Cyclocross Festival and Women Celebration Race coming to Saint Edwards State Park

The Washington Women of Cross (WWCX) is hosting it's third annual Cyclocross Festival and Women Celebration Race, at Saint Edwards State Park, with various aspects of the festival running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29.

By Deanna Isaacs • August 24, 2015 4:07 pm
Kari Studley lives in Bothell and works at Corpore Sano Physical Therapy in Kenmore. She is retired from professional cycling
Kari Studley lives in Bothell and works at Corpore Sano Physical Therapy in Kenmore. She is retired from professional cycling

The Washington Women of Cross (WWCX) is hosting it’s third annual Cyclocross Festival and Women Celebration Race, at Saint Edwards State Park, with various aspects of the festival running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 29.

With an anthem of “Cross our hearts and hope for mud!” the WWCX is a local, women’s group dedicated to the down-and-dirty sport of cyclocross, an on- and off-bike race through trails.

“The goal of the WWCX Festival is to provide a welcoming environment to inspire, educate and connect women to the local cyclocross community, cycling community and active women community,” said Kari Studley, WWCXPresident, event promoter, and Master World and National Cyclocross Champion.

Cyclocross started in 1900s Europe, with increasing popularity in the US since the 1990s.

For Studley, the desire to connect women cyclists from area clubs and social groups turned into an opportunity to connect women with cyclocross. The WWCX was the nation’s first women’s cyclocross event and started in August 2013, drawing 250 female participants and audience members to Saint Edwards State Park.

The second year brought more sponsors and volunteers, along with new clinics for those who want to join.

“This is my third year teaching the cyclocross skills clinics. I absolutely love being there to help so many women learn and experience the amazing sport of cyclocross,” said Kristi Berg, state championship winner, nine-time local series champion and owner of Cycle U North in Arlington. “The Festival creates a safe and welcoming environment for women of all ages and backgrounds to come out and try the sport.”

This year’s event theme is ‘Something for everyone’, and is sure to be whirl of fun for all.

There will be women’s skill clinics for cyclists of beginning and intermediate levels, and women-only category races, including one for Moms only. There will also be a men’s race as well.

Families can enjoy some of the kids ride and play zones, with kids races in the mid-day.

Yoga in the park and a beer garden, for those over the age of 21, will also be offered.

This year’s proceeds will benefit the local, non-profit Justice and Soul, whose mission is to teach job skills and help support the young women victims of human trafficking in the US and abroad.

“We just want to see more women and girls on bikes,” Studley said. “If we can also support woman focused, local nonprofits at the same time, it is a total win win.”

Registration closes soon for the races, to sign up please visit www.bikereg.com/womencx.

For more information about the WWCX Cyclocross Festival and Women Celebration Race, please visit www.womencx.wordpress.com and follow them on Facebook.