Ever wondered what's the appeal of cyclocross?

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DRM

Guru
Location
West Yorks

View: https://youtu.be/CF3yMhFarFc

This video is proof that Belgium isn’t going to let other countries take over Cyclocross anytime soon, chapeau to Sven Nys for giving something back to the next generation
 
I used to race CX
Did it for quite a few years, first on an MTB, then a real CX bike
(ie; no bottle-bosses, no mudguard eyes!!)

Riders now use MTBs & gravel bikes too

It's damned good fun, if cold/muddy/wet
It teaches excellent bike handling skills, that can translate onto the roads!
You might come round a corner & (due to traffic?) have to ride over gravel/horse-sh*t/diesel, invariably the CX-er will stay on the bike, & a less able rider slides down the road

Also, it's a damned hard (level 3 - 4) workout for an hour!!

Only problem is, you might get hooked


Coincidentally, I was in East Leeds, watching a CX this afternoon!
The Jonathon Noble Memorial Cyclo-Cross
(organised by Seacroft Wheelers)
Temple Newsam.

https://yorkshirecyclocross.com/tre...-jonathon-noble-memorial-cross-temple-newsam/

Here's a few pics...
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I bumped into my friend Sarah, who was riding her recently purchased ('pre-owned') Boardman
Something told us, that the previous owner didn't ride it off-road, let alone compete on it...
:blink:^_^


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Also, at Temple Newsam, & the same 'memorial event
Circa 1993
At that time, they used the other side of the estate, in Avenue Woods
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Maybe 1994 - 1995??
Silcoates Scramble
Wrenthorpe
(Wakefield)
The 'real' CX bike, an ex Paul Milnes/Bradford Olympic team issue (653 frame/forks)
Later wrote off, by the guy who bought it from me, at the Three Peaks CX
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2008

Oakwell Hall
(near Cleckheaton)
New Club colours
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Whitechapel School
Cleckheaton
(near 'Chain Bar'.... jct 16/M62)
Possibly my muddiest CX, having to pedal down a 1-in-3, to keep going!!
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'Summer Season CX'
A school at Huddersfield
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2009
(the same) Memorial CX, at Temple Newsam



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Levo-Lon

Guru
I quite like a mud bath when its just terrible, such good fun but it has to be on an MTB for me.
I dont get CX bikes to be honest..
 

LeetleGreyCells

Un rouleur infatigable
My kids race CX and on Saturday did their 8th race of this season. 5 more to go. The kids never fail to finish a race with huge grins on their (very muddy) faces. The two downsides are 1) for we spectators who inevitably freeze while standing watching; 2) I end up washing both bikes when we get home.

Last week, a chap from our club entered his first ever race (45 minutes). He said he got home, washed his bike and then slept for 12 hours straight through :laugh:
 

Spartak

Powered by M&M's
Location
Bristolian
My kids race CX and on Saturday did their 8th race of this season. 5 more to go. The kids never fail to finish a race with huge grins on their (very muddy) faces. The two downsides are 1) for we spectators who inevitably freeze while standing watching; 2) I end up washing both bikes when we get home.

Last week, a chap from our club entered his first ever race (45 minutes). He said he got home, washed his bike and then slept for 12 hours straight through :laugh:

My eldest daughter takes part most weeks and enjoys it once its over... 🤔 my youngest ( 6 year old ) is now taking part too but is a bit more selective in her race choice.... Has to be a flat course and dry conditions !
 

palinurus

Velo, boulot, dodo
Location
Watford
My dad got me the chain guides made in a Lucas factory workshop. Took in a chainring to get the correct diameter and BCD :smile:

edit - 1x5 with chainguides a common set up in the 70s (I think I rode 45 x 14-28)

I ran 1x9 with a chainguide on the outside (and a dogfang inside) for quite a while- still do essentially since I use the 'cross bike for a bit of off-road riding and for commuting if it snows. I can't be arsed to go outside and see what cassette is on it but I know the front chainring is a 41 because when I changed the double setup I was looking through my bits box for something around the 42-44 mark and thought 'why on earth have I got a 41T chainring?'
 
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