Been into biking for awhile, but decided to try out Cx. Any tips? experiences?
First Ccyclocross race tomorrow... any tips? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter 74fj40
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- #2
Here's a picture of my bike. I know how you guys like your pictures!
Been training for cross? If not, prepare to have your heart try to climb out out of your throat. Also, no clips on the pedals? I am don't ride cross races, but spend a lot of time riding gravel and singletrack on my road bike--I like to be clipped in when climbing steep grades on dirt and when in sand--allows you to keep the weight over the rear wheel and maintain traction. The annoyance of having to clip in and out for every mount/dismount should be worth the energy bonus that you'll gain by being able to spin the pedals.
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- #4
I definitely run clip in pedals, that is an older picture of when I first got it.
How do you like gravel riding? Would love to some races
How do you like gravel riding? Would love to some races
Gravel is fun, until it is wet - then it can be like riding in wet concrete.... And dont trust potholes.
Congratulations on your first cross race. Not that I have very much cross experience but I do have 20 years as a pro mtb racer and I can tell you nothing beats the feeling you get after doing a high intensity bike race. The only advice I can give you is take your first race as a fun way to break into the sport and make sure you breathe. Racing cross is a lot of lung and also legs but if you make sure you breathe deeply throughout the race your body will get the oxygen that it needs. I'm guessing it will be 20 minutes or less so food wont be an issue. Just have fun and get to know everyone at the race because cyclists are cool people. Good Luck
mike
mike
How did it go?
I really enjoy gravel riding--it is a little disconcerting at first, but once you get used to how the bike responds on the gravel it is a blast! I use regular road tires so that I can do a combined ride with road and gravel sectors. I have a set of cross tires set aside for when I want to ride exclusively gravel, but I don't use them much. I am currently rehabbing a knee, but several of the sportives in the local area have a lot of gravel--looking forward to getting back out there.
I really enjoy gravel riding--it is a little disconcerting at first, but once you get used to how the bike responds on the gravel it is a blast! I use regular road tires so that I can do a combined ride with road and gravel sectors. I have a set of cross tires set aside for when I want to ride exclusively gravel, but I don't use them much. I am currently rehabbing a knee, but several of the sportives in the local area have a lot of gravel--looking forward to getting back out there.
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- #8
Had a blast doing it! My heart rate was pegged for 45 minutes. Looking forward to my next race!
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- #9
I think I am going to do some gravel rides next season, Colorados gravel season is about over.
gregnash
Anal Retentive Analyst
Yeah that is the thing about CX is that you basically should anticipate to be at an an-aerobic pace the entire race. Look up Mud and Cowbells, he is located in Boulder if I remember correctly and is INSANE. One of these years I am going to give it a shot on my hardtail 29er just for s***s and giggles.
Patineto
"Clueless" fourwheel rabbit
Try to not puke in the middle of the single tracks, makes tires even more slimy and if you happen to last two the second lap, you maybe get a gift of your own...;-0
If the cx bug still has ya snared, drop into Boulder for the Wednesday Worlds weekly races. I've been in bar fights that didn't hurt as much! Haha!
gregnash
Anal Retentive Analyst
Check out the Mud and Cowbells website. .. The owner/author (Greg) lives in Boulder I believe.
Greg's an old friend, and an awesome guy! Reach out to him... you can contact him via Cyclocross Bikes, Photos, Videos and Culture | Mud and Cowbells - Contact Me or through Boulder Cycle Sports. You could not ask for a better ambassador/mentor for the sport!!