Race day has arrived in Hyattsville, as hundreds of cyclists from around the region converge on the city for the fifth annual Hyattsville CX.
The CX, short for cyclocross, begins today at 8 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m.
Cyclocross is a form of off-road bicycle racing in which participants have to negotiate a circuit consisting of mixture of terrains and obstacles requiring the rider to dismount.
The Hyattsville CX raises money for the Special Olympics of Prince George's County's cycling team. Last year's CX earned $7,000 for the organization.
Racers will want to leave themselves plenty of time to get in position for their heats. Full schedule of races can be found here.
Even if you're not racing, neighborhood residents will want to take in the spectacle of the race.
Racers will be trying to speed around a roughly two mile course which wends its way through Magruder Park's open fields, shaded groves and treacherous woods.
One spot sure to be popular with spectators is the highly technical section of the course located in the far southeastern corner of the park. Here, the trail bends across a babbling brook before shooting riders onto a rough gravel ascent. Once at the top, riders will have to negotiate a series of fast turns around some steep drops sure to catch a few riders unprepared.
Race organizers will have a beer garden and a PA system set up in this area for spectators to patronize.
If you are traveling from outside of Hyattsville for the event, race organizers want you to know a few things, namely:
- No parking in Magruder Park - Free parking can be had at the large lot directly to the east of the park along Hamilton Street. Locals know this lot as the WSSC lot.
- Watch for One Way Streets When Traveling from Route 1 - They can be a bit tricky.
- Eat Local - Race organizers encourage attendees to dine at one of Hyattsville's many fine eating establishments. The Hyattsville Community Development Corporation maintains an up-to-date restaurant guide for the city.
