Learning about Cyclo-cross

A couple of things I've learned:

1) CX is really hard on a bike. Between the unusual stress from the low end accelerations, the bumps, and the crashes, you really beat the crap out of your bike. I have been to the mechanic every week after I've raced. Compared to road or mountain, cx is seriously abusive.

2) Good tubulars + low pressure = good results. If you want to keep both wheels on the ground (most of the time), you need have them. The Michelin mud 2 is a nice clincher, but there is a noticeable difference riding tubulars. They feel much faster on a cx bike.

3) I need to practice dismounts and remounts under more stressful conditions. I think the drills should come at the end of a tough workout, because you will feel the same way half way through a cross race.

The CX season so far

Pete and I have been competing in some of the cyclocross races around the area. I've done a few cat 4 races: 3 of the 4 Nebraska CX series races, Capital Cup, Boulevard Cup, and the Riverside CX. The only below par experience was Riverside, due to an overly technical course designed for mountain bikers, though the organization of the race was excellent. The other races went well: 1st at NE CX #2, 1st at Capital Cup, 2nd at NE #3 and at #4, 5th at Boulevard even with two crashes (should have been on the podium). Pete was 2nd at Nebraska CX #1, which was his first cx race! He ended up eighth yesterday, an excellent result on a fairly difficult course.

Next weekend is one of the big ones: Jingle Cross in Iowa City. The elite races are UCI, and total prize money is $20k. It's a fun course, and the competition will be top notch. I'm hoping to finish in the upper half of the masters 45+.