Getting Dirty: Cyclocross Offers Riders a Challenge

Bicycle as fast as you can on a one or two mile circuit course, get off and sling your bike over your shoulder, run as fast as you can while jumping over logs, running up and down hills, wading across streams and climbing fences. Then jump back on your bike and ride as fast as you can. Sound like fun? Then Cyclocross is for you.

 

European professional cyclists originally developed Cyclocross to keep themselves in shape and sharpen bike-handling skills during the off-season. If you are interested, there are several things you should do.

Get yourself the right bike. Traditionally, road bikes with drop handlebars and double-chainrings are used because they are fast and lighter to carry over the obstacles. You can even find a road or touring bike in a garage sale that is in good shape and adapt one to the sport.

“Fat tire” mountain mikes are seen a lot at races. Older, rigid models adapt well. Newer models with suspension forks carry additional weight that does not make up for improved handling characteristics. If you race with a mountain bike, make sure that bar end extensions are removed. Get rid of water bottle cages that make a bike difficult to carry on your shoulder.

After fitting up a bike, start training. Cyclists should add a short 15 to 20 minute run to the end of their evening rides to develop the different muscles they will use. Practice getting off and on your bike. The art of dismount and remount while carrying the momentum from cycle to foot is not easy. It will feel unnatural to be pedaling one moment, then sprinting with your bike over your shoulder the next. Try setting up obstacles on a grassy area and give it a shot. Take it easy at first, keeping your balance while increasing your speed. Check around to see if any Cross clinics are offered in your area. When you think you’re ready, try a race.

Dave Carr, the Cyclocross guru from the Napa Valley and editor of the Napa Valley Velo Team web site (members.aol.com/napavelo/cross.htm) has the following suggestions for riding a Cyclocross race:

• Rest: Don’t over-train. Cyclocross is an intense activity.
• Practice Technique: Fitness is wasted if you burn up energy with poor riding skills.
• Pre-ride the Course Slowly: Examine each course, looking for places to go fast. Get off the bike and walk difficult spots to see what challenges they present.
• Check Tires: Ride the course with different tire pressures to see what works best.
• Guzzle Water Before Races: Enough said.
• Don’t Panic at the Start: If you’re not much of a sprinter, you can recover easier from a too-slow start than a too-fast one. Avoid the inevitable first lap crashes and jam-ups.
• Attack the Difficulties: Rest between obstacles. When it’s time to dismount, go hard and carry speed over barriers.
• Watch Opponents: Good runners may not be great cyclists. Road cyclists may hesitate at barriers. Attack weaknesses.
• Make a Plan for the End: Per above, challenge your opponents on the last lap.
• Engage Your Brain: Cyclocross is a sport of fitness, skill and focus. Don’t ride strong but dumb.

Cyclocross is demanding and may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But Cyclocross enthusiasts can’t seem to get enough. If you have the desire, skill and stamina, try it out. Go on out, get muddy and have a ball.