Cross in Los Angeles...anyone?
08-23-06, 12:32 PM
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Cross in Los Angeles...anyone?
I'm dying to race cyclocross, but am totally virgin to the experience (and this forum by the way). I'd love to meet or chat with local people involved in the sport. Also, trying to find clubs or teams that train near Glendale - ones that won't think I'm rediculous for picking up the sport a "little late" in life.
Cheers!
Cheers!
08-24-06, 01:49 AM
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I raced in the "Urban Cyclocross" series when I lived in L.A. -- https://www.backontrackproductions.com/. This shop - https://www.bicyclejohns.com/ - sponsors a team -- https://www.seriouscycling.org/, or at least did at one time. The shop and the team both had some friendly, helpful people associated with them.
In addition to the generally South Bay Urban Cyclocross Series, there were also some races up near your neck of the woods, Glendale, etc. Maybe someone else can fill in some details.
Also, in my rather limited experience, no one in cyclocross cares too much whether you're ridiculous or not. Cyclocross events are the most broadly welcoming cycling events I've ever seen. Maybe things are changing with increased popularity - but at least when I started doing it even the strongest team riders (hello, Dorothy Wong, among others) were very friendly and giving with encouragement and useful advice for even the dumbest, unfittest newbie, i.e., me).
In addition to the generally South Bay Urban Cyclocross Series, there were also some races up near your neck of the woods, Glendale, etc. Maybe someone else can fill in some details.
Also, in my rather limited experience, no one in cyclocross cares too much whether you're ridiculous or not. Cyclocross events are the most broadly welcoming cycling events I've ever seen. Maybe things are changing with increased popularity - but at least when I started doing it even the strongest team riders (hello, Dorothy Wong, among others) were very friendly and giving with encouragement and useful advice for even the dumbest, unfittest newbie, i.e., me).
Last edited by Big Helmet; 08-24-06 at 08:57 PM.
08-24-06, 02:55 PM
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Thankyouthankyouthankyou!
I appreciate the info. and Newby encouragement. I'm fortunately at that point in my life where I really don't give a damn about how I look out there (which I think is helpfull in cross racing), but it's nice to have support. 
08-25-06, 03:18 PM
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I've just started thinking about putting a bike together and giving cyclocross a try myself. I'm in LA too. But I'm a ways away from putting a bike together. But but- there's a race September 16th and another October 1st in like Glendora or something. I'm planning on going to the 10/1 just to check it out. I found info here:
https://www.cyclocrossworld.com/
I did a few mountain bike races as a kid and always had it in the back of my mind, but the sport has kind of gotten too, I dunno, serious for me, I guess. Cyclocross looks more fun and everyone says it's real inclusive, which is good because I was thinking of building up my '78 schwinn le tour III as my first cyclocross bike.
https://www.cyclocrossworld.com/
I did a few mountain bike races as a kid and always had it in the back of my mind, but the sport has kind of gotten too, I dunno, serious for me, I guess. Cyclocross looks more fun and everyone says it's real inclusive, which is good because I was thinking of building up my '78 schwinn le tour III as my first cyclocross bike.
08-28-06, 03:03 AM
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08-28-06, 10:05 AM
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keep them comin...the urban cyclocross stuff sounds like alot of fun.
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08-29-06, 12:55 PM
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For beginners, see if the Socal site has any clinics and tried go to them, if possible. You will pick some tips that will make the first race much less stressful. Also, if you have a mtn bike, use it for the first couple of races to see if you even like cross; just remember to take off the bottle cages and bar ends. If not, an old road bike might work if you can get 27mm cross tires to fit into the rear triangle. For dusty, dry courses, this setup will work but for mud, the fork and the chainstays will get loaded with mud.
Finally, see if you can find some local rides so that you get some tips on how to dismount and remount. Remounting will be the toughest skill to learn.
Finally, see if you can find some local rides so that you get some tips on how to dismount and remount. Remounting will be the toughest skill to learn.
08-29-06, 07:32 PM
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An excerpt from an email I received from the Urban 'Cross folks.
Starting next week our Tuesday night cyclocross training begins. Three weeks only starting Sept 5th. Get ready for cyclocross season. Training link here: https://www.backontrackproductions.com/cxpractice.htm
The Urban Cyclocross Series starts September 24th in Palos Verdes and is currently at over $10,000.00 in total prizes and growing! Two singlespeed categories are offered and youth 18 & under race for free thanks to the SCNCA. The Urban Cyclocross is part of SoCalCyclocross and the SCNCA CX Cup. The Southern California Nevada Cycling Association (SCNCA) is the USA Cycling (USAC) recognized local association for Southern California and Southern Nevada. It's mission is to conduct, coordinate, and seek the advancement of USA Cycling activities in Southern California and Southern Nevada. They are also committed to creating programs to assist riders in the development of their competitive skills and to ensure safe competition. The SCNCA is defined by Zip Code boundaries 89000-89299 in Nevada and all areas south of Monterey, King, Tulare, and Inyo counties in California. Visit www.scnca.org for official USAC race calenders.
The Urban Cyclocross Series starts September 24th in Palos Verdes and is currently at over $10,000.00 in total prizes and growing! Two singlespeed categories are offered and youth 18 & under race for free thanks to the SCNCA. The Urban Cyclocross is part of SoCalCyclocross and the SCNCA CX Cup. The Southern California Nevada Cycling Association (SCNCA) is the USA Cycling (USAC) recognized local association for Southern California and Southern Nevada. It's mission is to conduct, coordinate, and seek the advancement of USA Cycling activities in Southern California and Southern Nevada. They are also committed to creating programs to assist riders in the development of their competitive skills and to ensure safe competition. The SCNCA is defined by Zip Code boundaries 89000-89299 in Nevada and all areas south of Monterey, King, Tulare, and Inyo counties in California. Visit www.scnca.org for official USAC race calenders.
