Cyclocross Racing - Seattle Cyclocross

Any Seattle cxers on bikeforums? I'm moving to Seattle next week and I'm getting really excited for the Seattle Cross and MFG series races. They both look like they're going to be a lot of fun. Are there any good weekly training/practice rides in Seattle? I'd like to eventually find a team to join, but I'm content to ride unattached for a while. I raced Cs/4s last year, but I've put in a lot more time in the saddle this year, so I'm hoping I can possibly improve to racings 3s by the end of the season, or at least by next year.

What's the deal with pre-reg? None of the races seem to be on bikereg.com. Is there another site? They can't possibly all be day-of registration only, right?

good info can be found here and there should be updates for some event pre reg: http://seattlecyclocross.com/

There is a weekly CX training event at Marymoor on wednesday nights I think. I think it was $10 for all season last year and its held rain or shine under the lights at the velodrome. Great training and general good time.
My team is always open to new riders and they also host some training: cycleu.com

I enjoy CX but just can't get too into it until it starts to rain

I want to get into XC, but I have no idea where to start. I'm not trying to be super competitive or anything, so I'm mainly interested in who if anyone I need to register with, and where would be a good place to start racing. For that matter I don't even know the general race format. Would I get lumped into the lowest non-masters category to start?

I also can't find any resources for local races that talk about equipment restrictions or requirements.

The first race of the MFG series is on BikeReg http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9197

That's a great link, but I still have a few questions: Should I register for the "Senior Men" Cat 4 group? I assume that its the lowest category. Also, are there any equipment requirements/restrictions?

And I can't find anywhere on that link that says where the race is held other than Kirkland.

The race is being held at Big Finn Hill park. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=oIK&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=big+fin+hill+park+kirkland+wa&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,14105347089472461894&ei=7qGiSs6SI5HSsQP5qZ2NDw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1


Cat 4 is the lowest category in cross. They're also doing a new category in the MFG series called the category du jour for brand new racers looking for a little lower pressure race.

I haven't registered for the kirkland race yet, but I'll definitely be there.

I'm also planning on going to the Labor day race this monday in North Seatac park. Anybody else going? I'll be racing mens 4s.

Here's the MFG site: http://www.mfgcyclocross.com/series-information/kick-off-cross/
I believe the MFG series are non-UCI races, so even mtn bikes (sans bar ends) and disc brakes may be allowed.

"Categories are self-seeding. Sandbagging will not be tolerated. Riders are encouraged to chose the category that provides them the maximum challenge while allowing for them to be competitive."

Cat 4 is the lowest

Had my first race of the season this morning, Labor Day Cross down at North Seatac Park. It was muddy and damp just like I expected Seattle cross to be. I did so so. Ended up 26th out of 43 starters in Cat 4. I got down to the start line like 45 seconds before the start, so I started in the very last row. It sucked trying to get around people and make passes and I never fully recovered. The course was pretty fun. It had lots of winding single track that flowed pretty well. Nothing was too terribly technical, not a whole lot of off-camber turns to speak of. Lots of tight, 180 degree turns though that really slowed me down. I need to figure out how to take turns like that without slowing down to like 5 mph. I also made a stupid move on the 3rd lap where I was convinced that I had flatted and stopped to check. Cost me 2 places at least. Dumb.

There was a brutal run up mid-lap. It was up a huge, steep hill with railroad ties as steps. Really took the wind out of your sails, but there was a short, slightly downhill paved section at the top that helped you recover a little.

My girlfriend was there and took a couple of pictures.

Right after the start and right before the first terrible bottle neck:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3897150425_f5effbbb40.jpg

The runup. I'm right on the middle of the hill.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3897931222_bc3a4b9ec6.jpg

The aftermath. I think this picture is sweet.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3897930306_602f4a21d8.jpg


I'm hoping to pick up the pace from now on and at least start placing top 20. Based on a quick glance at the posted times I'd only need to average 15 or 20 seconds faster per lap to get into the top 20. I'd have to be well over a minute faster each lap in order to hang with first place however, but that was never really a possibility to begin with.

Damn, now I really want to go racing. At this point, its mostly a money problem. I've got 3 bikes right now, but none of them would work well for XC. The only one that would even finish the race is my ancient steel MTB, which besides weighing a ton would need new tires and some minor other repairs. I'm trying to sell the least used of my road bikes, which would probably fund me enough to patch together a first year XC bike.

I did the North SeaTac race also, it was a fun course lot's of single track, but no mud or sand.

Also, if you liked that little run-up, then the 'Knapp Time (http://cxmagazine.com/2009-rad-racing-gp-cyclocross-preview)' run up at Fort Steilacoom is not to be missed. :twitchy: