Bilenky Junkyard Race 2013

For one day each fall, the crew at Bilenky Cycle Works transform a working junkyard into a cyclocross racecourse.

Over 200 racers navigate the salvage yard -- twisting chicanes around rusted cars, hopping over barriers fashioned from tires, bumpers and miscellaneous eroding auto parts and over the top of scrap plywood, barrels and debris stacked in unidentifiable ways to outline the course.

The best ways to prepare? Physical training, sure. But don't forget your costume -- pagan horse mask, neon leotard or any sort of cape are all good choices -- and, most importantly, a fresh tetanus vaccination!