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Cyclocross!

5269 comments · 100773 views
RobertMullen
Nov 12, 2021 at 02:07 PM
I have also abandoned SCCX (only 4 people in my field as of yesterday) but I'm going to head to GG
James Reeder
Nov 12, 2021 at 03:09 PM
RobertMullen said:
I have also abandoned SCCX (only 4 people in my field as of yesterday) but I'm going to head to GG
8 in the SCCX 4 field now, enough for points i think?


I need a ride to SCCX if anyone has room.
mugwump
Nov 12, 2021 at 06:49 PM
RobertMullen said:
I have also abandoned SCCX (only 4 people in my field as of yesterday) but I'm going to head to GG
The smallest CX race I ever did was at SCCX.  Me, Ragot, Canadian national champ on the road Mark Walters.  That was a long hour.  But finishing on the podium was pretty good.
RobertMullen
Nov 12, 2021 at 07:17 PM
Haha that sounds brutal. The last time I did SCCX, we had a decently sized field. I guess theres just too many conflicting races this go around.
Remy Forgues
Nov 12, 2021 at 11:43 PM
James Reeder said:
RobertMullen said:
I have also abandoned SCCX (only 4 people in my field as of yesterday) but I'm going to head to GG
8 in the SCCX 4 field now, enough for points i think?


I need a ride to SCCX if anyone has room.
Hi James,

I can take you but leaving very early. Cedric is racing at 9:00am. Thinking about leaving before 6am.
Mark Taylor
Nov 14, 2021 at 02:52 PM
Great to see Lars Van Der Haar  back in the mix 
Remy Forgues
Nov 16, 2021 at 01:41 AM

Went to SCCX yesterday. Was so excited about the race that I even brought 2 bikes.

My first race in 2 years. I arrived early and did some laps before the first race. The course was perfect with a couple a sharp turn heading up to a steep hill, a little single-track section and more importantly for me, no hill. Unfortunately, I had a flat on the second lap. I was too aggressive on a sharp downhill turn that led to the single track and wasn't able to avoid the rocks on that section.

Maybe it was the over excitement of the race, maybe I needed to be reminded that I can't do on a cross bike what I do on  my mountain bike. Anyway, you race and learn.

However the big news of the day was not about me but about Cedric who raced his first race. He absolutely loved it and caught the bug. He will go Rainey next weekend and we will most likely do Beastcross on Sunday.

It is absolutely amazing I can now race twice in a weekend, turn it into a family activity and feel no guilt about it!

Robert, James and Jim all went to the podium and look extremely sharp.



 




James Reeder
Nov 16, 2021 at 05:54 PM
Twining Valley Cross Classic is open for reg. It was a great course in 2019, sounds even better now. Email from the director:

Thank you for previously racing the Twining Valley Cross Classic at Twining Valley Park.  Registration is now open for the 2021 Twining Valley Cross Classic which is on Saturday, December 11.  If you raced in 2019, but have not been back since, wait until you see the landscape now!  With nature taking back the property, this course (a former golf course) is even more fun to ride.  
We'll be returning to the traditional mass start format for each race.  Day-of registration is also back, but we encourage you to register ahead of time to avoid the $10 day-of fee.  If you enjoy the course so much that you want to ride it a second time, you can do so for just $10 more.   
Like in past years, we did have a referral code reward system in place.  Once you have registered, you'll receive a referral code.  Send that code to a friend and, once they register, receive $5 back off your registration.
We hope you can join us once again this year!
Derek Dureka
Race Director 
Twining Valley Cross Classic
eloy
Nov 16, 2021 at 07:06 PM
Remy Forgues said:

Went to SCCX yesterday. Was so excited about the race that I even brought 2 bikes.

My first race in 2 years. I arrived early and did some laps before the first race. The course was perfect with a couple a sharp turn heading up to a steep hill, a little single-track section and more importantly for me, no hill. Unfortunately, I had a flat on the second lap. I was too aggressive on a sharp downhill turn that led to the single track and wasn't able to avoid the rocks on that section.

Maybe it was the over excitement of the race, maybe I needed to be reminded that I can't do on a cross bike what I do on  my mountain bike. Anyway, you race and learn.

However the big news of the day was not about me but about Cedric who raced his first race. He absolutely loved it and caught the bug. He will go Rainey next weekend and we will most likely do Beastcross on Sunday.

It is absolutely amazing I can now race twice in a weekend, turn it into a family activity and feel no guilt about it!

Robert, James and Jim all went to the podium and look extremely sharp.

Some of you and specially Cedric are protagonists of this video, and it is EVERYTHING YOU WANT CYCLING TO BE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpkQvuK8nWk
eloy
Nov 16, 2021 at 11:55 PM
So..., Patrick and I headed to Sly Fox CX in Pottstown PA.
  • Road race Saturday as opener
  • It rained a bit Friday and even some on Saturday, but not expecting much mud, should be similar to Cheshire, right?
  • Haha, oh well
  • I show up for pre-ride to a parking field full of muddy bikes
  • Quickly run into Patrick who's already done a lap "These are some looong laps, you gonna wish you went to SCCX"
  • The lap starts downhill on asphalt and then turns left into a holeshot
  • the next 1000 meters or so are some of the most sophisticated I've ever seen on a cross course
  • A rideable(ish) log, some roots, more ruts, drops, two crazy town muddy slip & slide downhills, both followed by crazy town un-ridable uphills, off camber turns, mud bogs etc etc...
  • WTF, not even 3 minutes into it and this course pre-ride is like OMFG
  • The track gets less technical as it progresses but still plenty of challenge -- I counted 6 dismounts on my last race lap 
  • In any case, 40ish starters in the Master race
  • Patrick and I are 3rd row
  • Patrick has a good start off the gate
  • I don't
  • These type of conditions and difficulty are often about making less mistakes than those around you
  • I recover quickly from the crappy holeshot, by riding clean or getting off the bike early, coming out of lap one in an ok position, maybe even ahead of Patrick
  • Patrick will pass me again, and at some point, I really think he's got me
  • But same, somehow manage to move up by running or clearing the right moments -- altho I am too making some mistakes
  • Eventually get a gap and start racing a bit in no man's land
  • Patrick's chase is motivation to keep pushing
  • Laps are in fact long, over 10 minutes each
  • We'll do 5 of them. I was out there for 53 minutes, loved the fight each of them brought
  • The track raced better than it pre-rode, but boy, this course is punk af
  • Good enough for top 20, and better my crossresults prediction
  • Crowd did not disappoint, heckling was on point!
  • After the race Patrick and I dreamed of Chicago Natz ;)

Let's go race bikes!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YPMNL5Xk8qpVKyKZ9



Remy Forgues
Nov 17, 2021 at 01:06 PM
James Reeder said:
Twining Valley Cross Classic is open for reg. It was a great course in 2019, sounds even better now. Email from the director:

I think I'll go.
AndrewJohnson
Nov 18, 2021 at 03:57 PM
So it looks like Rainey Park Reg opens at 8:30am. I'm hoping to get there early to try to score parking and to set up the team tend and stuff. What time do the rest of you plan on being there? I could use a hand.
Remy Forgues
Nov 18, 2021 at 11:20 PM
AndrewJohnson said:
So it looks like Rainey Park Reg opens at 8:30am. I'm hoping to get there early to try to score parking and to set up the team tend and stuff. What time do the rest of you plan on being there? I could use a hand.
Doing the first race. I should be there at that time. I can help you.
James Reeder
Nov 21, 2021 at 10:35 PM
Beast Cross at Wawayanda was a mud bog. Remy raced a single speed in the 40+1-4, Patrick raced the 50+, Thierry and I raced the 40+4/5, and Jim won the 60+. Lots of deep soggy grassy sponge-like mud. The Westwood course in reverse, with a fun sandy bit along the shore.





I brought knives to a gunfight:


James Reeder
Nov 22, 2021 at 01:07 AM
just putting this out here: Ice Weasel on the 4th, the "grand-daddy of all New England grass-roots CX party races" according to Marc Bertucco
AndrewJohnson
Nov 22, 2021 at 02:47 AM
Would love to get more racing in but I used up all my travel budget for the year with one more trip to go pick up Amy's new car in a week or so-ish...
eloy
Nov 22, 2021 at 03:56 AM
Mike Garrigan here:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWggH9UMLxA/?utm_medium=copy_link
eloy
Nov 23, 2021 at 02:42 AM
Thinking I can squeeze a race or two:

Considering:
Less likely, but depends if other kissenistas are going:
James Reeder
Nov 23, 2021 at 03:22 AM
eloy said:
Thinking I can squeeze a race or two:

Considering:
Less likely, but depends if other kissenistas are going:
read this today, about Ice Weasels; i'm in if you're going


@PatrickGrehan are you still considering Bishops? let's go


@Remy Forgues and @Thierry Bonnaire have both expressed interest going to Twining Valley.
it's looking more and more like i'll be around for that and would go, too.


basically, if someone's going to a CX i'll go, too
Remy Forgues
Nov 23, 2021 at 01:16 PM
James Reeder said:
eloy said:
Thinking I can squeeze a race or two:

Considering:
Less likely, but depends if other kissenistas are going:
  • Bishop's I'm not going away anymore this weekend. I can find the time. Will decide tonight.
  • Ice Weasel. Looks amazing but too far.
  • Twinning Valley. Think so. Same, I will decide this week.

I was not consistent with my training this year, especially in the fall. I'd like to finish strong and gain experience even more so in wintery conditions. 
Remy Forgues
Nov 23, 2021 at 01:30 PM
James Reeder said:
Beast Cross at Wawayanda was a mud bog. Remy raced a single speed in the 40+1-4, Patrick raced the 50+, Thierry and I raced the 40+4/5, and Jim won the 60+. Lots of deep soggy grassy sponge-like mud. 
I woke up with wooden legs from Rainey Park races. I knew when I registered that this one would be mostly for fun and experience. It was confirmed as I warmed up. I could barely churned through the mud. Then the race remains a blur. I remember pushing very hard and barely moving ( maybe running these sections would have been better?). I remember falling in turns that I don't recall being challenging...

However, Westwood  was my first ever cyclocross race. The place is beautiful and the course is truly amazing: beach section, single-track, sand, steep short downhill, gravel. It's a race I would like to do well in the future. Possibly an A race.

At the end of the season, I'll definitely need to sit down and think of the best way to be in shape around that time of the year (and 10 pounds lighter).
eloy
Nov 24, 2021 at 08:23 PM
https://cyclingtips.com/2021/11/mathieu-van-der-poel-announces-ten-cyclocross-races/

Mathieu van der Poel’s Cyclocross Schedule

  • December 18 – Rucphen World Cup
  • December 19 – Namur World Cup
  • December 26 – Dendermonde World Cup
  • December 29 – Superprestige Diegem
  • December 30 – Loenhout, X20 Trofee
  • January 2 – Hulst World Cup
  • January 5 – Herentals, X20 Trofee
  • January 9 – Dutch Championships
  • January 22 – Hamme, X20 Trofee
  • January 23 – Hoogerheide World Cup
  • January 30 – World Championships
Remy Forgues
Nov 25, 2021 at 12:20 AM
Just registered for Bishop Orchards. Master 40+ 1-4. Cedric will do the juniors. I hope to register soon for Ice Weasel and/or Twining Valley. I must make up for these 40+ years I didn't know cyclocross existed.
James Reeder
Nov 28, 2021 at 11:51 PM
Bishops Orchards Cyclocross. @mugwump we had flurries all morning- you would have loved it.

I flatted in lap two and got my first DNF of the season. Was loving the course up to then - far far better course than any other CT race, IMO. The .46 mile long climb to the top of the course twisted through the orchards with apples strewn underneath and some swoopy turns mixed in that helped maintain momentum. Many of the corners were slippery, with an unridable run up (unless you were Roger Aspholm) and set of barriers, and the usual off-cambers. I liked how my chevron treads were cornering, but mud tires might have been better.

Remy and Cedric, Patrick, Eloy, and Thomas raced, too:









Trying to figure out how to get to The Ice Weasels Cometh next weekend. And for sure will end the season on the following with Twining Valley.
eloy
Nov 29, 2021 at 12:04 PM
Maghalie Rochette is everything you want cycling to be.
https://instagram.com/p/CW2k-ZhMLws/embed/
Mark Taylor
Nov 29, 2021 at 01:40 PM
eloy said:
Maghalie Rochette is everything you want cycling to be.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CW2k-ZhMLws/?utm_medium=copy_link
I watched the race ,2 North American's in top 10 , was wondering if the new location helped level out the field ,
Men's race , crazy exciting last lap 
eloy
Nov 29, 2021 at 03:57 PM
Mark Taylor said:
eloy said:
Maghalie Rochette is everything you want cycling to be.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CW2k-ZhMLws/?utm_medium=copy_link
I watched the race ,2 North American's in top 10 , was wondering if the new location helped level out the field ,
Men's race , crazy exciting last lap 
3 top ten americans.
Maghalie 2nd.
Hosinger 7th
Katie Clouse 9th.

The men's race was also crazy town awesome. Great example of never give up. 
eloy
Nov 29, 2021 at 04:12 PM
Some notes on Bishops Orchards...
  • What an awesome stupid fun hard course
  • OMG wut..., climb and then climb and then climb.
  • Maybe the most elevation of any track in 2021?
  • Thomas, James, Patrick, and myself, four Kissenistas in the 50+ and Remy in the 40+
  • Five of us racing bikes in that Orchard field at the same time!
  • Kissena racing bikes!
  • Other than Finkraft, we were the most noticeable team crew at the race #hotness
  • Racing cyclocross with teammates is fun!
  • Racing your cyclocross teammates is hard! so much omfg, so much dig deep, deeeeeepeeeeer, Patrick is coming, deeeeeeep, HR explodes
  • Yeah, maybe we didn't quite shine in the results sheet this time, but results they are a coming!
  • also, f**k it, we were racing!
  • Roger Aspholm is a rocket
  • Aspholm started in the 50+ field, rode thru the full 40+ field (that's started about 90 seconds ahead)
  • Fun times!
Let's go race bikes!
eloy
Nov 29, 2021 at 04:18 PM
Also...
https://www.tinyhumanweddings.com/p67569341

PatrickGrehan
Nov 29, 2021 at 08:58 PM
Bishops Orchards was a tough race with some leg sapping climbs. I should have known better than going for a 3 and a half hour ride the day before. Oh well

For various reasons (dead battery, forgetting it at home, mud on lens) I haven’t recorded GoPro video from races. This time I was able to get some good on board pics:


Crowded hole shot



eloy motors past me



Remy cornering 



muddy run up with Wldo



the start



muscling up a climb



right after the whistle