Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

Challenge limus open clinchers, got mine from ribble for about £30 each, REALLY good traction and mud shedding imo. Plus they are tan wall so look like tubs :-)

Howard has the Limus tubulars so can comment more on them, but the benefit of the Michelin Mud 2s is that they can be used in drier conditions too and make a perfect all round cross tyre.

I think Ved still has mine, not sure if he is using them- last time I went out on them I crashed due to a lack of talent/mud situation.

Your speed exceeded your handling capabilities if I recall correctly?

Racing tomorrow would be a test for anyone, so best of luck Rich. I'm planning on bringing my daughter over to catch the end of the main race so might see some of you there, assuming we don't have a baby in the interim.

Yep, my own fault, locked the front up

I'm going to race on Mud2s tomorrow if I get down there. Not sure I can stomach the tub hassle. Might see you there Andy.

Clip from today's Herne Hill race. More of the same tomorrow. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151236999736700

Is anyone coming up to the Nationals in Bradford in January. We were discussing it at the club Christmas dinner this year and it's looking to be properly epic. Peel Park is already a fantastic venue as it is and with the weather looking to continue as is it should make for a very "technical" course.
Really looking forward to spectating would be great to cheer for a few forumengers.

Racing tomorrow would be a test for anyone, so best of luck Rich.

Um, yeah, I actually woke up this morning feeling pretty ill, so I've valiantly decided to bow out now. I'm off to see the parents for a week this evening, and I could see in my mind's eye riding today, getting more sick, and then spending the whole week being a moaning lame-o and getting on everyone's nerves. Probably for the best.

Still, I think I'm taking the cross bike away with me for the week, so it should get some use. Thanks for the tyre recommendations, the mud2 and limus both look pretty good.

World cup CX Citadel Namur in 1 hour from now

http://sports-livez.blogspot.nl/

Herne Hill today: precession of broken derailleur hangers and, interestingly, rolled tubulars. Left the tubs at home today to keep the logistics simple and despite hitting the rim a few times the clinchers did well enough to keep me rolling. Happy just to finish without drama in what must be the toughest ride I've had to date.

The corner before the entry point into the track seemed to be claiming a lot of rolled tubs, saw two there in just a few minutes. One guy, who had been leading at one point, rolled his back on and carried on riding on it! I think I'd have run to the pits from there.

You looked in control everytime I saw you Howard, good handling skills.

And well done to Dr Cake for winning the ladies novice race.

^ Yes! Well done DC. Her first cx in a while on a tough course. Good stuff.

nice one!

I was running way too many psis (HH pinch puncture fear after my last few DNFs there) so wasn't cornering at all well, especially on the infield where it was slimier. I was getting sideways out of most of the corners but somehow avoiding crashing - finding traction on the singlespeed was tough too. Still, my most fun race at HH I think - course flowed really well.

Howard, did you race at HHV yesterday? Who were you buddied up with?

Yes I did. Dr Cake and I formed a mixed team.

Carnage.

Yes I did. Dr Cake and I formed a mixed team.

Carnage.

I thought it was good. Need to learn how to ride those grass sections though.

Just keep peddling at 95% HR Max and you'll be fine. For thirty seconds.

Exactly. Then watch as some 16 year old shoots past you. With perfect grip. Cornering at triple the speed you thought possible.

"Huh?"

Tubulars and youth.

One you can buy...

Not true, you can use tubular cement to smooth over the cracks and blemishes on your face.

Instant rejuvenation.

First CX race for me at the madison cross yesterday - loved it (though it did take a lap for me to work out quite how to ride in those conditions without falling off...)

There was someone taking pictures down the 'killer descent' (steep downhill by the velodrome gate) but I haven't seen them - would love to see the faces as it was followed by an off-camber c180deg bend into a mudpit

Not sure. There are some up on the UKCycleSport website, but mostly just pits and the grassy area.

If you find out, let us know!