Courses typically require riders to cover multiple laps, and in most cases the riders must dismount their bicycles several times to climb steep hills, jump logs or hurdles or cross streambeds.

The less-formal nature of the races creates a casual yet highly-competitive event.

"This is what people get off on," Clawson said. "It's all up close. You can see everything out here."

And, cowbells in hand, families and friends are flocking to the events.

"It's extremely addicting even as painful as it is," Carr said. "You ride so hard, but it's so challenging and demanding. You really get sucked into it." With the exception of the top national or world events, most races last an hour or less. The sport is governed by cycling's highest body, the UCI, and has world cup and championship races. Locally, the sport is dominated by Bart Gillespie.

The pro-level cyclist is nearly always on the podium at local races and often the real race is for second. That hasn't stopped many from coming out to get in on the action. Cyclists such as Eric Rasmussen, Reed Wycoff and Ali Goulet are usually in the mix for wins.

"It's something that's successful because you can do it with just a modest investment," Clawson said. "Look at all this. There are young kids racing around on their bikes. They're having a blast and it's really a family thing. With the races set up the way they are, dad can race, mom can race, the kids can race and it's all right here."

In Utah, the location of races varies from Wheeler Farm to Fort Buenaventura in Ogden and the Corner Canyon trails in Draper.

In addition to the top-level races, there are categories for beginners, women, juniors and Masters 55 and older.

And, unlike some of the summer road or mountain biking events, racing will not take all day or require massive amounts of endurance.

"It's because the race durations are short. You can do it and still have plenty of time for your day," Carr said. "From what I can see, it's family oriented. There is nothing better than watching those little kids out there."

Cyclocross State Championships

Weber County Fairgrounds
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: utahcyclocross.com

E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com