Cyclocross is getting a happy cameo this spring with the first-ever Dune Cross race presented by Velo City Cycles.

While the CX season is still an entire summer away, the ‘cross  diehards in the area will be their glory this Saturday with the first edition of DuneCross. Taking place at Shore Acres Park just a few hundred feet from the shores of Lake Michigan, DuneCross promises to be a rocking time for those who just can’t wait until fall.

As the rather prevalent dune in the title should be a rather strong indicator that the sand pits will be naturally-occurring leg-killers for racers to trek through, but the area also has some wonderful grass and gravel sections. The wind off the lake, too, will play a chilly influence on riders, undoubtedly.

A, B and C races are in order, with separate Women’s divisions. Plus, for those that just can’t put the Moonlander away, there will also be a Fat Bike class (somewhere, Danielle Musto’s ears are ringing at the mention of Fat Bike). The most entertaining race of the day will be the full C race for kids under 14 years of age. For just $10, your little Jeremy Powers can get in on the action against other Young Guns without the Old Farts getting in the way.

Other races are $20 per entry, and just $10 to ride in additional races. A portion of the proceeds from the race are heading to JDRF, the nation’s largest non-governmental research fund for Type 1 diabetes research. There will also be a 50/50, plus other raffles and prizes that will make the suffering of CX well-worth the effort.

Registration will be day-of,with many of state’s top riders expected to take part as a very hard warm-up the day before the Fisk Knob Time Trial on Sunday. Nothing opens the legs and lungs like a cyclocross race, and so DuneCross is sure to be a popular choice this weekend.