obra3

1,393 racers today at Alpenrose Cross Crusade CCX in Portland.

Andy_K 

That was an incredible day of races -- many thanks to the organizers, staff, volunteers and sponsors.

If anyone is wondering what it's like to race among 1,393 riders, it's a lot like this:



But only for the first lap or so. It was total chaos and insanely fun. Starting dead last in a group of 141, I managed to work my way up to 106. Another guy in my call-up group finished 15, so I guess starting position isn't everything.

OnTheRivet

One of the best reasons to get faster and move up, the fields are way smaller

Andy_K 

I'd have to add it up to be sure, but I think 141 may have been the smallest group on the field at one time (because of several categories racing together). For starting position within a category, it looks like my best bet would be to put on a little bit of weight and join the Clydesdales. There were only only 58 of them.

Grimace 2/9

...but it felt like there were more than 58 Clydes. Kind of like a choice between surrounded by 141 squirrels or 58 buffalo. It wasn't too bad until the speedier C's started passing, then it got a little tense. But very fun overall, everyobdy was taking it a lot more seriously than the Blind Date at the Dairy series, IMO.

TBatty

The squirrels analogy is way to apt for the beginner field yesterday, at least where I was at (somewhat behind Andy by the end of things). Lots of fun though, and learn a bit more each race.