2017 Anza Crossing

I have never tried haiku before. My understanding is limited to the 5-7-5 pattern, English syllables rather than the Japanese mora:

Soft breeze swaying palms

Grey clouds pushed aside by blue

Riders storm between.

Cyclocross came again this year, to the Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park in Riverside, a full slate of races, including both kiddie and doggie cross, under the officialdom of USA Cycling. As fresh legs gave way to exhausted pairs, smiles at a fast start turned to gaping mouths at a finish, a mostly slate sky gave way to blue and sun. A little morning dampness making the grassy slope down into the palm-flooded river valley an extra slick challenge, rear wheels seeking traction often succumbing to momentum-canceling spin. The steep hillside, while not unknown feature of SoCal Cross, does not always come into play, many venues being mostly flat park lands. Do you like it? The answer to that question might determine how well you do at the Anza Crossing. In the end, though, it is just another obstacle to overcome in the race that is cyclocross.

For the full selection of photos spin on over to the Flickr album.