Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Ha, you've kind of answered the question there! Seriously, I just didn't feel I had the balls to do it, I didn't trust that I could and the more I doubted myself the less I could do it. Maybe not knowing the bike didn't help, but I've never done any off roading before and I just felt panicked the moment the bike didn't handle like it would on a road.

I think I'm glad I did the session, it’s good to push your boundaries and get out of your comfort zone. After the first lap I was sorely tempted to hand the bike back and go home but I didn't, and that’s something at least! I made it up/down more than half of the slopes by the end, and didn't fall off, so I wasn't an unmitigated disaster. I'm going to give it another go.

Good on you!

I can see why you had trouble: new bike and no off-road experience would make it difficult for anyone. I find that I need to throw my bike around a bit to remind myself how it will handle when I change the tyres. Just bumping up and down kerbs, along grass verges, skidding the back, just so I get used to it being a cross bike, not the usual commuter.

If you're heading to Bethlem, PM me and I'll meet you to do a couple of sighter laps and help talk you down if necessary.