Race Cyclocross!

Photo by: Ken Conley kwc.org/cycling

Barry Wicks is one of the most feared riders on the domestic cyclocross circuit.

The Questionnaire:
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1. How old are you?
25 years old.

2. Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I grew up for the first part of my life in Welches Oregon, Near Mt Hood. I moved to the Valley in 8th grade and went to Highschool and College in Corvallis Oregon. Now I live in Santa Cruz California.

3. How long have you been racing? As an elite?
I Have been racing cross since 1999, as an elite since 2002.

4. What was your first bicycle?
I had an purple fixed gear kids bike, then upgraded to an Orange Banana seat bike before finally getting a Sekai Jammer in 1993.

5. What is your road/mtb racing background?
I started racing MTB when I was 13 on my Jammer. The first race I did as a dual slalom. Then I started racing XC and eventually found my way to cross. I did some road racing, but found it boring and annoying.

6. Describe your first exposure to cyclocross.
Erik Tonkin was telling me about cyclocross at the last MTB race of the year and told me to have a go at it. I built up an old Autsro Damlier Road bike with 27″ wheels and went to the races!

7. Would you consider yourself a cross specialist?
I race a full MTB season along with the full cross season. I seem to have the most success in Cross, but I would call myself an off road specialist.

8. Do you race full time? If not, what other job(s) do you have?
I race full time, But work a few hours a week at a local Winery, mostly for the sweet wine hook ups.

9. Did you go to college? If so, what was your major?
I went to Oregon State and Majored in Exercise and Sports Science

10. Describe the first time you shaved your legs.
I swam in High School, so shaving my legs for the first time was not a cycling related experience. I liked how it felt though so now I do it all the time.

11. Do you have any tattoos, and/or piercings?
Nope.

12. Pre race rituals?
Drink some water, get a smooch from my girlfriend and hit it.

13. Post race meal?
I like eating steaks after a race.

14. How do you wind down after a race?
Usually driving for about 2 hours, packing my bikes and getting on an airplane.

15. Your idea of the perfect cross course?
Estacada Timber park, or Alpenrose.

Photo by: Ken Conley kwc.org/cycling

16. Espresso or tea?
Tea.

17. For you, what is the essence of cyclocross?
Unpretentious, unhindered fun.

18. Tubulars or clinchers?
Tubies.

19. Write a haiku about 2006 CX Nats.
Sun was shining
rode my bike fast in circles
sprained my thumb

20. My mind wanders when I’m racing. What were you thinking about
during your last race?
Does this skin suit make me look fat?

21. Seen any good movies lately?
Home Movie.

22. What are the last three albums you’ve listened to?
Graduation, Kanye West. Elephant, White Stripes. Greatest Hits, Johny Cash.

23. Who is going to win USA Nationals this year?
Me.

24. In three words or less, describe how you feel about top mount cross brake levers.
Crutches.

25. Would you use disc brakes on your cross bike if they were UCI legal?
No.

26. What is the craziest thing you’ve done to lighten your bike?
Installed Lighteners.

27. Any season goals you’d like to share?
I want to win Nationals.

28. What result are you most proud of?
USGP #4 in Boulder last year was pretty good. STXC National championships was also pretty good.

29. Who has most influenced your cross racing career?
Erik Tonkin, Geoff Proctor, Sarah Robinson

30. Is there another rider you train with regularly?
I ride with Brian Vernor fairly often.

31. Why do you think the Europeans are so much faster than the US crossers?
They aren’t/ They try harder.

32. Are you married? Have any children?
Nope. Kids scare me.

33. Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?
Photography, Kite Flying, Reading, Music.

34. What would you be doing if you weren’t racing cross?
No Idea.

35. Do you have a blog or online journal?
An infrequently updated blog at http://www.wicknasty.blogspot.com

36. Any words of advice for those new to cyclocross?
Talk your friends into doing it with you.