gorgeous backdrop to the action.
(Photos © Jonathan Maus)
Slideshow below
The River City Bicycles Cross Crusade marched on yesterday with a stop at Horning’s Hideout, a private ranch nestled in the hills above North Plains. Following up record-breaking participation last week, race officials reported another impressive turnout of 906 racers.
These valiant Crusaders faced a challenging (to put it nicely) course full of unforgiving bumps, jarring descents, gravel patches, and slippery, off-camber turns.
The course left many racers exhausted and depleted. Fortunately, it seemed like the spectators (many of them racers too) sensed the strain and cheered extra loud and energetic. Cowbells clanged and supporters screamed; audibly willing the racers to keep moving forward no matter the pain.
One of them was River City Bicycles owner Dave Guettler. After battling the course in his own race, I noticed him running around cheering on his young daughter Haley. “Last week she rode three laps,” he said, “this time, if she just finishes one, that’d be great.”
For Portland software developer Brian Ellin, the course demanded special equipment: a beat-up, antique, Schwinn cruiser.
Yes, as bumps and gravel thrashed multi-thousand dollar ‘cross rigs (I saw a crankarm shear off right in front of me), there was Brian Ellin, decked out in cutoff blue jeans and a flannel shirt, smiling as he somehow managed to complete five laps on his fender-flapping, balloon-tired beast.
On the other end of the spectrum was pro rider Adam Craig. Craig demolished the Mens A field and floated through the course. He toyed with the climbs, bunny-hopped over the barriers, and turned in a scorching lap time of 5:22 seconds. Wow. (Check out video of Mr. Craig hopping the barriers on CrankMyChain!)
And for all you cyclocross fashion watchers (I know you’re out there) take note: The hot new trend for ladies is knee-high socks. I noticed several women sporting these sexy leggings:
Next week, the action moves north to Rainer, Oregon.
For a excellent video montage from Horning’s check out Rev Phil’s “Breath of Fresh Pain” over at CrankMyChain!
Stay tuned for more cyclocross coverage and sit back and enjoy my slideshow from Horning’s Hideout:
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
Watch RevPhil\’s music-video of the race here:
http://www.crankmychain.com/2007/10/breath-of-fresh-pain.html
And you topped your field! Congrats.
Why so modest, mister winner man? I was so busy listening to the blood in my ears I didn\’t even see you lap me. 🙂
And who won the C Race, hmmmm?
See you in the Bs next weekend, Jonathan!
Nicely ridden, sir!
Mr. Modest Maus
I mean sandbagger!!
😉
I was the one with the crank arm and the shearing! Thanks to the River City tent was able to get it re-attached, but I still missed my race.
Thank you River City!
Hopefully it stays on next time.
Whose insanely sexy legs are those in the skull socks??
Bike porn indeed.
i think i know those socks, they have been known to share delicious beverages
thanks to Show Me The Pink for use of their song \”Me Plus My Friends\” in the video.
yes, phil, it is i that you speak of. and i will have many delicious beverages on hand at Astoria. look for the barbie with the pink beer belt.
I gotta tell ya, this working every Sunday bites…I am sooo jealous of all of you, it looks like great fun for all. Any chance of a weekday evening series since demand is so high?
Check out the footage of Adam Craig on this personal blog:
http://snowcurmudgeon.blogspot.com/
It was a great sunny day for a bike ride out to the county and the Cycle Cross race from Vancouver.
For those riding out to future Cross Crusade races at Horning’s Hideout I suggest:
– stopping off at North Plains for a beer and burger (Rogue Pub near Main), it is a cute little town for a break
– try riding up the back way a long the Old Pumpkin Ridge Road (gravel up hill), you will have the road to yourself and avoid the traffic jam going up to the event
– ride the MAX home (from Hillsboro)
ALT Route:
1) Go north and turn left (west) on W Main St, Hillsboro
2) Then right (going north) on 1st Ave – this turns into Glencoe Road
3) Bear Right on NW Glencoe Rd 5.0 mi
3) Left of NW Cottage (5 blocks west) – in North Plains town
4) Right on Main Street (go North)
5) Left of NW North Street (west)
6) a few blocks Right on NW Mountain (North at T intersection) – road will turn to west soon
7) Then right onto Old Pumpkin Road (north)
8) T intersection – go left on gravel – stay on Old Pumpkin Ridge Road (NOT Old Pumpkin DRIVE)
9) Road then connects back to NW Pumpkin Ridge Road
10) Arrive in 21277 NW Brunswick Canyon Rd, North Plains, OR 97133; and ride down into the valley
Reverend Phil,
You also know me, actually.
Good job Jonathan! Good race and nice pictures as always.
I suffered the hills but had a lot of fun, see you next time.
Ciao
Paolo
Hey… that\’s my butt in blue on pic 4. heheheheh. 😉
Favorite part of Horning\’s (and they did this last year too): when I was parking, the attendant would wish you a good day… then kind of chuckle in a sort of pleasant, cheery kiss-your-butt-goodbye way. I love that.