Cyclocross Racing - First race - what to bring?

Winchester will be my first 'cross race ever.

Aside from the bike and clothes, what do I need to bring? I read through the "newbie tips" thread and didn't see suggestions on what specialty items (lots of water for washing you/the bike off?) to bring.

thanks in advance!

I brought an old sheet to put down in back of my car. Everything seemed to have mud/dirt on it - helmet, shoes glasses. Clothes went into plastic bag and everything else went on sheet until I could clean it up properly.

Not all races will have bike washes. I don't know if Winchester will have one or not. Unless you want to carry a lot of water, you're better off just waiting until you get home. Bringing a bucket with some rags would be a good compromise in case there is some water source you can use.

In general, bring more to a cross race then you would for a road race or crit. Things can break during warm up and you will get wet/dirty a hell of a lot more. Having teammates help share the burden of what to bring as far as tools, food, spare wheels, etc. helps.

Have fun dude! Cross is a blast. Unfortunately, I won't be making this one...

Lots of clothes - plan for temperature changes (typically chilly in the AM and could be warm in the late-AM and PM), ground will be damp, etc. You may warm-up in cold weather kit and race in shorts and short-sleeves.

Other than that, I don't bring anything special. Just normal hand-tools, chain links, tubes, etc.

Some guys will bring pit wheels or a second bike.

Next time I'm bringing the sheet to put in the back of the wagon so that I can change under it.

I know what wanders should bring to his next race... me. :thumb:

tarp/sheet for car

jacket and tights, at least for warming up;

several pairs of socks if its wet - one to warm up; one to race; one to drive home

extra safety pins.

if on clinchers, extra pair of wheels if you have them or at least inner tubes - pinch flat during warmup would bite

beer to share with folks after the race. It is a very friendly atmosphere. Several BFers are doing the MABRA series, including Bitterken and Lithuania, so it's nice to meet up with them /watch them do the more competitive races while knocking one back

Towels

I always bring a bucket, neoprene gloves and a toilet brush. Usually there is a pond or stream near by so you can brush the bike down. I've been thinking about getting one of those pressurized bug sprayers.

Great question. BTW, be sure to update the newbie tips after your race with anything you learned that isn't on there. My experience is that seasoned racers don't really realize just how much they know that the rest of us don't, so I think the tips need to be built up by newbies as we learn.

Anyway, I pack more for a cross race than for a weekend vacation. A lot of it I've never used, but I don't want to not have the one thing I need. I've got a back pack that I load up for a race.

Here's what I bring:

Sports drink -- at least 20 oz. for before the race and 20 oz. for after the race
Drinking water -- I'm always incredibly thirsty after a race, sports drink isn't enough
Tools -- pump, 3-headed hex wrench, 3-headed box-end wrench, CB-17 multi-tool, pliers, chain tool, tire levers
Spare parts -- 2 tubes, cables, rear derailleur, spray lubricant, drip lubricant
Warm-up clothes -- for pre-riding I bring a jacket, tights, arm warmers, heavier gloves, a different jersey than I plan to race in -- depending on how cold it is, I might end up using some of this in the race
Towels -- At least one, two if it's really muddy
Clothes -- A full set of clean non-bike clothing to change into after the race because you definitely should stick around to watch some later races
Cash -- more than just enough for registration because we've got great food vendors at the races
Sunglasses
Head sweat bandanna type thing -- I've forgotten to wear this a couple of times and been blinded by sweat dripping into my eyes.
Instant ice pack -- This is my latest addition. I pulled a calf muscle a couple of weeks ago and had to drive to the local pharmacy to get something to ice it. I got a two pack, and now one is in my race pack.

I should say that I don't have any intention of using the tools or spare parts during the race. Those are there in case I need them before a race. I talked to a guy a couple of weeks ago who broke his derailleur during pre-ride. That really sucks. I offered him my spare, but it turned out his hanger was broken.

Serious riders bring spare wheels, but I've only got one set of cross tires, so I'm not there yet. Also, surreal as it seems to me, it looks like Shimano is going to be offering neutral support in the big series races here this year. I think I need to flat just before the pit so I can finish the race on some Dura-Ace tubulars. :thumb:

My tool list is missing a cable puller. I've been using the pliers for that, but I really mean to pick up the right tool for the job soon. That's one of the things I haven't used yet, but I've recently been convinced that I should be adjusting my brakes for mud clearance or lack thereof after I see the course.

Don't forget to put the toe spikes in your shoes if you have them.

I do have spikes, and will throw them in the bag with my kit.

Am I allowed to keep a bottle/cage on my bike?

Am I allowed to keep a bottle/cage on my bike?

Allowed to, yes. Want to, probably not.

Aside from the question of it getting in the way when you shoulder the bike, you really probably won't have any time to drink. I know some people here disagree. I've seen people do it. I've got a picture of a guy drinking during a race last week. I'll post it. He looks like he's already crossed the finish line.

In any event, it's unlikely to be hot at Winchester in mid October, so you can probably wait until after the race to re-hydrate. Flargle has told us several times that being dehydrated degrades your performance, and he's probably right. I'd crash if I tried drinking during a race.

Oh yeah and of course don't forget your cow bell :)

Am I allowed to keep a bottle/cage on my bike?

Not necessary here. The 5 dollar with beer prime.

http://www.mockorangecross.com/images/CWTCS1/3.jpg

Not exactly legal, but who's going to complain. (Juniors excluded of course.)

ljrichar - we're taking your car. I'm sure it's way too clean.

It's a 40 minute race. If you hydrate well the night before, on your way to the race, and while warming up and lining up, you should be fine. But if you feel you must carry something, carry it in a pocket. Not only would the cage get in the way, the bottle will likely go flying off during a bumpy section.

Not exactly legal, but who's going to complain. (Juniors excluded of course.)

We had a guy disqualified for getting an alcohol hand-up during the A race last week, but the venue was generously provided gratis with a no-alcohol stipulation.

i wouldnt concern myself with spikes unless you have practiced with them

We had a guy disqualified for getting an alcohol hand-up during the A race last week, but the venue was generously provided gratis with a no-alcohol stipulation.

This was actually a bit of a joke to see if any of the guys would take it. The guy who won was ahead by about a minute, took the beer and the money, took a swig for show and went on. The real "race" was for 2nd and those guys weren't interested.

All in good fun.

http://cxmagazine.com/nationals-countdown-gear-to-keep-you-in-the-clear

http://cxmagazine.com/nationals-countdown-gear-to-keep-you-in-the-clear

pretty good list, but it did not mention bringing any embro