Greetings. I stumbled across MTBNJ a few weeks ago and joined even though I live in, as of today, cold snowy North Alabama. I have been riding for over 30 yrs but have never raced 'cross. I had one of my old cycling buddies call this morning and say there is a race in his hometown and wanted to know if I was interested. Here's what i need help with. I haven't raced in over 15 years and at 55 am I getting in over my head? Oddly enough I am already building my old early 80's Trek touring frame as a 'cross/commuter bike as we speak. I assume that will be ok for my first event. It has bar ends, some old Mavic MA-40's with new Kenda cross tires, and is already sitting in my garage. I have really good off road skills but really don't know what to expect in my first cross race. Any tips, advise, etc., will be greatly appreciated. Cyclocross in nearly non existent in my area and I don't know anyone else to ask.
Need some help
- Thread starter Clarke33
- Start date
You'll need to take the bar ends off. They aren't legal in any cross race I've ever done.
No, you're not getting in over your head. It's all about how you approach it. Chances are you'll love it and get your ass handed to you. Expect it and it will be a blast.
What class are you going to race? 55+ or the Cs? The Cs will be pure chaos. The 55+ class will be smaller and much more skilled. However, there's a fair chance every racer in the 55+ class has lots of races under their belt. So they may all ride away from you at the whistle. The Cs will have ability levels from Damn Fast to Crazy Slow. The experiences may be completely different based on what class you choose to enter.
No, you're not getting in over your head. It's all about how you approach it. Chances are you'll love it and get your ass handed to you. Expect it and it will be a blast.
What class are you going to race? 55+ or the Cs? The Cs will be pure chaos. The 55+ class will be smaller and much more skilled. However, there's a fair chance every racer in the 55+ class has lots of races under their belt. So they may all ride away from you at the whistle. The Cs will have ability levels from Damn Fast to Crazy Slow. The experiences may be completely different based on what class you choose to enter.
cyclocrossfool
New Member
leave the barend (shifters )on. there legal
RacerChick
Hudson Valley Girl
One of our best friends still races CX with bar end shifters, doesn't get anymore old school than that!
Hey, I am old school so I guess it's a good fit. I was a Cat III back in the day but that has been years ago. I'm still in decent shape so I'm going to give it a go.
RacerChick
Hudson Valley Girl
Good luck Clarke! You may not have the fitness which you once had, that will come back soon enough. What you didn't loose is your drive and desire, keep us posted on your progression. :getsome:
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Well, the big day was yesterday! I ended up riding CX4 with a total of 16 riders. My goal was to not crash or finish last which, I'm glad to say, I attained. Where did I finish you might ask? 15th but I had a blast and since I haven't raced in over 15 yrs I really didn't feel too bad after the race. I am definitely going to do more of them in the future and actually try to get in better shape for cross.
