We are back in PA this weekend to tackle the sixth edition of Carpenter Cross. This is the third race of the PACX series — you’re bound to see some familiar faces and this year’s rivalries are just starting to develop.

WEATHER

This weekend looks warm but thankfully 10 degrees cooler than last weekend. Accuweather has Saturday as sunny to partly cloudy with a high of 74 degrees. The forecast for this week includes some rain showers which should be good for the course given how dry it’s been the last two weeks. That being said, unless there is a downpour on Friday, I’d expect the course itself to run dry but not dusty or hard packed.  

COURSE

Sneaky sneaky — to discourage unwelcome pre-riding before the event, the race promoter has not yet posted the course. Reader be warned, I’ve not raced this course so the preview is based on reviewing YouTube footage and word of mouth.

I’ve heard the race is largely a grass crit with some modest elevation changes. Last year, the course had you start on a gradual uphill where you will come across some concrete curbs that have been dragged out on course (there are a few of these). There is a mix of concrete curbs; some short enough that it is reasonable to hop with a small wheel lift while others were a bit taller and would require bunny hopping or running. It’ll be smart to make the judgment call on whether you are going to hop or run them pre-race as concrete is not forgiving on your bones or bike.

The course then winds you through a few athletic fields with some 180 degree turns. There are also a good number of tree roots to avoid which are marked with orange spray paint. Other than the concrete curbs, the other obstacles on course include a log, standard barriers, and some Belgian stairs. 

So assuming this year is similar to last year, it seems like there will be lots of grass turns and opportunities to mount & dismount (or take advantage of your ability to ride over obstacles). 

VIBES

Given the weather forecast, warm but not hot, sunny but not direct sun, the hangs should be great! The course does seem a little spread out but it looks like good viewing spots are easy to access around some of the more compact sections. In keeping with the Carpenter theme, the race promoters are awarding the podium winners with custom woodworking safety goggles - a nifty touch.