Barton

Barton is distinct from other cyclocross races.

First, it includes a gravel pit. If you don't think that's a big deal, go find a gravel pit and try to ride your bike around in it. It's a strange feeling. The drop into the pit and the climb out can be pretty difficult, especially if the course designer likes to put sharp turns at the bottom. And it's harder if you include gravel.

Second, largely because of it's place on the calendar this year, Barton put the North in Northwest cyclocross. Up to this point (except for the opener at Alpenrose), most of the races have been California cyclocross style. No offense to California - those guys race hard. But they do it under warm, sunny skies. And so did we until Barton. Barton gave us a taste of what's to come and why many people love cyclocross: it was wet, cold, and muddy. Sven Nys Koppenberg Cross muddy. Find-a-large-puddle-of-dirty-water-in-the-parking-lot-and-use-it-to-clean-the-mud-out-of-your-eyes muddy. Wet, muddy gravel-strewn downhills are dangerous. Not if you fall but when and triage from there. Face-lacerations-and-separated-shoulders dangerous.

Many love Barton for the reasons above. Many hate it. They still come, though. Over 1,000 participants I'm told. I sold out of waffles, a bit later than usual, but I still sold out. And hats, gloves and socks are getting much more popular. It's been raining all week and is supposed to lighten up for this Sunday, another Cross Crusade race and the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships. Last year was the inaugural race and it was outrageous - I can't wait for the second coming.