Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Just popping by to say 3 Peaks is pish.

3 Peaks is such a stupid bike race that it's great.

Doesn’t reach it for me.

Just pointless.

Newb question. What's the required standard for starting out cross racing? This might be hard to define. I'm interested, not particularly fit right now. Mid forties. Could I just rock up and race?

there's definitely no minimum required standard. about half the field usually gets lapped.
it's worth practicing dismounting and remounting if you've never done it before. but, yes, anyone can turn up and race.

Don’t be a Dick.

Show up and redline and have to withdraw is genuinely a solid first race plan. Keep out the way of the leaders but enjoy it and see where you are fitness wise.

I think the hardest part for most newcomers is the start is so blood in mouth Hard they can’t do the technical side needed so then they think that’s the issue but really it’s seeing a root or a line at 188bpm.

It's a friendly environment, starting at the back means you'll either learn to accelerate through the people ahead of you when there's no space for a bike to go through (people will tell you it's all about the first corner and it is. for those who are gridded) or you do something else.
Starting at the back means accepting you're going to be delayed at inevitable constipation point of the first corner or obstacle that requires slowing down for. Your race is then about "when do I say "enough!"?" and attempt to get away from all the other people clawing at you and holding you back from your dream of a top 30 finish on a muddy field somewhere in England. Before getting lapped just before you start your penultimate lap and your race is ended and you're £25 down.

Don't make it sound so glamorous

Yes, you can. The fields are a mix of people who are racing to win/get points/beat their rivals and those who are doing it for fitness/fun. As others have said, as long as you are aware of those racing at the front if they lap you, then you’ll be fine.

You’re Sussex based, no? There’s two London League races coming up close to you:

1. 30th October at the Gatwick Aviation Museum
   
2. 6th November at East Brighton Park
   
   

The first is a new venue on a flat, grassy field so I doubt it’ll feature any technical features that will challenge you.

I like to try and invite more people to the party

Mid forties.

we will have an expert soon @leggy_blonde

No more Cyclopark on the 30th?

Nope. As I understand it, the trails at Cyclopark are experiencing lots of issues with flints that are coming up from underneath the top soil and any race would be a lottery as there are so many punctures. I've heard, and I don't know if this is true or not, that there won't be any racing there this season because of this.

That's my understanding though I dont see why they cant adjust the course to stay away from the worn areas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CD_VI1P7cc&t=30s

I thought you weren't racing this season?

BACK OF THE NET!

Some good onboard footage from the National Trophy here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i11oebk0Ahc

An eventful race on a tough course.

As its local i might dust of the mtb and have a go at East Brighton on Sunday if the weather is still OK ish. I've even done two interval sessions this last week in preparation so i should be fine right? 😕 any other local old boys going to be representing? @RobVB @sacredhart

I might come down and say hello and suss it out.

I might see you there then🤞 We've only met very briefly haven't we? I should be easy to spot I'll on an olive green Bianchi 29er and wearing bright kit.

Men's Koppenbergcross is must watch! Bonkers final lap

I really have to take this random Belgian holiday off work next year

Yeah. That was great

I’m doing the Ditchling Beacon hill climb in the morning…might do the cx in the afternoon but more likely I’ll come along to cheer for a bit …Will look out for you :)

Good luck for the Beacon 💪 I'll look out for you afterwards if i don't see you at the start line. I'll buy you a beer if you go sub 4:45 in the morning. At least this storm is meant to have passed by Thursday 🤞