December 19, 2008
Oh Flo!
This fall we ran a series of interviews with people who were racing cyclocross. One of the people we profiled was Flo Leibowitz, a 57-year-old singlespeed racer who is blind in one eye. Fellow rider Melissa Boyd considers Flo a mentor and suggested we interview her. Flo's cool and all, but the real shocker in our interview was the discovery that she doesn't like mud. That's right, Flo loves cross but doesn't like to get muddy.
So imagine our delight when this photo arrive in our mailbox! This is Flo (R) chillin with Melissa after a race. Like the focused racer she is, Flo had no idea she was so muddy until the race was over, "I'm glad I didn't realize it was happening till it happened!"
Bring profiled here on the blog and on the ORbike newsletter has been a great experience for Flo, "All kinds of folks on the OSU campus [where she teaches] have said they saw the column....that I had no clue were bike fans. It has been a great icebreaker!"
Congrats on a great racing season, Flo! Here's to many more muddy races to come your way!
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 2:38 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 6, 2008
Racer Profile: Flo Leibowitz
Flo Leibowitz got into cyclocross like a lot of other cyclists just testing out the sport: on her commuter bike. But unlike most other riders, once she was hooked, which happened pretty much right away, she didn't swap her Bianchi San Jose out for a more cross-styled bike. "That bike is a singlespeed, and that's the real serendipity in it. It is the only bike I own that can take cross tires. But I realized that I really liked not having to worry about shifting and now I won't race cross any other way. I love it when people yell 'Go single-speed!'"
She's riding a single speed commuter bike, she's 57 and she is blind in one eye. Flo explains it away simply, "I love the 'run what ya brung' mentality."
Melissa Boyd, who suggested we profile Flo for this series, considers Flo a mentor, even though it was Melissa who got Flo into Cyclocross. "Flo has enough enthusiasm and courage to take on the entire women's field riding her singlespeed 'townie' bike!" Melissa says.
Flo is an experienced road racer, and has won state masters championships in road and criterium. Flo says she loves crits and thinks of cyclocross as a crit on dirt. She's no stranger to challenges and likes to tear it up on the tough sections of the course, "Runups - love 'em. Props to the Psychocross runup this season, which was steep, full of sand and right after a bunch of barriers. Also hard surfaces....love the grass, packed gravel and dirt."
Being blind in one eye definitely presents some challenges, but nothing that keeps Flo down. "Steep descents weird me out and sometimes I just walk 'em. And it took me a while to get used to riding in a pack the first year I raced on any kind of bike. But now it doesn't seem to matter much anymore. I guess you learn to compensate with other cues."
Flo, who by day loves her job as a philosophy professor at OSU, sounds pretty tough. And she is, for sure, but she also has a dirty little secret that she was brave enough to divulge to ORbike readers, "I don't actually like mud all that much. Maybe they ought to have a 'Princess' cross race for those of us who don't really like getting, um, dirty. Oh, right, they do - they call its road racing."
[ read the rest of the series here ]
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October 23, 2008
Racer Profile: Candy Walker
Candy Walker took up cycling in 2002 to train and ride in the California AIDS Ride in memory her mother Ann who died of AIDS in 1991. "It was a life changing experience for me in many ways," she says. "It was my introduction to road riding, it widened my circle of friends, and I met a great guy who also shared my love for cycling." In 2003 she was also introduced to mt. biking, so starting cyclocross has been a natural fit for her. "For me it is the perfect balance of both sports."
Candy has always been athletic, but some sports were really hard on her body. As she started cycling more, she quickly realized it was something that felt great and she knew she'd be able to do it for many years. "I could stay fit, and go places on my bike that I had never been to."
Candy, who lives in Eugene, early on discovered that joining a team was an important component to racing "I learn a ton on every ride." So she started racing stage races, road races and mt. bike races pretty much right of the bat. She won in her category for the Test of Endurance, a 50-mile mt. bike race. "Oh yes," she adds, "I forgot to mention this all began when I turned 40."
But all of that training hasn't been easy. Candy has two children (ages 7 and 12) and works full time as a hairstylist. But making the time, she says, has really paid off. "It has made me a better person, a happier person. And I think everyone around me could see that, and supported me."
Last year Candy joined the all women's cycling team the Poplollies, which was a refreshing switch from her previous mostly-male team. "I felt it would be best to join other women who shared my interest for riding and support each other on and off the bike. We have a coach that helps us train." She said it's still hard to find time to train, still worth it, and she just does what she can. In the winter Cady cross trains with weight lifting, swimming and walking. She rides her mt. bike to prepare for the technical aspects of cyclocross and road rides to build up her endurance. She has also been taking mounting and dismounting classes.
Maybe it's the natural athlete in her, or maybe the team support and her personal dedication, but once again Candy's hard work yields great rewards. She recently raced two cyclocross races (Women 35+ category) and won first place both weeks, "It's a pretty great feeling to put the work in and have it pay off with doing well. Regardless, I sure had a blast on the course, hearing the spectators' cheers, and pushing myself to the limit, seeing how hard I could go...was so satisfying."
If you're thinking about trying cyclocross, Candy says go for it. "I would encourage any one who is even considering trying cyclocross to just do it. I think it a great sport filled with something for everyone. A lot of action and so much fun."
Comments (4) | Posted by orbike at 11:23 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 20, 2008
Never will a daredevil succeed in being champion of cyclocross!
"Participate in cyclocross; encourage your friends to participate; popularize it around you... Never will a daredevil succeed in being champion of cyclocross!" From Advice for Friends of Cyclocross by Eugène Christophe, 1921.
This photo illustrates "the manner of crossing a thicket" in cyclocross. But it wasn't taken at a Cross Crusade race. That's 1921 authentic. It is part of a site that features an article quoted in its entirety from a 1921 issue of Le Miroir Des Sports, a then-popular French sports weekly. Joel Metz, a member of the Magpie Messenger collective, put together this historical feature. "There are some quite notable differences from modern cyclocross in the then relatively new sport - primarily the much stronger similarity to cross-country running (thus the name "cross-country cyclo-pédestre"). You can check it out in English here or in French here.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 8:11 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 30, 2008
Racer Profile: Brian Johnson
In the fall of 2005 Brian Johnson was reading an article in Willamette Week about the Cross Crusade and thought it sounded pretty ridiculous. But when he saw that the first race would be happening at Alpenrose Dairy, just blocks from his house, he changed his tune and decided to give it a try. "The race was rainy, sloppy, goopy, slippery and over in 45 minutes," he says. "As a mountain biker having fallen from grace, I loved it and wanted more." The next season Brian came fully decked out in a new cyclocross bike "and Cycocross got even more fun!"
Brian, a 37-year-old who loves riding bikes, says training is really not his style. "I work and I'm a family man so riding time is at a premium, so when I get out I do like to maximize the opportunity by pushing myself, throwing in some "fartlek" intervals by charging up hills, racing to a sign-post, that sort of thing. But I still like to have fun - it's got to be fun."
And while racing cyclocross really is fun for Brian, the sport is not without it's challenges. Sometimes he finds it difficult to endure the elements, or finding the extra little bit within himself to push himself through the next lap or over the next barrier "and doing that again and again when I feel like I'd rather just lay down and take a nap," he says.
True to the spirit of cyclocross, Brian has a great attitude about completing races and considers every race a victory.
"Every time I don't barf at the end is a little victory! Every rider passed on the inside of a tricky turn, every well executed transition, every little near-disaster averted. Just getting out instead of sitting on my duff inside, warm and dry, is a victory against the slings and arrows of aging."
In Oregon, there's no denying the mud when it comes to cyclocross season, so riders have learned to embrace the challenge. "The day of my first race was rainy and the course was muddy - a perfect introduction to cyclocross. I was riding my mountain bike and the mud was so thick and sticky that my wheels stopped turning! The wheels looked like giant donuts. My shoes had collected so much mud that they had grown to look like clown shoes. I was hooked!"
To all of you aspiring cyclocrss racers out there, Brian has one piece of advice: "Don't forget to have fun! I was talking to my 5 year-old son about a recent kiddie race and asked him if he had fun. He said 'Yes! That's what it's about. And seeing who finishes first.' If you're not in the top 5 and not getting paid to place, it's not worth getting bent out of shape about. Go out and have fun and be glad that you can and that you're not one of those poor souls stuck indoors watching football on TV."
ORbike is offering you an in-depth view of the cyclocross scene! Brian spoke to us as part of a series of cyclocross interviews we're running this season. Read additional interviews and learn more about the racers here
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:36 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 25, 2008
Racer Profile: Tori Bortman
People who know Tori Bortman and her outgoing personality probably aren't surprised that she was a theater major in college, but they may be surprised to know that, as a kid, she was the last pick for every single team. Surprised, that is, because Tori has taken to cyclocross racing like a fish to water.
"At the first race I watched there was mud, cowbells, beer and every spectator was a cheerleader. I never thought it would be me, but I had seen the light. Or more accurately the good times within the rain, cold and muck. This was racing where no one cared if you won but everyone was concerned with you having a good time. Racing against yourself and for the greater good of fitness and mud in yer eye. Silly stuff. I was in love."
Sure, Tori has fun with it, but she also trains hard. "I do my regular rides throughout the summer. Two to four days a week at 25-60miles. I try to run at least once or twice a week as well. This is base training for what comes later." Tori likes to participate in the Cross Crusade series clinics. It's also at that time that she starts to train at local parks. "I find ones where I can do laps that imitate the cross courses - barriers, uphills, stairs, dirt, gravel - and do interval training in laps." And, ever a determined person, Tori adds that she takes on special challenges to push herself.
"I find a hill I really don't like and work on hill repeats." As in, over and over again. That's dedication.
Tori says the skills are the biggest challenge on the course. "I'm not naturally bestowed with the best sense of grace. Dis- and re-mounting the bike, running up rocky slopes or jumping over barriers with your ride slung across your shoulder takes a lot of flow. The other biggest challenge is to pace yourself. If you give it your everything too early in the race you'll loose it by the end. If you can learn to pace and then sprint in the last lap, that's best."
And though she absolutely loves the racing, she admits that there are days when being on the sidelines looks pretty fun. "Sometimes just deciding to race is a personal victory. You get to the race and it seems like it would be just as much fun, just as good to be a cheerleader for a day. So much easier than racing. The girl who never exercised in me comes out full force with a litany of reasons to not get on the course. So I have to psych myself up to get in it to win it. Even if I never win, every finish is a victory."
Racing came easily to Tori, but strutting around in spandex was a whole other hill to climb. "I vowed years back to never be seen in public in spandex. The hardest day I ever had to face was being seen by leagues of handsome, fit, men... while wearing spandex. Ugh. But now I'm over it. I realize they're too busy racing to pay attention and I look just like every other woman out there. We are all brothers and sisters of the mud."
To all of you aspiring cyclocross victors, Tori would like to impart this little bit of wisdom: Speed isn't nearly as important as skills. The biggest hurdle is getting out on the course. Then any fool can do it. Look at me!
Stay tuned for more profiles of cyclocross racers throughout the season.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 12:58 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 24, 2008
Racer Profile Series: Fall Means Cyclocross
No longer does the fall season mean it's time to hang up the bike, grab a good book and curl up inside. When fall comes, the cyclocross fans come out in droves. Rain, shine, mud - they don't care. In fact, the more mud, the more thrilling the race. I love cyclocross because it's a sport that is entertaining to watch. But even more than that, the racers and organizers have fun with the races. They don costumes, stage drinking spots on course (optional short cuts if you drink a shot, for instance) and encourage crowd participation.
Maybe cyclocross has been such a hit here in Oregon because we're largely outdoorsy people who are used to being out in the rain and fickle weather. Or maybe it's just that there's something extra goofy about Oregonians who ride and make the races fun.
So we thought we'd take this season to get to know some of those racers. Who is racing this season? And why? We'll be talking with cyclocross veterans and brand new racers, including our own Tom Knipe, an ORbike team member who dubs himself the "commuter dad". You can read Tom's first installment here.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:39 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 19, 2008
Commuter Dad Tries On Racing
By ORbike team member Tom Knipe
This past Sunday, I considered every excuse not to take part in my first bike race in 10 years - a so-called farm crit: Kruger's Kermesse at Kruger's Farm on Sauvie Island. I hadn't trained. I'm carrying 20 pounds of extra weight that I affectionately refer to as my "dad fat" (a price that I once was happy to pay for my two wonderful kids under the age of three, but am now growing tired of). No one was really expecting me to be there.
And I didn't have a bike...
The notion started at a family dinner a couple of weeks ago at the house of Beth and Joe Kurmaskie (a.k.a. the Metal Cowboy). Kris Schamp, the organizer behind Kruger's Kermesse, was at the dinner table with us. When I told him that I had been considering trying out cyclocross this year, Kris immediately assured me that his race would be a "good pre-cyclocross training race with bumpy roads, but a flat course and no dismounts." He also offered to solve my no-bike problem by lending me his very nice and tall cross bike. Perfect. Joe, ever the motivator, buoyantly offered to join me for moral support, and the date went on the family calendar.
I should qualify the no-bike part. I have a dinged-up 1974 custom Colin Laing steel touring bike with front and rear racks, side-pull brakes, full fenders, and ball joint attachment for my kids' Chariot trailer on the rear axle. The only thing remotely "cyclocross" about my bike is that it has a beefed up rear wheel (for carrying laptop, a change of clothes, and 20 lbs of 'dad fat' between North Portland and downtown), and cyclocross style brake levers on the top of the handlebars. It's a commuter. And so am I.
A couple of days before the race, Joe tells me that he has a respiratory infection and can't race with me. He offers to show up at the farm for moral support, knowing that a sub-par performance from him just won't do. People have read his Metal Cowboy books about climbing mountain passes in the Rockies with 400 pounds of kids and gear in tow, and they will expect him to tear up the field - certainly in the Beginners class anyway, the class he had agreed to join with me.
A moment of decision comes on Sunday morning. With Joe out, the peer pressure is off. Kris had offered me his bike, but I hadn't called to confirm. I'm wishing that I had ridden a couple more times to train. Man, would it suck to come in last. But really, what do I have to lose, except some dad fat and a bit of pride? It's being in the race that counts. I sense the weight of family life and impending middle age and treat this as a metaphor for life. I load my 1974 commuter bike on the roof rack just in case the bike doesn't come through, pack snacks and diapers, and head out to the farm.
I have a hard time finding Kris. I imagine that he is in "organizer" mode, and has about 50 things on his mind other than his casual, unconfirmed offer at dinner. I find him talking with "Farmer Don" Kruger about the unseasonably hot weather and how it may affect the racers and the course. He has already loaned his bike to a Junior rider for the first race. My options are to bump up to Category C and face sure embarrassment or tighten down the screws attaching my racks and fenders and give my commuter a workout in the Beginner's category in the first race. I choose the commuter challenge.
What a hoot. The Kurmaskies and my kids provide moral support from the sidelines but I don't even see them until I've made my six bumpy, dusty laps and crossed the finish line. Alice says, "Daddy, you didn't see me because you were going so fast!" Either that, kiddo, or just trying not to puke or crash (didn't do either). And it turns out I didn't come in last - I got 32nd out of a field of 47. Let's just call it room for improvement. Cross Crusade starts October 5th. If you know of anyone trying to sell a 62+ cm used cyclocross bike, please have them contact me. I'm going to need a bike.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:38 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 2, 2008
Cyclocross on the Radio
Are you a cyclocross racer? What has it been like for you? Why do you race? Love the mud? Hate the mud? It is what it is?
Wednesday, September 3 on the KBOO Bike Show we'll be talking about cyclocross and they want to hear from you! Call in with your experience during the second half of the program (9:30-10am) -- 503-231-8187
THE KBOO BIKE SHOW
Airing bicycle news, views and culture since 2001
1st Wednesday of the month
90.7fm
9-10am
Podcast and archives - click here.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:20 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 24, 2008
Calling all bike clubs
Oregon has a wealth of totally awesome bike clubs doing all sorts of neat tricks, and Cirque du Cycling on June 14th will bring them all together for the nation's largest bike pride parade. The parade takes place on Mississippi Avenue in Portland.
Cirque du Cycling, a Mississippi bike fair in support of Self Enhancement Inc., features a family ride, the parade and criterium with two-way racing.
For more info, to register to race or for the parade, see their website
Comments (5) | Posted by orbike at 10:52 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 31, 2007
Best Gloves : The Cyclocross Edition
Our discussion of the best gloves for cold riding continues... this time with a special cyclocross edition. Back in 2005, we put out the call for riders to write in with their recommendations for the very best gloves for riding in rain AND cold.
In my opinion, this is one of the greatest gear challenges, and it's what we here in the Pacific Northwest face for many months (in a row) of the year. The responses (31 of them) were overwhelming, informative and road-tested by real riders. So good was the info, in fact, that I bought the gloves that had the most favorable review - and I have never looked back (Pearl Izumi Amfibs).
So on to the cyclocross glove recommendations:
A rider recently wrote in to the OBRA e-mail list with this query:
I'm wondering-- any of you have a pair of Ironclad's cold conditions gloves? Which version do you have? How do you like them? I'm looking for something that'll work for the cold and wet 'cross races next season. I've got a pair of the Wrenchworks Impact gloves and really like them-- I'd like to get some of their cold conditions gloves but would like some opinions on what works best in cold, wet, muddy cyclocross conditions.
And here's what some people said:
I have a pair of the Gore Tex Tundra. I have not ridden with them but I have been skiing with them and they work very well.
I've got a pair of the Wrenchworks Impact I have a pair of sixsixone Storm Plus gloves that are excellent in cold wet weather. You have to be careful on the sizing though - the seem to run small. I have small hands and the Large fits me perfectly.
So what is your recommendation?
Comments (4) | Posted by orbike at 6:15 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 23, 2007
Kruger's Crossing
This Sunday, Portland Racing brings you the second edition of the Kruger's Crossing Cyclocross Classic - so awesome last year they had to bring it back. This epic race is held at Kruger's Farm, located in the beautiful countryside of Sauvie Island and only 20 minutes from downtown Portland.
In addition to the challenges November weather gods will throw at racers, you can expect a wild course that leads you along rutted farm roads, through berry fields, pastures, a barn, a beer garden and of course the much-heralded corn maze. And don't worry about getting cold - the organizers are staging a bonfire along the course to keep people toasty. Indeed, not your standard cross race.
The party that surrounds the racing features beer, hot wine, hot cider and gourmet food catered by Kruger's Farm Market and Salvador Molly's. Family racers and aspiring kids can participate in the free kiddie race.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:18 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 31, 2007
Yeah, this is Cyclocross
Halloween cyclocross, does bike life get any better? Kegs, costumes, cow bells, racing and hundreds of really fun people. If you've been out at the races lately, you've probably noticed the three-wheeled videographer Dan Kaufman. Dan, of CrankMyChain, has been documenting the races as part of his online video series on bike culture. The tricycle to allow him to ride along with the fun while shooting footage. This latest video (see below) was shot at the Halloween cyclocross race at the Astoria fairgrounds. You can check out more of Dan's work on his website.
Just goes to show... around these parts, we don't just ride our bikes to ride our bikes. We take it to the extreme, we really know how to have fun. Cyclocross? This is how we do it here:
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 8:03 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 12, 2007
The Age of Discovery - Cyclocross Style
Cross Crusade is offering a chance to win a round trip voyage to the World Championships in Treviso, Italy, but you have to earn it. The Age of Discovery quest starts today.
They'll provide the map, you follow the course and look for fragments of other explorers' bikes or The Grail itself. The course may be ridden at any time, in any direction and in segments as frequently as desired. New fragments will be distributed on the course over the duration of the contest. Fragments may also be found where a cross is marked on the map. The Grail is out there somewhere now! The contest ends on December 2nd at the Cross Crusade Series Awards Celebration.
The finder of The Grail will win a round trip ticket to Italy to see the '08 World Cyclocross Championships. Anyone who finds fragments is eligible for free swag at the awards dinner, but you must race at least one Cross Crusade race to participate.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 4:30 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 11, 2007
Cross Crusade Breaks All Records
Last Sunday 1,078 racers descended upon the Alpenrose Dairy for the first race of the Cross Crusade cyclocross season. Breaking last year's record of over 750 racers, the event again established itself as the largest one-day cyclocross race in North America and solidified its designation as the largest participatory cyclocross bike racing series in the world.
The men's elite race climaxed with battle a between Shannon Skerritt of Vanilla Bicycles/Stumptown Coffee and Erik Tonkin of Kona/YourKey.com with Shannon taking an inside line right after the last set of barriers to secure the win. On the elite women's side, Wendy Williams of River City Bicycles took the win over Kristi Berg of Redline Bicycles.
Promoter Brad Ross is stoked about the attention. "We have truly become one of the hotbeds of cyclocross in the world" he said.
Next race is at Horning's Hideout in North Plains. See website for details.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 4:24 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 1, 2007
Outlaw Cyclocross Series
They love their cyclocross in Southern Oregon and pride themselves on races that have a hometown welcoming feel. Every year the Outlaw Cyclocross Series is dedicated to Nick Jensen who died in 2000 while swimming in the Illinois River. Nick was an avid sportsman and the Nick Jensen Memorial Fund has donated over $100,000 in equipment to Josephine County Search and Rescue, a non-profit volunteer organization. Proceeds from the cyclocross series will benefit Search and Rescue.
There is an array of raffle prizes totaling over $4,000. Their goal is to raise as much money as possible while having as much FUN as possible. The first race takes place in Yreka, CA, but all other races are in the Grants Pass area.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 10:53 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 18, 2007
Women: Get Ready to Race!
Janis McDonald runs the Women on Bike program and she has joined forces with Barb Grover (from the Bike Gallery) and Alison Hill Graves (from the Community Cycling Center) to get women talking more about issues related to women in cycling.
Janis send me this announcement today:
"Ever have that urge to try your legs at racing? Then your knees start to tremble at the sheer thought of getting on the course? We've all been there. The uncertainty of registering, training, the ability of finishing the race. Join our fabulous panel of racers from the I-just-want-to-have-fun to the I-am-the-champion. These ladies will talk about how to get started and their personal experiences in a variety of races - cyclocross, road, time trials, mountain, and track. Plus, OBRA will be there to demystify the rules and regulations of racing. Feel free to invite your friends - everyone welcome! Details: September 27th, Thursday, 6:30-8pm (doors lock at 6:40pm) Portland Building Room C - 1120 SW 5th Ave (Between Main and Madison) Perhaps heading out afterward to continue conversations - perhaps Lucky Lab."
Looks like fun!
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 11:16 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 30, 2007
Locals Rock the Cyclocross Worlds
Erik Tonkin of Portland is one of a group of Oregonians competing or working at the UCI (International Cycling Union) Cyclocross World Championships. He and fellow Portlander/his wife Rhonda Mazza raced on Sunday. Erik filed some dispatches for the Oregonian and Jonathan Maus did a great write up on BikePortland.org.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:46 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 3, 2007
Vintage Cyclocross
I was searching for images on the web today and came across this awesome vintage cyclocross poster. The gallery describes it as "An interesting study of a cyclist carrying his bike, by a designer who excelled designing sport and cultural event posters. Mancioli earned a degree in civil engineering, but by the mid-1930s he opened a graphic studio with his brother Ottorino and began producing posters." Click for a larger version.
I do not recommend you start searching the web for vintage bike posters unless you have nothing else to do today. It's easy to get lost for hours in a sea of incredible images.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 2:39 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 28, 2006
Kruger's Crossing Race Updates
Kris Schamp of Portland Racing is getting pretty excited for this Sunday's Kruger's Crossing cyclocross race on Sauvie Island. A recon mission took place to check out the course. "The downpours made for a lot of puddles and some slick sections, but all by all the course and the corn maze have held up amazingly well. Pretty much everything was rideable. Actually, about half of the course will lead over fast, hard-packed farm roads, which will nicely balance the dirt and grass sections... you gonna love it!" You should check out the very cool 360 degrees panoramic view of the area Kris posted on their site.
Kris also recently sent out these updates:
1) ...I posted some photos and the tentative course map on our web site.
2) To make it easier on our registration volunteers, we encourage you to pre-register for the race (see our web site for details) and save $5 off the regular race fee. The official deadline for pre-registrations is 11/27.3) Parking: Kruger's Farm can accommodate about 250-300 cars, which hopefully will be plenty (assuming that not everyone who races will be there all day). However, it would greatly help if you consider car-pooling with friends.
4) DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BIB NUMBERS!!! We will use the Cross Crusade bib numbers, so please makes sure to bring them with you.
That's it. If you have any questions, check our web site or just shoot me an e-mail.
We're looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday at the farm!
~Kris
kris@portlandracing.com
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 7:37 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 8, 2006
Cyclocross not Quite Over
Cyclocross got its start in Portland as far back as 1985 (check out this great article on BikePortland.org), but it wasn't until a few years ago that it really caught on here, and across the nation.
Portland has one of the largest cyclocross series, the Cross Crusade, and the series is quickly coming to a close. The last official Cross Crusade race of the season is November 12 at Estacada Timber Park. Keep digging around on the ORbike calendar, however, and you'll find all sorts of other cyclocross races popping up until it's just too bitter cold to ride.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:21 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 16, 2006
Cross Crusade Steps up the Creativity
In our local cyclocross scene, people race HARD, but they don't take themselves too seriously. Some of the racers train hard, some don't train at all. Some of them eat carefully leading up to a race, others roll out of bed hungover and barely make it to the start line but still pull in a great race. Some race in their undies for extra points, and on Halloweeen you can bet they come out in costume. They're having fun, and that's what's important. It's great to see that mix of good racing and having creative fun.
[ Crack the Code details]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:44 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 10, 2006
Barlow Cyclocross
I didn't make it out to the cyclocross race at Sam Barlow High in Gresham this past Sunday, but ORbike reader Sherry Schwenderlauf did. This is a photo she took of the extreme mud that was out there. Here's what she had to say:
I was at Barlow yesterday! What a blast! I'm going to try to be at as many races as possible...especially since I now have friends who are racing...all the more exciting! In fact, I haven't been able to get my mind of cyclocross all day...I keep looking at my pictures :)
Yay mud!
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:22 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 9, 2006
Cyclocross Rider Profile: Janis McDonald
Janis McDonald is a project manager for PDOT's Transportation Options program. But bikes are not just her job: Janis loves riding. She enjoys long distance rides and participating in organized rides, but this year Janis decided to challenge herself even more by trying cyclocross.
"Every year I say to myself 'this year I will race cross' - and then I chicken out." Janis says. "But his year I told a friend I was going to do it so then I had to. I commute everywhere by bike and feel pretty confident about my riding skills. But cross was a challenge to those skills. Sometimes you can get too comfortable and need to shake it up. I can't believe it took me this long to try it."
Janis got ready for the day by going to a clinic out at Alpenrose. At the clinic she learned how to jump off her bike - because cross racers are constantly hopping off the bike to go over hurdles, up stairs, etc - which was one of her biggest fears. "Rhonda and her crew were patient and broke all the skills down for the beginners to understand. I would definitely recommend the clinics for anyone just starting." Janis says.
Janis had never raced before, but, she says, "Going around the velodrome, feeling that speed, may change all that."
Janis arrived at Alpenrose on Saturday and walked around to scope out the course. She felt overwhelmed by the stairs and the hills. But once she got riding the course was bumpy, challenging and rewarding. She raced hard after the first lap. Not against the other women so much - but against herself, to push herself harder. "I loved it. I felt strong afterward."
Part of the appeal of cyclocross is the scene that unfolds off the course. Janis describes it as "electric." There were 120 women racing that day and Janis loved being a part of the action. As for the spectators, Janis says, "Their energy was just as high - and contagious. They gave me the extra push I needed when I was running up a hill. Or when they yell out that you did a great job over the barricade it makes you jump on your bike and ride harder...with a smile on your face."
So will Janis be out there again? The answer: "YES! It is just plain fun. Makes you feel like a kid just playing around."
The next cyclocross race is October 15th at Hillsboro Stadium.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 8:21 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 7, 2006
Battle at Barlow
It's the off week for the Cross Crusade cyclocross series, so in the meantime maybe you want to race the Battle at Barlow, a cross race being held in Gresham. The race is this Sunday. There is a full day of racing with Beginner Men and Masters 50+ (45 min); Cat C, Masters C 35+ (45 min); Masters B 35+, Junior Men (45 min); Cat B, Single Speed (45 min); Women A,B, Masters 35+ Women, Beginner Women, Junior Women (45 min); and Men A, Masters A 35+ (60 min). For more info, see our calendar.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:50 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 1, 2006
Cyclocross Kicks off at Alpenrose
The cyclocross season kicked off with a bang today at Alpenrose Dairy at the first race of the Cross Crusade series. So why do people love racing cross? I think one reason is that cyclocross extends the biking season. Rain is no problem because a muddy course it part of the challenge. Race organizers carefully design a course that makes best use of the terrain, depending on the weather. I think another reason is that it's not always just about the terrain. Organizers plan hairpin turns plotted out with orange and yellow cones, they send 'crossers up stairs, over mounds of dirt and they make them leap barricades. This makes it awesome to watch. Spectators run to different spots of the course to get alternate views of the action.
And today, the action was hot.
[ photo gallery ]
Veloshop (a bike shop that pretty much exists to race and support cyclocross) was out in force with their signature pink and black. The kiddie cross was great to watch, but even better was the "micro cross", the tiniest kids on bikes. You should have seen them trying to get over the barricades! Adorable.
Check out our photo gallery for a glimpse at the day.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 5:33 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 28, 2006
Key Tips for 'Cross
If you're thinking of racing cycloross this season, there are a few starting tips to remember. The first race is this Sunday at Alpenrose, so Jon Meyer sent around these key points:
- Do NOT bring alcohol to Alpenrose. While we do have a beer sponsor and you may win a beer prize, you will have to pick it up at race #2 because we will not have alcohol at the race and we will not tolerate alcohol at Alpenrose.
- Even if you mailed in pre registration, you will have to get a number at registration and check in. Once you have a number, keep that number for all the rest of the races.
- You must check in EVERY week. If you do not check in, you will NOT be scored in the results.
- You only have to fill out the waiver once. After that, just check-in and pay.
- We will have plenty of registration staff so registration will go quickly and smoothly. Feel free to ask questions and we will be happy to help.
See you all at the races!
-Jon
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:07 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 21, 2006
Cyclocross in 1944
What was cyclocross like in 1944? Check out this old French footage to find out. I got the footage tip from Jeremy Burlingame of the Plus One Lap blog. Jeremy's cyclocross blog has been around for about a year, but Jeremy himself is a recent addition to the Portland Cyclocross scene - he just moved to town.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:04 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 20, 2006
Get Started 'Cross Racing
If you're new to cyclocross, or thinking of doing a little 'cross racing this season, Portland has a wealth of resources to help you get started.
CLINICS :: First off, there are the Wednesday night clinics, a chance to hone your 'cross skills with some of the top local 'crossers and most experienced racers in the Pacific Northwest. The clinics are held at Alpenrose Dairy. Organizer and accomplished racer Erik Tonkin says it's also an opportunity to "socialize with your brethren." There are only two more clinics before the 'cross season starts, and one is tonight.
[ clinic info ]
ONLINE :: For good online advice, the Cross Crusade chat board is filled with experts who are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. Check out this post about how to pick a course to ride this season.
[ chat forum ]
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 10:45 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
September 12, 2006
Let's Start Talking 'Cross!
Cyclocross has taken Portland by storm and the 2006 season is just getting started - the chat board is already filling up. This down-and-dirty sport marked with cowbells and mud-covered chain rings is great to race or just to watch. A strong culture has developed around the local cyclocross races (hence the cowbells run as racers fly by) and cyclocross is here to stay. The Cross Crusade 2006 season kicks off on October 1 at the Alpenrose Dairy.
You can hone your 'cross skills with some of the top local 'crossers and most experienced racers in the Pacific Northwest at the Wednesday night clinics. The clinics are held at Alpenrose Dairy. Get measured practice first so you can train properly later. Organizer and accomplished racer Erik Tonkin says it's also an opportunity to, "socialize with your brethren." Each time you show up, your name gets put in the hat for the grand-prize drawing at the last clinic. However, if you pre-register for all four nights, you get your name in the hat not four times but five times. The prizes have yet to be revealed.
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 5:51 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
July 13, 2006
Oregon Bike Events are Growing
There seems to be no shortage of great Bike events happening in Oregon this summer and most have seen their numbers grow. The Barlow Trail Century, in it's third year, experienced huge growth on one of the hottest days to hit summer. The Night Ride last Saturday was off the hook. Tons of riders are already signing up for the brand new Portland Century and Mt. Bike Oregon is poised to sell out.
For our loyal readers in Eugene, don't miss out on , a weekend of bike-themed films at the DIVA center.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:00 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 3, 2006
Reserve Some Time: Portland Bike Summit
Bicycling Magazine calls Portland the number one bicycling city in all of North America. The League of American Bicyclists rates Portland "Gold" along with four other U.S. cities. The next level is platinum and no large city has gotten there yet. Commissioner Sam Adams and the bicycling community want to Go Platinum! and they want your help.
On Saturday, June 17 from 8:30 to 1:30 pm, you are invited to join neighborhood and bicycling advocates at the Portland Bike Summit at PSU's Smith Hall. It's an opportunity to learn how we got to be the best in the U.S. and find out about all the exciting and fun ways you can get involved to make Portland a world-class bicycling city.
Workshop topics include:
- Portland's I Share the Road campaign
- Innovations in Bikeways Here and Abroad
- Who Put the Fun in Bike Fun? From Breakfast on the Bridges to Pedalpalooza
- New Laws for Bikes - What Strategies are on the Horizon
- Why Do People Not Ride - Really (or How to Get My Next Door Neighbor/Co-worker/Friend on a Bike)
FREE and lunch is included.
Should you attend? PDOT is encouraging attendance from anyone who bikes, likes bikes, wants to bike, owns a bike, etc.
[ More info ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 1:25 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 10, 2006
2006 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross schedule
The 2006 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross schedule has just been announced, and of course it's coming to Portland.
• October 7 – 8th Gloucester, Massachusetts
• November 4th Longmont, Colorado
• November 5th Boulder, Colorado
• November 18th Lacey, Washington
• November 19th Portland, Oregon
“We are very proud of what we have accomplished thus far with the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross – the premier ‘cross series in the United States,” said Bruce Fina, Marketing Director, U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross. “By partnering with g4 Productions, we are leveraging their professional event production and promotion experience to help us take the sport of cyclocross to the next level in America.”
[ from Cycling News ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:42 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
March 19, 2006
Article on Cyclocross Racer Katie Compton
[ from Cycling News ]
Cycling News just published an article about Katie Compton, a 2004 and 2004 US National Cyclocross champion who seemingly came out of nowhere. She rocked our local soil at the 2004 nationals though most people had never heard of her.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:45 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
March 13, 2006
The Lightest Cyclocross Bike Ever Made?
Jeremy Burlingame is obsessed with lightweight cyclocross bikes. How obsessed? Well, he happens to have an entire blog devoted to light and lighter and lighter and the lightest cyclocross bikes. His March 11th entry declared perhaps he had come across the lightest ever made: the 13.16 pound Colnago C50 of a Spanish racer named Marco. That's pretty light.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:01 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 26, 2006
The Stress of Running a Bike Shop
Molly Cameron, local racer and owner of VeloShop, isn't shy about telling all on her blog. The very personal writings offer an insight into a racer and the world of running a bike shop.
Yesterday was one of the days I loathe. The phone rings every 2 minutes ALL day long and everyone wants my money. Not like telemarketers or anything but y'know, debt, bills, distributors, sales reps, bills, payroll, bills and, ok, a few telemarketers.
[ Read More ]
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 1:09 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 1, 2006
Cyclocross Just Won't Stop
The Cross Crusade series ended, then Salem put together a ride, Nationals happened, Veloshop put on one last ride at Blue Lake, the Worlds happened, and Jeremy Burlingame just launched his cyclocross blog. The season just won't end.
There are other cyclocross blogs out there - Brooke Hoyer, Steevo, John Turn - but most of them are still resting up from the season.
Jeremy will be moving to Portland from Sacramento this coming summer. He's excited to take full advantage of our rockin cyclocross scene (he's heard all about it).
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:13 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 30, 2006
Cyclocross Worlds Results
The cyclocross worlds results are in. Local racer Rhonda Mazza placed 24th.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 27, 2006
Erik Tonkin Blog
Local racer Erik Tonkin is roaming around the international circuit as an Elite Racer for USA Cycling, but it's not like we know less about what he's up to while he's away from the home soil. Erik started blogging through BikePortland.org and now we get to read all about his exciting adventures.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:44 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 14, 2006
Erik Tonkin Goes Big Time
From BikePortland.org:
"Local racer and co-owner of Sellwood Cycle Repair, Erik Tonkin has just been named to the U.S. team for the 2006 UCI Cyclocross World Championships. He joins his wife Rhonda Mazza who was recently named to the women’s team."
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 11:54 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 28, 2005
Erik Tonkin Racing Hard in Belgium
Jonathan Maus from BikePortland.org summarized an OBRA post from Erik Tonkin, a local cyclocross racer who is currently "racing his heart out on the World Cup cyclocross circuit."
READ ERIK'S POST
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:42 AM | Permalink
December 27, 2005
Favorite Bike Events of 2005?
Oh 2005, there are so few of your days left! I always like to spend December thinking about what a great year it has been, and for me that means reflecting on bike events. What were your favorites rides, races and events of 2005? I'm keeping a tally and will post the results. Leave a comment.
Comments (10) | Posted by orbike at 7:16 AM | Permalink
December 3, 2005
Cyclocross Don't Stop
Oh, so the cyclocross season isn't over afterall? I mean, tonight is the Cross Crusade series end-of-season party, but Veloshop just announced one last race at Blue Lake.
IF YOU GO to the party
* Bring your own beer. The beer line is reportedly way long
* Get ready for a packed house. I've heard there were 400 people last year
* Bring your flame retardant burly for the pyrotechnic displays of John "the Wizard" Myers
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:14 PM | Permalink
December 1, 2005
Cyclocross Cross Crusade Series Awards Ceremony
Oh the season is over. But it's not time to cry, it's time to party! Portland's cross series blew the nation out of the water with record attendance and strong racers. It's time to celebrate.
FROM THE CROSS CRUSADE ORGANIZERS:
Once again Time draws nigh for one and all to honor the warriors of renown and to recall the great deeds that have made the 2005 River City Bicycles Cyclocross Crusade the biggest, baddest and bestest cyclocross series in the whole U.S of A!!!
- Prizes for Cross Crusade Series Winners and Whiners
- The bestowing of the "Golden Bag of Sand" and other special recognition awards
- Medals for State Champs
- Doorway of Doom Raffle
- Witness the S.S. Series Points Equation of Wonderment (A Custom Vanilla Frameset to the winner!)
- Touch the Eternal Mullet of the Perpetually Unshaven Dungeon Master Bradley Ross!
- Unveiling of the 2005 Cyclocross Crusade Series DVD by John "Paparazzi" Wilson
Food, beer and more.
Only on Saturday, December 3rd 2005. Doors open at 6pm and awards start at 7pm at the Mountain Cycle/ Kinesis facility located at 3808 N. Williams Ave.
MORE INFO on the Cross Crusade website
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:38 AM | Permalink
November 21, 2005
Cyclocross Cowbell Culture
Onlookers ringing cowbells to cheer on the riders is a cyclocross tradition. In fact, they even sell them at River City. A rider recently posed a question on the Cross Crusade Forum wondering about cowbell etiquette.
"Cowbells are greatly welcome and I wish there were more--and cheering in general--crowd voices seem low this year! " commented the poster 1 gear sneer.
But the thread didn't end there.
Check out this funny cowbell medley jingle.
Read the whole discussion.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:40 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 18, 2005
Cyclocross in Salem
Salem is getting in on the cyclocross action. I just got word that there's a race organized in conjunction with a bike celebration day on December 3rd.
Check out the flyer for details.
So when this Sunday comes and you watch the last Portland race of the season, don't cry - you've still got Salem. Thanks Salem.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:30 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 10, 2005
Erik Tonkin in Outdoors NW
Local cyclocross racer Erik Tonkin, co-owner of Sellwood Cycle Repair, was featured in the November issue of Outdoors NW.
from: Outdoors NW
By Anne Scalamonti
It takes a little bit of a masochist to be a cyclocross racer.
The courses are muddy and rough, and literally change with the weather.
The rider must bike through these conditions but also dismount and run,
jumping over obstacles and slogging through soupy mud with their bike slung
over one shoulder. It’s not a sport for the faint of heart or those averse
to a little suffering.
That’s why the sport suits elite cyclocross racer Erik Tonkin like a snug
lycra jersey. Tonkin played a key role in founding Team S&M, whom he also
joins for mountain biking and road racing in the summer. Since 2001, the
31-year old athlete has also been a member of the Kona cyclocross team.
When he moved to Portland at the age of 19, he switched from hockey and
mountain biking to cyclocross. Already fit, but by no means in the
condition he is today, the young rider took to the grueling sport
immediately.
“It whipped me into shape pretty fast,” he remembers, “because of the
varied levels of athleticism and aerobics.”
In 1995 – only his third year of cyclocross racing – Tonkin had his
breakthrough at the Estacada Cross Crusade race where he finished in third
place.
A decade later, after winning numerous local and regional races, he was
one of 50 riders from around the world to compete in the 2005 World
Championships in St. Wendel, Germany.
“I’m the only guy in my category I know who is moonlighting as a pro,” he
laughs gently.
In other words, Tonkin doesn’t do it for the money.
Since 1998, he has co-owned southeast Portland’s Sellwood Cycle Repair.
He works 50-60 hours a week, at times rising as early as 5 a.m. to train
before the store opens. And he somehow finds time to organize and teach
weekly local cyclocross clinics with his wife – also a professional racer –
Rhonda Mazza.
The rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, like the rainy, cool climate of the
European countries where cyclocross originated, makes for slick and tricky
trails – perfect for riders like Tonkin.
“I’m at my best when conditions are at their worst,” he says of the
Northwest’s muddy race courses.
He is currently training for the U.S. Cyclocross Nationals and Grand
Prix, and wants to improve his standings at this year’s European Cross Camp
in Belgium.
An exceptional competitor, he stresses that he is part of a cycling
community first, whose success is no less important than his own rankings.
Inspiring passion in other cyclists is most important to him, said Tonkin,
and it benefits him as much as those he instructs.
“The more challengers there are to ride against, the better I’ll get.” He
mentors plenty of riders who are better than him, he says. “It’s honestly
great to watch them improve.”
“Of course, sometimes it stings when they beat you,” he laughs.
— Anne Scalamonti of Portland, Oregon, is an Outdoors NW intern and avid
cyclist.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:13 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 7, 2005
Sloppy Fun : Talking 'Cross
Fellow Portland bike blogger Casey M. calls cyclocross "Sloppy Fun" and wonders how it's possible he didn't catch on until now.
From Bicycle Eye
Natural progression for a cycle-holic has brought me to centuries, bike fairs, daily commuting, mountain bike races, a blog devoted to the sport, the velodrome, and finally to the wonderful wacky world of cyclocross racing. It's like the sky has suddenly opened up for me revealing a glorious new dimension for all my wandering, wondering joy. Why haven't I tried this before? How did this pass under my radar for so long? It's perfect.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:01 AM | Permalink
November 3, 2005
Cyclocross Photos
Local photographers (professional and ameture) just can't get enough of the 'cross races! Check out all these great photos, including 'cross racers in speedos and g-strings.
Flying M Ranch 1
Flying M Ranch 2
Flying M Ranch 3
Scouter's Mountain
Veloshop PIR
Alpenrose
Stumptown Classic
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:33 PM | Permalink
November 1, 2005
'Cross Results
Results are out for this past weekend's Cyclocross race at the Flying M Ranch.
I'm always interested in the single speeders, check out the results:
Single Speed results:
rank - name - team - city - age - gender - time
1. David Roth M 0:42:30.26
2. Matthew Slaven Kona Portland, OR 28 M 0:42:40.36
3. Ryan Weaver Gentle Lovers Portland, OR 27 M 0:42:41.36
4. Matthew Hall veloshop Portland, OR 37 M 0:42:49.1 6
5. Sam Richardson Gentle Lovers Portland, OR 29 M 0:43:57.16
6. Pete Zlatnik M 0:45:02.2 66
7. John Walrod River City Bicycles Portland, OR 29 M 0:45:07.36
8. Mark Matson M 0:45:28.26
9. Don Arancibia Logi Velo Portland, OR 41 M 0:45:55.26
10. Tony Pereira 36 M 0:46:24.1 6 10
11. Thadeous Bamford veloshop Portland, OR 28 M 0:46:30.36
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:28 PM | Permalink
October 28, 2005
Veloshop Cyclocross
Yes, summer is over and gone are the glorious days of sunny rides and evening races, but Cyclocross is just picking up steam. Maybe you don't know a lot about 'cross, but soon you will. In fact, it's pretty much sweeping the nation, though it's definitely hottest here in Portland. USA Cycling declared Portland one of the " 'cross craziest cities" (along with Tacoma) and the Nationals (this year in Maine) reported registration at a record pace - a full seven weeks before the event.
What have you been doing on Sundays if you haven't been out to the 'cross races? These races are jam-packed with action: gravel, mud, switch backs, barricades to leap over - all sorts of good obstacles! Take a glimpse at some of our shots. We haven't made it out to all the races (sadly), but we have gotten to some. Check out our pictures from the Veloshop-sponsored Cyclocross at Portland International Raceway. Not as muddy as we would have liked...
IF YOU GO:
* Wear your boots (like good old fashioned rubber boots - it's the thing to do)
* Be prepared to get muddy
* Bring a cow bell (to cheer on the riders)
* Get ready for the action
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 3:54 AM | Permalink