Cross Crusades cyclocross races return to Bend

More than one thousand cyclocross racers are wearing costumes and competing in two days of racing this weekend in Bend. And Saturday things kicked off in the Old Mill District.

The Cross Crusades races are an eight-race series set in the fall.

Races are usually held in Portland every weekend in October and November. But one race is held here in Bend.

That’s because so many people from our area travel to Portland for the races.

Brad Ross, the director of the race, says it’s an opportunity to return the favor to Central Oregonians.

“It’s the most spectator-friendly bicycle race, because it’s so close-in,” Ross said. “You can watch the racers go by a million different times while you’re standing here in the beer garden. It’s pretty cool, in that respect,. It’s like a big, huge party, and there just happens to be a bike race going on.”

The pro men and women winners will receive cash prizes at the end.

You can still catch the races Sunday starting at 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

It’s not just the teams from all over the state setting up tents.

Deschutes Brewery hosted a cyclocross festival on their brewery site.

Local and visiting food and product vendors set up shop there. And they have an advantage.

“Unlike most races, you got a contained area,” said Kevney Dugan, director of sales and sports development for Visit Bend. “(Here) you got an area where you got racers contained in a certain area where vendors can really get hands-on with those racers.”

The fun doesn’t just stop at the festival though.

Deschutes Brewery was hosting a “Cyclo Du Soleil” party at their warehouse Saturday night.

The fourth annual Clydesdale Cyclocross Championship of the Universe is designed for male racers over 200 pounds and female racers over 160 pounds, where costumes are required.