[kidwithbike]

I want to try to compete in my first Cross race this weekend, and I could use some advice.
I am a Cat 1 downhiller, 2.5 months ago i broke and had surgery on my radius, I have been riding the trainer, road riding and XC for the past 3 weeks and don't feel too out of shape. I figure I have a cheap cyclocross bike and I think my USAC liscense will work, so why not give this race in Sussex, NJ a rip?
What should i expect? any tips or advice for a first timer?
I got a little bit of insight from a friend of mine who will be racing and is also in his first season. he told me to take off my water bottle holders? why is that?

 

[Sghost]

You wont be carrying a bottle (probably racing for ~30 mins) and dont want it getting in the way of shouldering your bike.

Practice some dismount/remounts and then practice it running over some barriers or logs.

Bust out some sprints and/or climbing stairs with your bike on your shoulder tonight and you'll be fine for the weekend.

 

[Heidi]

it's all about the mount and dismount. practice practice practice

 

[ire]

My advice is to have fun. When it gets scary, go faster. Best advice I ever got

 

[sanjuro]

Wear a full face.

 

[oldfart]

Go as fast as you are able the entire race. You rest after you finish. It is one of the hardest cycling disciplines as it is go go go the entire time.

 

[jonKranked]

Go as fast as you are able the entire race. You rest after you finish. It is one of the hardest cycling disciplines as it is go go go the entire time.

so kinda like a DH race? (in the sense that you must be at or above 100% from start to finish). kwb should be able to handle that.

 

[Sghost]

so kinda like a DH race? (in the sense that you must be at or above 100% from start to finish). kwb should be able to handle that.

Sorta, in theory. In actuality its closest to a tight short track race.

It would be like finishing your race, turning to the service road to the left of the lodge, hairpins down the parking lot ramp to end, 180 around a burning barrel, then under the deck, dismount to run your bike up the hill to the lift, quick climb to the wooden ramp drop and wall ride, repeat through finish line. But everything mass start from the top.

 

[kidwithbike]

Sorta, in theory. In actuality its closest to a tight short track race.

It would be like finishing your race, turning to the service road to the left of the lodge, hairpins down the parking lot ramp to end, 180 around a burning barrel, then under the deck, dismount to run your bike up the hill to the lift, quick climb to the wooden ramp drop and wall ride, repeat through finish line. But everything mass start from the top.

Perfect Sghost, thats my cool down at platty.

I plan to wear a dirt jump lid, 5.10s and fish hooks in my back.
but seriously I am debating between CB Candys or Shimano 545s

I am nervously excited about it. I have been doing well recovering from the surgery and feel suprisingly fit. I am really curious/excited what the course is gonna be like.

Ire, I really like your advice. I hope I am scared the whole race!!!

 

[Sghost]

but seriously I am debating between CB Candys or Shimano 545s

Courses are normally littered with eggbeater pieces... just go with whatever your fastest clicking back in with.

Its fun.

 

[ire]

Racing cross is as much about knowing when to expend as when to rest. Some courses it's tough to find places to rest. When coming into hairpin corners, use that time slowing down to sit up and take some deep breaths. Accelerate out of all of the corners, but don't sprint full bore; if you do, you'll have nothing left towards the end of the race. People save energy for the last lap, and if you don't you could find yourself losing positions right at the end. In the A and B categories the attacks on the last lap will be fast and furious.

 

[jonKranked]

I don't think PJ knows how to slow down going into corners...

 

[IH8Rice]

practice dismounts

 

[CBJ]

PJ don't dismount just do this

 

[jonKranked]

are you allowed to strato dab the barriers?

 

[IH8Rice]

PJ don't dismount just do this

it would be interesting to see how much ground (if any) she lost on that last portion. she seemed pretty slow through there compared to the others that hopped off

 

[kidwithbike]

hahah, I am pretty sure i would be able to hop the barriers but i doubt i could make those zany spring sound effects!

Dismounting looks way quicker and perhaps as importantly less harsh on my arm which will already be straining to pick up my clunker of a CX bike! dont want to bend my flexy Titanium arm!

 

[CBJ]

When I saw Henrik Djernis and some other pros race in Denmark they all bunny hopped.

 

[erol]

When I saw Henrik Djernis and some other pros race in Denmark they all bunny hopped.

That must`ve been like fifteen years ago? Was he on a SwissCross?