Dubbed ‘Calamity Cross’, the group is led by former Irish national cyclocross champion Beth McCluskey, whose mission was simple; turn clueless beginners into confident racers, without anyone breaking a collarbone!
The Dare That Started It All
The whole thing began, perhaps fittingly, in a pub. Kate Jackson and Jennie Gibson floated the idea: “What if we made cyclocross less terrifying for women?” With nothing but enthusiasm and vague plans to “just practice the scary bits,” they enlisted Beth, booked a weekly time slot, and set out to recruit more riders.
And recruit they did. From marathon runners to road cyclists, hockey players, and a few brave souls with no real cycling experience at all, Calamity Cross became a motley crew of women aged 40 to 53, united by one goal – to survive cyclocross
Crash Course in Chaos
Beth designed a six-week program focusing on the basics—cornering, dismounts, and the infamous remount (aka launching yourself back onto your bike without looking ridiculous). Skills were practiced first on flat ground, then on slopes, and eventually with barriers thrown in for good measure.
The training sessions quickly became a mix of determination and comedy. Scooting alongside bikes turned into remount fails, barriers became impromptu hurdles, and the occasional face-plant only added to the camaraderie. But somewhere between the spills and the laughter, progress was made.
By the end of the program, the women had not only improved their skills but had also started mini-races at the end of each session. Turns out, nothing motivates people like some friendly trash talk and a good sprint finish.
From Calamity to Competitors
The real test came at the Scottish Cyclocross Championships at Irvine, where the group entered the relay race. The seaside course, complete with brutal sand dunes and big dippers, was as unforgiving as cyclocross gets. But armed with their new skills and a team spirit as sturdy as their seatposts, the Calamity Cross crew powered through.
Yes, it was brutal. Yes, it was awful, at times. But the buzz of the race, the camaraderie, and the sheer absurdity of it all left them hooked. By the next morning, they were already planning next seasons training, after returning to the pub for a well-earned team debriefing.
What’s Next for Calamity Cross?
With their first race under their belts, the new Cyclocross Cadets have no plans to stop. They’re setting their sights on more CX events in 2025, with an ambitious goal to dominate (or at least survive) Tweed Cross 2025. From pub dare to podium dreams, Calamity Cross proves that sometimes the best way to tackle a challenge is to laugh your way through it. Whether they’re dismounting gracefully or tumbling over barriers, these women are making their mark—one chaotic ride at a time.
Cyclocross is one of the most accessible and welcoming forms of cycling, and whilst it may sound daunting, it really is beginner friendly. Riding around fields and woodland on a looped circuit, and with the chance to practice on the course beforehand, cyclocross events are a safe, fun way to enjoy riding a bike. Family friendly, with races for under 8s all the way up to over 60s, cyclocross events are known for their cameraderie. Yes, you might fall off the first time you try it, but a soft landing on the grass (or mud) will mean you’re back up on your bike in a flash, and sharing stories with your fellow racers at the finish line.
Fancy giving it a go? Check out the list of cyclocross races in Scotland here.
Want to join a group or club to build your skills and confidence before diving in head first? Then check out the Scottish Cycling club finder tool here.
Live in the Borders and want to get involved with the Calamity Cross crew? Then email [email protected]
Words: Caroline Martínez