This month we're all about Cyclocross. "What's that?", you ask? Well, it's kind of like bike racing mixed with steeplechase: riders race laps around a short course that usually features some pavement, some dirt, some woods, some steep hills, and for good measure, some obstacles that require riders to dismount, work their way through and then get back on and ride some more. 

The course is usually 2.5 to 3.5 km (which works out to somewhere between a mile or two for those of us metrically impaired), with a race lasting anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes. Cyclocross bikes are more like road bikes but with knobbier tires and cantilever brakes that help keep mud, leaves, etc., from clogging them up.

Cyclocross heats up in the fall and winter with best cross racers (at least for now) hailing from Belgium, Holland and Czechoslovakia. With that in mind, we are featuring beers from the motherland of cross racing. 

Amstel Light, Holland - The first importer to introduce a light beer in 1980, Amstel led the light beer revolution with delicious Amstel Light. At just 95 calories per bottle its unique mixture of barley and hops delivers a full -non-diluted - flavor that taste great!

Grimbergen Dubbel (Double), Belgium - A dark burgundy, top-fermented Abbey Beer with a full body. The mixture of different malts and the use of dark candy sugar combine to produce a delicious sweet toffee taste with a brandy-like finish. The name "Double" refers to the fact that it has been fermented twice: once in the barrel, then again in the maturation cellars. 6.5% ABV

Urquell Pilsner, Czechoslovakia - this is the original classic Pilsner, brewed in the Czech Republic since 1292, saaz hops & soft malts roll gently over the tongue to a lingering, bitter finish. 5% ABV

Also from Belgium, we will be serving, Chimay and Palm Ale.

Terrazas de los Andes Malbec, Argentina - Displaying a brilliant and very intense reddish purple color this wine has a great of intensity of fruit, characterized by cherries, plums, and raisins combined with vanilla, coconut and toasted notes.

Casa Lapostolle Carmenere, Chile - Carmenere is an old Bordeaux variety that has found great conditions in Chile. This wine is deep colored, full-flavored with spicy and expressive aromas and a smooth, velvety texture.

Sterling Zinfandel, California - A classic Zinfandel, the bold exuberant character of this wine virtually reaches out of the glass and grabs you. Brambly blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry aromas hold together the intensive caramel and chocolate high notes that entice the senses. On the tongue, flavors of berry pie, toasty vanilla and brown spices explode in a full, fleshy mouth that lingers on the tongue for a nice long finish.

Rosenblum Kathy's Cuvee Voignier, California - This Viognier possesses beautiful aromas of apricots and peaches gently touched by vanilla and cinnamon. A palate loaded with honeyed apricots, rich vanillas, subtle hints of tropical fruit and just a touch of toasted oak complete this elegant wine.

Seasonal Soup: Back by impassioned demand ... the soup so popular it practically has its own fan club, it's the Mushroom Brie Bisque (...and the crowd goes wild!!)Select sliced mushrooms simmered with shredded potato and shallot in a vegetarian veloute enriched with Brie and Swiss cheeses, Amontillado sherry and snipped chives.