By Matt Park
park@newsroom.byu.edu
Two worlds have collided.
Although it's not earth shattering, it is a rare occurrence when the biking factions of road racing and mountain biking are thrown together.
Cycle Cross season is fast approaching, and this hybrid event attracts both road and mountain biking enthusiasts.
Essentially, Cycle Cross has evolved from informal winter training sessions for road racers to a yearly series of races.
The race is 30 percent pavement, 10 percent run-ups (carrying the bike), barriers that the rider must navigate or climb over and the rest is trails.
A typical race is about an hour long, depending on conditions.
However, the race is as reliable as the U.S. mail, continuing in rain, sleet, snow and any other imaginable inclement.
A veteran of the Cycle Cross circuit is Jared Gibson, aka 'Racer', 27, a salesman at Franks Bicycles in Provo.
'Its unlike anything else, it brings both the mountain guys and the road guys together. Its really positive,' he said.
It's also a race that tests a variety of skills.
'There are a lot of guys I can beat at Cycle Cross that I couldn't touch on the road, and vice versa,' Racer said.
Biking of all types has a very stable fan base in Utah Valley, owing partly to the close proximity of canyons and southern Utah red rock formations.
Wes Gonzales, 23, a salesman for Bingham Cyclery in Provo is a red rock enthusiast.
'The Fat Tire festival in Moab is one of the best events of the year,' he said.
While Moab -- the pinnacle of red rock biking -- is only a few hours away by car, many cyclists find races and trails closer to home.
Wyatt Peterson, 25, is an avid mountain biker and Provo native.
'I love biking around here, there are some amazing trails. But the Cycle Cross gives you something different, road and trial,' he said.
Anyone can compete at Cycle Cross competitions, with four categories for any skill level, including two ladies divisions.
While there is some special equipment that is typical to seasoned riders, any bike mountain or road can be entered.
The specialized equipment for Cycle Cross includes a road bike with a beefed up frame, better brakes and knobby tires for traction on the trails.
Many manufacturers have capitalized on the Cycle Cross craze and are now producing models of bikes specifically for the sport.