[GW] Cyclocross trainings

[Dan Wheeler]

Gophers (sorry for the repeat for some of you but this message did not get 
out to all Gophers),

The weather over the weekend could only indicate one thing, it is 
cyclocross season!!!  As such, I would be delighted to start some 
cyclocross training this week!

What is cyclocross?
Cyclocross is a form of bike racing that combines elements of road racing, 
cross country mountain biking, running, and bike handling.  Courses are 
dominantly off road (grass, sand, gravel, single track) with man-made 
barriers (16" tall) that riders must dismount, hurdle (with bike), and 
re-mount.  There are commonly short and steep sections where running-up the 
hill is the only option...  In short it is a plethora of on bike and off 
bike fun!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross!

What will practices be like?
Anyone and everyone is welcome to a hands-on beginner (and intermediate) 
cyclocross training practice, actually I anticipate 3-4 weeks of 
training.  We will cover the basics of timing pedal disengagement, 
dismounts, carrying, re-mounting, shouldering, running (with bike), barrier 
clearing, off-road riding, etc.  Training will provide several options for 
many of these aspects of cyclocross.  Much practice is required to refine 
these valuable skills.  These skills will serve you well whether you intend 
on competing, commute or just want to learn better bike handling.

When and where will practices be?
As Sara suggested below, time and location(s) are a bit negotiable, based 
on interest.  I would prefer Wed. evenings and can travel with barriers 
north, south, east or west!  If we get enough interest, I would be pleased 
to do  training a couple of times a week in different locales or perhaps a 
AM training on a weekend.

Will people laugh at me?
The goals of the practices are to have fun, learn/refresh skills in an 
encouraging atmosphere, and have fun!  We will laugh with you!

Wanna race?
Check out the mcf race board for your choice of 14 (yup, that's more than 
road races) different venues to test your meddle at 
http://www.mcf.net/scgi-bin/RaceCalendar.cgi

Please let me know your preference for day of the week and locale.

Dan Wheeler



--
dbw
--
Daniel B. Wheeler
Research Fellow - Pedology
Dept. of Soil, Water, & Climate - Univ. MN
1991 Upper Buford Circle, 439 Borlaug Hall
St. Paul, MN  55108

tel. 612.625.8791  fax. 612.625.2208  office. S501
email: dwheeler at umn.edu  
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