Portland is home to the largest cyclocross races in the WORLD! And Oregon is home to 4 of the 5 fastest cross country mountain bikers and cyclocross racers in the country. Each year the Cross Crusade kickoff race at Alpenrose grows by 100-200 racers, not to mention the spectators they bring along or that follow them out to watch dad, sis, co-worker or old friend beat the heck out of themselves, get covered in mud and cross the finish line…smiling. When your race or racer is finished you can check out the kiddie races, grab a waffle or get ready to do your own race, the Beginner category is challenging, fun and totally open to true beginners. Check it out this year at one of the 8 races that are scheduled.

I look forward to the racing each year as much as I look forward to the impromptu BBQ's, the clang of cowbells and the camaraderie that a really steep, slick run up can bring out in the hundreds of spectators and racers facing it. At 'cross races spectating is as much a sport as the racing itself and is taken very seriously.

This season the BTA will be out talking to racers and spectators alike about how we can make the roads we train on and live on better places to ride and raise our kids. You can catch us at the opening day festivities this Sunday, October 5th at Alpenrose Dairy and at the State Championships Sunday, November 16th in Hillsboro at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

See you there!

You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.