Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

yup, I think that ties up the league. Tough race out there, that course would be somewhat more enjoyable earlier in the season.

Most of the mud causing issues was from the first wood ascent I think, it was very loamy and leafy. I tried riding it on the warm up lap and clogged within metres.

Well done, Jon, you deserve that.

I did my first cx race today. What an eye opener. I now hurt, lots, and realise I'm nowhere near as fit as I thought.
Still, I finished and wasn't last. Nearly but not quite

My right shoulder is wrecked after today, it's swollen up nicely too. Any tips for comfortable shouldering of the bike or is it fairly normal to feel a bit tender there after a race like today?

Someone I know (not me, no no no, I'm way too macho) stuffs paper towels under the shoulder of their skinsuit. Some bikes are more comfy than others but by the time you've picked up 10kg of mud they all hurt, surely?

That's perfectly normal. There's not much you can do to prevent it, other than fashioning some kind of padding under your jersey. Normally the pain from your legs distracts you from the shoulder pain for 24 hours or so.

Thought that might be the case, think it was all the mud. Never had an issue shouldering when training but I've never had my bike so clogged up with mud before.

Thanks Andy, looking to do some mountain bike races in the spring and summer then some National Trophy rounds next year.

Regarding carrying; make sure the bike comes across your back rather than resting directly on your shoulder, it spreads the weight somewhat. If you're holding it correctly (right arm underneath downtube and holding left drop) it should fall in this position and will move around less.

Ride the three peaks and understand true shoulder pain (I've never ridden the three peaks and I'm not sure I'd want to).

Last time I rode the three peaks I wore a rugby league undervest and put all the padding on the right shoulder. Still fucking hurt.

yup, I think that ties up the league.

You animal! Well done sir.

What's the next challenge?

@Howard, did you ever see our result for the new years day race?

Nope. I've not found anywhere publishing the results.

Finished 6th in cat yesterday apparently tho.

Some Rut Commitment 101 today :]
http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t50.2886-16/10946785_1374403466203343_1349572970_n.mp4

Thanks! Mountain bikes in the summer and some national trophy rounds/national level stuff next year.

No real interest in road racing so I'm going to give the Southern Series a go, as well as a few enduro type races and just general mucking around in woods.

I'm up for more XC racing in the summer. Need to satisfy my 29er lust.

About time

I hear the XC races are futher out than the CX courses. Going to try and make it through the next few months without succumbing to selling my road bike for a HT.

First full season racing CX, don't think I can go back to the road.

Just been piling through through the LXL results spreadsheet. Final result is based on best 8, right?

@andyp, looks as though you kept your 7th overall?

What do I win for being 21st quickest senior?

looks as though you kept your 7th overall?

I think so. There were one or two who could've passed me but by the looks of it they didn't race on Sunday either.

What do I win for being 21st quickest senior?

Unlimited adulation. But I think @J.Dennis wins the LFGSS Cross Rider of the Year award, especially as he won a race on a singlespeed.

And in recognition thereof...

1 Attachment

Genuine lol.

Jon should have that framed and hanging in his toilet by the weekend.

If you thought my collapse at Bethlam was comedy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XpwyynaVTU

I'm not one to talk with all of 3 weeks of cross experience but that is well funny!

Honoured, I'll have that printed out in no time.

In all seriousness I'm surprised there aren't more people riding single speeds in the London League. There aren't alot of courses where you give up much, especially later in the season.

Easy to say when you're beating the rest of the field every week.

I've trained on my Pompino, but it's not get enough clearance for proper muddy races so I need to get something else. Not sure what to get though, ideally it'd be disc ready and with 135 mm rear spacing so I can use existing wheels plus have drillings for mudguards so I can commute on it. Will think on that one over the next few months.