cross crusade clinic, 9/9

Wednesday night after work I went out to Alpenrose for the second of three 'cross clinics offered by the folks who organize the Cross Crusade series. I'd signed up for the series of three clinics but missed the first one because I was sick.

I hadn't wanted to go out, but since I'd paid for the clinics I thought I'd better at least go and watch, even if I wasn't up for riding. My head was aching and I was still tired, an ongoing state these days from lack of consistent sleep. But once I got into it I was mostly okay. I practiced mounts and dismounts, and a little bit of carrying. The instructor helped me figure out a better way to carry my mountain bike so that I wouldn't totally wear myself out -- which I will probably do anyway. I hear in other parts of the world beginners race for 30 minutes. Here in Portland it appears that everyone over the age of 15 or so races for 45 minutes, regardless of category. I could barely make it through a 20-minute short track race; how on earth will I make it for 45 minutes? In the cold and wet?

Ron, an older fellow I'd befriended at the short track races (and who'd first taken up racing in his mid-50's) was happy to see me at the clinic. He let me try out his singlespeed 'cross bike (SO much lighter than Stompy, and of course with drop bars; I found it unnerving to ride a bike that was so light it felt like there was nothing under me). He advised me freely: "You're gonna get out there, maybe on a practice run or at least a walk-through. You'll get the first splash of mud on your ass, and it's gonna feel cold and wet and awful. But stick with it, keep riding, and within ten or fifteen minutes you'll be covered in enough mud that you'll actually start to warm up. It'll be like insulation! After twenty minutes you won't care about the cold anymore."
Sage advice from someone who's been doing this awhile.

Yesterday, while on errands for the shop, I stopped in at River City Bicycles, another sponsor of local races (and several teams) to see what was new over there. I ran into Dave, the owner. He was surprised and pleased to hear I'd be trying 'cross this fall, and gave me his own advice: "I used to be way more competitive, but now I'm not into being so fierce. I hang at the back of the pack, and when the start gun goes off, I count to ten and THEN I go... I just ride my own race, and sometimes my run-ups are walk-ups, and that's okay. Just set a good pace for YOU, and then just ride however far you can ride for 45 minutes." He went on to explain that in cyclocross no one will pull me from the course if I get lapped; I will be allowed to finish whatever lap I'm on when the leader finishes within the time limit. I thanked Dave, wished him L'shanah Tovah (he's a MOT - Member Of the Tribe -- and although he's a secular Jew my New Year greeting seemed to please him greatly) and headed back to work feeling somewhat reassured.

Still trying to figure a few details out, like how my feet and hands will stay warm enough during a race in cold weather; and what exactly I ought to do about embrocation. (Do I need it? Will knee warmers or tights be enough? How on earth will I wash it off right before a race when bathroom conditions are unknown and possibly nonexistent? Which embrocation should I consider? And why are they so expensive? Maybe I should just roll with BenGay or something, I dunno.) I'm also thinking about putting a slightly lower gear on Stompy; I might spin out if I do, but approaching the run-ups will be a little easier.

I have marked on my calendar two mornings next week when I will go out early and do a couple of short solo practices at the park near my house. I will try to stick with two mornings a week during High Holidays but that might be hard to fit in with all the services and everything. meanwhile, I felt glad that I'd gone to the 'cross clinic and I'm looking forward to the final session next week.

There is a definite buzz in the air. Smaller races have already gotten under way on weeknights in the Portland metro area -- I'd do one if I hadn;t already blown my entire budget on race fees for the four Crusade races plus USGP. Sunday morning I will head to Woodlawn Park for some early-morning practice. More mounts and dismounts. And maybe some more after that. I figure it can't hurt.

Cross Crusade starts in three weeks. Yikes.