Described aptly as a mixture of off-road bicycling and steeplechase running, cyclocross is the winter equivalent of an extra-large espresso served piping hot to bike racers around the world. Invented for off- season training nearly 100 years ago in cycling-mad Belgium, cyclocross has built its own niche in the cycling world, with stars and equipment dedicated solely to the sport.

Belgium, of course, is known for its beer, and something alcoholic is often on order after experiencing the pain and suffering of a cyclocross race. And similar to mountain biking, cyclocross spectators bring a relaxed, party atmosphere with them - in fact, a recent World Championships drew more than 50,000 fans!

Races are run on short, challenging circuits using paths in city parks and forest preserves, and are equally difficult to novice riders and experts alike. From the gun, competitors are red-lined, as course designers send racers over "obstacles," which can be anything from stream crossings, to log jumping, to hurdling shin-high "barriers" set up in packs of three. But this isn't an ordinary ride in the park: in a singular graceful and efficient move, the riders dismount their bikes, run through the barriers, and remount - all at race speed! This spikes an already- high heart rate; add in unpredictable and often wet fall weather, and you start to get a new idea of agony.

So what is it that makes this Belgian import so special?

"I never thought getting on and off a bike could be so important and look so beautiful," said to Jason Meshberg of Lyons, who first caught the bug watching international-level competitors. "I thought it was the most difficult and ridiculous sport I had ever witnessed."

Now a self-described "junkie," Meshberg went on to race in the Wisconsin Cup series and to promote local races. His wife, Kristen, converted a commuter rig to try the sport last year and she won her first event.

"I never thought I'd race cyclocross," she said. "But it was a low-key way to get back into racing after having our first baby, and I loved it! The spectator-friendly atmosphere was great for kids and there always seemed to be someone cooking out."

The Midwest has seen a rebirth of its cyclocross scene recently. The Chicago Cyclocross Cup, now in its second year, has returned racing to the city, with two events in Chicago and several more in surrounding suburbs.

This parallels a national trend, as the sport has grown on both coasts and manufacturers have added cyclocross-specific models to their lines. Although mountain bikes can be used, cyclocross-specific bicycles often have the advantage: they are set up like a road bike featuring lighter, road-specific components, frames and drop handlebars, and have narrower knobby tires.

Races are timed, and competitors do as many circuits as they can in the allotted time. As the fatigue grows, the pace slows and dismounts become less poetic - the peak moments of a 'cross race redefine an athlete's pain threshold. But the Belgians definitely got it right - there's no better way to "cross"-train!

With choices from Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan, to right here in Chicago, cyclocross racers are never lacking for competition on autumn weekends. Beginners do not need a cyclocross-specific bike, any mountain bike without bar-ends can be used. But no amount of preparation can substitute the real thing - you just have to get out there and try it!

Web sites
www.chicrosscup.com (Chicago Cyclocross Cup)
www.cyclocrossworld.com (Cyclocross World)
www.dinoseries.com/mtb/schedule/2005/ cyclocross.htm (Dino Cyclocross Series)
www.madcross.org (Madison, WI Cyclocross Series)
www.truesport.com (True Sport Cycling / Midwest races)
www.wicycling.org (Wisconsin Cycling Association / Cyclocross Series)