Cyclo-Cross is a type of cycling where riders race bicycles on courses featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles. Riders are often required to dismount and carry the bicycle around obstructions.

Cyclo-cross is a crazy style of off-road bicycle racing where riders often dismount and carry their bikes around obstacles. This places an emphasis more on a rider's agility and bike-handling, rather than traditional cycling techniques. Due to the nature of the course, riders are allowed a pit crew that can fix and/or replace the lightweight bikes used in racing.

Complete the most amount of laps within the time limit.

Races are usually held from September to February, and consist of many laps over a short course. Races end when a time limit has been reached, rather than when a specific number of laps have been completed. Each lap is two to three kilometers in length, and is usually 90% rideable. Courses will always feature a range of roads, paths, steep climbs and corners. Obstacles that cause riders to bunny hop or dismount can be placed anywhere on the course, but cannot exceed a height of 40 centimeters. Pit crews are usually placed to the right of the starting line, and can provide any type of maintenance on a rider's bike.

Cyclo-cross is said to have originated in the late 19th century with European road racers who were allowed to cut through farms and over fences in order to make it to the next town quicker. By 1902, organized race were held in France. By 1930, championships were being held in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain and Italy. The sport arrived in the United States in the 1970's. It grew popular on the west coast, particularly in Portland, Oregon, where the largest in the country are held.

Bicycle(s)
Helmet

Injuries can occur due to the rough terrain on which cyclo-crossers compete. This being the case, helmets are a complete necessity.

Strong legs and arms are essential in cyclo-cross, as is a superior cardiovascular system. Aerobic exercise is an absolute necessity.

Bunny Hop - jumping an obstacle on a bicycle by approaching it at full-speed, then lifting the front and leveling the pedals

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross