Were those jet engines on bicycles?

More mud, blood and guts building up to the elites.

And things just get hotter in the cold.

Let there be snow and ice and cold.

The US Grand Prix of Cyclocross is a lofty title, especially when you throw in the venue title: Portland International Raceway. Cold, it was, but maybe the loftiness and the cold were just preparatory remarks for the coming week in Bend.

It was all legs out there.

What a finish to the Cross Crusade season.

Crossaflixion Cup races in Bend: Cyclocross in the snow.

250 riders on singe speeds passing through thunderdome.

There must be firm earth down there somewhere.

Brad Ross and Cross Crusade begin to develop the Nationals course. And Ryan happened by. Thanks to our Bend International, Regional and Local correspondent for sending photos from afar.

Worth a closer look, here are some memorable faces from the Halloween races.

Less mud, more men dressed as women. That would be a drag in some circles.

The rain did come and the winds did blow. But it didn't suck.

A few more photos from last weekend's race, a little bump late in the week.

It was a might slick out there.

No rodeo arena this year. But just enough rain to make a flat ride interesting.

And horses too.

The challenge is on to get the grail back.

Bikes built by hand face a heck of a race.

What a kickoff to the Cross Crusade Season.

A night of lessons and a taste of racing.

The wind was strong, the creek bank was steep and all was well.

It gets dark earlier this time of year and they continued to ride...

No races here but plenty of beer, bikes and fancy moves.

We'll be looking for your tats. Show us your skin (in a nice way, please...)

We crossed the river into Lakewood, WA with a few friendly faces. It's nice to feel at home in unfamiliar places.

Adams, Hood, Rainier beer cans as cowbells and plenty of "Haul ass and turn left!". Another perfect Sunday.

Don't these faces say it all?

No mud but plenty of dust and pain for the second annual Pain on the Peak.