Photo Gallery: Dogs and humans get wet and muddy at ‘Kruger’s Crossing’

Having the time of her life.
(Photos by J. Maus/BikePortland)

Special thanks to Sellwood Cycle Repair for sponsoring our 2014 cyclocross coverage.

There aren’t many outdoor activities that embrace wet, cold, and muddy weather quite like cyclocross does. That truism was on fine display out on Sauvie Island yesterday at the annual Kruger’s Crossing event. The conditions went from standard mud early in the day, to epic flooding for the later races. There was even a bout of thunder and lightning.

But, for some strange reason, as the weather got “worse,” everyone seemed to have more fun.

The event has become a local favorite for its charming farm setting. Promoter Kris Schamp of Portland Racing takes full advantage of Don Kruger’s land: The course runs through a greenhouse, winds by a huge pig named “Mathilda” and a raging bonfire, includes a hay-bale barrier, and even goes through Kruger’s Farm Market.

Adding to the ambience of this event is its end-of-season location on the calendar. After several of months of racing, this race is like a bookend to the season. With no series points on the line and smaller, less hectic field sizes than some of the larger races, Kruger’s Crossing has a relaxed vibe that feels sort of like a cyclocross school graduation celebration with a few hundred friends.

Oh, and did I mention there was a race for dogs? Yes, even the dogs got to join in the fun at the annual running of the Doggie Dash.

More photos of the all craziness below…

The Racing

Hard to take your race too seriously when your mouth is filled with a doughnut.

Racers navigated by a beat-up old truck and through a greenhouse.

Many racers hit the puddles on purpose in hopes of cleaning mud off their bikes.

This unlucky fella snapped his derailleur hanger.

The squashed pumpkins obstacle.

The People

Truly a family-friendly event. This crew was headed out for a romp in the corn fields.

This kid has shown up with a mustache to many races this year. He now has a fan club.

Lots of wet, tired and happy people around the bonfire.

Hau Hagedorn doesn’t let a bit of rain stop her from cheering on teammates.

The Scene

Country, team, gods (Sven Nys).

Splash!

In conditions like this, cheers really make a difference.

Laughing with, not at

As the rain continued to fall, several team tents flooded.

I think we found the limits of this tent’s lettering.

The Dogs

I would not want to line up against this guy.

The Kids

You can do it!

For many people, the Kruger race marked the end of the local ‘cross season. But if you just can’t get enough and want to keep the fun going for one more weekend, check out Winter Cross this Sunday (11/30) up in Washougal.

— Thanks for reading our 2014 cyclocross coverage. Read more in the archives.