Held under clear, sunny skies on Sauvie Island — a rural paradise just north of Portland — the inaugural Kruger’s Crossing capped another wild and crazy Portland cyclocross season.
For a sport that revels in adverse conditions it’s fitting that the season ended on a course that challenged racers with thick, slippery, deep mud. Many sections of the course rendered pedaling useless and racers were forced to walk, run, or crawl their way to the finish.
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Race organizer Kris Schamp estimated around 50 derailleurs met their demise, their inner workings proved no match for the clumpy, hay-and-straw mud mixture. It was definitely a good day to ride a singlespeed.
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Regardless of their bikes, I don’t think any of the racers will soon forget their time in the Corn Maze. The entrance looked innocent enough, but once inside, it was all slime and stalks and there was no turning back.
The owner of the farm, Don Kruger, was on hand to get a taste of cyclocross. He loved what he saw,
“I think my farm is perfect for an event like this…and this is my kind of crowd. I’d love to see this become a yearly tradition.”
While I spoke with Don, we watched mud-drenched racers chug bottles of beer as excited spectators roared in approval.
The crowds and the bonfire filled in the scene and although I’m a bit sad that the season has ended, it’s great to know we’ve got another classic event to look forward to next year.
Big thanks to Portland Racing and Team Veloshop who put on a fantastic event. Oh, and Team Beer wins the award for most spirit…or should that be for drinking the most spirits…oh nevermind.
Don’t miss the rest of the photos in the Kruger’s Crossing photo gallery.