BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Ever since news broke that a leg of the Amgen Tour of California will be coming through Bakersfield, the local popularity of cycling has been steadily gaining momentum.

Evidence of that could be found at the Hart Park Cyclocross Race held over the weekend.

"It's one of those grassroots efforts that takes decades to really get going smoothly," race announcer Peter Wonderly said of cycling's community prowess.

But after years of hard work and dedication, it looks like the sport of cycling is definitely on track in Bakersfield.

"I love the sport," said race director and cyclist Sam Ames. "To me, cycling just represents freedom to come out in the foothills and enjoy this."

Ames is a founding member of the Kern Wheelmen Bicycle Club. This is the fifth year the club has hosted the Cyclocross Race at Hart Park.

The atmosphere was very easy going, but cyclists would tell you the race itself is not for the faint of heart.

"Cyclocross is a combination of on-road and off-road riding," explained Ames.

"It's fun, and it's painful," Charlie Stone, of Upland, said about Cyclocross. "You can't wait until it's over, and then you can't wait to do it again."

Stone is one of the many out-of-town cyclists who came out to the race. He said he likes what the community has to offer.

"I had no idea Bakersfield had such a large cycling community," Stone said. "It's great."

The race not only introduces the area to cyclists, it also inspires them. Zach Awe said after seeing the race, he wants to join the sport.

"Since I was a little kid I always watched the Tour de France with my dad," reminisced Awe. "I just fell in love with it."

The two-day race drew more than 200 cyclists from all over southern and central California.

For more information about cycling, visit the Kern Wheelmen Bicycle Club Web site.