“Cross our hearts and hope for mud” is the new anthem for Washington Women of Cyclocross, a local group dedicated to the down-and-dirty sport of off-road, sometimes off-bike racing.

To celebrate its new non-profit status, Washington Women of Cyclocross (WWCX ) has a new look, new website (www.WomenCX.com ), and new social media presence—and is fired up for the WWCX Cyclocross Festival and Women Celebration Race next August.

“This festival is the nation’s only women-specific cyclocross event,” said Natalie Koncz, WWCX Committee Leader and elite cyclocross racer. “It’s a fantastic way to get introduced to the sport.”

Cyclocross is a sport of short races on pre-built courses that include obstacles, mud pits, steep “run ups” and other hindrances that force the rider to periodically hop off the bike and carry it (smaller, lighter bikes are used). It has grown in popularity in Washington State as a fall and winter sport.

“The goal of the WWCX Festival is to provide a welcoming environment to inspire, educate, and connect women to the local cyclocross community, cycling community and active women community,” states Kari Studley, event promoter and Master World and National Cyclocross Champion.

WWCX began when Seattle native, Kari Studley, started connecting interested women cyclists from cycling clubs and social groups statewide to expand cyclocross opportunities for women.  Shortly thereafter, the group held its first—in fact, the nation’s first—women’s cyclocross event, drawing 250 women participants and their supporters to Saint Edward State Park in August 2013.

The second annual WWCX Cyclocross Festival and Women Celebration Race is set for Sunday, Aug. 24 at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore. There will be something for everyone!  Additions this year include a family activities and kiddical mass, men’s race, expanded women’s skills clinics for beginners and intermediate experience levels, and yoga in the park.    WWCX will be again be fundraising for multiple women and cycling focused charities as part of the Festival, including Justice and Soul, the Evergreen Washington Student League, and World Bicycle Relief.

“We just want to see more women on bikes,” said Koncz.

For more information, visit www.bikereg.com/womencx.