For seven years, the Sun Valley resort has held the Crosstoberfest weekend as an end of biking season and a welcome to ski season. The festival's main event is its cyclo-cross races, which feature the Idaho State Championship race.
"Cyclo-cross season is the fall," said Sam Cochran, Pete Lane's hard goods manager. "Cold, wet and muddy is the way race participants like it."
Crosstoberfest takes place Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at River Run Lodge. The festival's main day is Saturday, when a food garden from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. will serve authentic Bavarian fare, which will also be available on Sunday. A beer garden on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. will feature domestic and German beers. Food and beer tents will be outside, weather permitting. Otherwise, the fires will be stoked for a fun, cozy River Run Lodge.
The Treasure Valley Musik Meisters, a nine-piece-plus-one-singer "oompah" band will perform live music on Saturday from 3:30-6 p.m. In addition, manufacturers such as Scott, Smith, Lucky Bum, Chums/Beyond Coastal, Blizzard Skis and Technica will have tents featuring new gear. Pete Lane's and Brass Ranch will also have sales and new equipment available.
"This year we are bringing in Atomic as a new brand, and we are really excited about it," Cochran said. "All the new gear and equipment is a preview to get ready for winter."
A few deals are available throughout the weekend, including ski pass specials, which will only last through October. A helmet and goggle special will offer $40 off for those in need, and the weekend will be full of specials and deals, including free ski tuning clinics and new equipment.
However, the best part of Octobercross is watching kids 12 and under compete in their own cyclo-cross race. The 12-and-under group is the biggest field of competitors and bumps the number of overall cyclo-cross racers to over 200. Kids too small to ride bikes can participate in free activities including face painting, squash bowling and arts and crafts.
"Billy Olson is in charge of the cyclo-races and puts on multiple races in the south valley," Cochran said. "I am so impressed with all things that are going on in the bike world in Sun Valley."
Olson is the owner of the Powerhouse Bike Fit Studio in Hailey and organizes the cyclo-cross races for Crosstoberfest. The extensive raffle and mug sales throughout the weekend will benefit Sun Valley Road & Dirt. Cyclo-cross participants will also be eligible for a best costume prize.
Cyclo-cross course training will take place tonight at 4:30 p.m. at River Run. In addition, a cyclo-cross series will continue through December at Sagewillow Barn in Elkhorn. Visit powerhousefitstudio.com for details.
"Crosstoberfest has turned into such a wonderful party, whether you are a racer, spectator or shopper," Cochran said. "There is something for everyone."
Idaho state cyclo-cross events
Saturday, Oct. 23, and Sunday, Oct. 24 at River Run Lodge
· Race registration 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., first race starts at 12:30 p.m. both days.
· Race category info and to register visit powerhousefitstudio.com.
· Prizes in all categories, great raffle prizes including a Scott-Cross bike, Stockli skis and much more.
· Adult entries are $35 per day and $65 for both days.
· Junior entries are $15 per day and kids under 12 are free.
Future cyclo-cross champions begin training at the Sun Valley Crosstoberfest weekend. Express photo by Paulette Phlipot
