Babblelicious!
Howdy 'cross fans,
Happy new year to ya'. This is the Babble-meister coming back at you for a new year of pot stirring, philosophizing and general reportage. (that's "reportage" with a French accent by the way). If you're a returning guest you're familiar with all the great babble from last year.
If you have any suggestions for topics you'd like to see covered this fall just blast 'em my way (email) or drop in the comments section. See you on the course!
Dave Carr
Happy new year to ya'. This is the Babble-meister coming back at you for a new year of pot stirring, philosophizing and general reportage. (that's "reportage" with a French accent by the way). If you're a returning guest you're familiar with all the great babble from last year.
If you have any suggestions for topics you'd like to see covered this fall just blast 'em my way (email) or drop in the comments section. See you on the course!
Dave Carr
posted by Dave Carr at 11:56 AM
8 Comments:
One dreaded word - Sandbaggers!
I want to hear you talk about the new cross lisense categories - they seem stoopid to me
Can anyone say "doping"?
When are we gonna start havin' table tops built on the courses -
just to spice things up ??
fixt gear cross?
Whoa-
I tried fixed gear last time I was up in Portland, on an adventure ride.
It hurts-- like when you dismount, the crank keeps turnin', gashes to the elbow, arm, side of the back. It would work w/o any dismounts - but that ain't 'cross!!
But jumps, there's somethin' that would rock. I'm interested.
Let's get fair on equipment... I think it would be great and FAIR if all riders in cyclocross were required to ride cross bikes with drop bars. No mountain bikes and no cross bikes with flat bars because, let's face it, an mtb and/or a cross bike with flat bars can be a big advantage in certain situations and they really don't have any disadvantages. Let's not forget the history of the sport which was road racers training on road equipment in the winter months.
As far as cross courses go, let's follow Europes lead in the latest designs and trends. That way, our riders will be better prepared for racing outside of this area and in higher profile and international events.
Let's keep it real, ride clean, and spin to win...
I just read two responses to my earlier "Let's get fair" post by funkdaddy and Rich Maile. It all seems pretty simple actually, but I'll response to each...without the anger. I certainly wouldn't call my original post "inflammatory", and I certainly don't mean to offend anyone. It's just my opinion based on my own knowledge and experience.
First, I'll respond to funkdaddy point by point.
1. Well, rules are rules aren't they? We all have to obey them, whether we like it or not. In actuality, rules are kind of freeing in a way. Once you know the parameters that you're working with, you can push the envelope as far as possible. That's one of the cool things about all sports. Yep, rules are rules. Gotta have 'em.
2. I guess I should have made it more clear when I wrote my post. I'm really referring to the higher classes and the masters A's. Bikes are expensive and I started on an mtb, too. MTB's are cool for beginners, but if you're experienced, step up to the plate fer cryin' out loud. That said, you don't need to spend $1500. on a cross bike to get going. "Is it fair to ask them to buy a bike they don't want or need"? Well, if they're racing cross, it's fair to assume they "want" to participate, so yeah, I say it's fair that they ride a cross bike. Here's an example of your logic- A guy wants to race BMX, but doesn't "want" or "need" a BMX bike. He does have a Honda CR80 sitting in his garage. Can he ride that? Is that fair? What's the crime about riding a drop bar cross bike in a cross race?
3. Cross course should be just that- cyclocross courses...there's even rules for that. If you want to ride your mtb as fast as possible on a short, somewhat smooth course, there's a thing called "short track XC". Cyclocross is a blast because it's CYCLOCROSS.
4. Yes, I've raced cross. My first one was in the late 80's in Colorado. I've raced cross on and off since then and have numerous victories and top finishes in masters and A level races. I can ride a cross bike. Advantages/disadvantages of mtbs and your performances on the bike(s)? I don't ride in your shoes, so I can't really comment on what you can or cannot do or how difficult it is to hang with Andy J-M. All I can say is good luck in your racing and if your Sycip rocks your world, well good on ya'.
In regards to Rich Maile's comments- I agree with your opinions about beginners and mtb/cross bike. I was really referring to the higher level classes.
I also agree that the most important thing by far is the pilot and not the plane. That's one of the main reasons I love cycling as opposed to motorsport.
Yep, we're in Murika and there's nothing wrong with that. As a rule, Europe sets the trends in cyclocross and there's nothing wrong with that, either. Personally, I like the being "current" aspect of it. Just my opinion...
Cheers to all.
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