The last race weekend is upon us. One last big cyclocross weekend with the team before we close out an epic cross season. It’s time to head up to New England one more time, to the true home of North American Cyclocross, for one of our favorite events of the season: The 31st Annual Verge Northampton International Cyclocross p/b Cycle-Smart.

WEATHER

LOL.

Remember when we all drove into a tropical storm to race Charm? Well, dig out those toe spikes cause we’re doing it again. This time her name is Nicole and the first indication she was heading our way became public while at Really Rad last weekend. Since then, one question has plagued the cyclocross community, passing from racer to racer in hushed tones across Instagram DMs and Slacks: What’s a wet NoHo like?

I have no idea, but I’m sure it will be fine. On Saturday it’ll be a balmy 66 degrees as you slip and slide your way through the course, getting pelted by rain and smacked in the face with 22 - 30 mph wind, so you might even be doing it in short sleeves. Sunday will be dry - at least from up above - and a little cooler but not cold. Perfect long sleeve CX suit conditions, IMO.

THE COURSE

The NoHo Course is split into two distinct sections: the lower grassy part in the field, and the upper wooded section.

The lower grassy section is certainly responsible for NoHo’s not entirely inaccurate, but not entirely deserved, reputation as a grass crit. There’s some turns, a small always very rideable sandpit, and the barriers, but otherwise, you are just mashing the pedals for this entire section. This part is a fitness test, plain and simple, and if you’re having trouble with the rest of the course, or need to make up places, this is your time to do it. To quote the laziest possible cross cheer: “pedal, pedal pedal.”

At least, on a dry year. If the course turns into unrideable peanut butter mud, this might be one of those “random former collegiate cross country runner wins 150 person Cat 4 field.” Congrats and RIP to that person on their unexpected mandatory upgrade.

The upper wooded section has some tight turns, some roots, some off camber, and on both days you get to exit full send out of there down a rapid descent (a different one on both days). People get tripped up by the roots in the woods, and give up ideal lines to avoid them, but the trick is really to just pretend they aren’t there. There’s nothing to fear! They’re just roots!

Except for this year. This year they will be wet, so probably you should fear them a little.

On Day 1, you should be mindful of your position at the start, as there’s only a few turns before you get to the woods. The entrance is a steep kicker into a sharp left around a tree that lots of people tend to bungle, and it’s an unforgiving error. The angle is awkward and sharp, and there’s a lot of sliding around backwards still awkwardly attached to your bike. (Now with rain?!?) If you’re not first or second wheel heading into the woods, get ready to bail, dismount, and run ASAP if someone in front of you trips up.

The next feature, a steep, tiring run up, comes up almost immediately after, but it’s followed by the wooded, twisty section, where staying smooth will help you both make up lost time and recover.

Day 2 boasts two infamous descents: one for both amateur and pros, and one pro line only. The “chute” is part of every race, a quick left hand turn into an off camber descent that spits you out of the woods the same way you entered on day 1. The chute is fun. Just make sure to preride, because it sneaks up on you.

The Pro line only descent is…well. I see they kind of built a berm this year.

GEAR

Gonna be wet. Whether or not Look Park drains well remains a mystery, but there is going to be enough rain that you should be running at least a mix, if not a mud, all weekend. You probably won’t go wrong with a mud.

NoHo has a few short kickers, a run up each day, and descents that will be even more challenging in the rain or while wet, so definitely do not forget your toe spikes. Bring an extra of everything, including, ideally, a whole separate set of pre ride clothes. If you can’t do that, at least remember to bring as many pairs of socks as you can. Nothing beats a dry pair of socks.

THE HANGS

The hangs are good. Tent row is always a good time, and situated right on a part of the course that allows you to get in a good loooong heckle on your friends and enemies. You can see pretty much the entire lower half of the course from anywhere on the field, including the barriers, start/finish, and sand pit. There’s a couple of food trucks at the venue, which is big enough to feel spacious, but compact enough to feel like you can be everywhere you want to be without having to walk too far.

With NoHo and Really Rad swapping weekends, this is the last big weekend before the American cross season really wraps up, and the pros take time off to train for Nationals and head to Europe, so the vibes are sure to be excellent.

Pack a big thermos of hot cocoa, a rain poncho, and get psyched for a fun weekend at one of the best cyclocross weekends on the calendar. Reg closes at 8PM On Thursday, November 10.