Cross is Coming...Early

Posted At : August 28, 2008 5:43 PM | Posted By : Erik Voldengen
Related Categories: Bike

I'm getting a wee bit excited about cyclocross.  I haven't done anything to prepare for it yet, but it's always a good time.

I can't believe the schedule we've got stacked up out here in Portland.  Seriously - we will have a cross (or cross-ish) race scheduled for just about EVERY weekend from now until December.  It's just HUGE out here. 

Personally, I enjoy a cyclical cycling pattern.  It keeps things fun and interesting.  If I do the same thing with the same focus for too long, I get bored.  Quickly.  Here's my thing:

  • January-March: 100% fixed gear rides in the rain.
  • March-May: Break out the road bike, start going fast.
  • May-August: Roadie Season.  PIR, Crits, whatever I can fit in.
  • September: Hang up the road bike, break out the cyclocross gear.
  • October-November: Cyclocross...almost every weekend (sorry, family).
  • December - take a break, break out the fixed gear, locate all my winter clothing.

I do not like the fact that cyclocross is edging into the summer months.  The Olympic games are special because they take place every four years.  Your birthday is special because it takes place once a year.  Cyclocross is special because it takes place when it gets cold and wet (unless you're one of those soCal guys). 

The sport is hot right now, so I guess this is to be expected.  And of course, just because the races are offered, that doesn't mean everyone has to attend them.  Will the sport collapse in a huge ball of fire, the result of a collective burn-out of hundreds of cyclocross maniacs?  Who knows.

For me, cyclocross is a short, intense season.  My family can deal with me being a little nuts for a couple months, but not much longer than that.  So I'm probably going to stick with plan A.

I found this photo this morning.  I don't know where it came from, but I made into my PC's wallpaper (it's double wide because I've got two monitors).  To me, this is the essence of cyclocross.  This is what I am yearning for:

bgPic 

And you?  What do you think?

Comments (3)
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that picture makes me jealous...
# Posted By gewilli | 8/29/08 6:10 AM
I'm with you... I'm fearful that the 'cross season is encroaching to much into the summer. That's not cross, it's called Short Track.

I think we will begin to see burn out towards the end of the season if racers all begin to start in early September.

I don't mind a dry 'cross race... Not to fond of a hot, dry and dusty cross race though!
# Posted By Dan Porter | 8/29/08 10:58 AM
Although I don't do as well in the muddy races, I would like to see the season go into december more. There is such a large gap from Nationals to the worlds. It's almost as if the season ends and you have to remember that "oh yeah the worlds are in a few weeks".
# Posted By neutralwrench | 8/29/08 11:39 AM
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