Cyclocross

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S

screenman

Legendary Member
normgow said:
Even though it was along time ago I can remember river crossings. John Morris's promotion at Forty Hall near Enfield comes to mind.
Later these water obstacles fell out of favour, I remember a riders' revolt at Welwyn when we refused to go splashing through a stream on the course.


That's one of the best things about 'cross, you can nearly always find someone of similar ability and engage in your own private duel with no concern about what's happening at the front of the race
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I am sure that I rode at both of those places as a schoolboy, would have been about 1970. We did not do the river then as considered to young, did not stop us having a go later though.
 
Z

zer07

Active Member
Location
Portsmouth
I've done a couple of races in the local Wessex League and loved it. As everyone says, it is the hardest 40 - 60 minutes you'll do on the bike but knowing that I completed it was so rewarding. I wasn't worried about position and just had a personal goal to try not to come last, although even coming at the back is still a major achievement for those of us not as experienced. We've all got to start somewhere, so if you're at least thinking about it I'd say give it a try, you'll never know otherwise.
 
Richard A Thackeray

Richard A Thackeray

Legendary Member
Location
Normanton, Wakefield. West Riding of Yorkshire
bpsmith said:
Having watched a few races on TV recently, this looks like a particularly interesting challenge.

Has anyone dabbled in Cyclocross or even Raced by any chance? Just wondering how tough it is compared to road cycling?

Certainly looks tougher to me anyway.
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I did for a few years, on two occasions

Yes it is tough, as there's a full on sprint, normally at the start, to the first corner
Surface certainly plays its part, as the Summer series races are generally on dry (hardpacked!) fields..... that said...... I have raced in summer, when I've had to pedal downhill, or stop! (& still had to stop twice/thrice) a lap to unclog the bike

It can be a hell of an effort all the race (normally 45 minutes, to an hour, plus a lap)
Practice the dismounts/mounts if you can

If you need the lowest gear, there's a fair chance you'll be quicker getting off & running/speed-walking

Bottom line

Enjoy!!!!!

You will get muddy, you will fall off, you will get wet, you will steam gently when you stop

You will ask "When's the next one!?, that was brilliant!!!"


@bpsmith
Where in the country do you live, so as to recommend a series/specialising Club
 
dan_bo

dan_bo

How much does it cost to Oldham?
Location
Not fkin Failsworth or fkin Blackpool either
dan_bo said:
Best cycle competition ever. Accessible, intense, short, friendly, not absolutely reliant on VO2 max. Brilliant way to spend an autumn afternoon.
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And forgot to mention compelling.
 
OP
OP
B

bpsmith

Veteran
Richard A Thackeray said:
Okay, I'm not sure if there is a South Wales league, as we have in Yorkshire

There is this event in early December, in Swansea.......
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/150279/Welsh-Cyclo-Cross-Championships-2016

Swansea Wheelers?, do they have any CX guys??
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Not sure on Swansea Wheelers, although there’s a club called Gower Riders that teach the youngsters the skills fairly close to me. Will stop by and have a chat with them I will reckon.
 
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