Cyclocross?

downfader

I was watching a couple of videos on youtube on this and was intrigued. I'm not really into offroading but some of this looks spectacular. :shock:

Are there any really good websites that would tell me more about this sport? I know a few of the LBS have teams and take part but thats all I've found out so far.

(PS sorry if this is in the wrongplace :oops: - didnt know where to put it)

Crapaud

Which vids are they DF? I've never fancied off-road either, but I wouldn't mind having a look at them.

David Belcher's probably your man - I can't think of anyone else on BR who does cyclocross.

(I don't know where I'd have posted either.)

cjcp

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/si ... t_news.asp

I've only competed in one cross race, and it was on my mtb. Mental, but great fun.

DavidBelcher

Crapaud wrote:

Which vids are they DF? I've never fancied off-road either, but I wouldn't mind having a look at them.

David Belcher's probably your man - I can't think of anyone else on BR who does cyclocross.

(I don't know where I'd have posted either.)

Someone's already mentioned the 'cross pages on the BC website - as good a place to start as any. The www.cyclo-cross.com website used to be really helpful, but unfortunately the highly useful forum section had to be removed due to a plague of spammers . However, they do have a list of links including the websites of the various UK leagues, so you should find something relevant to the area you live in.
I'm not the only 'cross racer on the Road forum - jpembroke does a bit, too, as do Ken Night and (I think) Monty Dog who are usually to be found on the Road Gear & Know-How section.

David

Tom Butcher

If you are anywhere near the East Mids then the Notts and Derby league is very popular - I'm sure there are equivalent leagues around the country though whether every area has one I don't know. Loads of lads in our club do it and plenty of them don't do any other kind of competitive riding - seems very beginner friendly and at the lower levels at least you can compete on a MTB.

Bronzie

Crapaud wrote:

Which vids are they DF? I've never fancied off-road either, but I wouldn't mind having a look at them.

This one of the Koppenberg Cross in Belgium a couple of weeks back is a particularly fine example of the genre 8) - anyone for some mud?
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn-VEbNhxB4

Bronzie

edit - repeated post deleted

boybiker

If I didn't know better I would have said it was some form of punishment. or some kind of care in the community cycle race.

ride_whenever

I've been known to convince roadies to come back along a very muddy towpath post rowing outings, hilarious cx action with much falling off!

downfader

Cheers guys! 8) I have just organised a new bike - a kona jake, will be picking it up on sunday (and spent loads on new helmet, gloves, shades, actually FINALLY bought a decent lock and a lightweight "waterproof" coat - the guy has given me £150 off as its near a grand what I'm spending)

Looking at youtube again today I cant find the same vids. :oops: They had music on them and it showed taped off areas where they were weaving in the mud and jumping the fences 3 at a time.

This is in a similar vein though: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gWxuDZL_420

Hmm we now have 5 bikes in the family... now I need to sort out decent storage. :oops:

I'll check out those websites after lunch, cheers!

Crapaud

boybiker wrote:

If I didn't know better I would have said it was some form of punishment. or some kind of care in the community cycle race.

Cyclomasochism? It does look like fun though.

Bronzie wrote:

This one of the Koppenberg Cross in Belgium a couple of weeks back is a particularly fine example of the genre 8) - anyone for some mud?
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn-VEbNhxB4

I've been looking at CX bikes recently, but there was no mention of them coming with a hose. If I get round to buying one, I'd be tempted to give it a go.

toshmund

At least the winner does not have to go through the rigmarole, of zipping up the jersey and showing off the sponsorship deal! Went to Sutton Coldfield for the European Championships as a kid, superb spectacle.

downfader

Crapaud wrote:

boybiker wrote:

If I didn't know better I would have said it was some form of punishment. or some kind of care in the community cycle race.

Cyclomasochism? It does look like fun though.

Bronzie wrote:

This one of the Koppenberg Cross in Belgium a couple of weeks back is a particularly fine example of the genre 8) - anyone for some mud?
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn-VEbNhxB4

I've been looking at CX bikes recently, but there was no mention of them coming with a hose. If I get round to buying one, I'd be tempted to give it a go.

Cyclomasochism

OffTheBackAdam

The Notts & Derbys' League was a cracker.
Years since I rode, some of my more dedicated clubmates said that they lined up once and noted some poser with full PDM race kit on, the flag dropped, he took off like a rocket & was never seen until the finish line.
Some chap called Earley, apparently, Martin Earley :shock:
It's hard work, but worthwhile to keep a bit more fitness on during the winter.

Skiddypants

I used to ride cyclocross races back in the 80s up in DUndee - nice break from the summer time trialing, did a few of them on a fixed wheel aswell, great fun but could be rather cold, espically as we always had a small burn to ride through

100%

I've just started racing this season. I've started and completed 3 races so far, not that I'm particularly good but I've managed not to finish last so far. Slowly clawing my way closer to the pack....very slowly!

It is great fun though, and I think it's definitely pretty beginner friendly - these are the first bike races I've ever done. I've also been going to the training sessions organised by the league I've been racing in and found people to be friendly and generally happy to answer my beginner questions. You can be riding with some very good people too!

I think if you're remotely interested it's worth checking out what's available in your area. You don't have to race, you could just ride some trails to start with. Also, coming off in mud and grass hurts a lot less than tarmac I find, and there's no cars to run you over!

Cheers,
Steve

drewfromrisca

Anybody know of any sites where you can watch cyclocross online?

downfader

drewfromrisca wrote:

Anybody know of any sites where you can watch cyclocross online?

Theres loads on youtube now, everything from fan clips to full on documentaries and events coverage it seems. 8)

Sanyi

I am in my fourth season of CX ever since a friend got me started on it, I'll second what 100% said about friendliness and there is a big talent range so there is always someone to race against. There are no peletons or large groups so the riding is reasonable safe and the speeds compared to road racing are lower so it's definitlely safer.

I love the aspect of cross whereby you are forced to your feet to jump barriers or climb up a bank, if you can get good at dismounts/remounts then you will enjoy it even more as it will give you a competitive advantage and you can use this to make attacks on the later laps.

Sanyi

Also if you are looking for CX info on the internet use different spellings as it could be spelt either CX cyclo-cross, cyclocross cyclo-X etc.

Good luck

boybiker

Sanyi wrote:

I am in my fourth season of CX ever since a friend got me started on it, I'll second what 100% said about friendliness and there is a big talent range so there is always someone to race against. There are no peletons or large groups so the riding is reasonable safe and the speeds compared to road racing are lower so it's definitlely safer.

I love the aspect of cross whereby you are forced to your feet to jump barriers or climb up a bank, if you can get good at dismounts/remounts then you will enjoy it even more as it will give you a competitive advantage and you can use this to make attacks on the later laps.

Yes... my friend managed to do a complete somersault still clipped in on his bike when he tried to dismount and run at the same time.Not quite sure how he did it but it was impressive.

fossyant

Yeh it's good - one of our local clubs does some summer ones too.

I did a few many years back on my MTB - even though I raced TT's to a good level, I got battered by the CX pro's - was a great laugh.... :twisted:

100%

A good site I've come across for watching the masters at work in Europe:

http://ccx.nathanspear.com

Also found you can watch the Super Prestige live for free on one of the Belgian TV channels' websites!

Cheers,
Steve

craker

Whay sort of distance are these races? What levels of fitness do you need? It looks a laugh but I'm quite out of training and it would mean picking up my trusty hardtail and running with that...

dave5n

The fitter you are the better you'll do. Distance too depends on you. Typical lap is a mile or just under, and you'll ride for around an hour.

downfader

Well. It looks like I wont be trying 'cross this year. My fitness has gone right to pot - I managed 2 rides into work this week and was wrecked from it. :oops: Gonna set up the spare bike on the trainer and go for a spin tomorrow

dave5n

Just have a go. The beauty of it is that when you get dropped, you get lapped so you aren't on your own for two long.

cjcp

downfader wrote:

Well. It looks like I wont be trying 'cross this year. My fitness has gone right to pot - I managed 2 rides into work this week and was wrecked from it. :oops: Gonna set up the spare bike on the trainer and go for a spin tomorrow

Downfader - what Dave said. You've got to try it!

I've only done one 'cross race, and that was on a stupidly heavy mtb and when I wasn't particularly fit. My God, the pain, and I was overtaken by a chap on a Ridley despite his flat front tyre, but it's about as much fun on a bike as I've ever had in one hour. I'm hoping to do a couple of races this winter and, yes, I'll be on the same stupidly heavy mtb.