Three Peaks Cyclocross

Ratfink... I used to be... Dominion has evidence of that, but if he ever shows it to anyone, he will be dead meat!

You just have to do it! And do it... and do it... plenty of time before the race to get some practice in :) You will be fine!

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Originally Posted by ratfink

so i was walking by the computer and i tripped and fell and clicked on the mouse - and accidentally entered the three peaks cyclocross (might have accidentally entered some payment details too) - arg what have i done - <buries head in sand>

took the crosser up win hill on sunday - i am the wussiest descending wuss ever - oh well

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by ratfink

so i was walking by the computer and i tripped and fell and clicked on the mouse - and accidentally entered the three peaks cyclocross (might have accidentally entered some payment details too) - arg what have i done - <buries head in sand>

took the crosser up win hill on sunday - i am the wussiest descending wuss ever - oh well

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Just keep practicing and, to be honest, climbing strength and ability to ride strongly on the road sections are more important than descending. In fact, by being a bit more cautious on the descents, you're far less likely to get a flat.

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Originally Posted by Hanneke

Ratfink... I used to be... Dominion has evidence of that, but if he ever shows it to anyone, he will be dead meat!

You just have to do it! And do it... and do it... plenty of time before the race to get some practice in :) You will be fine!

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Too be fair, you weren't actually doing any descending. It was just a bit of rocky stoney bridleway.... :p

It is part of the descent of Pen-y-gent though!!!! :p And these days, I can be seen flying down there ;)

Nik is right Ratfink, by being cautious you end up quicker as you have fewer or no mechanicals... I also find certain downhills are quicker running with the bike on your bacvk than actually riding slowly!

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Originally Posted by dominion

Too be fair, you weren't actually doing any descending. It was just a bit of rocky stoney bridleway.... :p

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by ratfink

so i was walking by the computer and i tripped and fell and clicked on the mouse - and accidentally entered the three peaks cyclocross (might have accidentally entered some payment details too) - arg what have i done - <buries head in sand>

took the crosser up win hill on sunday - i am the wussiest descending wuss ever - oh well

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These things happen ratfink, not a lot you can do about it, best just enjoy it. Nik's spot on, steady descents are the order of the day, unless your planning to win:D

Thanks for the words of encouragement cross fans - can anyone tell me if I can toe in frog leg brakes - my rear brake is squeaking like a squeaky thing - but the adjustment available doesn't seem to allow it (toe in).

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Originally Posted by ratfink

Thanks for the words of encouragement cross fans - can anyone tell me if I can toe in frog leg brakes - my rear brake is squeaking like a squeaky thing - but the adjustment available doesn't seem to allow it (toe in).

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Tried to toe mine in but no joy, watched a DVD of the race once and there was a lot of squealing so figured it was all part of the fun. Did a bit of squealing myself coming off Pen-Y-Ghent:w00t:

I find the squeeling quite handy, as it announces your arrival :)

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Originally Posted by ratfink

Thanks for the words of encouragement cross fans - can anyone tell me if I can toe in frog leg brakes - my rear brake is squeaking like a squeaky thing - but the adjustment available doesn't seem to allow it (toe in).

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Ratfink, Frogslegs are the same as the old Speciality Racing Products "Mr Grumpy" brakes that I used to have; no vertical adjustment or toe-in adjustment as such. The brake blocks are on a plain shaft that clams into the brake arms with only rotary adjustment in 2 planes. Finer adjustment is somewhat crude .... you gently ( and very carefully ) bend the plain shaft so that the brake block ends up at the correct angle(s). Possibly best left to a LBS that has experience in setting up 'cross bikes ( maybe Paul Milnes if you are in Yorkshire). I now use Tektro 520/720 brakes which are very easy to set up in all planes.

Ian.

I'm another accidental entry and at the moment the fear is bigger than the excitement! Anyone fancy lugging bikes up hills round Airedale or Wharfedale?