Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

It was abysmal by the time we got on the course. I found the last (west) section of the infield unridable, and I couldn't turn on the twisty section after the hardpack - the front end just slid away. Real shame because had the ground held up it would have been a good laugh.

I quite liked the stony, flowy bits of the course. I got quite a rhythm going.

I managed to avoid falling off, but I ran quite a lot of each lap, and if I finished higher than dead last it will be a pleasant surprise.

Someone started half a lap after the rest of you, so he's probably dead last.

If he bothered to finish

I get to race circa 10 races a season, finishing is always the first priority.

It's usually mine, too, but clawing back an hour of my day by being first in line for the hose won in this instance.

Loved today's course, had a bit of everything I thought. Although both wheels were constantly sliding out, but all adds to the fun.

Had a good time on the running sections, watching people grind to a halt trying to ride it. Was some sticky stuff, anyone else notice the constant stream of people walking up the tarmac drag, rear mech in tatters?

The expensive weekend stream. How were the tyres? Good to meet you and your single speeding teammate! Reminds me I need to get another gusset sprocket and go SS if there's any more of this clay mud nonsense. Herne hill I'm looking at you.

The only race at HH this winter is the Madison Cross on New Year's Day.

But, like you, I'm pondering my mud options. Of the remaining London League rounds, 3 are known mud baths.

The National Trophy at Durham was quite an enjoyable for a bit of spectating today. Two flat areas with the technical sections forming up in the long steep banking between them. Riders who favoured one or the other could make up distance or make a break on their preferred section but there was no guarantee that they could stay away.

The banking deteriorated early on during the Vet Men's race with some sections becoming unrideable during the Youth races. During the Juniors and Women's races the decision on when to start running was critical in deciding who won races and who lost places. Unfortunately I didn't get to stay for the Senior Men's race as it would have been good to see how they handled it. A tricky top out to tarmac (under a thick layer of mud) and a hard off camber tarmac (also under a think layer of mud) switchback to mud caused a few riders to crash and changed the game at the front a couple of times. Kudos to Amira Mellor who gambled on a wide line on the latter on the last lap and managed to drive out the low line to lead the sprint to the finish.

Also, special mention to the one youth lad who was bunny hoping the hurdles each time. Flawless execution each time until the two other riders he was racing against boxed him in on the last lap and forced a dismount. It's a beautiful thing to see when it's done well.

Looking forward to going to watch the WC and NT at Milton Keynes in a couple of weeks.

Anyone tried any of the Panasonic tyres? The cinder is an XC legend.

I need to get another gusset sprocket and go SS

What size, Howard? I have various kicking about that can be bought with beer.

39t ring so I'm guessing 18 or 19?

I've got some of the cheaper Gusset ones in 18t or 20, or a wide based Andel 17t and Surly 16t

18t's around 58gi, 17t about 62gi ( assuming 32mm tyres ).

I'm used to running 55gi on the Epping rides, but you're much fitter, lighter, etc...

The gusset ones have a wide base, no? Wider than a standalone cassette equivalent?

Edit ah I mean the doublesix gusset sprockets

doublesix gusset sprockets

I have some of those, in 12, 13 & 14t, but that might be tough going :-)

The cheaper ones wouldn't play very nicely with alu cassette bodies, so I tended to only use those on Shimano hubs.

DNF for me today - not too unhappy about it given I spent most of the race sliding down those ramps on my arse (on one occasion leaving my bike at the top and having to run back up to get it). Too much pressure in the front tyre I think, or maybe I should just have given up and ran those sections.

Managed to puncture a brand new tub too, is Stan's the go-to sealant of choice for tubular tyres as well as tubeless?

My tyres held up as well as expected, PDX seems to beat Mud2's in the mud. Can't imagine any tyres stopped the slide today. Serious 29'er envy, they looked at home over the boggy stuff, maybe not on the run ups.

I'm glad they stayed up. What sort of pressure were you running them with today?

I had fairly decent grip with Mud 2's today, was running them in the very low 20s though and the rear, especially, was bottoming out every now and then.

Played it safe so 28f/30r! Could probably have gone a bit lower, but didn't want to have any issues on their first spin.

Only just invested in a digital gauge, seems i've been underestimating (or over) pressures for a while which probably explains why I've had so many problems in the past!

Likewise, had tyres as low as they would go. My grifo clincher popped off the rim (about three centimeters) but didn't seem to make any difference to the handling!

I will be in London this weekend to visit my gf. Was wondering if there is any races sat or sun? I won't bring my bike but I'd love to have a sneak peak at the London cx scene...

There is a round of the London League on Sunday, but it's at a farm in Sussex, about 40 miles south of London, close to Brighton, I'm afraid.

Too bad. I will probably have the chance sooner or later. Thx