For the fifth time in his career, Keith Riege won the Cyclocross State Championship, taking home the gold medal in the season’s final race on Dec. 2.
Riege, the owner of Paint Creek Bicycles in downtown Lake Orion, placed second in the overall points series for the second year.
He last won the series in 2005, capping a run of four consecutive titles in his age group.
Riege describes cyclocross as a combination of two of his other passions on the bike, road racing and mountain biking.
Races are somewhat short, but the challenge comes in managing the terrain.
‘Cyclocross races are held each fall in all sorts of weather and this year’s series of races were held in temperatures from the 90s in September with lots of rain and mud, to temps in the 20s with snow mist and slush in the last weekend,? Riege said.
The final day included nearly two-inches of snow, with plenty of ice and fog in the mix.
‘It was a lot of fun slip sliding around, but I am glad the season is over,? Riege said.
The courses consist of a variety of surfaces, ranging from pavement to dirt to grass to sand pits, with barrier challenges thrown into the mix.
Riege said the barrier challenges vary from course to course, but are designed to get the riders to dismount their bikes and then remount as fast as possible once running through the barrier on foot.
A typical cyclocross bike resembles a standard road bike with differences in the frame and fork for larger tires and increased mud clearance, along with mountain bike-style brakes.
‘Cyclocross courses are spectator friendly and held in parks where the entire race can be seen from one vantage point,? Riege noted.
Riege said those wanting to learn more about the sport should stop by his shop at 27 E. Flint.
He admits that he might be a little crazy to take on racing in such unpredictable weather but said ‘it’s a lot of fun and keeps me fit.?