Cyclocross and West Hill Shop!

2007 West Hill Cyclocross Race, Putney, VT from JG on Vimeo.

The West Hill Shop has been involved in cyclocross for about 20 years, since Captain Dondo and some friends decided that cross was a great way to train. Our weekly cyclocross training sessions have been happening every fall since. Check out the tribute by past east-coast racer Zac Daab that pretty much sums it up.

We've had more than our share of champions. In 2009, Pip Bannister was 2nd in the Masters Division 60-64; in 2008 Pip won the US Championship, Masters Division, 60-64.  In the 2001 Nationals Scott Wade was the 40-44 jersey winner, Jodi Groesbeck the 40-44 women's champ, and Pip Bannister was 2nd in the 50-54 group. Bevan was the top NE rider in the 35-39ers. In the '98 Nationals Scott Wade, Pip Bannister, Bevan Quinn, John Funk, Craig Lipka, and even more did well at Devens, and in the 1996 Nationals John Funk got Silver in Master 35+, Johs. Huseby was first in the Collegiate division of the Espoirs, and Noah Elbers was 17th in Espoirs; Kent Webster was National Master 45+ Silver in '95 and Master 60+ Bronze in 2006. These are just a few of our top local riders. Quite a few others have honed their skills here in Putney, such as Noah Taylor, Kris Auer, Brian Stickel, and even Justin Spinelli.

Cyclocross combines cycling and running, with the emphasis on cycling. Riding on rough terrain, running over rougher terrain, hopping barriers, accelerating constantly, braving all kinds of fall and winter weather. Cyclocross bikes are great for all-around riding, too.

Cyclocross bikes look like road bikes, but have more rugged frames. The frames are designed to accept wider, knobbier tires which help the bikes handle rough ground. A cyclocross bike is actually a great all-around bike. Whether you race or not, a 'cross bike is great for dirt road riding, for exploring places where you aren't comfortable on your road bike. Also, you can ride faster and farther than on a mountain bike. A good 'cross bike is at home almost anywhere! We can help you build the perfect cross bike for riding, racing, or whatever.

We are experts at helping you build a cyclocross bike for whatever you have in mind. We can answer questions about tire choice, gearing selection, or whatever. When it comes time to build a 'cross bike, we can help you choose the right parts and we can even help you decide which of your old parts you can use.

For some reason, Putney and cyclocross just seem to go together. Maybe it's the training and racing course that circles the bike shop. For cyclocross training during the season, you can join us every Wednesday at 5 PM (4 PM after Daylight Savings Time ends) for our weekly cyclocross ride on our race course, right here at the West Hill Shop.

West Hill Shop cyclocross race results here. At least some of them.