The SSCXWC08 takes place this weekend.

SSCXWC stands for Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships.  It's a cyclocross race on a bike with only one gear.  That's one chainring on the front, one cog on the back, no shifting.  You would think that's not really a big deal, but it's got quite a following.  I gave it a try earlier this year, and yeah, it's pretty fun.

Saturday marks the super secret qualifier round.  For some reason, I have a feeling it's going to be a TT up Saltzman road.  I'm sure it will end up being something much cooler.  The top 50 (?) or so people will qualify for Sunday's main event.   A limited amount of spots will also be given in a qualifier race on Sunday.

The main event takes place on Sunday at 4:00, at Portland International Raceway (no, we don't ride on the race track, but in the grassy areas...PIR is a big place).  Racing for the "normal" categories will be taking place all day long, too. This event fell on a bad weekend (schedule wise) for me, but I might be able to make it out for the race at 2:40, which precedes the main event.  

This race has some unusual rules not found anywhere else.  Last year, there was a "tequila shortcut," where you were permitted to take a shortcut in the race course if you drank a shot of tequila.  Racers that took the shortcut without drinking were barraged by an infantry of paint ball soldiers, and I'm pretty sure it hurt.  I would expect similar shenanigans this year.

Several racers will be wearing non traditional clothing for this race.  Last year's men's champion wore a hockey jersey and a skate board helmet.  I think the second place woman was wearing a leather bustier with wings on the back.  Many others were dressed less tamely.  Yeah, they still ride their guts out, but they have a good time doing it.

The winner of the SSCXWC is crowned the Single Speed World Champion.  Of course, there's both a women's and men's title.  The champion receives a golden speedo, free custom made cyclocross frame, and a mandatory tattoo.  As you may have guessed, the awards ceremony is very entertaining (the picture above is from last year's podium).

If you're looking for something interesting to do on Sunday afternoon, grab your rain jacket, rubber boots, and head over to PIR for what's sure to be a spectacle.  Last year, they had multiple kegs in addition to a ton of free cans of beer.  They also had a karaoke machine set up, and I believe those two things go quite well together.  The crowds are going to be pretty wild, so be prepared.