Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

New baby?

Yes, due on the 24th of December. But I can't leave a heavily pregnant other half at home for half of a Sunday looking after a very active nearly 3 year old whilst I ride my bike around muddy fields and parks.

I'm sure you could.

+1 on what Chalfie said.

Given that Andrea can barely walk at the moment, I think my mature decision is the right one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qmQrEM5rVA

4 Year old with commentary :-)

Awesome.

Cyclocross hint #128 when the crowd shouts go left, don't go right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Hluv6Nzwg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQhcF772Aj8

just great, man, I feel so stupid not not going

Next year...

That looks EPIC

Herne Hill today on my phone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We11_heqzQk&feature=youtu.be

Nice tea and sausages served by the ladies btw.

Best value cup of tea in London :)

3 punctures in 3 races at Herne Hill this season. 2 today and a DNF, ugh. Tell me about tube sealant...

Witnessed lots of punctures today. Quite a few rocks made it on to the racing line - I'd imagine that doesnt help. Chap in front of me punctured on the grid. I'm not riding tubs at HH :(

I rode tubs yesterday. In my experience, if it's rained a fair bit in the week leading up to the race then tubs are fine at HH. If it's really dry then don't bother.

That said, I'm running a pair of tubs that are in their third season and I expect them to give up the ghost soon, so I'm much less precious about them.

What psi do you run andy?

For clinchers as low as 38-40 psi, but you run the risk of a pinch flat.

For tubs I usually put 40 psi in, then ride the course and let out a little bit of air until I feel the grip level is about right. I doubt I ever go any lower than 30 psi.

would you say that clinchers are fine for mud and tubs better for dry condition?
I have an old pair of clincher carbon zips with high spoke count that I may be tempted to convert to SS for my tricross, but maybe I should just keep them geared and get PlanetX track tub wheels instead.

Tubs are better in all conditions, wet or dry. I think I'm probably 20-30 seconds a lap quicker on a course like Herne Hill when riding tubs, because I can carry more speed through corners and on any twisty section.

I use Challenge Fangos and they are, in my experience, good in all conditions bar very muddy courses (and even then they are okay, but Dugast Rhinos are superb in deep mud).

planet X it is then, only £99

for £99 you caqnnot go wrong?!

As if to add insult to injury it seems herne hills infamous flies are getting in on the puncturing act, on my legs. Ouch.

don't worry, they'll begin to hibernate and you're going to wear tights soon