Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Apologies again, not a great place to squeeze past.

Could not get round those corners in the woods fast. Felt like I was losing time through there but I think everyone was taking them at walking pace.

Eastern League is at Chelmsford if anyone's looking for a race this weekend. Last week's race at Basildon was a load of fun. Lots of elevation changes and some off-camber bits.

Uh oh, you gonna win two leagues this year?!

Great message from the organisers of Ripley Castle CX

Our biggest ambition is to build our women’s race into the exciting one hundred strong stand alone race that we all know it should be. From day one we have offered equal prizes to both genders. Now is the time to make a stand alone race happen in front of our estimated 1000 spectators. I have given this aspiration the title ‘RCCX100′ and will not settle for any compromise between this race and the Senior Men’s race. One Hundred focused athletes on that starting grid….

http://www.ripleycastlecx.org.uk/

No worries - it was my error.

I'm off on holiday for two weeks now, so won't be racing until the round at Herne Hill in early October.

Now that is 100pc rad.

just trying to cram as many races in as possible before bikes start breaking.

Anyone riding the Wessex league in Oxford tomorrow?

I'll say hi if i spot any forum caps/jerseys.

London league 3 + 4 entered. Am properly unfit. Will be DFL challenge.

Northallerton, it's a flat course save for bashing up and down a couple of banks. In response to the growing popularity of the sport the YCCA and organisers decided to increase the length of it by pushing the number of switchback turns into double figures. All of this on ground that has remained firm despite a couple of spells rain recently meant a course that was fast for everyone.

Everyone except me that is. Oh and a chubby guy and a first timer. I did toy with switching cogs from 20 to 19 but was glad I didn't I was greatful for it at the end when I nearly stalled on the banks and throughout the race coming out of the tight turns.

A faint shred of dignity remains for managing to come Not Last but clearly a lot of improvement to be made in the coming season. Alas as fairweather riders drop out, I suspect the red lantern will stalk me mercilessly all the way to January.

First improvement will come ahead of Wakefield next week as I ditch the Spesh Houffalize tyres. Fine for cracking around dry trails but with what little moisture there was in the ground meant they clagged up into slippy mud discs. I died a little death on every tight corner that meant I never stood a chance of hauling up to the guy in front.

That all sounds a bit miserable but I did enjoy myself. Managed to catch a few wheels in the back end of the race and wasn't reduced to utter grovelling before the hour was up.

I didn't make it in the end, but based on your report and a couple of mates, it wasn't the ideal course for SS :-) Missing Wakefield too, due to my mum's 60th (unless I can shuffle logistics). On the plus side, should have some tubs built and glued by my next race

Henry I'm proper unfit too buddy still managed not to come last at HH a while back.

Not a bad course per se but certainly not one where SS would excel.

There is another SS rider out there. Keep an eye out for a Sufferlandia jersey.

I'm number 266 but I think the only Norton Wheeler in our category.

Hoping for the return of the Wakefield fun log after last year's ommision. I reckon I can ride it.

My starts are abysmal. I think I can get away with it on muddier and/or hillier courses as there's generally a bit more opportunity to regain time later in the race, but when you're out of the lead group on a fast, flat course (such as this weekend, at Chelmsford) it's pretty tough to bridge gaps.

Some things that make a difference on the start line that I hadn't ever considered before I went to the Jason/Euan training:

• on or off saddle?
  
• angle of pedals
  
• how far back to have your left foot
  
  

in addition to all of the things that I think most people understand intuitively e.g. gearing, angle of cranks, positioning.

There's a good video of LvdH explaining all of this somewhere on youtube.

Here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xchQvTim00

Where do I register for this ? Rider HQ?

Riders over 12 will need to register for the series. The £10 fee covers number, tag, and electronic results service for the season.

Yes, but the direct links to the rider hq page are on the London x league web page so it's best to start there.

Cheers.

Round 3 and 4 entered.

Are you racing this Sunday?

"oh."
"yes, it's been in the calendar. You know, like you said to "put them in the calendar". You even saw my lovely little excel graphic I made"

"but"
"yes. I know. Your friends. And it's your 40th celebration with them. No. I don't mind."

That's the man to learn from! thanks.

Interesting tip about aligning pedals, hadn't ever really considered that.

It's probably mostly just a matter of practising over and over again, but that isn't much fun. Also, new pedals and cleats does not help.

It's probably mostly just a matter of practising over and over again, but that isn't much fun.

Just pretend every red light is the start line...

...and all your fellow cyclists are the opposition.

#takenoprisoners