Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Anyone doing the Wessex League - Beeline Bikes race at Oxford Brookes Uni in Oxford on Sunday?

Tempted

It's that or the London Cross League race in Brighton.

Or LMNH jumble sale. Hmmm.

The course in Brighton is a belter, shame I can't make it this year.

Really? Bugger. Feels like a trek to get there and I really need to shake off this man-flu.

HTFU I guess.

It is a trek to get there, especially on the train.

But the course has a mix of playing fields, singletrack, a decent climb and a fantastic downhill section that make it a lot of fun to race on.

I thought the Brighton course was a boring criterium on grass?

That's the other Brighton course, at Happy Valley.

This one is in Stanmer Park, near the university.

Did that two years ago. It's a good course.

does it take in the amazing singletrack? admitedly, its been about 15yrs since I have ridden there....so the trails might not even be there anymore (was my first ever cycle race - youth mtb in '95)

Can't make it this week .(

Chicken?

Ikea trip planned :)

Careful now, there's a catalogue of injuries on this forum related to that place.

Despite liking the Brighton course, I am heading for Oxford. Closer and less risk of being stuck behind Genevieve on the way back.

Dr. Cake and I are heading to brighton. Genevieve?

London - Brighton classic car rally.

Ah yeah - good shout.

I have an old frame that I'm planning on using for some sscx, can anyone recommend a good usable gear?

i know you might meed to change up or down a bit depending on terrain, but a good starter guide would be useful. I always used 32x16 on my ss mtb, but how does this translate to 700c wheels?

Assuming you'll run 32mm cross noblies it's roughly the same GI. I'd go a bit longer - most of the circuits I've raced at have long drags at fairly high speeds.

Raced at Oxford yesterday in the end - what looked like a dull sports ground crit track turned out to be a wonderfully muddy swampy woodland / grass track mix. Ran challenge tubs at 20psi for the first time and was amazed by the level of grip and comfort they afforded.

Good to finally meet Ramaye too.

Just a quick question about CX, I've done my reading on here, british cycling, league websites etc... but still just wanted to check that I would only need to be affiliated to a league if I wanted points? And that basically all I need to be able to turn up on the day to a Wessex or London League Race is a British Cycling Bronze licence and a suitable bicycle? Cheers

Yeah I think that's right. The only thing I'm unsure about is the class of membership required. I was confused by BC's site when it came to the class of membership required for 'cross to the point where I still haven't bought a license / membership.

I'm sure AndyP will be clearer on it.

Anyway if you aren't worried about points and BC membership you can buy a day license for a couple of quid on the day.

Oxford was like a river in the woods yesterday. Really enjoyed the stream crossing.

To race you just need to turn up with a bike.
If you don't have a race licence you pay £3 extra for a day license.
Having a provisional racing licence is good for most CX races(I think at national level you need a full license). You get this(a provisional licence) free with a bronze bc membership and up.
Also central league run "go-race" events which I don't think require a licence.

I have an old frame that I'm planning on using for some sscx, can anyone recommend a good usable gear?

i know you might meed to change up or down a bit depending on terrain, but a good starter guide would be useful. I always used 32x16 on my ss mtb, but how does this translate to 700c wheels?

I'm doing exactly what you are planning and am gonna run with 34x17 for a 2:1 ratio, or 54GI on 700x32s. Bike nearly finished, stoked.

desouz, You need Silver membership to be properly insured. Otherwise, just show up on the day and race.