Crosstoberfest Cyclocross Festival coming soon to Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Spectators will be in for a treat on Oct. 1-2 when several hundred cyclists converge on Sandpoint for the fifth annual Crosstoberfest Cyclocross Festival. There will also be an obstacle run, a walk to raise money for autism and people actually throwing bikes on purpose.

Cyclocross is the most spectator-friendly format of cycling, where attendees are encouraged to cowbell, cheer and even heckle the athletes. Competitors race across grass, sand, mud, hills and obstacles which often require them to dismount and run with their bikes.

Sandpoint will be the third stop in the Wild West Cyclocross Series, which continues to grow in participation. Team Autism 24/7 (teamautism247.com), in coordination with the greater Sandpoint cycling community, is hosting the event.

The weekend long Crosstoberfest is held at the University of Idaho Satellite Campus on North Boyer Ave., where there will be food, beer and wine available, along with a disc jockey and music.

This year’s course boasts some added berms and other features which involved earth moving, and will enhance the rider and spectator experience.

Further promoting the carnival-like atmosphere, will be a Klunker Toss. Participants will attempt to throw a heavy bike the farthest in exchange for a donation. Distances will be recorded and scored, and bragging rights doled out.

Net is an adventure/steeple chase type cross-country run with a 3:30 p.m. start on Saturday.

One of the highlights of the weekend is a break in the Saturday race schedule for a noncompetitive walk/ride for autism, raising awareness to the fundraising efforts and families supported in the area.

More information can be found at wildwestcxseries.com and the Sandpoint Cyclocross Facebook Page.