Hydra Cross p/b Open Square is set to bring excitement and camaraderie back to the streets of Holyoke on September 5, 2026. Located at Pulaski Park, this race offers an exhilarating mix of twists, turns, and challenges that promise a memorable experience for all participants. The course will begin with a slight uphill from "Legion Shelf," quickly transitioning into the hilly southern end of the park where Holyoke’s iconic Muscle Beach stands as a landmark. The route then winds through the linear park, offering breathtaking views of both mountains and rivers. Highlights include surprising uphill sections that test endurance and thrilling off-camber sectors, particularly challenging towards the finish. New to cyclocross? Hydra Cross is an excellent introduction with its beginner-friendly clinics starting at 8:00 am on race day. Local bike racers will guide you through essential basics, ensuring a smooth start for first-timers. Novice men can sign up for the early morning category 4 and 5 races; women should join in around midday. USA Cycling sanctions this event, requiring all participants to have or purchase a license on-site at $15. For more information or questions about the race day clinic, contact [email protected] The atmosphere of Hydra Cross is known for its welcoming vibe and strong community spirit. The American Legion will serve up coffee, breakfast items, beer, and other refreshments throughout the day in their family-friendly picnic area. Post-race, enjoy live announcements from Jake Kravitz, who captivated audiences at last year’s event. Looking to extend your adventure? Register for both races at a discounted rate of $30 when signing up early online. The second race starts shortly after the first, making it perfect for those looking to test their limits further. Volunteers are crucial in bringing Hydra Cross to life once again this year. Sign up now and receive special swag, free entry into the post-race party with a beer ticket, or even dinner from Pizza d'Action while helping course tear-down. Your contribution ensures that everyone can enjoy a full belly and great company. Join the Northampton Cycling Club (NCC) for more cycling adventures beyond Hydra Cross. Weekly group rides cater to all abilities, including gravel rides, cross practices, and practice crits. Learn more about becoming a member at https://www.nohobikeclub.org/ Follow @rivervalleycxseries on Instagram for updates and series standings in the River Valley Cyclocross Series. Experience the charm of Holyoke with Hydra Cross p/b Open Square – where friendly promoters, stunning scenery, and community come together to create an unforgettable race day.
Races Offered
'Big kids' race 5-8 year olds (all genders, boys and girls scored separately)
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
Big kids race 5-8 year olds (all genders boys and girls scored separately)
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$10.00
Cat 3 & 4 Men
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Holyoke Youth Racer (FREE)
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
Holyoke Youth Racer (FREE)
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$0.00
Intro to Cross Racing & Course Inspection
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
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$0.00
Junior Boys 13-14
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.5 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$20.00
Junior Boys 15-18
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.5 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$20.00
Junior Girls 13-14
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.5 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$20.00
Junior Girls 15-18
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.5 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$20.00
Junior race 9-12 (boys and girls scored separately)
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.5 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$10.00
Masters Men 40+
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
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$40.00
Men Cat 4 & Novice (cat 5)
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
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$40.00
Men Elite 1/2/3
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.83 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Men Masters 50+
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Men Masters 60+
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
NCC Kids race (3-10 years old) (separate, rad small course)
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
NCC Kids race (3-10 years old) (separate rad small course)
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$0.00
Non-binary (cat 1-5)
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Singlespeed
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Volunteer
Sep 05, 2026
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Distance —
Volunteer
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
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$0.00
Women 4 & Novice (cat 5)
Sep 05, 2026
straighten
Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Women Elite 1/2/3
Sep 05, 2026
straighten
Distance —
0.83 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Women Masters 40+
Sep 05, 2026
straighten
Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Women Masters 50+
Sep 05, 2026
straighten
Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Women Masters 60+
Sep 05, 2026
straighten
Distance —
0.75 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Women's 3/4
Sep 05, 2026
straighten
Distance —
0.83 Hours
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
61 days remaining
sell
$40.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Holyoke.
thermostatTemperature
13.4° / 23.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
12.8° / 23.2°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
8h 55m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.1 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
7.5 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
77.4%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:31
nightlight
Sunset
18:58
About Holyoke
Learn more about the host city, Holyoke.
Holyoke is a city in the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts. It is a former mill city, which made a large chunk of the worlds paper. It has interesting architecture and is close to many attractions. It contains the Volleyball Hall of Fame and some of the largest former paper mills. If you visit, there are a number of things here and close by to entertain you.
