Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

I rode it geared last year. I'll be on a single speed this year running 36x17 (~55").

The hill isn't all that steep so it shouldn't be much of a problem. Might spin out on the grassy descent if it isn't broken up with corners though.

Thanks Jon. I rode it years ago, probably 2010, so can't remember how steep the hill is. Hopefully I'll have a geared bike in time but will singlespeed if there's a glitch.

I think they switched it in the past few years from the west side of the park (where they hold big dog mtb race) to the east, where the gradients are a bit gentler.

I really enjoyed the training last night. I was a little bit concerned by the thought of learning to mount/dismount but I got used to it fairly quickly, just need to improve. A lot.

I will be back, and I've entered the Eastern League so I can learn by doing.

Well you nailed the hill run and you've got the power so you'll be fine. Your remount was massively improved so do a few minutes drill before your first race to refresh your memory and don't worry about falling off.

Raced two seasons with Challenge Fango front and reverse Grifo rear as standard. Use Baby Limus front and Limus rear for hideous mud. Really impressed with the Baby Limus as it's centre knobs aren't too draggy and the edges grip really well. I'd use them all year round if I could only run one set. Ran them as low as 24psi with no issues (73kg).

For those in the south east of London.

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Interesting initiative from the West Midlands league;

http://www.islabikes.co.uk/info-hub/one-bike-cross

Maybe I'm not paying enough attention, but the London League doesn't seem to suffer from a plethora of multi-biked riders.

Why would someone have more than one? Because it's getting heavier and clogged up with mud?

Yep. Having two bikes and a pit helper means you'll be quicker in a race than someone struggling with mud build up.

L

Also some people have race and training bikes so stick the training bike in the pits in case they have a mechanical on the race bike. There's a couple of central league courses where I take a 29er in case it gets too muddy for cx bikes. This is more because I have multiple bikes and a car so I'd like the option of not having my race cut short by a broken bike rather than a burning desire to beat the fat slow bloke in front of me by any means other than pushing myself to the edge of a cardiac arrest.

I dunno, the race of the 28 minute lap had a number of two bike riders.

I think it's a good thing to minimise wasted water, and to help make things more equitable.

Then it's just down to training, genetics, and ability....

Hmmmmm. Who does this?!

2 bikes (at least)
A petrol jet wash
Several barrels or wheelie bins of water (roughly 150 Litres per rider)
A trolley to carry the water and/or jet wash
A stand to put the bike on whilst jet washing
A van (at least, more commonplace now, a motorhome) to put it all in

Actually, there were one or two of these at SuperCross race we attended last year. But just one or two.

Belgians. Not really a problem here, although I wish I had a pit bitch for the muddier races.

I think it's de rigeur at National Trophy Races. A couple of people I race with, and who are about my level, have spare bikes, jet washers, a spare wheelie bin etc.

What's the 150l of water for?

Jet washing. Basically you swap bikes every lap, or half lap if its really muddy, and your pit crew quickly washes the muddy bike ready to hand it back over to you when you swap next time round.

The pit area ends up looking like this.

Crikey.

So you're saying I need two new bikes?

At least.

Or you could run one and still win races.

Anyone going down to Stanmer Park tomorrow? Debating whether it's worth the journey/cost/etc.

I'm racing. It's a good course, or at least it was in 2010.

Plus a training bike.
Each bike will need three sets of tyres, since you'll want tubs that are glued on properly that equates to nine wheelsets, three bikes and a bigger shed.

I think we are in different races this year :( I'll miss your encouragement. Looks like the course has changed since 2010.

In the last few years the race had been switched from the traditional large banked area to a location to the right of the park entrance. This means a more compact race course and less conflict with other park users.

I got proper tyres a couple of days ago. Thought I'd see how they handle in mud today: