Bend, OR
29, 30 Octobo11
Cross Crusades Series
This might very well be considered the halfway point in the cyclocross season here in the United States. There are many who relish the hectic scene that exists when a large race series such as The Cross Crusade takes place. If you know what to expect, and how to navigate through the course tape and all the various layers of players, strollers, locals, and thieves, then you are able to squeeze every ounce of fun out of the entire day, or weekend as it might be. Bicycle racing is pretty awesome here in Oregon. So if you missed the circus back when you were 9 years old, thankfully there is cyclocross on an international level to take part in and behold in all its raw shotgun merry-go-roundedness.
This is my very first season racing in the Pacific Northwest. Is it better? Are the courses the same? How are things different? These and many more inquiries are best left to the professionals. I am not very good at interviews and usually become shy when asked my opinion about things that fall under the extreme recreation category. I have been totally fulfilled with the level of enthusiasm and bravado by the many riders and events thus far, and with another month and a half to go there will be even more fun to be shared on the sacred grounds worn down by fast knobby tires. I am in the Now, taking part in the cyclocross races as if they were my first ones ever, and not judging or comparing any previous race, course, competitor, or weather condition. We are united in these games.
Speaking of which, just got back from my first trip to Bend, OR. Recently hosting Cyclocross Nationals, and the Cross Crusades Series this past weekend.
Departing Portland OR with a couple of Poler Stuff gentlemen, we nailed a perfect edge on the entrance ramp which tore a hole in the tread of the Toyota Previa. This resulted a delay on the side of the road one and a half hours outside Bend. Though I missed my 1pm race, I was able to start in the Singlespeed category with a good crowd of folks. The dust was terrific, and became the initial threat second to the rock piranha lurking loosely in the liquid dust under our tires. With Temperatures in the upper 50s and the sunny times frequently peaking out through robust clouds, most seemed pleased with the overall fanfare and windstorm tears.
In the way of a finely organized event, the Cross Crusades have been top notch. They are absolutely dialed and nurtured with love. By this I mean no one seems to be there under duress or begrudgingly running through the motions of race assistance. Every race category is a showcase of hoots and hollering and loud joyful cheering. To the delight of many boys and girls, Bend displayed a racecourse that started on a classic straight away out of orange gates down an asphalt drive. A sharp turn led us into a magical 3d world construction zone of No-Viz dirt clouds and firmly rutted turns of gravel, shifting earth, and grass.There were mounds of piled bricks and many fantastic dismounting sections; a Double Log barrier set in a hairpin turn. And there was the Flyover. No, I am not referring to the 5 Blackhawk helicopters that flew in trailing formation as we waited for the AAA truck. I mean the wooden ramp structure that racers launched up and over from one fast grass section to another, and onward towards stairs and gravel power climbs.
Ok, I will name a few differences in the race feel from the east coast perspective. In New England, there is course tape EVERYWHERE. In the Mid-Atlantic they use starting pistols to launch the racers. And as far as I can tell, there is only one designated singlespeed race: Staten Island CX, NYC.
This, should change.
