This is Cyclocross
by Bernie
Attacking the hill.
Pete G and I were at the Moritz Cowtown Cyclocross Race today at the Lockheed Martin Recreation Area on the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. We went to cheer some buddies on, and Pete got some great photos in the process.
Go Panther City Bicycles! Jeremy totally dusted all the other local shops.
Cyclocross is a bicycle racing sport that started off as a way for road racers to keep fit in the winter. Racing is done around a short loop, criterium-style. Courses are off-road, and include obstacles that force riders to dismount and run with their bikes.
Preparing for the dismount.
The bikes started as road bikes with larger tires, but have evolved into specialty machines. They still look a lot like road bikes, but use cantilever brakes for big tire and mud clearance, and have more ground clearance and a slightly more upright riding postion for better off-road handling.
Jeremy was like a gazelle, leaping over the obstacles.
Traditionally, Cyclocross season means lots of cold weather, mud, bratwurst, beer, and cowbells (especially in Belgium). Here in Fort Worth, the weather is a little milder. It would be nice to get the cowbells, brats, and beer going though… come out to the races next year!
Pete G Adds–The race was fast-paced, exciting and looked like a lot of fun. I can only imagine what Cyclocross is like with some real fall weather, with the mud flying and tires slipping! Hmmm, I wonder if I can hide a new Cyclocross bike from the wife….
UPDATE
To see some really nice photos of the mud and glory of a typical cyclocross race, check out friend of a friend Jonathan Maus’ flickr set from a recent race in Portland, Oregon. Epic!–Pete G
3 Comments, Comments or Pings
Suzette
Probably off the subject content but please excuse as I say, “Love the pictures….they are awesome! Your portfolio is as well. Great work. Thank you. Are you a vendor at Main Street Arts Festival…PeteG? If so, why or whynot?
Nov 26th, 2007
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