The Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships are in Portland this weekend.

Portland has rolled out the muddy red carpet and is expecting riders to come from all over the region to compete in this wicked race, which the organizers have designed to test the mettle of even the strongest among the weak. Top contenders will strive for the lead role in the great movie that is the SSCXWC09 battle Beyond Thunderdome. Sounds like a Filmed by Bike movie waiting to happen…

The winner will get a custom bike made by Spanner (women) or Pereira (men). Also, a cool new feature this year is that Raleigh is making a limited run of 50 SSCXWC09 frames. 49 are available as is, and one will come decked out with the "most amazing parts package ever." When you buy one of the frames, you are entered to win "a mind blowing full build" with a one-in-fifty chance of winning. Not bad.

Festivities begin on Saturday with a special pre-event for participants and a party in the evening at the Oregon Manifest Bike Union. Racing on Sunday begins at 4pm ( Cross Crusade race #7 is in the morning). Seattle, San Francisco and Portland are all contending cities and as such must choose three individuals, a debater, a racer and a gladiator, to compete in three battles over the course of the weekend. The winning city will get to take home SSCXWC10, the opportunity to host next year's event.

SSCXWC09 is a jolly race, but there are offenses that are not tolerated, which include buggery on the high seas, race poaching, course cutting and manhandling of or failure to tip (give gratuity) OBRA officials. The website indicates that general rules of chivalry apply ("you must lay your coat in a mud puddle if a rider using gears needs to ride through it") - so get ready to race AND chiv.

( More info ) ( Schedule )

The way the laws are written, legal jargon aside, sometimes if can be confusing to discern exactly what our rights are as cyclists. Are bicycles considered "vehicles" and do all laws about vehicles apply to bikes?

Enter the master, Ray Thomas. Since the 70's, long before it was "cool" to know the ins-and-outs of riding a bike, Ray, an attorney, dedicated himself to translating legal speak for cyclists and helping us understand how the laws apply to us as we navigate the streets. Ray has also been an ardent supporter helping cyclists understand their rights in the the case of an accident.

One great way to tap into Ray's knowledge is to attend a "Know Your Legal Rights" clinic, which Ray's firm, Swanson, Thomas and Coon, hosts regularly throughout the year. The next clinic is part of an extensive series hosted in conjunction with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance on November 18 at 5:30 at the BTA offices in NW Portland . To reserve a space in the clinic, call the BTA at 503.226.0676 x13.

( More info ) ( Printable Pedal Power Legal Guide )

Bike Gallery and Portland Racing bring you the fourth edition of the Kruger's Crossing Cyclocross Classic. This epic race - a favorite for both racers and spectators - is held at Kruger's Farm, located in the beautiful countryside of Sauvie Island. The farm is just about 11 miles from downtown Portland and this is a gorgeous time of year to visit Sauvie Island, as the land is transitioning into winter with golden hues turning to brown and trees showcasing their barren skeletal structure.

The organizers promise that this will not be your usual cross race. Besides the challenge of our November weather, you can expect a wild course that will lead you along rutted farm roads, through berry fields, pastures, a barn, a bonfire and a beer garden.

Kruger's Crossing keeps spectators entertained and cozy with beer, hot wine, hot cider and gourmet food catered by Kruger's Farm Market. A blazing bonfire on course will keep everyone warm and toasty. To foster the next generation of racers, there is a kiddie race and throughout the day they will raffle off a bunch of cool prizes.

( More info ) ( Course Map )

Filmed by Bike is Portland's festival of bike-themed movies. The independent movie submissions come from around the world (deadline is 2/15/10), and a jury of seven people wades through them to choose the very best. Filmed by Bike is looking for your help in assembling this year's jury. They want you to nominate your favorite bike and film buffs, local notables or just your best friend.

Past jury members have included rack builders, culinary artists, bike lovers, filmmakers, reporters and more. Nominations are due by December 15.

( More info ) ( Watch bike movies on the website )

We're running all sorts of wintertime specials on our Twitter feed, which you can read directly on the front page of our website or through Twitter. We're offering winter riding tips, fun ideas for staying bike-busy through the winter, showing videos and sharing news. Subscribe to our Twitter feed for all the latest bike event and riding news - all day long.

( Twitter Feed ) ( Check it out on our front page )