Cyclocross
The 2016 Cyclocross Season has now started and fortunately, for Kendal CC members, the next NW counting event is just down the road at the Westmorland County Showground at Crooklands on Saturday 1st October.
For anyone who is unaware of what cyclocross is about, it’s an off road event based on twisty mixed terrain one kilometre off road circuit, generally completed on road bikes adapted for off road use, with bigger knobbly tyres and increased brake/frame clearances for muddy conditions. Competitors start all together and race for a number of laps for up to an hour depending on your age category. It doesn’t matter how fit you are (and there are all fitness levels that take part). Even if you get lapped you can carry on racing until the winner crosses the line and then everyone finishes at the end of the lap you are on. All finishers will get on the result sheet. There can be up to 100+ entries especially in the Vets over 40’s category.
There are a number of age categories and you can just turn up and enter on the line – make sure you sign on at least an hour before your event begins. You don’t have to be a British Cycling member as you can pay a £3 supplement for a day licence.
Obviously its best to compete on a dedicated cross bike and the leading competitors will have at least two bikes that they change when the first one gets muddy, but in all NW events you can compete on anything with knobbly tyres.
If you need more information on the event on Saturday or the next events in the NW league then please see the links below.
Go on why not have a go, its fun and a great way to stay fit or develop your fitness levels during the winter months.