SOUTH DEERFIELD – After a successful first year, the Tree House CX returns to South Deerfield on Saturday with more riders, more activities and a slightly reworked course.
Tree House Brewing Co. will welcome racers and spectators alike for a day of racing on its 50-acre property off Routes 5 and 10, as it continues its partnership with charity organization Bikes Fight Cancer and racing community B2C2 Cycling, which encourages diversity and representation in the sport.
Registrations are open through Thursday in a variety of age and skill levels. Fees vary from $37 to $50, depending on the race, and portions will go toward Bikes Fight Cancer and B2C2 Cycling’s charitable efforts.
“(The inaugural race) was amazing. We were a first-year event and we got asked to be the New England regional championship this year, so we definitely make a mark,” said Johnny Morin, one of Bikes Fight Cancer’s founders. “The race is able to benefit Bikes Fight Cancer because of the partnership with Tree House; they’re amazing.”
Cyclocross is a hybrid sport bringing together elements of cross-country running and cycling. Racers ride through the course, sometimes jumping obstacles, before coming to an impassable barrier or steep slope, which requires the racer to dismount from their bike and run through the segment while carrying the bike on their shoulders. Races, depending on skill level and course type, typically last 30 to 50 minutes.
A short video detailing last year’s race can be watched here: https://bit.ly/3MhU6sa.
While the event is mostly unchanged, Johnny Morin and his wife, Meghan Morin, said they made a few tweaks to the course this year, which will bring the action closer to the crowd.
“The course is really set up to make a great viewing spectacle right from the Tree House patio,” Johnny Morin said.
The race featured 475 racers last year and they are expecting more this year, with about 50-percent of competitors being new to the race.
They’ve also added a new kids track that children under 9 years old can use throughout the day, while also hosting an organized and free kids race at noon, so any kid who has a bike can bring it and have some fun.
Beyond the racing, folks can enjoy Tree House’s beer and pizza, as well as food and treats from Local Burger, the Thai Chili Food Truck, La Veracruzana and Leo’s Table.
While the Tree House CX is a race where portions of registration fees will go toward charity, Bikes Fight Cancer’s year-round charity efforts have continued. The organization received its 501(c)(3) status this year.
On Oct. 25 Johnny and Meghan Morin presented a $46,000 check to the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, which participated Bikes Fight Cancer’s annual charity ride in June.
Those funds will go to the center’s Cancer Patient Care Fund, which helps provide financial support to individuals with cancer or their families by providing help with costs that aren’t covered by insurance, such as nutritionists, social works and massage therapy, among others, according to Meghan Morin.
The day following Tree House CX, the couple will also be presenting a $36,500 check to the Center for Human Development’s Cancer House of Hope in West Springfield.
Morin said the success of Bikes Fight Cancer has been almost unthinkable, but sponsoring events like Tree House CX can bring people into the cycling community, while also bringing some exposure to the charitable aspect of the sport.
“It’s crazy and it’s unbelievable, but we knew we could do it,” Johnny Morin said. “Half of me is like, ‘Wow I can’t believe it,’ and the other half is like, ‘Well we’ve been talking about it for two years.’”
Racers of all skill levels and backgrounds are encouraged to sign up. To register for Tree House CX or to learn more about the race, visit bikereg.com/treehousecx.
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.