Wednesday, July 27, 2011

CX practice gaining momentum

We continue to hold CX practice at Humboldt park. We've settled on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule at 6pm for now. We meet at the little hill on the western edge of the park, about half way between Division and North avenues. Tuesday attendance is getting stronger, Thursday attendance is spotty at best for now, though I am sure it will pick up as 'cross season approaches. Come out and join us!

Yesterday, we had a couple of barriers for the first time this year and it was good to start working on dismounts and remounts again. We also were graced with the presence of the current elite french women's CX national champion, who is currently an intern at SRAM in Chicago...

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Humboldt Park 'cross practice

Humboldt Park is a great venue for cyclocross. It has it all - hills, dirt, grass, pavement, sand and gravel. For a few years now, Jason Knauff of ChiCrossCup and Burnham Racing fame has organized 'cross practices in Humboldt Park, usually starting in August. This year I've tried to organize a few off-season practices in spring and summer.

Yesterday we had sunny skies and fall-like temperatures, which were reasons enough for a little 'cross practice. First order of business was to find a safe spot for our backpacks:

Seemed like a good idea - at least they were visible from throughout the park!

Next we decided on a short course twisting and turning through the park:

Then we did a few sets of hotlaps, which finished with an uphill sprint:

In September and October, we often have 20+ participants at these practices. So far this year, it's been more like 6 or 8. The next practice is likely to be Tuesday July 19th at 6pm...all are welcome!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Piling on the miles

Oh, yeah - I've been doing HUGE mileage - 165,272 so far this year. Of course, I'm talking about frequent flier miles! Actual ride miles are challenging when your body is molded in to the exact shape of an economy class plane seat. Luckily, almost everywhere I travel there is a bike waiting for me at the other end and I get to ride in some cool spots - last week it was the forests of Bavaria, the week before the Da Keng mountains in central Taiwan.

'Cross is really just around the corner now, with just ten weeks to go until the first Chicago Cyclocross Cup race. It's going to be fun!