According to Sly Fox Beer’s website, cycling and beer is a tradition in Belgium.
They’re putting their own spin on it at the Sly Fox Pottstown Brewery & Tastin’ Room with the fourth annual Sly Fox Cycloross 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11.
In a press release, brewmaster Brian O’Reilly said: “We love hosting this riotous extreme sport, both for the riders themselves, and for the many spectators who join us to watch the race and enjoy food specials and beer.”
Is there a cost for spectators?
Admission for spectators is free and beer and food is pay-as-you-go (outside food or beer is not allowed). You can pre-order food and beer tickets at www.bikereg.com/sfcx.
Encouraging you to make a day out of it, there will be grilling outside, reggae music, beer served all around the course, plus beer and food in the Tastin’ Room.
A tongue-in-cheek army of Cyclocross heckler, armed with clanging bells and air horns, tries to outdo each other by playfully distracting the competing cyclists.
To make SFCX a full family-friendly event, there is even a special race for kids, complete with obstacles and taped off corners.
What is the course?The off-road course consists of grass, pavement, dirt, natural and man-made barriers. It starts on the Circle of Progress, goes around an outdoor beer garden, dips into a wooded section and includes a challenging stair set. They try to make it different somehow each year.
Spectators can heckle racers at the top of the run up out of the Fox Hole, then run across the beer garden to catch them going across the Sly Fox barriers.
So is Sly Fox in the Pottstown Airport Business Center?
Yes, at 331 Circle of Progress Drive. Look for the signs for parking. Note that brewery tours will not be available that day.
Are tents, lawn chairs, etc. permitted?
The cyclocross is best viewed by walking around from spot to spot. Team tents can be set up in a designated area on a first-come, first-served basis, as space permits.
What’s important for racers to know?
The SFCX press release says it’s ” tough, technical and fun – appropriate for athletes of all levels.” Deadline to register is 5 p.m. Nov. 9 at www.bikereg.com/sfcx. Depending what category you’re in, registration is anywhere from free to $30. You can register for more than one race. That registration site also has the time each race starts. The course will open at 8:15 a.m. for pre-riding/inspection on the morning of race only. Warm-ups may begin approximately 10 minutes prior to each race. Anyone with a cyclocross bike and a USA Cycling license can participate in the race. USAC annual and one-day licenses will be available for sale. One-day licenses may only be used in the Category 5 men’s event and the Category 5 women’s events. One-day licenses may not be used for Master men events. Mountain bikes are allowed to race, but bar ends must be removed.
Also, it’s part of the PA Cycling Association Series, featuring races at other Pennsylvania breweries, including Swashbuckler Brewing Co., Stoudt’s Brewing, Victory Brewing and Troegs Independent Brewing.
Are pets allowed?Pets are welcome, but must be leashed, and you need to come prepared to pick up after them.
Is there more information online?
Go to www.slyfoxbeer.com/sly-fox-cyclocross. Email shafevip@hotmail.com with all race-related questions.
Are there refunds if it rains?No, it’s a rain or shine event.
