Portland Racing’s Short Track series is off to a banging start, with over 300 racers lining up at the gates on race day. A combination of XC and Cyclocross racing, Portland Racing's short track series uses a 30 minute format on a closed course that takes place on a grassy field, winding between trees, marked by cones, as well as the bulk of the motor cross course.

Chris King Components, one of the series sponsors was on hand showing off headsets, and providing lemonade and free tech support. Photo: Jason Van Horn

The course doesn’t feature any major elevation changes, but the short laps feature lots of up and down, and the chewed up motor cross course has a beat up surface making for a rough and bumpy ride. Racers essentially go all out the entire time, finding oh-so-short moments to catch their breath.

A moment of exertion during the women's Cat 1/ Pro race. Photo: Jason Van Horn

After a long and drawn out spring that has kept the trails wet and mostly unrideable, my personal fitness level is at an all time low. I elected to sign up and give short track racing a go anyway, and thanks to RC’s XC race strategy for the slow pedaling, lined myself up at the front of the group. Utilizing gate skills acquired from years of gravity racing, I got the hole shot and started off strong, and out in front of the pack. Of course, this only works if you have the legs and lungs to maintain a sustained effort, and I spent the entire half hour just trying to breathe, and keep my legs turning, as 3/4 of the field picked me off over the course of six laps.

A muddy, energy sucking turn on the course. Photo: Jason Van Horn

Muddy sections on the motor cross track made for some interesting moments, whether it was drifting sideways at speed, or energy-draining pedal strokes through the soft muck. In the end, I managed to finish with a not-so-respectable time, but with a smile on my face, (ok, not really) and motivation to get back on the bike and start putting in some hard miles.

A group of racers trail single file through the smoothest line during the Cat 1 race. Photo: Jason Van Horn

The Short Track series lasts seven weeks, with racing taking place every Monday through August 2nd, with categories for men, women, and kids of all ages and levels of fitness. If you are in the Portland area, it is an easy way to break into endurance racing or check out the scene. Located at the Portland International Raceway, (within city limits) spectating is free, and there is plenty of parking. It is also accessible by bike, as well as the MAX train, with many racers leaving the cars at home.

Pro Men winner Shannon Skerritt laps Pro/Cat 1 Women competitor Andna Whitley. Pro Men completed 6 laps to the women's 5. Photo: Jason Van Horn

Day of registration is only $20. An ORBA license is required, but one-day licenses are also available.

For more information, check out PortlandRacing.com

Results Pro Men:

1. Shannon Skerritt, Trek 29er
2. Doug Wilmes, Portland Bicycle Studio
3. James Ceccorulli, Team Dirt/ Mudslinger Events

Results Pro Women

1. Christy Love, Team S+M
2. Susan Sherman, Showers Pass
3. Sue Granjean, Showers Pass

Check out the rest of the results at OBRA.org

Video highlights of the 2009 series by Scott Barker, event videographer and racer

STXC-10 'WHATS YOUR NUMBER' from PDX Race Videos on Vimeo.

POV Practice lap of the MTB Short Track at PIR

Practice lap on the MTB short track at PIR from ih8 bikes on Vimeo.