Cyclocross season debuts in Santa Rosa

Though not as muddy as last year, the kickoff Saturday of Santa Rosa’s cyclocross racing season was no less brutal.

The race, a mix of road racing, mountain biking and steeple-chasing, was held at Youth Community Park. Waged in a spirit of ribbing camaraderie, the monthly events offer serious cyclists a training ground during the fall and winter seasons. And for some, the contest is their ultimate goal.

“A lot of people use it for winter training, but this is what I do. Cyclocross is my cup of tea,” said Carl Hesselein, 23, of Arcata.

Hesselein, a senior-year botany student at Humboldt State University, took first place in the men’s “A category,” the fastest of the fast.

The race, which has grown in popularity around the world over the past few decades, made its debut in Santa Rosa in February 2008. Seven months later, the first series of races was held.

Jim Keene, general manager of NorCal Bike Sport and Bike Peddler in Santa Rosa, a co-sponsor of the race, said cyclocross started out as a European tradition. In the United States, it has already matured to the point that dedicated cyclocross racers are hard to beat, he said.

Other sponsors of Saturday’s race included Marin Bikes and Bike Monkey magazine. Part of the proceeds from the $25 entry fee will go to help support local nonprofits, including the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and Bicycles for Humanity.

The next races are scheduled for Dec. 5 at Franklin Park, Jan. 9 at Galvin Park and Feb. 13 and Doyle Park.

Saturday’s contests drew hundreds of competitors spread over the course of six races, four for men and two for women.

Toddlers and young children also were allowed to participate in a mini-cyclocross that was captured by proud parents with video cameras.

The real cyclocross races were 45 minutes of heart-pounding competition made bearable by relentless bantering, jabbing and witty ribbing from the announcer.

“The camaraderie is really good in cyclocross,” Hesselein said. “They kind of heckle you and make you feel really miserable. Everyone is having a miserable time together.”