Cyclocross - Preparation for CX noob?

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E.S.

08-14-12, 03:41 PM

Hey guys,

I'd like to do some CX this fall. So far almost all my cycling has been on the road. I know that my mounting/un-mounting sucks. How should I best practice this?

And are there other skills I should learn/focus on other than general cycling fitness?

Thanks for any help!

GrayJay

08-14-12, 04:11 PM

Make a simple practice barracade, take it to a grassy park and set it up on a short loop so you can ride and practice dismounts/mounts. You might also practice turning round a hairpin corner, cornering an off-camber hillside turn and carrying your bike on run-ups.

obrentharris

08-14-12, 09:38 PM

Good advice from GrayJay.
If you have access to a Mountain bike I would recommend spending some hours riding some twisty, fairly-steep downhill singletrack to get used to maneuvering on loose surfaces. Many folks who come to cyclocross from a background of primarily road riding spend a season or two improving their bike handling.
Brent