A community Event
BACX Festival
We like to think of this event as a community festival where a bicycle race happens to be taking place. The cycling community and the greater community in which it exists have combined to support an event for racers, riders, non-cyclists, spectators, and fun loving people of all types. There may be no better way to spend your Saturday than to enjoy the day with like-minded people while watching bike racers pour their heart and soul into performing better than at their last race. And since this is the last race of the Sportif Cup Series, we expect some great racing for those competing and those spectating.
The steeplechase of cycling
What is Cyclocross?
The origins of cyclocross, or cross, are varied but one origin story is that as training in the less than desirable fall and winter in Europe, cyclists would meet and race to the next town guided only by the church steeple visible in the distance. They would take to roads, fields, through water, on and off the bike, and by any means possible, to arrive first at the steeple. Modern day cross takes place on terrain ranging from pavement to sand, grass, and dirt and riders are forced off their bikes with steep hills, barriers, stairs, etc. Races are multi-lap events with relatively short (30-60 minutes) and confined to a small geographic area which make them great to watch and it is easy to follow the race and your favorite rider.
Short lap times make for close racing
Cyclocross is Fun for all ages
Barriers force riders to dismount and run
Fast asphalt sections for riders to attack or recover
technical sections are great spectating areas
Parking Info
Parking can be tight but is split between street parking and lots. Check the map below for the multiple parking locations and parking location pins.
Playground Parking Lot
501 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014
John Carrol School Faculty Parking Lot
703 E Churchville Rd,
Bel Air, MD 21014
Ewing Street Parking Lot
399 Ewing St,
Bel Air, MD 21014
Ewing Street Parking
Ewing St
Bel Air, MD 21014
Giles Street Parking
Giles St
Bel Air, MD 21014
A Festival
Sponsors
& Vendors
We are excited to have a community event sponsored by local businesses and some of the most respected businesses in cycling. Our title sponsor, Independent Brewing Company will be on hand serving up the finest craft brewed beverages in the Independent Brewing Company Expo Area. Trek Bicycles will be providing prizes and sharing information about their new products in the expo area. Bike Doctor of Bel Air has stepped up in a big way to support the race. Pioneer PT will be in the Expo Area helping with all your physical therapy needs whether you are racing or spectating.
Independent Brewing Company
Independent Brewing Company has been a sponsor of JAMSQUAD for so long, they weren’t even open for business when we began our partnership. It’s only natural Phil and gang at IBC to be the title sponsor of BACX. IBC is the center of the cycling community in Harford County so support the folks who support the sport and enjoy a tasty beverage from IBC.
Trek Bicycles
If you’ve been around the cycling community you know the impact Trek has had on cycling. Leading the way in equal prize money for women and men, supporting the National Interscholastic Cycling League, developing safer helmets, televising international cross racing for free, the list goes on and on. We could not be more pleased to have Trek supporting BACX.
Bike Doctor of Bel Air
Whether they are leading local rides, servicing your bike, helping you purchase your next bike, or setting you up with the latest equipment, Bike Doctor of Bel Air has you covered. Stop by and see their friendly and knowledgeable staff for all of your cycling needs.
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee
Serving delicious, customizable beverages made fresh on the truck. Come give them a visit and grab a cup o’ joe — they’ll make you feel right at home.
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy has been shaping, fueling and nurturing children’s natural curiosity since they opened their first Academy almost 40 years ago. They’re driven—through passion for early childhood education, community commitment and Life Essentials® philosophy—to prepare children for school and for life.
Krista Hermann - Realtor
Berkshire Hathaway Pen Fed Realty
Krista is a Harford County native who specializes in helping people find their dream home in the surrounding area. Stop by her booth to discuss all thing real estate.
The Crabby Pretzel
Looking for the ultimate crowd pleaser? Their homemade crab pretzels are the perfect addition. Jumbo soft pretzels are topped with creamy lump crab dip, cheddar cheese, and old bay seasoning.
First place photo
We are grateful to have First Place Photo capturing amazing pictures for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to Mike Anderson, Korey Hopkins, and EJ Hersom for the amazing pictures throughout this website.
Vagabond Sandwich Co.
Vagabond Sandwich Co. is located in Bel Air MD and we are happy to have their food truck at the festival. They offer a range of delicious handheld sandwiches, salads, and sides.
Reign Storm
Perfect for fueling active lifestyles, Reign Storm provides essential energy and is clinically proven to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat when exercising. Clean Energy, Immunity Support & Zero Sugar.
Athlos
Athlos is a premier cycling clothing brand specializing in custom kits as well as featured collections. Design your own kits or work with their designers to make your team the best dressed on the start line.
Heighe Street
Heighe Street has been the official band of BACX Festival since our inception. These guys really add to the festival atmosphere with their take on some classics. What other band can have kids dancing to Danzig?