What do you get when you cross a costume party with a steeplechase race that looks like an adventure run on wheels? Something close to Lake Oswego’s first Crosstoberfest—a cyclocross race on Saturday, October 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm.

Here are 5 reasons why you should check it out.

1. It’s beginner-friendly. Of the many bicycle race formats –road races, track cycling, time trials—cyclocross could be the most beginner friendly, according to race director, David Saltzberg. Instead of heading out for two hours to cover 60 miles in a road race, cyclocrossers tackle a course that’s less than two miles, with average heats lasting 45 minutes. Granted that course is riddled with challenges like different surfaces to navigate and obstacles that require riders to dismount and carry their bikes. But getting a little muddy or wet is part of what makes the race so entertaining for both participants and spectators.

2. It’s fun. While it’s called a “race,” Saltzberg describes the atmosphere as more lighthearted than other bicycle races. “It’s very social,” he explains, with competitors getting to see each other every seven minutes or so as they lap around, providing lots of opportunity for jabbing, heckling and taunting.

3. It’s spectator-friendly. No need to move around to catch sight of the cyclist you are rooting for. Since participants complete laps, you can cheer on your favorites from one vantage point and take in all the action from were you stand.

4. There’s a free event for the kids. Kids 9 and under can spin their wheels on a modified course.

5. It’s a great excuse for a party. It’s called “Crosstoberfest” for a reason—check out the food, drinks (including beer and cider provided by Ancestry Brewing), and music.

Register online. Entrants must join the Oregon Bicycle Race Association for a small fee in order to participate in this race.

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