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A unique physical challenge

  • Published
  • By Dean Siemon
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  John Greer, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant at McChord Air Force Base, first heard about cyclocross four years ago and that there was a race at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood.

Races are typically held during the fall and winter months. Greer observed hundreds of athletes riding their bicycles through dirt, grass, pavement, steep hills and obstacles requiring riders to quickly dismount and carry their bikes over their shoulders in running stride.

Greer would sign up for his first race soon afterward. While in good shape for his age at the time, he learned that the combination of cross-country and bicycle racing can be demanding on the body, with races lasting up to 50 minutes.

"I wouldn't say it was painful," Greer said. "Sometimes I get done and I'm ready to cough up a lung."

After that race, he was introduced to Team Double Check and joined a group of riders that included a mix of active duty, retired and civilians. This group would later bring the annual Labor Day Cyclocross Championships to its current home at JBLM three years ago.

The event started in Seattle in 2003 and has been considered the kickoff to the Cyclocross season that begins in September and runs through mid-December in Western Washington. But a new venue was needed and that's when Double Check members from the JBLM community pitched the idea of using one of the installation's training areas just outside Lewis North.

"What you're looking for is a mixture of dirt trails that can be ridden at a reasonable speed," said Brian Volkert, event coordinator from Team Double Check. "You really look for a place where you can have a good course and available parking - it's a good combination."

That combination attracted more than 300 cyclocross athletes of various skill levels. About 10 percent may go on to the USA Cyclocross National Championship Jan. 8-12 in Boulder, Colo. The rest of the field, including those within the JBLM community, race for the physical challenge and aren't necessarily trying to beat the field.

There are beginner, master and elite races for men and women, as well as youths with one entry fee covering as many races as one athlete wishes to participate in. Different teams like Double Check have rosters that exemplify that cyclocross is an ageless sport.

"People in their 60s are still participating and are very competitive," said Staff Sgt. Jeff Evans of the Western Air Defense Sector at McChord Field. "We do get a few beginners who want to try their first race and we have established people. It appeals to a wide variety of people."

While the sport has grown in the Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest over the past two decades, cyclocross has a history that dates back to the 19th century when French Soldier Daniel Gousseau rode his bicycle over rough trails and obstacles to maintain cycling fitness during the winter months.

It became a focus for the French Army and led to a national championship that started in 1902. It grew throughout Europe with championships established in Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain and Italy.

The majority of local athletes continue to race in cyclocross events to maintain their fitness for upcoming triathlons and cycling events, like the Seattle to Portland ride, while testing their athletic ability in a different way.

"The running aspect is a bit different because you're shouldering a bicycle and carrying it over some hills - it's a skill set that can help you as a cyclist," Evans said. "You're using two different muscle groups in that event and it will challenge even someone who is in really good running shape."

In addition to attracting the hardcore athletes, casual outdoor enthusiasts will find that the sport doesn't have to be the most expensive. Those racing to reach the national championship don't need to have a special cyclocross bicycle that can cost a few thousand dollars.

All you need is a bicycle and protective gear (i.e. helmet) and pay the registration fee, which is usually around $20, for a first-time rider to race as many times as they want. For those like Greer, it can be a one-race hook.

"It's pretty laid back and people are out there to have fun," Greer said. "There's not a lot of serious riders that take it so serious that they'll take you out of the way."