(Now that the warmer weather has finally arrived, it's time for you big-time bikers to start training for the autumn events! This is a story I did for an Oct. 2023 issue of West Newsmagazine.)
A racing event named for a beloved dog that combines the rugged challenge of mountain biking with the sustained endurance of road cycling is coming to a park near you.
This year's Bubba Memorial Cyclocross Series begins and ends at Queeny Park, with the first race of the series taking place on Oct. 8 and the Double Bubba Grand Finale taking place on Dec. 3. Sandwiched between the starting and ending point will be two races in Upper Creve Coeur Park, two races in Faust Park and one in Ballwin's Vlasis Park.
The race in Ballwin is the only event in the series that is not in a county park.
“The Bubba Cyclocross Series has been around for awhile, and we were looking to add another event to The Ballwin Race Series,” Matt Struemph, the city's longtime fitness manager, explained. “When I reached out to Big Sharks Bicycle Company … they were actually looking for a venue. So, I said, ‘Hey! If it fits in our main park, let’s take a look.' And it kind of evolved from there.”
Struemph noted that the race, which takes place on Sunday, Nov. 5, is the first time that a cyclocross race has been included in the Ballwin Race Series. While cyclocross is a competitive sport, complete with specialty bikes, the race is for everyone. In fact, prior to the series opener, from 8:30-10 a.m. on Oct. 8, a free cyclocross clinic is offered for newbies. And, at all races, but especially in Ballwin, ewcomers and spectators are welcome.
“We like to keep our Ballwin events on a recreational level. So, it’s not like a participant would have to go out and buy a special bike,” Struemph said.
However, he did caution that mountain bikes are preferred.
“What won’t work is your standard road bike,” he said.
As with all the races in the Bubba Memorial Cyclocross Series, racers can register in advance at BikeReg.com or at 10 a.m. on the day of the race. Races take place in intervals by category throughout the day with start times from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.; for details visit the events page at bigshark.com.
The race is open to youth and adults, from beginners to advanced.
The course is designed as a “short course” of about 1.5 to 2 miles per loop on a 12-to 15-foot-wide path (marked with tape) that will wind through Vlasis Park on all types of terrain.
From January through October, the Ballwin Race Series offers a variety of running, biking and swimming events including the annual Ballwin Triathlon in January, the Ballwin Days Run in August, the Kids Triathlon in September and the Moonlight Howl 5K Run/Walk at 9 p.m. on Oct. 27.
“We try to create a lot of active events for the community and for people to come into our community to participate,” Struemph said.
A portion of city-managed Race Series events goes toward Ballwin's recreation scholarship program, which can be used by qualifying families for swimming lessons, summer camp fees and other programs.
