Rolling in the hay...

There is no official start day of cyclocross season althought it is relatively easy to identify among cyclists. Like Fall, it lurks after Labor Day when the heat index is NOT exceeding triple digits and summer vacations are a distant memory. Like leaves slowly changing colors, riders begin emerging from their crit and short track trail series with slightly wider tires and they ditch their "stop on a dime" disc brakes for "roll to a gradual stop" clenchers.

Deciding the most appropriate starting line.

Our "kickoff" race, AppleCross, is set for THIS SATURDAY. It was only fitting that Bob's Redmill Cyclocross Team go and ride the course. However, nothing has been staked or taped off just yet. So what do we do? We make the best of it...ride all over rolling fields and outline a fun course void of farm implements, prickly roots, and baby goats. Everyone has their opinions which is based off of what they enjoy MOST about races. There were discussions of off-camber sections, run-ups, barriers, and how to use a silty, somewhat unattractive drainage pond (void of sewage).

What to do with the pond? This could get dirty.

Our host, Hubers Orchard and Restaurant have given us "carte blanche" which is ideal although we are not allowed to ride through the orchards. Patrons picking apples are not appropriate obstacles and are not sanctioned as such. This did not stop us from riding through the fruit filled trees and dodging granny smith apples on hillside climbs (or eating them).

Eating the fruits of the labor.

Tonight the chores are being done...staking, taping and trimming all the grasses...as the mass arrives early Saturday morning and the "unofficial", "official" cyclocross season starts.