Photo Credit: 303Cycling - Brandon Dwight 2009

What makes a good cyclocross course? The answer to this question is very subjective. Everyone has their own idea of what makes a good course and it is usually highly correlated to the individuals riding style and strengths. Some people like alot of grass (i.e. Interlocken) that you have to power through. Other people like longer sections of pavement or packed dirt. I personally like more running sections. I am not the greatest runner but I suck less than most cyclists.

Here in Colorado alot of the courses are very similar. Riding on real grass is unusual. Most courses are similar to GMSV - Lookout cyclocross course with lots of dirt double track, bumpy in spots and a tiny bit of grass if any.

I dont know all the details of the UCI specifications of a cyclocross course but here are some of the elements :

Elements of a cyclocross course

• Grass
• Sand
• Barriers
• Pavement
• Off Camber Sections
• 180 Degree Turns
• Run-Ups

What type of elements do you like in a cyclocross course? What is your favorite Colorado Cyclocross venue / course?