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I've got a newborn arriving in a day or two and the first race of the Scottish CX season proper is 1st October, so I'll basically be getting all my training/practice in on my commute once I return from paternity leave, so 5 weeks sporadic, sleep deprived training
First one? If so good luck with that. Our first was a massive upheaval and I didn't do any exercise for a year, put on 5kg, lived mostly off chocolate, and spent much of the time walking around like a zombie. Second child, I missed about 2 days of training, no idea why the first seemed so hard 🙂
I did wonder if there was any benefit to exhausted sleep deprived training, bit like fasted training, but unfortunately there isn't 🙁
Make sure you can pretty much ride flat out on the limit for an hour, run up some steps, fall over in the mud.. and throw in some banter whilst trying to breathe and not throw up and it's good fun.
Can't wait 🙂
First one? If so good luck with that. Our first was a massive upheaval and I didn't do any exercise for a year, put on 5kg, lived mostly off chocolate, and spent much of the time walking around like a zombie.
Yeah... I know fine well I have no idea what it will actually be like, but am pinning my hopes on the ride to work keeping me going, it's genuinely quicker than driving. Will just be a case of finding a strong enough picker-upper in the morning, might even start putting sugar in my double espressos 8)
You always get into your own battles, as said, but they're so absorbing with cross - more so than any other racing I've done. Course dependent, but it's usually really technical racing. Not in the MTB sense meaning hard to ride, more that the racing presents a lot of options - high / low in the turns, run / don't run decisions, line choices through the mud, defend your position with a bit of a go-slow etc etc. While it does take time to get smooth with the dismount / remount stuff, all of this is basically accessible from day one.robbo1234biking - MemberHow competitive are the regional races? I am just getting back into biking and have ordered a CX bike as a commuter/all rounder as it seems more practical form most of my riding versus my mtb.
How competitive are the regional races?
I tempted to try one or two races in the local league (Derby & Notts)
N+Ds have traditionally been one of the strongest leagues in terms of rider quality and depth of field but there are no 'easy' races anywhere now, the explosion in numbers has seen quality riders everywhere.
It makes no real odds though, wherever you are in the field there'll be someone to race against, if you're up at the front or two laps down.
Depending on which category you're in there could be up to 90 riders around you and more from the other categories on course with the staggered starts.
Tempting, but when I looked before it looked like a LOT of travelling for not a lot of race time.Anyone else giving the Scottish series a go?
Will try and take a look and see where this year's rounds are located this afternoon.
I feel like I'm quite low in the gears for most courses - I run a 38 oval with a 32 cassette, and I'm seldom cranking it round down the block. So singlespeed for me would be starting from something fairly small. OTOH, you could use 38 x 20 and look to get off and run like a bstard at every opportunity.13thfloormonk - MemberOh, and I know it's almost another thread's worth, but I've also got a singlespeed 'almost' CX bike that I use for the commute.
Whats the accepted best gear for singlespeed cx?
You always get into your own battles, as said, but they're so absorbing with cross - more so than any other racing I've done. Course dependent, but it's usually really technical racing. Not in the MTB sense meaning hard to ride, more that the racing presents a lot of options - high / low in the turns, run / don't run decisions, line choices through the mud, defend your position with a bit of a go-slow etc etc. While it does take time to get smooth with the dismount / remount stuff, all of this is basically accessible from day one.
That's why I am interested. I would never have a hope at a XC race as my riding isn't good enough but this seems a little more tactical and more accessible as well. I am pretty good on my mtb on slippy conditions, not so much down rock gardens etc!
I run a 38 oval with a 32 cassette
Good, I've got a 38 on my geared bike right now, so once my shifting invariably packs in I'll get to experiment.
Tempting, but when I looked before it looked like a LOT of travelling for not a lot of race time.
Depends where you live I guess, the reason I'm so gung-ho despite the newborn on the horizon is that 4 of the 7ish SCX races are really close to Edinburgh, i.e. Glasgow, Falkirk, Dunfermile, Kinross-ish.
The others are Irvine (not far from Glasgow but too far for me) Aberdeenshire and Mull. I'd love to do the Mull one but travelling that far mid-december? Nah...
Depends where you live I guess
NE Corner of NE Fife.
Dunfermline an and Lochore Meadows are fine for me.
Glasgow, Falkirk and Aberdeenshire are a bit far for a 1hr event imo.
Irvine and Mull - err, no!
Taking the plunge and entering my first CX at Abingdon on Thursday!
Very light rigid SS 29er geared 34:17 stupidly spinny?
Taking the plunge and entering my first CX at Abingdon on Thursday!
If my back is ok by then I might be there too for similar plunging experience 🙂
Very light rigid SS 29er geared 34:17 stupidly spinny?
Don't know the course but dalton barracks is pan flat and I doubt it'll be that muddy. Heard that an XC bike is usually a bit faster there as the surface is so bumpy.
NE Corner of NE Fife
D'oh! Yeah, that would turn it into a half day affair and a lot of petrol money.
Maybe see you at Lochore or Dunfermline then
Taking the plunge and entering my first CX at Abingdon on Thursday
If my back is ok by then I might be there too for similar plunging experience
I'll be there so if you see me (blue Bicester kit, matching blue C'dale, flouro orange bar tap and lid) say hi. They grid from the previous rounds' result so last week I started on the back row having missed a week, but the field is small enough that it's not an issue (I finished 5th vet so should be front row-gridded this week). Juniors go off first, then seniors, then vets, then ladies, with about a minute between.
Don't know the course but dalton barracks is pan flat and I doubt it'll be that muddy. Heard that an XC bike is usually a bit faster there as the surface is so bumpy.
The infield is pan-flat mown grass (with a sandpit and usually barriers), then they use an outfield section which is bumpy, lumpy and rough. CX bikes are fine but most of the podium guys are on mtbs. So assuming rigid 29er is running fatter tyres than the CX bikes you'll be all good. It drains really well so even the winter rounds there are pretty firm ground.
13thfloormonk - Member
mrblobby -
First one? If so good luck with that. Our first was a massive upheaval and I didn't do any exercise for a year, put on 5kg, lived mostly off chocolate, and spent much of the time walking around like a zombie.Yeah... I know fine well I have no idea what it will actually be like, but am pinning my hopes on the ride to work keeping me going, it's genuinely quicker than driving. Will just be a case of finding a strong enough picker-upper in the morning, might even start putting sugar in my double espressos
Just remember these sorts of comments and use it to fuel the trianing fire! Thats what I did 😆
The first couple of months were hard. I did a lot of turbo stuff but then it was Jan and Feb. I'm surprised to note according to strava that ours was born in the early hours of the 9th and on the 10th I tried Trainerroads Goddard workout (though I failed with 15 minutes to go) and managed to do the whole of the weeks plan otherwise. It was about a month after that I got more erratic in my training.
I'll be there so if you see me (blue Bicester kit, matching blue C'dale, flouro orange bar tap and lid)
Newbury RC kit on a black and orange TCX if I make it 🙂 From what I've heard I'm tempted to ride the XC bike, but it's not like I'm going to be particularly competitive and it'd defeat the objective of getting a race on the CX bike under my belt.
From what I've heard I'm tempted to ride the XC bike, but it's not like I'm going to be particularly competitive and it'd defeat the objective of getting a race on the CX bike under my belt.
There's one or two races in our leauge that the proverbial "they" say is faster on an xc bike, but I always think its not the point. cx is for cx, its what makes it so fun 🙂
How competitive are the regional races?
i'm a reasonable rider but i'm definatly near the back in CX (never DFL though) but as above there is always some one to race/ hang on to. I'm hooked.
all of this is basically accessible from day one.
I'd never done a mount/ dismount until my first race.
lots of good encouragement from spectators too. Genuinely positive encouragement on my first race for an early dismount and a wide line to let the top two come through; silly but i was really chuffed; felt like i was doing a good job (even in second to last!)
it'd defeat the objective of getting a race on the CX bike under my belt.
but I always think its not the point. cx is for cx, its what makes it so fun
completely agree - mildly inappropriate bikes is half the fun, and these summer races are "racing as training" so I get used to the bike as well as get race-fit.
How competitive are the regional races
We raced across 5 different regional leagues last year, and at every one the field covers the range from wobbly nervous newbie with reflectors and flat pedals to sponsored Elite mtber/roadie with warm-up rollers and a matching spare bike, so whatever your standard you'll get a 'race', but there's also enough room and consideration that everyone gets on and lapping/backmarker overtakes are very friendly and civil (If I'm behind a slower rider from a different category I'll say "vet" so they know I'm not racing them for position).
Newbie question, how do you know their category? Different race number colour or something like that?
At the Summer Series each cat has different coloured numbers (so seniors are blue, vets are purple), from memory at Central each cat gets a number range.
Also, skinny 15yr olds and ladies tend not to look much like haggard greying vets 😀
Balls, you beat me tooit, I was just about to write the vets are the ones with grey hair and the grand vets have wrinkles too
Thanks all - I'll be there - Blue Rides on Air jersey and an XC bike of some description.
Not sure I can do 40minutes without a bottle......
So....I'm thinking about racing my MTB single speed rigid 29er in the Eastern centre series at grand vet level mainly just my local Essex rounds.
I have done a fair few xc races and finished nowhere near last,what are my chances bearing in mind I'm just after some winter fun.
Will I be the only MTB?
Adsh you won't have time to take on a bottle I GUARANTEE it! There is no point where you have time or is unforgiving enough to grab a bottle and take a zip. Suck it up and suffer 😉 see you there!
Yikes - sounds horrific..
I thought the same, but the thirst doesnt register over the pain in your lungs and legs 😀
Just makes sure well hydrated before
Anyone know if entry on the day at the Take3Tri summer CX is likely to be a problem tomorrow? Know there are a few who ride there here.
Won't be a problem. Just seen that online entries are closed. Previously it's be OK to enter on the Wednesday.
Yes, sure it was open on the Wednesday a few weeks back. Made me wonder if it's full. I'll check their facebook tomorrow.
Ooops - I've assumed entry on the day was OK.
Ooops - I've assumed entry on the day was OK.
Yes - entry on the day will be fine.
I've assumed entry on the day was OK.
Could be a few just from this thread entering on the day!
Smashing, thanks pdw.
I'm into my 3rd season in the North West League now, 2 seasons in Seniors 15/16 I came 35th overall, 16/17 I improved to 25th overall in the league; this year is my first year in Vets, so it'll be interesting to see how it goes, what with the course in better condition (Vets is before seniors on the day) and with the races being 10-15 minutes shorter too.
I'll be running on the same bike as the last two years, KTM CXA with 38t single ring and 11/32 out back.
Training wise, just my normal riding whihc focuses on endurance stuff with the odd XC race thrown in during the summer, so CX is always a big opening of the suitcase of hurt for me 😆
Got the 3 peaks too, gearing will be adjusted and big ass heavy Landcruisers fitted.
Training wise, just my normal riding whihc focuses on endurance stuff with the odd XC race thrown in during the summer, so CX is always a big opening of the suitcase of hurt for me
😀
Been mostly training for time trials here, which is the complete opposite from repeated hard on/off efforts and close quarters racing. I'm expecting CX to be both a humbling and vomit inducing experience!
Been mostly training for time trials here, which is the complete opposite from repeated hard on/off efforts and close quarters racing. I'm expecting CX to be both a humbling and vomit inducing experience!
I can relate to that. It usually takes me several minutes to get up to speed. But its the skill component Im really worried about. I even choose my TTs that are out and backs as I am so slow at corners.
But this CX stuff looks a giggle so I am going to try and do most of the races this winter. I shall be doing the Western league, so if anyone sees me say hello. - I will be 73degrees rider who is a lot slower than the rest of the team.
I'll be doing NWCX as well, also in vets. Going to try and do the full season, best laid plans and all, be good to get to some new venues.steve_b77 - Member
I'm into my 3rd season in the North West League now, 2 seasons in Seniors 15/16 I came 35th overall, 16/17 I improved to 25th overall in the league; this year is my first year in Vets, so it'll be interesting to see how it goes, what with the course in better condition (Vets is before seniors on the day) and with the races being 10-15 minutes shorter too
Splitting V40 and V50 sounds like a good idea - there were 150+ on some of the more popular tracks last year - first lap could be quite steady as there was just no room. Also works well for me as my kids do U8 and U10, just for fun, so it could get a bit hectic sorting them all out and then lining up myself straight after.
Need to get gluing in good time this year. Rolled a tub at Heaton park due to a rushed glue job after a night out on the ale 😳
Fifeandy, will you be racing on your Plug? Just going back through some old threads, saw you had one.
Am tempted to split racing duties between the CX-ed Superfly and the Charge, mostly because I think it will look awesome with some spikey CX tyres on it 8)
Fifeandy, will you be racing on your Plug? Just going back through some old threads, saw you had one.Am tempted to split racing duties between the CX-ed Superfly and the Charge, mostly because I think it will look awesome with some spikey CX tyres on it
Whilst I think the plug frame would be great for the job, I'm not sure about my skinny little legs powering a 42/16 through gloop!
Fortunately, i've also got a Boardman CX which has the luxury of gears. Its set up as a road winter trainer right now, but wont take long to reverse that.
First CX race last night at Dalton Barracks.
Really enjoyed it despite spending the fist half of the race mostly falling off. A downpour before the start meant super slippy greasy mud and I don't think my skills or my MXP's were up to the job. Did feel like abandoning about three laps in as I was sliding out so often. I couldn't even keep a grip on the bars my hands were so muddy! But then it started to click a bit and I started to find better lines, other than a few foot out incidents it was mostly ok in the second half and I started to catch and pass other riders. It wasn't fast and it wasn't pretty but at least it's a start 🙂
Nice one. Bit annoyed with myself, good training week last week but this week family and work stress has destroyed me and I completely bailed on yesterday which is normally the hardest session of the week. How dare real life get in hte way of amateur bike racing! 😆
How dare real life get in hte way of amateur bike racing
Pfft! Story of my summer 😡
Looks like I may have got 10th vet last night so not last at least! And not too bad considering I started at the back and fell off so much and was likely on completely the wrong tyres 😳 Looks like the leaders were lapping under 8 mins and I was doing 8:40's once I'd stopped falling off. So lots to do to move up. Plenty more in the legs, now need some decent mud tyres and a lot of work on the rad CX skillz 🙂
Having been out the night before I couldn't face the wrath of wife so did hill repeats instead. Also bike was wearing very worn Ralphs - sounds like I made the right choice!