Trail Talk With Cush – Going to the junkyard

Bilenky’s Junkyard Cyclo-cross celebrated its ninth anniversary and as usual, it was a scene like no other. It’s the first and only race held entirely in a junkyard.

More than just a legendary North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania party, it’s a signature of all that’s great with bike riding. A true gathering of tribes from not only every style and discipline of biking, but spectators as well. Given the nature of the course, namely a tough circuit around a junkyard complete with car jumps, oily concrete turns, rhythm sections made from truck and tractor tires, a giant teeter-tooter, ruthless heckling and beverage hand-ups, it’s no surprise that guys and girls with mad mountain bike technical skills and dudes on BMX bikes routinely ride away from the Lycra-clad ‘cross racers who try to make a showing. To say it’s a fun event is like saying Jesus Christ was a well known carpenter.

The man himself, Stephen Bilenky began building frames in 1983 and he still makes award winning bikes in all disciplines from a small shop nestled next to Big Guy’s Used Auto Parts, which serves as the race venue. If you don’t have this on your bucket list, you should. Next year will be the diamond celebration so bring your flask, leather jacket and anything with two wheels. See you there.

Barriers look different at a junkyard race.

Officer Dangle showed up. — Officer Dangle showed up with his cat.

...and a proper pit zone. — …and a proper pit zone.

This is a door bike. it didn't handle so well. — This is a door bike. it didn’t handle so well.

And too all, filthy Santa says, have a Merry Bilenky Holiday. — “And too all,” filthy Santa says. “Have a Merry Bilenky Holiday.”