Friday, October 28, 2005

Get your bike on (your shoulder)

Oktoberfest race fit for cyclos


An early cyclocross event in 1931. Courtesy Photo.

This weekend's second annual Sun Valley Oktoberfest revolves around two things: beers and bikes. The biking consists of cycle-cross races, a growing fad for cyclists looking for an off-season thrill.

Cycle-cross bike racing, you may also see it listed as cyclocross, is starting to put down roots in the Wood River Valley.

The sport originated with road cyclists who, attempting to train in the winter months, found that serious obstacles and slick surfaces can actually be ingredients for a good time.

This weekend will mark the first time that the sometimes muddy Oktoberfest races will be considered the Idaho State Championships of cycle cross. Depending on rain, the course at River Run can vary greatly.

You don't need to be a cyclo-veteran to compete at River Run, though. At 12:30 on Saturday, beginners can go out for a 40-minute, no-pressure, introduction-to-the-sport race.

"You are not out there for four hours like a mountain bike race," said Oktoberfest organizer and Sun Valley Road and Dirt founder Billy Olson. "You go as hard as you can go for 40 minutes," he said.

Following the beginners event, there will be a free race for children under 13 years of age. Registration for all races starts at 11:30 and continues all day prior to ongoing races. A $5 license is required along with the $30 one-day entrance fee or $50 two-day fee. Sunday will feature the state championships for all categories.

Raffle tickets will also be for sale with proceeds going to benefit SV Road and Dirt. Among the prizes are a pair of Stockli skis.




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