Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Thanks Andy, thought as much but didn't want to get caught out by the commissaire's measuring device.

Coming down with a bit of a cold so couldn't seem to muster much energy for yesterday at York. A bit of a pity really because although the course was flat I feel like I could have had a better race if been feeling good. Bit of a hard start with a long road section and I was spun out by about half way along. Managed to latch back onto the field at the first tight bends and then got caught out by a guy who kept slipping down a couple of cambered sections into my front wheel. Fluffed my remount after my hurdles by catching the seam of my shorts on my saddle and taking too long to get going again and that was it. Battled a few of the slower people but was feeling ragged by the last two laps. Some of the soggy sections were getting very chewy by then so I was running those rather than keep stalling on them. Paced myself round and got finished.

Still, I've now gotten my seven qualifying races for the league so I'm promised a mention on the gridding sheet for the last race of the season. First time for that so I guess I ought to go and write an acceptance speech.

Who's coming up to Ripley Castle? They seem to think they've got a fair few entries for the SS race.

Will be doing the Herne Hill Madison this year - thanks for the heads ups @andyp - is it like proper slinging or is it more like tag in/tag out (a la professional wresting for example)

Tag in / tag out with optional chest bump

Wait... so this is like pro-wrestling, but in the mud....?

In.

This doesn't sound like the wholesome, fun-for-the-whole-family I that I expected.

You need to bring your own folding chair to strike your opponents with; the ones in the stand are bolted down.

Who's coming up to Ripley Castle? They seem to think they've got a fair few entries for the SS race.

I'm there, though only signed up for the senior race. If it isn't a mud fest I might do both.

@ioreka i know is bringing a 2 x 4 and a gigantic belt with dollar signs on it.

as you might have guessed my knowledge of the WWF really peters out after Hulk Hogan bodyslammed Andre the Giant.

"optional" chest bump

won't anyone think of my moobs?

fap fap fap

Sorry, I was

Never mind

shudders

I've purchased a pair of the XLs. They've gone up tubeless really easily, the sidewalls look pretty tough and the side knobs are super aggressive and deep.

Here's hoping they let me go around corners, unlike the XMs.

I've got a pair too, haven't fitted them yet so am pleased to hear they work well tubeless.

My friend Jimmy was racing on a pair at Frylands Wood and I was impressed with how much grip he had. At least for the short while I was following him.

Vittoria cross tyres are cheap at ribble. 18 quid per tyre which is great value IMO.

Can anyone do the herne hill ride? Don't understand if I count as 'Junior, Senior, Veteran, Women'! Does that essentially mean 'anyone'?

Yes and yes.

What would a good tyre choice be for New Years day at Herne Hill?

(I secretly want the answer to be Challenge Grifo in white to play into my 90's MTB'ing retro-fest).

Challenge tubs are £30/35 at planet-x at the moment

My wheels are clinchers unfortunately.

How much rain have you had? I have been on mud specific tubs for the past month or so out West.