Capital ‘Cross Classic – local cyclocross race in Reston

[Subby]

I’ve never done it before – but I am assuming if I commute every day via Custis I’ll be able to at least complete the race. What size tires do folks recommend?

[acc]

Here. This is a good presentation of the course. There is a cardiac stopping hill and a sphincter closing descent. Not for the faint of heart.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1cJKjroOFw

[jabberwocky]

@acc 68351 wrote:

Jabberwocky, you race cross every single day just getting to work.

Great Falls motorists running me into the woods doesn’t technically count as cyclocross.

[hozn]

I raced this last year on 700×32 kenda kommando tubeless tires at ~35psi. That worked great, but I am not very experienced (that was my 2nd cx race), so take with a grain of salt. I ride more like 45psi on Lake Fairfax singletrack, but the cx course is smooth by comparison — and the roots are all painted so you can see them!

That race is tons of fun. My favorite part was going over the bars on one of the barriers on that hill. Right in front of the camera. I succeeded in cleaning it every (other) time, but people running up were just as fast. My second favorite part was almost choking to death on a cupcake that Larry shoved in my mouth before the first barriers.

Do it. You’ll be fine – and have a blast!

[dcv]

@Subby 68352 wrote:

I’ve never done it before – but I am assuming if I commute every day via Custis I’ll be able to at least complete the race. What size tires do folks recommend?

I’ve seen you ride and you’ll do better than just finish. +1 on what hozn said, I’ll be on 700×32 cross tires around 35psi. the usual suspects from this forum are signed up for the men’s cat 4/5. Sign up and put that Kona to good use!

[eminva]

@Subby 68352 wrote:

I’ve never done it before – but I am assuming if I commute every day via Custis I’ll be able to at least complete the race. What size tires do folks recommend?

All right, allow me to be the voice of someone with a maternal instinct here.

I understand this is a relatively technical course as cyclocross goes. Could I interest you in maybe sitting out this year, coming to watch as a spectator, practicing all next summer, attending a few ‘cross workshops and being able to do much more than just complete the race next year?

Of course I believe all that stuff we won’t talk about is in your past. I just don’t want to tempt fate unnecessarily . . .

Liz

[MattAune]

Landon and I are in. I am doing the 2pm 3/4 race. I might get lapped, but at least it wont be as cold.

We will be there early to watch you degenerates make fools out of yourselves. I will have beer hand-ups for the 21 and up, and maybe hot chocolate handups for the minors.

[acc]

@eminva 68363 wrote:

All right, allow me to be the voice of someone with a maternal instinct here.

I understand this is a relatively technical course as cyclocross goes. Could I interest you in maybe sitting out this year, coming to watch as a spectator, practicing all next summer, attending a few ‘cross workshops and being able to do much more than just complete the race next year?

Of course I believe all that stuff we won’t talk about is in your past. I just don’t want to tempt fate unnecessarily . . .

Liz

Liz, sshhhh.

I’d like to point out you did 25 miles on a mountain bike with how much prep?
And didn’t you drag me around for 120 miles with about 48 hours advance notice last January, in the dark.

It’s December, they have all winter to heal.

[dcv]

Oh Subby…

[dcv]

Oh Subby…

[Subby]

@dcv 68383 wrote:

Oh Subby…

Hah. No kidding. What’s the worst that could happen???

Don’t answer that.

[vvill]

@Subby 68352 wrote:

I’ve never done it before – but I am assuming if I commute every day via Custis I’ll be able to at least complete the race. What size tires do folks recommend?

You won’t have any issue with your fitness (especially with your running prowess!). But from what I remember, there’s some interesting features you wouldn’t encounter on the Custis. Loose gravel sections, short steep hills, one steepish descent with a turn + berm right at the bottom, and some muddy bits too. Like all CX races I think bike handling (tight turns, picking your line), power/accelerations and smooth mounting/dismounting are more important than just raw speed. If it happens to rain the mud will be worse, and grassy sections will be slippery.

Tires: I’d say 32s+ with good sized knobs, although I think I had a 700×30 front tire (Schwalbe CX Pro) last year. High tire volume and as low a pressure as you can run is usually what CX racers prefer (33mm I think is the UCI defined max limit for CX, though I would be amazed if it were enforced at Cat 5, and it used to be 35mm).

Also, not to spoil the party, but I seem to remember this is a “no alcohol” venue? Anyway, I’ll try to ride out to watch but won’t be racing this year.

Edit: There are also free CX practice sessions at Gravelly Pt. during the week – you can see how you might do, albeit on a difference course.

[Jason B]

@vvill 68405 wrote:

Also, not to spoil the party, but I seem to remember this is a “no alcohol” venue?

No Gunther, no St. Pauli Girl, and now this. Now that I have registered are you going to tell me instead of barriers there will be rings of fire.
Oh what joy.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@eminva 68363 wrote:

All right, allow me to be the voice of someone with a maternal instinct here.

I understand this is a relatively technical course as cyclocross goes. Could I interest you in maybe sitting out this year, coming to watch as a spectator, practicing all next summer, attending a few ‘cross workshops and being able to do much more than just complete the race next year?

Of course I believe all that stuff we won’t talk about is in your past. I just don’t want to tempt fate unnecessarily . . .

Liz

Where’s The Enabler when we need him?!

[MattAune]

@Jason B 68411 wrote:

No Gunther, no St. Pauli Girl, and now this. Now that I have registered are you going to tell me instead of barriers there will be rings of fire.
Oh what joy.

Oh there will be beer just keep on the quiet, red solo cups are crucial. Although there wont be near as much beer as last weekend where the keg was only asking for donations. We went through one full fat tire and 5 pony kegs of 3 stars peppercorn saison. Come find me at the NCVC tent and Ill make sure you get a beer.

Also in years past there has a been Saturday afternoon open course time for people to get in a pre-ride.

[Author]

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