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KMC Cyclocross Festival at the Thompson Speedway in northeastern CT.

The big news in New England cyclocross this year is the venue change of the KMC UCI cross race from Roger Williams Park in Providence to the Thompson CT Speedway.

This is one of the biggest events in the NE race scene with a Builders Ball on Friday, CX racing from Friday through Sunday, and Sunday a Grand Fondo event with four distances to choose from. Camping areas are available that include bathrooms and hot showers. There will also be an expo area for vendors on Saturday and Sunday and of course a beer tent sent up adjacent to the knarliest section of the course.

The Horst Engineering CX Team powered by Benidorm Bikes will be there for the weekend with most of us camping in the club area. One of the organizers (Mark Gunsalus) is looking for some volunteer help throughout the weekend. Come on over and check it out, ride, race, help out, or all of the above. Here are the details:

KMC Cyclo-Cross is having a national cyclo-cross race at Thompson Speedway thisOct. 1 and Oct. 2nd. We are looking for volunteers to help with some of the logistics. Below are descriptions of the jobs and time frames needed. Lunch will be provided for the volunteers. They will need to dress according to the weather since most of the event is outdoors. They will also be invited to a dinner Sunday night as a thank you. They will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes. If you have anyone who would be interested in volunteer hours please let me know. Thanks so much.

Parking: You will be some of the first staff that participants see as they come to the event. Even though it will be ridiculously early in the morning, hopefully you’ll be able to paste a nice happy smile on your face while greeting and directing them in the right direction! Need people for both Sat. and Sun. 6am-12pm

Course Marshalls: Quite possibly one of the most important positions you might fill, marshalling is CRITICAL for the safety of riders AND spectators, and to ensure that the races come of without a hitch. Marshalls manage the flow of foot traffic through crossing points spread throughout the course. Need people for both Sat. and Sun. 7:30am-1:30pm and 1:30-8:00 shifts. They will have breaks but must wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you are on your feet for long periods.

Media Assistance: Looking for students who have an interest in media coverage operating cameras, video cameras and/or drone camera. These volunteers will be directed by our media specialist to insure we get the amazing story of the weekend out to the world! We need 3 people Saturday and 3 people on Sunday from 12pm-7pm.

Awards Presentations: It is important that we have people who can help present awards to our winners on the podiums. These volunteers need to dress well, girls in dresses and boys in a nice dress shirt, tie, and nice slacks. Just like at the Tour de France they will shake hands, kiss cheeks, and present winners with medals. They must be camera ready and have a great smile. We need a boy and a girl each shift; Saturday and Sunday. There will be 3 shifts will be 8am-12:30pm, 11:45am-4:00pm and 3:00pm-8pm. (They can sign up for more than one shift)

Thanks so much for your help. If you have any further questions give me a shout.

Mark 508-272-1323

https://www.bikereg.com/kmc-cross-fest

In reply to pcunningham

Just a bit more info on the Gran Fondo that is being held on Sunday 10/2, as part of this event. Your entry fee will also help support youth cycling programs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Gran Fondo New England

Major Taylor Century presented by Seven Hills Wheelmen Distance: 104 miles / 167 kilometers Elevation Gain: 6,700 feet / 2,040 meters Terrain: Mix of pavement and gravel 15 miles (24 km) of gravel comprised of 19 sectors 89 miles (143 km) of pavement

Metric Medio Fondo Distance: 65 miles / 104 kilometers Elevation Gain: 4,300 feet / 1,300 meters Terrain: Completely paved

People’s Piccolo Fondo Distance: 39 miles / 63 kilometers Elevation Gain: 2,350 feet / 720 meters Terrain: Mix of pavement and gravel 6 miles (10 km) of gravel comprised of 7 sectors 33 miles (53 km) of pavement

Pristine Piccolo Fondo Distance: 35 miles / 56 kilometers Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet / 575 meters Terrain: Completely paved****