Every fall farmyards, parks, and playgrounds undergo a transformation. Trails outlined in caution tape snake through fields and tree groves. Crowds of cyclists warm up on trainers huddled under tents. Sausages sizzle on barbecues. Everyone is smiling. It’s cyclocross season.
Cyclocross is a type of bicycle race contested on a mix of pavement, grass, and dirt. A typical race will feature wooden barriers riders must jump over, hills so steep riders must dismount and carry their bikes, and the occasional sand pit or water hazard.
The races also draw a dedicated crowd of spectators. Cyclocross fans are a hardy bunch, gathering in the worst weather at the hardest parts of the course to cheer, chant, and deafen racers with the constant ding ding ding of cow bells.
If this sounds fun, you’re in luck. There are thriving cyclocross series in both Seattle and Portland. To learn more about getting started in cyclocross, I talked with two of the Northwest’s long-time cyclocross proponents, Seattle’s Craig Undem and Portland’s Erik Tonkin. Undem is the Dean of Cycle U, and Tonkin is a co-owner of Sellwood Cycle Repair. Both Undem and Tonkin have competed at the cyclocross World Championships.
“The best way to get started is to watch a race,” recommends Undem.
Tonkin agrees that seeing a race often sets the hook. “Usually you watch a race and you get excited because it looks fun.”
Both Seattle and Portland have full schedules, so finding a race to watch is easy. Seattle has two cyclocross series including the long-running Seattle Cyclocross Series and the new-for-2009 MFG Cyclocross Series. Portland ‘crossers gather for one of the highest profile series in the country, the River City Bicycles Cross Crusade. Both cities have a full complement of non-series events filling the gaps on the schedule and making sure racers and fans alike can get their cyclocross fix.
Hopping off your bike while gracefully skipping over barriers doesn’t come naturally, and our cyclocross experts agree that taking a class makes getting started easier. “Cyclocross is a technique-heavy sport,” says Tonkin. “You can be a strong cyclist, but without learning the right technique you’ll struggle.” There is no better place to get cyclocross coaching than here in the Northwest.
In the Seattle area, a popular option is the Wednesday night workout at Marymoor Park in Redmond. Held under the Marymoor Velodrome floodlights, these begin in mid-September and start at 6 p.m. Undem and his team of coaches lead workouts for all levels of riders. For those wanting a smaller group or more personal attention, Cycle U offers “Cyclocross 101” workshops. They are also releasing a cyclocross training “boot camp” DVD this fall.
Tonkin runs his own series of clinics at the Alpenrose Dairy in Portland. The clinics start at 6 p.m. Wednesday evenings in September. Tonkin recommends coming with an open mind: “Don’t be afraid of being a beginner.”
After you’ve rehearsed running around with a bike on your shoulder, the next step is to pick a race and head to the starting line. Arrive with enough time to find the registration tent and pin your number on! Once you’re ready to ride, take a lap or two around the course before the racing begins. Practice your dismount a few times. Find out if you can ride up that steep hill, or if you are better off shouldering the bike and hoofing it.
Undem suggests a relaxed approach to your first race. “Don’t be worried about getting to the front. Focus on getting around the course and being challenged.”
Tonkin agrees that low key is better. “At a Cross Crusade race, you might have 200 participants in one race. If you start in 150th place, your best plan is to ride your own race, focus on riding smoothly and make good decisions.”
When your race is called to the starting line, join the crowd and wait for officials to begin the countdown. “Twenty seconds,” announces the official. Breathe deeply. “Ten seconds.” Relax. “Five.” Count down to yourself. When you hear the gun, start having fun.
Ding ding ding ding.
NW Cyclocross Schedules/Resources
Portland
Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA): www.obra.org
Cross Crusade: Schedule not announced at press time. www.crosscrusade.com
Sellwood Cycle Repair: (503) 233-9392, www.sellwoodcycle.com
River City Bicycles: (503) 233-5973, www.rivercitybicycles.com
Seattle
Updates/ links/schedules: www.seattlecyclocross.com
2009 MFG Cyclocross Series: www.mfgcyclocross.com
Cycle U: (800) 476-0681, www.cycleu.com
Nick Brown is a Kirkland-based writer who looks for adventure in everything from backpacking to buying a cup of coffee. His favorite sources of fun include bicycle racing, motorcycle touring, sailing, photography and hiking. And he loves cyclocross.
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