Despite the allure of hometown racing, a posse of local racers made the trek to Rainier to throw down at the second Cross Crusade, with seven Bendites taking wins in their respective races, and a few others stepping on the podium. David Taylor crushed the Clydesdale race, winning by more than two minutes over his closest competitor. The Clydesdale category, for racers who weigh in at 200 pounds or more, is often the target of lighthearted ridicule. While most of the heavyweights are good-natured about it, they are as competitive as any other category.
"We're mooing like cows at the start line," said Taylor, who weighs 215 pounds. "But when the racing starts it's serious."
This is only Taylor's second season as a 'crosser, and he started racing cyclocross to justify a bicycle purchase. "At first I was like, 'I'm not a racer, I'm just doing this for fun,'" he says. He quickly became hooked on the atmosphere and camaraderie, and now realizes everyone does it for fun. Racing well is only the icing on the cake.
"That was a good win for me," said Taylor. (Michelle Bazemore)
Cross Crusades #2, Rainier, OR
Podium Placings for Bend Racers
1st Masters 35+ A, Andrew Sargent,
Webcylery
2nd Masters 35+ A, Tim Jones,
Webcyclery
1st Cat B, Scott Gray,
Team Oregon/
Laurelwood Brewing
5th Masters 35+ B, Seth Graham,
Pine Mountain Sports
1st Masters 60+, Don Leet,
Sunnyside Sports
1st Clydesdale, David Taylor,
Bend Memorial Clinic Racing
1st Women A, Serena Bishop Gordon,
Silverado Gallery
1st Masters Women 35+ A, Renee Scott,
Sunnyside Sports
1st Masters Women 35+ B, Mary Ramos,
BMC
5th Junior Men, Cameron Beard,
Bend Endurance Academy