Lifelong Bellingham resident Brian Bressler has a deep and rich history with cyclocross in the Pacific Northwest. Decades after his start in the discipline, and with the help of Steve Westover of Lemon Peel Productions, he’s bringing back the sport to the same venue that helped him fall in love with cyclocross and the area’s unique and abundant parks.
In its inaugural year, the NorthWest Grand Prix (NWGP), helmed by Westover and Bressler, will host events in September, October and November at different parks in Whatcom and Skagit counties. The races are all scored, and winners will be crowned in their respective categories at the end of the season.
The first race of the season is on Sept. 28 at Squalicum Park. On race day, the first waves start at 9 a.m. and go until mid-afternoon, with the events getting longer and faster as the day goes on.
European-style cyclocross, an off-road offshoot of road cycling, involves racers battling for the win on a fully closed 1-mile circuit for a predetermined amount of time, usually 30 to 60 minutes. Riders will encounter obstacles such as stairs, barriers, sand traps, or tight hairpin corners between the 3 meters of tape enclosing the race course.
Cyclocross is unique among other cycling and racing competitions. It is best compared to rallycross or steeplechase and involves elements from multiple cycling disciplines. The sport’s history goes back to the early 1900s when it was originally formed to help keep road cycling professionals in shape during the fall and winter off-season.
“Cross is a great way to engage with the community and keep in shape during the winter,” said Westover, the race director.
This beginner-friendly racing format encourages riders of all types to test themselves and their equipment against the course and competition.
“Cyclocross in the PNW is unique because every bike is a ‘cross bike,’” Bressler said. “We want people to bring their mountain bikes, hybrids or commuter bikes and be able to enjoy racing and spectating. All you need is a bike and helmet.”
Traditionally, a cyclocross bike is similar to a drop-bar road bike that many are familiar with from events such as Ski to Sea or Mount Baker Hill Climb. The biggest difference is tire size and tread, as official competitions only allow a maximum tire width of 33mm. The tires often have aggressive lugs to keep traction during the off-road event. The NWGP does not enforce tire width rules for any competitions.
With races and events taking place in mid-sized county parks and private venues, action-packed courses easily keep spectators engaged.
“We wanted to find a venue that supported good sight lines and allowed spectators a chance to be part of their action,” Westover said. “Squalicum Park has a large hill [on the west side] that’s easily visible from nearly the entire park.”
Lemon Peel Productions is touting the NWGP as one of the only European-style racing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. Cafe Velo, a bike shop in downtown Bellingham, is helping Lemon Peel Productions with prize money and mid-race primes (pronounced ‘preem’) during some of the afternoon events.
“We love the other local cyclocross series that uses more singletrack and natural obstacles,” Westover explained, “but we wanted something that emulated what USA Cycling and people in Europe were racing.”
Westover’s son, Finn, is attending college in the Netherlands, where he’ll be studying while racing cyclocross this fall and winter.
“We’re also very focused on maintaining good standing with our friends at Bellingham Parks and are working closely to ensure a safe, successful and minimally impactful race day,” Bressler said. Bressler is on the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, serving an appointed position through the end of the year.
Another Bellingham-based three-race series, Cascade Cross, starts back up in November, and continues into January.
“Cyclocross is a very family-friendly discipline. It’s one of the only sports where parents and their kids can race and practice on the same course on the same day.” Bressler said. “We’re encouraging parents to introduce their kids to the sport by making the youth categories free to participate in.”
Bressler and Westover are hoping to attract riders from all over the PNW and eventually nationwide to experience their European take on a popular discipline.
Westover compares his goals with NWGP to the well-received National Championship event hosted at Fort Steilacoom Park in Tacoma in 2019.
“That event was so awesome and well-received by the neighborhood and cyclocross community. The crowds were huge,” Westover said. “We’re hoping to recapture some of that energy and make a series of events that people from all over want to participate in.”
USA Cycling, the national governing body of cycling, hosts yearly competitions for more than a dozen disciplines, including cyclocross. Nationals have not been held west of the Mississippi following the Steilacoom race.
This year, national championships will be in Louisville, Kentucky, where dozens of medals will be awarded in professional and amateur age group competitions. Westover hopes that these early-season NWGP races will prep athletes for national events.
“We have several local youth and adult athletes planning on making the pilgrimage to Louisville this winter,” Westover said. “We’re hoping that the NWGP helps prepare them for bigger races while getting the community excited about what’s happening in their backyard.”
Those interested in racing, volunteering, or learning more about the North West Grand Prix or Lemon Peel Productions can visit lemonpeelproductions.com or contact steve@lemonpeelproductions.com. Racing in the Junior categories is free, while adults can pre-register online or sign up at the venue on race day. Spectating at any of the NWGP races is free.
Casey Griesemer writes monthly. Email: caseyg2014@gmail.com.
