who has more time on his hands this year without running the bike shop, has been working on the course since November, adding new sections and removing poison oak.
It’s not always rainy and muddy at the Rockville Cyclocross Series in Fairfield, CA . © J. Silva / Cyclocross Magazine
As to those who are looking to give racing a try, here is the essential info:
Where’s the Website?
We’ve called Rockville Cyclocross the unintentional Fight Club, and Silva certainly doesn’t make the discovery of his race series very easy. He doesn’t even have an official website and doesn’t plan on making one unless a volunteer wants to take on such a project on.
There is a public Facebook page for the series and finally an Instagram account, and that’s the default form of communication in addition to email. You don’t need a Facebook account to view the essential details.
Here are the details:
When: Every Sunday from January through February 2024, starting January 7, 2024.
Where:
Solano Community College
4000 Suisun Valley Road
Fairfield, CA 94534
(get directions)
What time:
9:00 a.m. Cs and Juniors 8th grade or younger, men and women
10:00 a.m. A and B men and women. Rain or shine.
11:30 a.m. new e-bike division (trial for this year)
Cost:
$25 adults, $15 for juniors, with full-season pre-pay discounts available for adults. For the first three Sundays in January, first-time cyclocross racers can race one race for free.
National Champ John Elgart used Rockville Cyclocross Series in Fairfield, CA to hone his skills and offseason fitness. © J. Silva / Cyclocross Magazine
