With the Cyclocross World Championships being held in Louisville next year, this unique form of bike racing is sure to get more attention.

Cyclocross is similar in some respects to mountain bike and cross-country racing.

John Haley is one of the founders of the Red Zone cycling group, which offers road, mountain bike and cyclocross practice and racing to its members.

“We wanted the kids to do everything; we didn’t want them to specialize.  We wanted them to do road(biking), mountain biking and cyclocross.  We did not want to focus on one discipline,” Haley said. “At that age, they don’t know what they like and they burn out.  I will tell you, cyclocross has been our biggest hit because it is the most family friendly.”.

Red Zone Cycling has won the USA Cycling Junior Club of the Year award three years in a row (2008 – 2010).

Haley notes that at a cyclocross race, the riders are in the audiences’ view at most times.  And if they wreck or fall, they typically fall on grass.

The group’s first parent meeting is this Saturday, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Eastpoint Industrial Park, 13001 Forest Center Ct., Louisville.  Practices start after Labor Day.

For the group, there is a one-time family fee of $100 a year.  Haley notes the big expense is having a bike.  And most kids who are racing will want two in case they have a problem with one bike mid-race.  As part of the membership, cyclists get $300 – $500 in uniforms and gear.  Members are encouraged to participate in at least 15 events per year, and there are two to three organized practices a week.  Practices take place at Eva Bandman park — River Road east of Frankfort Avenue.