Cyclocross - Training advice...?

Hola!

I'm just your average rider (in pretty good shape) and I'm looking for some advice on how to train for Cyclo events. I live in Central Jersey, so if anybody knows good spots to train or at least knows the terrain, that would be even better.

So any advice, training regimen, diet plans, etc...would be much appreciated.

Gracias!

Read the Bible.

Find the local hardman ride (probably Tuesday evenings once the sun starts setting later) and see if you can keep up.

check out the book cyclocross

Learn to do a running dismount and shoulder the bike. Then practice

In addition to what the other's said you also need to focus on anaerobic fitness. Do a lot of intervals and sprints. Perfect your pedal stroke.

In addition to what the other's said you also need to focus on anaerobic fitness. Do a lot of intervals and sprints. Perfect your pedal stroke.

And learn to love suffering.

What is a perfect pedal stroke?

Find good crossers and follow them around. We have informal clinics that start up in late August which serve that purpose. You can certainly work on fitness, anaerobic efforts and such, but until you've tried to follow a fast person on a real course, you don't know what it takes.

Yikes! Jersey! I lived there for 8 months ('94, in Dunellen, near New Bruswick), and never dared to ride. It was fall through spring so I had a small excuse, but mostly it seemed the most bike-unfriendly place I have ever been. Perhaps only because I had been used to the relaxed ways of the West Coast...

But if I had lived there longer I'd say it would be the same as starting out anywhere - find an LBS and badger them for information on good routes and group rides, and it all goes from there. Once you get in with a few local guys on a ride you'll probably get enough info in an hour to keep you trying different routes and things for months.

Good luck!