how do you guys train for cyclocross races? Yes, I know the season has made most people lean and fit, but 'cross requires skills beyond that. Do you find fire roads to ride on? Loops around college campuses with stairs and such?

I'm planning on adding running to my workouts when the season gets closer, but what about bike fitness and handling skills.

I normally just add running to my training schedule late in the season to prepare for cross races. I lift and move bikes all day in the shop so I really dont need to practice my handling skills. I would recommend giving the dismount remount a try before your first race, you can do it in your street or yard - just act like there is a barrier.

-Ryan

I try to ride my cross bike at least once a week this early in the year. We formed a weekly ride with Coworkers, so I bring my Cross bike and they ride their Road Bikes. That way I can still get a workout by setting the pace and it gives me a break from the road bike.
Plus it makes you look like a real Hammer. You got to try to keep that image Up at work..:beer:

Find an area that has a steep grassy or dirt hill, some stairs (something you can carry your bike up) and create a loop preferably in dirt, grass. Set up some cones or markers to make the course. If you have some plastic tubes (cheap$) you can make some sawhorse barricades to practice dismounts/remounts. Go through the course for an hour straight. That will replicate a race and hopefully get you tuned up! Good luck