Release Date: Feb 5, 2018

Registration Opens for Crosshairs Garage Races

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 5, 2018
CONTACT: Robert Mandle, rmandle@crystalcity.org, 703-412-9430

     

Registration Opens for Crosshairs Garage Races
Weekly Bicycle Race Series Set in Underground Garage

Crystal City (Arlington, VA) – Registration is now open for the Crosshairs Garage Races, Crystal City’s popular underground bicycle race series. Formerly known as Wednesday Night Spins, the series is hosted by the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with JBG SMITH and In The Crosshairs, a nationally recognized leader in cyclocross and cycling news.

Crosshairs Garage Races challenges amateur and elite cyclists alike to compete weekly for prizes and points in pursuit of the “Petty Cup.” Named in honor of Joseph Petty, the former Crystal City BID employee and Crosshairs racing team member who conceptualized the event, the Petty Cup is awarded to the racer in each category with the most points earned over the course of the first four weeks of the series (March 7th to 28th).

This year, the series closes on Wednesday, April 4th with a festive finale. Beginner, intermediate, and junior racers can still get into the competitive spirit, but the real match-ups occur with the Feds versus Contractors, the Cargo/Tandem/Bikeshare Show down, and the Fixed-Gear Finale. The final week will also include the debut of a new program from Arlington Arts, the Arlington Art Truck, featuring a cycle-powered sound installation by artists Emily Francisco and Alex Braden titled Bipedal Soundscapes. 

Friends, family, fans and those too timid for the saddle can always catch the excitement from the comfort of the sidelines while enjoying a beverage from the event’s pop-up bar.

To register or for additional information about the series, please visit www.crystalcity.org.

EVENT DETAILS

The Course: The subterranean course is laid out within an empty parking garage. The route is designed as a criterium course (not a cyclocross race), fast and dry with many turns and no dismounts. View a course map online.

Beginners’ Race Series (Cat5/Novice/Junior)
March 7, 14, 21, 28 (Finale) ~ 6:30 PM
Details: The race is for the garage race beginners, novices and juniors. It’s the perfect way to get your adrenaline fix or warm up for the Open Race. Points are awarded each week with the series finale during week 4 (March 28).

Women’s Open Series (All Women/Junior)
March 7, 14, 21, 28 (Finale) ~ 7:25 PM
Details: This women’s-only race is open to all experience levels. Points are awarded each week, and the series finale is held during week 4 (March 28).

Open Race Series (All Categories Welcome)
March 7, 14, 21, 28 (Finale) ~ 8:25 PM
Details: If you are an experienced racer, this is where you’ll want to compete. Expect intense speed and competition, but all categories are welcome. Points are awarded each week, and the series finale is held during week 4 (March 28).

Beginner/Intermediate/Junior Open Race (All Categories Welcome)
April 4 ~ 6:30 PM
Details: The Beginner’s and Open Race Series Finales both end during week 4 to make way for the Cargo Bike/Tandem Showdown and the Fixed Gear Finale. The winner may still want to defend his title or the runner-up may be seeking a rematch in this combined Open Race.

Feds v. Contractors Race
April 4 ~ 7:25 PM
Details: Get your teams together for the second annual Feds versus Contractors relay race. Race may change format pending government closure or whim of promoter. More details to come.

Cargo Bike/Tandem/Bikeshare Showdown
April 4 ~ 8:00 PM
Details: Prizes — and most importantly, bragging rights — are on the line. This 20-minute race is for cargo and tandem haulers only but will also include Bikeshare Parade Laps. Be prepared for special cargo carrying requirements in order to make the podium. This one is sure to be entertaining.

Fixed Gear Finale (Fixed-Gear Bikes Only. No SS Freewheel or Gears.)
April 4 ~ 8:25 PM
Details: If you are fixin’ for a real rush then the Fixed Gear Finale might be for you. Added by popular demand, this race is the only race of the series that allows fixed gears. No single-speed freewheels nor gears are allowed.

Where: Parking Garage - G4 Level @ 201 12th Street S., Arlington VA

• .4 miles from Crystal City connection to Mount Vernon Trail
• Blue and Yellow METRO Lines to Crystal City Station
• Free parking after 4:00 PM in Crystal City garages (see map but beware of low clearance)

Admission: Free for spectators to cheer on the racers. Cash bar. Race registrations and fees can be found online.

Social Media: Engage with the event by sharing the Facebook Event and following @CCBID and @GarageRaces on Instagram and twitter using #CCCGR2018.

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About the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID)
The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. For more information, visit crystalcity.org.

About In The Crosshairs
In The Crosshairs, owned and operated by CXHAIRS LLC, is a nationally recognized leader in cyclocross and cycling news. In The Crosshairs organizes cycling races and clinics throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. For more information visit cxhairs.com.