Slideshow: Blind Date goes well for local ‘cross racers

A setting sun, and even nightfall,
didn’t deter ‘cross racers from
enjoying a romantic evening
of racing at Alpenrose.
-Slideshow below/Gallery–
(Photos © J. Maus)

The new Blind Date at the Dairy cyclocross race series debuted last night at the Alpenrose Dairy, just a few miles southwest of downtown Portland; and for the 271 racers that showed up, the date went very well.

The Blind Date series is the brainchild of Joseph Field and Tony Kic. The pair have dreamed about an event like this for years and thanks to support from the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) and Alpenrose Dairy staff, they were finally able to pull it off.

Alpenrose is a gem of a local venue (it’s got just about everything you could want in a cyclocross course) and the local ‘cross scene is definitely healthy enough to handle a mid-week race series. Besides a chance to race at Alpenrose and tune-up for the upcoming Cross Crusade, the Blind Date offered racers the rare opportunity to race at night, under the light of the moon (and a few car headlights and generator-powered lamps).

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The Category A racers (the last race of the night) rode parts of the course in near total darkness (car headlights were used in addition to the lamps). It was beautiful and romantic — although I felt like a bit of a third wheel for not being out there myself. Next week I recommend a bit of sexy music and candles.

The Blind Date series continues for three more weeks. Check full details at CrossSeries.com.

More photos in the gallery, or sit back and watch the slideshow below:

Major thanks to Bike Gallery for stepping up to become the official sponsor of BikePortland’s cyclocross coverage this season. We’ll be at many local races and ‘cross events to bring you the inside scoop. Bookmark our 2009 Cyclocross Special Coverage page for all the stories, slideshows, and more.

Also want to recognize Cory from Cobra Dogs for giving me a ride to and from the event. Thanks!