OBRA cyclocross calendar kicks off in 10 days

Aug 18, 2010 by editor

SAUVIE ISLAND — With cyclocross clinics from Upper Echelon Fitness/Portland Bicycle Studio and PDX Cross Academy already in full swing, it’s no surprise that the first race on the OBRA cyclocross schedule is just 10 days away.

The Aug. 29 Kruger’s Kermesse Farm Crit presented by Bike N Hike bills itself as the perfect transition into cross season. Although it’s called a crit, the event will probably feel more like a fast and non-technical cross race over hard-packed farm roads. The course at Kruger’s Farm on Sauvie Island will feature some potholes and ruts, a sprinkle of gravel, a bit of sand, and, depending on the weather, possibly some mud. However, everything will be 100 percent rideable with no barriers or dismounts. The spectator-friendly venue, which also hosts the Kruger’s Crossing cyclocross race in late November, will feature live music, a beer garden, catered food and, of course, a kiddie race.

Cross season picks up in earnest Sept. 11-12 with theCross Over Stage Race in Eugene and the Pain & Suffer’n CX race on Bald Peak Sept. 12. Portland’s popular Cross Crusade series, which draws well over 1,000 participants per race, begins October 3 with the traditional race at Alpenrose Dairy.