A couple years ago that seem like forever, Wesley and I went, completely unaware, to a park in a mystical land… all I knew was that people rode bicycles, fast, on grass and hills and mud. Rumor was they ring cowbells, jump off their bicycles and hurdle over obstacles all while joyously if not slightly maniacally laughing.
So we sought out this park and rode our mountain bikes, we learned to dismount and remount the hefty creatures of this mythical sport called cyclocross. Learned that slippery feet and flat pedals while easier to jump on and off were not as smooth and efficient as those slender yet durable bicycles where peoples feet could become one with their own mounts arms, working in unison and if enough power was generated could even grow magical tails made of mud or even sand.
Maybe this wasn’t all learned in just one day.. However it was definitely the beginning of our insight into this strange world of cyclocross and it’s happening again.
August 28th – Cyclocross Clinic
10am-2pm at Longbranch Park
in Liverpool on Sunday.
Here’s how the Ommegangsters describe it:
Maybe you’ve never heard of cyclocross, maybe you’re already racing cyclocross, or maybe you’ve been interested in cyclocross but wondering how to get started.
For those unfamiliar with cyclocross (CX), CX races typically last 45 minutes to an hour. They take place on varying terrain that usually includes a mix of grass, gravel, pavement, mud, sand and dirt. There are typically 16” barriers and hill run ups to get you off of your bike and briefly running. The races take place on a loop/circuit that is usually 1-2 miles in length, so they are spectator and family friendly since they get to cheer you on or “heckle” you at least 7-9 times per race. They are held in fall, so it’s a great chance to lengthen the season and carry your Tri/Road/MTB fitness into the winter.
I’m generalizing, but if road racers are viewed as being intensely competitive and solely consumed by watts and hill repeats, and MTBers are viewed as being laid back looking for flowy single track, while triathletes are viewed as super-supportive, friendly, technology geeks, CX’ers sort of split the difference. There’s cool bike gear to add to the collection, competitive racing, and the racers are very friendly and supportive . . . at least before and after the race!
The clinic will be held between 10-2 at Longbranch Park in Liverpool on Sunday August 28th. The clinic will take advantage of many sections from the Syracuse Grand Prix Cyclocross race held by the Onondaga Cycling Club each fall and will be great preparation for the new racer and a great refresher for everyone else.
The techniques will cover dismounts (getting off of your bike at speed to jump over a barrier or prepare for a run up), mounts (you’ll need to get back on your bike quickly after a dismount), carrying your bike over barriers or up hills, cornering, off cambers, basic bunny hopping, and race starts. We’ll also discuss equipment choices, tire choices, pedal options and tire pressure.
If you don’t own a CX bike, Mountain bikes are welcome. For those unfamiliar with CX bikes, they look like this:
Instructors will include myself, along with former Jr. National Cyclocross Champion Anna Young and other local experts.
– Skinny Phil, Ambassador of Syracuse Bicycle – Brewery Ommegang crew.