Jingle Cross Rock This Weekend to Benefit UI Children's Hospital

Rosa (my cross bike) and I met at Geoff's Bike and Ski in 2006. I'd been through a lot that year - one bike stolen right after another. I was working late nights slingin' beer at a local saloon, but for once was pulling in some cash to save. I needed transportation so I stopped by the local bike shop. Lucky for me Kevin McConnell (local superstar in the bike world here in IC) was working. He took the time to listen to my wants, needs and future aspirations as a bicyclist. I graciously credit Kevin for helping me make the best decision of my life. I don't know where I'd be without my cross bike. It's shaped me into, not only the cyclist, but also the person I am today. I had no idea at the time, but the Specialized Tricross was about to open me up to multiple new realms of riding. Specially designed for cyclocross, but a do-it-all bike, I have yet to exhaust Rosa’s thirst for adventure.

Together Rosa and I have commuted everyday on unforgiving urban pavement, trained and raced triathlons, toured through freezing rain, and mountain biked Big Sky country and beyond. It wasn't until this fall when Rosa and I competed in our first cyclocross race Bobber Cross. Both of us built for off-road, adrenaline packed, goodness we finally united on the racecourse. This coming Sunday we look forward to doing it again at Jingle Cross.

Kevin McConnell and his lovely wife Brittany will be there too racing for the Iowa City Cycling Club. Kevin and Brittany return to Jingle Cross Rock 2012 to race UCI Men’s and Women’s elite (pro category) for the third and second year, respectively. I’ve always admired the two, and wanted to know more about the upcoming event. I stopped by Geoff’s and sat down with Kevin to talk to him about his love for cyclocross and biking in general.

ICVeLoVe: I understand you ride BMX, mountain, road, and ride cross. Are there any others and what’s your favorite?

McConnell: I commute too if you count that. That pretty much covers all the bases. Mountain biking is my favorite.

ICVeLoVe: Your list of bikes is extensive. If you had to choose one, which one would you say you have the most fun on?

McConnell: I enjoy mountain biking the most, but based on versatility I would choose my Tricross. If we had more trails (urban mountain bike trails I assume?) it would be my mountain bike.

ICVeLoVe: When you started racing elite cyclocross three years ago were you hooked for good?

McConnell: Well, I was hooked before that. I like it because the races short and intense. Coming off the season it’s nice to have one-hour races as opposed to two-hour mountain bike races. I also like cyclocross because the people racing are from all disciplines, so there’s no particular person who’s always performing their best. All the courses are different and you have to blend your strengths of mountain and road. 

ICVeLoVe: Do you have a cycling hero that inspires you?

McConnell: Rick Hobson

ICVeLoVe: What’s your most memorable cyclocross experience?

McConnell: My first UCI race at Jingle Cross three years ago. One of my most memorable cycling experiences is when Brittany and I biked from Bangkok to Shanghai for our honeymoon.

ICVeLoVe: Do you have a goal for this year?

McConnell: Go out and race hard the whole time. It would be nice to place top ten this year. Last year I placed 12th, 22nd, and 17th.

ICVeLoVe: What are you future aspirations for cycling?

McConnell: Keep riding and enjoying it. I started riding for the enjoyment of it not to race. I got into racing through riding and it just so happened I performed well too. If I ever stop having fun with it I would stop racing.

ICVeLoVe: What does it mean for Iowa City to host Jingle Cross?

McConnell: It’s a UCI sanctioned race so the size of the race, and the amount and caliper of racers is huge. Also it’s a charity event for the Children’s Hospital.

I attended Jingle Cross for the first time two years ago as a volunteer. I remember watching my now co-worker Nick Sobocinski drive through the extensive mud and grit, and thinking “man I gotta do that!” Unfortunately last year mono ripped me away from competing last year, but come this Sunday I have no excuse.

Come out and watch, volunteer, or race. Any cross race is good for beginners because it’s just plain fun. Furthermore, it’s one of the best spectator sports as the racecourse is compact and grueling. Fueled up on Thanksgiving, Rosa and I can't wait to get down and dirty just out of town at the Johnson Co. Fairgrounds. We’re racing the beginner category and looking forward to watching some of the best cyclocross racers from around the country.