Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Glad the racer is ok.

That bit through the trees was sketchy, it invited you to go fast but then bit you if not concentrating. I went off the course there on the 2nd lap by dumbly following the wheel in front.

Probably because last night was not really suited to racing on SS.

:/

C'mon. It really wasn't.

Glad to hear the person that came off last night is likely to be ok, bit unsettling seeing ambulances driving onto the course mid way through.

Good to meet some of you last night and at Bethlem.

(Islington CC on the yellow All City by the way)

yeah, that's me. That course becomes much more interesting when it's wet and you're sliding down every corner.

SS will become much more competitive when it's muddy and thus slower top speeds.

Anyone using 29er tubular rims for (disc braked) CX?

Thinking of getting some of these: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/29er-MTB-carbon-rims-30mm-wide-30mm-deep-tubular-rim-for-MTB-bike-wheel/103713_32315224649.html

Went out on a long trek around the Peak District on Saturday. Discovered that a lot of gritstone bridlepaths are definitely not well suited to SS CX. Discovered what the bike is capable of handling, which is quite a bit. Discovered what I'm capable of handling, which is somewhat less. Really enjoyed myself and reckon I'm just about ready for a race. Need some skinnier tyres but otherwise pretty happy with the current setup.

Cross post (no pun intended) - I have a brand new in box Enve CX cantilever fork with 1 1/8th steerer that I would let go of for £300 if anyone is interested.

Must ignore

What do you need it for Sam?

His bike? ;0)

Anyone else checking the summer series website a little more often than they probably should waiting for the rd2 results?

Poor Shaun spent most of his weekend trying to work out the results.

Yeah I can't imagine it's an easy task. I'm not finger pointing as they do a great job of organising just saying I'm checking with unhealthy regularity!

I don't envy him that job. It's a shame there can't be some collaboration with LCCA to get more use out of the transponders.

Anyone using 29er tubular rims for (disc braked) CX?

I think the width of the glueing surface will be wider than the basetape on most cross tubs. My Major Toms, which are only 23mm wide, only have a few mm of tape showing either side of the rim.

Results are up.

You can d/l the excel sheet here but it only goes to 7th. I guess they were a little pre-occupied with the crash which is fair enough.

http://www.summerseries.co.uk/results/SJWV-2.xlsx

Hypothetical question...

If there was going to be an urban cross event in London this year would people be up for entering? Interested to hear the thoughts of those of you who race CX regularly. Would it attract a different sort of crowd? Would more single speed racers be tempted?

Hypothetical answer, because I don't live in London but, if I did, I would be tempted.

It's the sort of thing where I would leave entry until late because I'm very new to the game and wouldn't feel great about blocking a space from someone with the potential to challenge for the podium unless there's a nice tame Go Ride level event to have a crack at. However, if I didn't enter or get in, I would definitely be attending as a specatator.

I'd be up for it.

Something more than a crit with hurdles would be good (Eg with some challenging terrain).

Beer afterwards always good as well.

I'd certainly rather ride a more traditional off-road race on a good course though I suspect an "urban" race would be easier to promote and pull in a crowd. Supercross and Muddy Hell have always done alright in that sense though: bring beer and they will come. You'd need some elevation, stairs, cobbles, changes of surface, etc to make it interesting, rather than just a car park, tape and some planks. I can't think of anywhere in London off the top of my head. Overall, I reckon much harder to organise and find a venue than a normal 'cross race.

There's a real lack of venues actually in central London, Herne Hill being the only regular that's used. It's a shame Alexandra Palace doesn't seem to have worked out.

It's a shame Alexandra Palace doesn't seem to have worked out.

Any idea why that's not being used again? Seemed like a great place to race and a great place to spectate as well :-/

mere speculation but perhaps expense? unhappy dog walkers?

Angry drivers coming out of the car park and going "Oh WHAT we just drove all the way up this hill and now there are CYCLISTS everywhere" and writing stern letters of complaint to anyone who will listen*

* also speculation but knowing N22, plausibly so

I think we all know the real reason...