After ‘Pain’, ‘cross racers will ‘Rampage’ and ‘Battle’

I love the rough-and-tumble outer shell of the otherwise cuddly sport of cyclocross. With it’s usually grueling weather, tough courses, and party-like atmosphere, the sport’s promoters revel in its rowdiness.

The first ‘cross race of the season was named Pain on the Peak and this weekend, racers will head south on Saturday to the Rickreall Rampage and then out to Gresham for the Battle at Barlow on Sunday.

The Rickreall is sponsored by Veloshop and it’s being held on a working farm in the Willamette Valley, just west of Salem. In addition to a perfect warm-up for the opening of the Cross Crusade in Portland next weekend, organizers promise “a bonfire and shenanigans, so be prepared to grin excessively”.

If you’re headed out to Sam Barlow High in Gresham for the “Battle”, you’re in for a classic “Euro-style” course that organizers say will be challenging but “fast with plenty room to pass.”

If you’re new to ‘cross this year (and all signs point to lots of newcomers this season), don’t be worried about this scary exterior. Cyclocross is like a pit bull with a tender heart — it looks tough, but it’s really sweet.

More info on both races can be found at OBRA.org.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Sarah Palin
15 years ago

Actually Jonathan, cyclocross is like a pit bull with lipstick…er, I mean a russian pig with a bowtie, no wait…that’s not what I meant. You know what I mean?

jeff
jeff
15 years ago

Long live ‘cross. Barlow was amazing. Bring on the mud!