Crack Monkey

Who's in? I see RacerMike. SpongeDad, you know you want to race.

Looks like a mix of terrain, and at least one steep hill.

Lithuania

too bad this is the same day as wissahickon or i would have considered it. it sounds like a fun event and all the work the promoters are putting into make it sound even better.

bdcheung

I'm in.

My first 'cross race ever.

RacerMike

I think I'm going to do 2 races. Only 69 people registered so far in total and these guys are doing a lot of work to get this race on the calendar. Having it the day after Granogue is probably hurting them some, but I'll do my part and race twice to help them out. Thinking Cat4 and maybe 3/4 35+45+ right after.

Crack Monkey

I could be talked into doubling up, but I'm still a few years shy of Masters. Maybe I'll do the B and C races - that also gives me an hour in the middle to recover.

SpongeDad

Any pictures or pre-race videos of the course?

I have a lot of family stuff next weekend, so will need to wait till midweek to decide.

Mike, Crack, you should both take it very easy in the Cat 4 race if you're going to do 2 in one day. In fact, if you would ride behind me and take out bdcheung as he comes by, my chances of not getting lapped will increase substantially. After all, that's why they call it cyclocrossderby. (It would give new meaning to "team tactics.")

bdcheung

You would have to be so far OTB to take me out, it may not be worth the effort!

I think I'm going to tailgun this one, as it's my first ever cross race and I would hate to ruin someone's day by riding too slow, falling too much, or generally getting in the way.

CCrew

I'll throw rocks at ya all as you come by if that helps.

I haven't seen the course layout, but the park has a decent BMX track that has some nice events, hopefully they'll use part of that.

RacerMike

bdcheung: my first cx race was Charm City and I took that approach, starting at the back of the field instead of my rightful spot just about dead center. Since the sprint is at that the start, I didn't want to be int he way, but after the first half lap it was spread out and I was racing as hard as I could. Hyattsville was my 2nd race and started in my assigned spot (kinda, they had some issues getting people to conform); turned out it wasn't that big a deal.

Crack Monkey

For an overhead (switch to satellite view):
https://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/va...24622664027019

For venue photos (though the course isn't marked):
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Winche...id=84252221883

How many beers are in it for me?

Looking at the hill in the photos, I'm wondering if I should bring my mountain bike (gears, woo hoo).

Crack Monkey

Don't worry about it. I started this season (three events completed) and the back of the pack is a real hodgepodge of skill and fitness. Falling is just part of the event. If you've done any racing, mountain or road, you'll be fine.

CCrew

Thanks for the link. They're not using the BMX track at all obviously. Some of the hills in the center section are pretty darned steep, but trails are decent. (I live only about 3 miles from the park)

Lithuania

bd dont start in the back. as a roadie you will still have more fitness than a lot of the racers. there isnt an OTB in a cross race either. you should find it surprisingly easy.

Crack Monkey

You're doing it wrong.

bdcheung

U think I should stage as far forward as possible then?

bitterken

^^^ Yes. Getting a good start is critical. Think of it like a really technical crit.

bdcheung

My first super technical crit I staged at the back and tailgunned it because I:
a) wasn't sure of my own bike handling abilities through some of the more technical (off-camber chicane) sections;
b) wasn't sure of anyone else's skills and didn't want to get taken out (granted the damage is worse at 25mph on asphalt than at 18mph on dirt/grass/mud); and
c) wasn't gunning for a win.

Regardless

I will pre-ride the course from 8am until whenever we stage

and

do my best.

bitterken

And don't worry about slowing others down - if they have it, they will get around you.

Lithuania

definitely start in the front. its a totally different race when you do that. its not like a crit where you can easily move up. depending on the course you could be a minute behind after just 2 minutes if there is a gnarly bottleneck right away.

SpongeDad

Definitely true. I started at the back at Hyattsville, and there were early turns on some small hills that I could easily ride, but had to wait / put a foot down while the crowd cleared.

SpongeDad

Bi-otches - I'm in.

Actually, as I will once again be laboring to not get lapped, I guess that makes me the bi-otch.

I think we're not allowed to have beer at this one. Damn responsible behavior.

Crack Monkey

Where'd you see that? Not that I'm doubting, just didn't notice that posted.

SpongeDad

From the Bikereg page for the race:

Jim Barnett Park is an alcohol free park. NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED! Violators risk prosecution by the Winchester City Police Department as well as race disqualification by the race director.

Not sure what it says about me, but I spotted that one right away.

kenshinvt

I'm in as well and it is also my first cross race! Been meaning to get out to a cross race this season but have been booked solid with non-cycling responsibilities on the weekends.

See you out there--I'll be in the Lanterne Rouge kit for the 9am 4s.

bdcheung

Weather for the 9am race is looking like 35 degrees and raining.

should I plan on wearing what I normally wear to commute in this kind of weather? (of course I'd bring every piece of cycling clothing I own)