Cyclocross - Couple questions for a beginner

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Turnus
08-12-12, 06:06 PM
Hey All,

I'm looking to do my first cx race this fall and was wondering two things

I have a specialized tricross sport (with disc brakes and eggbeaters) and wanted to know if people thought that would be good enough to get me through a race. I'm using the stock (32mm) tires on it now too.

What's the best way to train in the absence of a real course and in dry summer weather? I currently ride a lot of fire roads and some single track on weekends and commute 25 miles on weekdays but nothing too cyclocross-ish.

I was super happy to find these forums - they look like an incredible resource. Thanks!


simonaway427
08-12-12, 06:49 PM
Cross is pretty much run whatcha brung. That said, in terms of training, practise your mounts and dismounts. THe 10 seconds wasted trying to clip in after a mount is far more time lost than that resulting from the tires you're running.

Have fun!

theextremist04
08-12-12, 09:50 PM
In a city like San Fran I would be very surprised if they didn't do some sort of 'cross clinic- if they do, try to make it there. You'll learn more in a couple hours at one of those than in weeks by yourself. Also, your bike is more than adequate; maybe not the most aggressive, but it's perfectly suited to racing.


Turnus
08-14-12, 08:29 PM
Thanks for the responses - good to know the bike will hold up! At your suggestion I managed to find a local clinic in a couple weeks and signed up. Can't wait.

obrentharris
08-14-12, 09:16 PM
Join the "bayareacyclocross" Yahoo group. Upcoming clinics, group training rides, etc are announced there. Your bike will be fine. Typically the first half of our season is pretty dry anyway.

Some local race series you can google: Bay Area Super Prestige put on by Pilarcitos Cycle Sports in and around San Francisco; CCCX in the Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, Salinas area; "Santa Rosa Cup" put on by Bike Monkey in Santa Rosa.

A few one-off races: "Lion of Fairfax" in Marin County put on by Big Swinging Cycles in San Francisco; "Livermore Cyclocross Festival"; "Stafford Lake Cyclocross". Check the NCNCA CX Calendar for race dates.

Drop by the Rock Lobster tent and say Hi. I'm the old guy with the gray beard.
See you out there!
Brent

Turnus
08-16-12, 07:34 PM
Thanks Brent! Checking out all the races now. Will definitely come by the tent if I see it.