Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Thanks, shame about Herne Hill only 10 minutes away from my house. Will check out Bethlem.

Training for those of a more easterly location, run by Hackney GT, from next Wednesday. Hackney East Marsh. £3.

What time?

Wednesday nights commencing 22.7.15
7pm @ Hackney East Marsh
14 years +. All levels
Cyclo-cross or MTB bike.
£3
All paths lead to the infamous Hackney marshes opposite the Olympic velodrome for a weekly cyclo-cross training session . Male, female, 14 years upwards. All skill levels welcome but you will need either a cross bike or MTB.
The session is being coached by Marc Burden, British Cycling qualified coach. There will be a £3 levy to cover costs. Hackney GT believe in actively promoting grass-roots cycle sport and encouraging young people to partake.
For more info email us via http://www.hackneygt.com

Hmmm sounds great and much more convenient than HH

@T-V @spotter @cake

Will be changing the slicks back for them knobblies

annoying that's the day before summer league! @Dom you should head over though

Once I get a new bike I'm in

Thoughts?

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBVISPCX1/viner-super-prestige-sram-cx1-cyclo-cross-bike

Could be tempted. busy next week though.

has anyone got a pair of cx tyres for sale?I'm tempted by the summer series but don't want to spend too much to get my commuter cross ready

Clement LAS Clincher Cyclocross Tyre from Probikekit (with new reg 15% discount) are only £20 a tyre?

Shoot, good deal!

Rocket Rons are £20 a pair on eBay.

thanks everyone...here goes spending

Nice. Not bad value for the price.

I'm starting to get cyclocross content dripping through the usual channels, it must be close!

Anyone starting their pre-season training? (Pies and bier)

@Tenderloin could be down for that

Doubled up on my burger last night in readiness for the new season.

Is this THE year Chris?

THE year was sometime in the late eighties. This is yet another fucking disaster riddled year where I'm too fat, too unfit and too old.

I got confirmation on twitter from Tim Johnson that Taylor Phinney is racing cross this coming season, going to be interesting seeing him get back to health in the mud!

A few questions for you grizzled old cross racers, if I may.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Rapha Supercross last year ( course, crowds, atmosphere ) and have decided to try and get myself in some sort of fit state to have a go this year. It is an annual thing, I hope?

Three months seems a fair time to try and gain some fitness and so I was wondering..

1. I'm more used to riding ( not racing ) a mountain bike; would I be better off using my Surly Straggler, once I've swapped tyres, removed bottle cages, mudguards etc and become used to riding that off road. I'd be riding SS, so would gear accordingly for either bike ( about 60gi? ).

2. Should I incorporate some running into my training? I hate running, but from what I've seen, you can't avoid a little bit in cross.

3. Should I enter the novice race, or would a first-timer be ok in another category? I suspect I qualify as a vet now and the idea of a 'first time vet racer' seems a little odd to my mind. My bike handling skills aren't too terrible, so I don't think I'd be crashing into everyone :-)

Cheers

Pete

Definitely give it a go.

As far as I know, the Rapha Supercross is on again this year, although I think it might be at a different venue.

To answer your questions in turn;

1. I'd use whatever bike you're most comfortable racing on.

2. It depends. Last year had that hill which was unrideable, and was about a 45 second run/walk each lap, in a 6 minute lap or so. Some running training might help but if you hate it then don't bother. If you do decide to do some, make it as specific to cross as possible, so up short, sharp hills and across muddy bogs.

3. Everyone starts somewhere. You'll be fine in the vets race as a novice. But equally, if you want to ride the novice race then do that (free tequila!).

As far as I know, the Rapha Supercross is on again this year, although I think it might be at a different venue.

Oh, that's a shame. Seemed like a really good venue, despite that evil hill.

I'd use whatever bike you're most comfortable racing on.

Probably the mtb then. Can always swap some lighter wheels onto it.

make it as specific to cross as possible, so up short, sharp hills and across muddy bogs.

Might look for a steep grassy bank to practice on, Anything prolonged tends to cause some form of injury :-/

Everyone starts somewhere. You'll be fine in the vets race as a novice.

Good to know. Cheers, Andy!