Community steps up for inaugural Bridge City CX

Just about the only thing better than the recent announcement of a new cyclocross race at a close-in venue this coming Sunday (11/24) is to see how the community has come together to help make it great.

The response to this new race has been huge.

I’ve been watching Bridge City CX come together in the past week and have been very impressed by the quality and quantity of work being done by the Sellwood Cycle Repair crew. If you haven’t heard the latest, here are some updates on Sunday’s big event:

Kiddie Cross: Organizers will offer an “open” course for your little ones. There won’t be a set race time, but there will be a marked area where kids can roost and shred and create their own pick-up races from 11:00 to 3:00.

Cash money: Race director Erik Tonkin knows how important cash prizes are to up-and-coming racers (he was once one himself) and he’s got a plan to financially reward the day’s top finishers. In the Open (Men) 1/2/3 race, the top 25% of (pre-registered) finishers will get half their race fee ($40) back (minimum $500 purse). It’s even better for the Women 1/2/3 race thanks to a $500 donation from Oregon Women’s Cycling and a pledge by Sellwood Cycle Repair to return 75% of Cat 1/2 race fees.

Prizes and sponsors: Several companies have stepped up to support the race. They include: Tom Dwyer Automotive, Breadwinner Cycles, Clif Bar, Starkwood Chiropractic, Coava Coffee Roasters, MotoGFX, and You Move Me. A dozen companies have stepped up to offer prizes for finishers. They include: Chrome, Quality Bicycle Products, All-City Cycles, Franz Bakery, Castelli, Grand Central Bakery & Cafe, Samurai Lunch Box, Lazer Helmets, Endurance PDX Cycling Studio & PT, Wolf Tooth Components, Gladys Bikes, Stages Cycling and Chrome.

Hand-up Fundraiser: The Mettle Cycling p/b Leave It On The Road team is asking everyone to bring cash for hand-ups for their racers to collect and add to their cancer-fighting fund.

Inclusive to the core: Bridge City CX will embrace women, transgender, and non-binary racers. Organizers have teamed up with OBRA and Gladys Bikes to recognize these racers with: a neutral support area staffed by women/enby mechanics, special giveaways and prizes, a dedicated photographer to capture action shots and post-race portraits, and a hang-out and celebration zone!

Group ride to the race: There’s a group ride to Oaks Park that will leave from Gladys Bikes on NE Alberta. Meet at the shop at 9:00 am and roll out at 9:15 sharp. Everyone is welcome, whether you plan to race or watch. Check the BP Calendar for details and the Facebook link.

Hope to see a big crowd on Sunday!

Get all the race and registration details at BridgeCityCX.com and stay tuned to their Instagram account for the latest updates.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org
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