It's fall and the air is cold and crisp in the morning. For an increasing number of people in the Northwest that signifies the beginning of cyclocross season. If you've never witnessed a cyclocross race it's quite the spectacle to behold; one part steeple chase, one part bike race, and crazy all the way through.
---
Words & photos by Brett Luelling
Over the last several years the Cross Crusade series has grown significantly. At the first race this year there were 1,393 participants and many more spectators. The first Cross Crusade was held at Alpenrose Velodrome and saw Ryan Trebon (Kona) win both the Single Speed and Category A race. Wendy Williams (Hudz-Subaru) took the victory in the women’s A race.
The Course
This week’s race was held at Rainier High School in Rainier, OR. Rainier always has a good course with a mix of grass and wide single track. Unfortunately the weather was not ideal for cross racing; Oregon has been experiencing an unusual patch of nice weather and we haven’t had a significant rain in over two weeks. It was a cool, sunny, day at Rainier.
Rainier High School sits on a hill and the cross course took advantage of these features. The course has one large climb that was a mix of gravel and pavement. The race started at the base of the hill giving the racers a chance to stretch out before coming into the first single track section. After the climb you exited onto a wide single track that was flat for 200 yards before descending on a mix of single and double track.
There were many sweeping corners on the course.
The descent was dusty and fast but provided plenty of opportunities for passing. At the bottom of the hill the course crossed a rough grass section before coming alongside the track and football field. The next section of grass was fast and open allowing for change ups throughout the race. Then it was over two barriers before heading into the final single track section.
The course did have one run up, minus the mud.
The final section of single track was wide and climbed slightly through the woods. The climb was just enough to add an extra burn late in the races. From there racers were onto very fast, open, grass corners before coming into the one run up. Then it was a few more sweeping corners before heading back onto the climb. The finish was mid climb and the climb proved to be decisive throughout the day.
Vendors
The Cross Crusade series has enlisted Shimano as a major sponsor this year. This sponsorship comes with many perks for the racers. Shimano has a large tent and tech support available to all racers. They also staff the pit through all races and have spare wheels and bikes for the racers to use.
Shimano has a very nice setup for racers to use.
Shimano also staffs the pit.
The Unicorn keeps a watchful eye on the racers and Shimano pit techs.
Shimano also had their Di2 electronic shifting system on display...
This bike has the battery mounted on the downtube.
The rear derailleur is larger than a standard derailleur.
The new and improved hood shape.
The system indicator for the shifting system.
Would you expect anything less than a Vanilla in Oregon?
Many Portland area businesses also come out for the festivities including, but not limited to, Bob’s Red Mill, Chris King, and River City Bicycles. Chris King is kind enough to provide free coffee and cider to spectators and riders.
Racers and spectators always enjoy the hot cider and coffee.
Racing
Throughout the day the spectators were loud and the races were large. Many of the categories drew over 100 racers and when you have more than one category on the course it can turn into a constant stream of riders.
Men A
In the A race Sean Babcock (Team S&M) went to the front and drove the pace early. Erik Tonkin (Team S&M) tried to match Babcock's pace but was not able to stay with him very long. Babcock continued to expand his lead through the race. Tonkin was able to hold on for second place with Adam McGrath (THULE) taking third place. Ben Thompson (Desalvo Custom Cycles Racing) and Shannon Skerritt (Vanilla) rounded out the top 5.
Erik Tonkin holding down second place.
Sean Babcock on his way to victory.
I also raced the A race. The race was a real leg burner. I started near the back of the group and worked my way up on the first climb. Fighting for a good position at the beginning of the race can pay large dividends later. On the first lap riders are jockeying for position and feeling out the other riders around them. You spend a lot of time sprinting out of corners to keep people from passing, or to pass someone.Alex Criss with his custom Seven single speed.
Alex also races the Single Speed category. He is fortunate enough to have a beautiful Seven.
I spent most of the race moving up, but did have one mechanical issue that cost me about 15 seconds. Outside of that one issue I had a good race and beat several guys in the uphill sprint to finish in 17th.
The flat section of the climb.
Women AIn the women's race Wendy Williams (Hudz/Subaru) took the lead early and led most of the race.
Wendy Williams on her way to victory.
Traffic was hectic as the Men A and Master Men A were also racing at the same time. Kari Studley (Veloforma) held on for second with teammate Alice Pennington coming in third. Emily VanMeter (Hudz/Subaru) and Rhonda Mazza (Team S&M) rounded out the top 5.
