Supercross Cup returns to Stony Point

Supercross Cup returns to the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area in Harriman State Park Nov. 21 and 22, and this ain't your grandma's bicycle race.

It's a cyclocross race, a combination of traditional pavement racing and intense offroad racing, which will force racers to ride, run, jump and climb around or over barriers and obstacles — some natural, some manmade — like rocks, roots and stairs.

"It's sort of ridiculous," says Marc Bertucco, Supercross Cup's communications director. "This idea that, we're bike riders, right? So why do we have the bike slung over our shoulder? Why are we running up this rocky, rooty, slippery hill? But that, to me, that's the absurd beauty of cyclocross."

Dozens of races will be held over the weekend on a 2-mile circuit with a wide variety of categories allowing for different ages, race durations and skill levels. Registration is open.

Registration and volunteer info below

Bertucco has been racing bikes for more than 25 years and has been involved in cyclocross for about the past seven. He calls it "one of the fastest growing disciplines in bicycle racing right now" and says he's expecting the biggest turnout yet at this year's Supercross Cup, which is presented by Kissena Cycling Club and Hampton Velo Club and being held in Stony Point for the third consecutive year.

Supercross Cup is sanctioned by Union Cycliste Internationale, the international cycling governing party. More than 500 racers participated in last year's event, but a conflicting major cyclocross race in New England drew away many of the sport's die-hards. With no conflicts anticipated this year, Bertucco says he won't be surprised if as many as 1,000 racers attend.

The sport also attracts droves of spectators and Bertucco says that Anthony Wayne's many elevated viewing areas allow visitors to take in all of the action playing out on the course. He added that, with spectators close to the course, they can really appreciate what the racers are experiencing.

"It allows fans to get jarringly close to professionals and amateurs as they hurl themselves at an insanely challenging series of obstacles while riding and often running with their bicycles slung over shoulders," he says. "You can see the mud, the tears, the stress on the riders' faces as they're giving it their all and going up that steep, muddy climb. "

If you want to be involved but worry you don't have the pedal power, the organizers are also looking for volunteers. You can help to set up the course Nov. 19 and 20 and act as crossing guards to ensure spectators get by safely on the parts of the course that allow you to cross for a better view. Volunteers are also needed to aid with cleanup post-race. If you're a racer who also volunteers, the entry fee for your race will be waived.

Whether you go to race, watch or volunteer, Bertucco promises a good time for anyone attending, saying, "I can't really emphasize enough how much fun it is."

Races start at 8:15 a.m. Nov. 21 and 7:45 a.m. Nov. 22, with cash and prizes going to race winners. Food trucks will also be on site.

The registration fees for most races are $35 or $40 and you can sign up at bikereg.com/supercross. Registration ends at 5 p.m. Nov. 19. There is no charge for spectators.

To volunteer, visit supercrosscup.com.

Anthony Wayne Recreation Center is located at Exit 17 off the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

Gear up for the big days

On Nov. 20, the day before race weekend, three-time Olympic cyclist Todd Wells will be at Toga Bike Shop in Nyack. At 6 p.m., the prominent cyclocross racer — who will also be racing in Supercross Cup — will host a 30-minute discussion and meet and greet. Afterwards, a new documentary on cyclocross racing, “For the Love of Mud,” will be screened.

The event is free and open to the public. Toga Bike Shop is located at 530 N Highland Ave., Nyack. 

Twitter: @kev_incredulous