Getting hooked on cyclocross

Hooked.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

Seeing people get hooked on a new type of cycling is one of the things that keeps cycling industry veterans going. And for some reason, cyclocross is especially good at reeling people in: Maybe it’s the challenging courses; the relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere; the support of family, friends and complete strangers; the mud, or all of the above.

This past weekend at the sixth stop of the Cross Crusade series, I got to see a friend experience ‘cross for the first time. Joe H. had never even ridden a cyclocross bike until last week; but after a friend and riding buddy of his starting racing this year, Joe started to get ‘cross curious. When I realized he was weary of investing in a new bike, I offered up an extra one I just happened to have sitting in my shed. (Tip: Eliminating excuses is the best way to convert friends into racing or riding.)

With a bike to ride, all Joe needed was a bit of practice. So last week I invited him out to Overlook Park in north Portland to go over some basic cyclocross skills and get comfortable on the bike. I had a hunch Joe would be a solid cyclocross racer because he’s a great athlete (played some college football) and he’s raised three boys on bikes. Towing an energetic boy who’s constantly moving around on a trail-a-bike that’s tugging at your seatpost is perfect training for staying upright and riding smooth — both of which are essential skills for cyclocross.

As we talked about the race, Joe downplayed it. “I don’t know,” he’d say sheepishly, “I just want to finish.” He was understandably a bit nervous about embarking on a new sport. But come race-day, he started smiling as soon as he put on his new team kit and he never stopped. And it turns out, he’s great at cyclocross! He finished very strong and I have a hunch he’ll race again soon.

Here are a few more photos of Joe in action, followed by a few other scenes from the Washington County Fairgrounds on Sunday…

Post-race.

Joe’s cleat wasn’t tight enough and it came off inside the pedal!

Joe (center) and his new Grouptrail teammates Justin Yuen (L) and Brandon Jennings.

Family support always feels good.

This guy is getting heckled while he races on a tandem loaded with bag of sand on the rear rack.
Tough crowd!

OBRA official Dave Roth requires this big chair in his contract.

This sport has a bright future.

Team Slow cheerleader Chris “Fool” McCraw.

Women’s field is ready to go!

Haley Guettler, daughter of River City Bicycles owner David Guettler, got a pre-race “Happy Birthday to you” serenade.

This guy couldn’t make it to Bend for the costume
race last weekend, but he still wanted to dress up.

Ryan Weaver shakin’ booty to pump up the women’s field.

“Who you callin’ sock monkey?!”.

The beer garden looked more like a dog park.

Suffer face from Mielle Blomberg.

I think the skirt is some sort of anti-mud measure.

Peter Koonce is training his daughter in the fine art of cowbell use.

And then there’s cowbell professional John Howe.

Madison’s chili fries were a huge hit.

Donuts make great racing fuel apparently.

The Cross Crusade continues this Sunday with a stop at Portland International Raceway. It will be a great event for the whole family and it’s just a few miles north of downtown Portland (just past Kenton off Denver Ave.)

— 2013 cyclocross season coverage on BikePortland is sponsored by Sellwood Cycle Repair (7953 SE 13th Ave). Drop by the shop for their great selection of Kona bikes and trusted cyclocross service.