Crosstoberfest returns with Wild West Cyclocross Series

SANDPOINT — Now in its 6th year, the Sandpoint Crosstoberfest 2017 event is a weekend of athletics, racing, fun and awareness, as hundreds of regional bike racers will ride, run, steer and power through the University of Idaho cyclocross (CX) course (2504 N. Boyer Ave.) on Saturday, Sept 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1.

Promoted and powered by Team Autism 24/7 with the cooperation of sponsors and the local cycling community, the event raises money to fund programs and support families living on the Autism spectrum near Sandpoint. To date, more than $15,000 has been raised, and with between 100-200 cyclists expected, organizers hope to bump the sum up even more.

Crosstoberfest has continued to grow through the years, for a number of reasons.

“We’re kind of quirky. There are funny things out there, a totem in the middle of the death spiral, funky art all around,” described Charles Mortensen, one of the event organizers. “What really sets us apart is the course, which is pretty much a permanent course. Our course is definitely our claim to fame. Music, food, beverages and crazy fans.”

Cyclocross is a small segment of the racing calendar, notable for challenging courses that can include forced dismounts, varied terrain and a party like atmosphere. Sandpoint’s course is no exception with a core volunteer group that keeps the course maintained and constantly evolving.

There will be several officiated races each day. Each lap in the 30 to 60 minute contests will send racers over mounds and hurdles, under the campus’ many trees, and across “City Beach North,” a man-made 50 yard sand pit. CX is typically held in the fall, because inclement weather often adds to the excitement.

“Weather is typically rainy or snowy, which is what riders are looking for. More challenge, and more fun for the spectators,” explains Moretensen. “A lot more mayhem, the more mayhem the better.”

The Sandpoint course is roughly two miles long, with elite races lasting 55 minutes and 45 minutes for the others, usually about five or six hearty laps when it’s all said and done.

Crosstoberfest is the second stage in the Wild West Cyclocross Series, a regional series that also has stops in Helena, Bozeman and Missoula, Montana. The standard CX bike is essentially a road bike with knobby tires, although the more terrain-befitting mountain bikes are also allowed.

“It’s kind of like the steeplechase of cycling,” described Mortensen. “Most of the riding is on dirt and grass. There are a couple barriers to get off the bike and hurdle, and a long run up the bank from Sand Creek; put bike on your shoulder and run as fast as you can.”

Junior racers (10-18 years-old) will once again race at no charge and the organizers would like to see a swell of participation from that category both days. Entry fees for all Junior racers will generously be underwritten by Mountain West Bank in Ponderay.

Saturday’s schedule will include a mid-day break from the racing where a “community walk and ride for Autism awareness” will take place.

“There’s a buzz for this year’s event. We are reaping the benefits of the course work we have done over the years,” said Mortensen, who also serves as the Director of the Wild West series. “The course is in excellent shape and we are looking forward to great weather, which could come in the form of sun, wind, snow or rain.”

Camping by donation will be available on site. Food Vendors, including Jupiter Jane and Mandala Pizza, will be onsite. Organizers are encouraging pre-registration online, and there is always day of registration at a higher cost.

For more information, or to register, visit www.wildwestcxseries.com, then click on the registration link.

To make a donation, visit www.teamautism247.com