comet the dog

Just thought id share. 09 Kona Jake.

knobster

Cool. You planning on racing?

comet the dog

Yeah i plan to race, watched my first race this past season and looks like it could be lots of fun. Probly a little painful and embarrassing too at the same time. Most of the riding will probly be commuting with some trails thrown in.

knobster

Yes, it's a lot of fun. People at cross races are all about having a good time. Yes, there will be pain, but probably no embarrassment.

comet the dog

you aint seen me ride

Andy_K 

This year at Kruger's Crossing about a third of the beginners field got passed by a guy on a unicycle who started a few minutes after they did. Embarrassment is definitely a possibility. Happily, I moved myself up to Master C for that race and avoided that fate. I did, however, get passed by a guy who was running out the lap because of a flat tire. It's definitely lots of fun though...and pain. I can't wait for next season.

Congrats on the Jake!

comet the dog

OK yeah that would be embarassing passed a a uni. Its been a while since i have competed in any race. did a triathlon sprint a few years ago, but since then i have just been riding for the fun of it. No real training at all. time to change that.
What do you guys do to prepare for racing sphyclocross. ride, run, practice falling down?

Andy_K 

In the past, I've done almost nothing to prepare, and I've got the results to prove it. Mostly, I just rode lots.

Last year, I went to a series of clinics at Alpenrose. That was very helpful and I came out able to cruise the barriers and shoulder my bike like nobody's business. Unfortunately, my physical conditioning was more than enough to keep me at the back of the pack.

This year, I have every intention of being more serious about training. I'm doing weight lifting and running right now to increase power and build my aerobic base. Toward summer I plan to spend some time working on my bike handling skills and doing some focused workouts to boost my anaerobic endurance. As 'cross season approaches, I want to work on sprinting while carrying the bike and running up hills, and I'll definitely be going to the Alpenrose clinics again.

knobster

Agree with Andy. The clinics are worth the time investment. I plan on being at these as well this year Andy. I'll see you there.

comet the dog

is there a link for the clinics?

Andy_K 

It'll show up here some time this summer: https://obra.org/schedule

There's a general bike racing clinic at Alpenrose this Sunday.

comet the dog

kewl, thanks

comet the dog

Picked up Jake today, took for a quick ride to school. Like the way it rides, will take on some light trails this weekend. I think i want a 70mm stem though.