Posted: 27 July 2010 at 17:24 | IP Logged

I am looking to get into this crazy sport. i am an athlete (at least i think so) and i have mtn biked and road biked, done triathlons, trail running etc- but i just don't know how to get started...any thoughts on best kind of (used!)cyclo-cross bike to look for-& what race should i do first that won't scare me away totally?

i live in portland, if that helps w/ suggesting which races to try first.

thanx for any pointers and i hope to hear from someone soon

Posted: 30 July 2010 at 12:26 | IP Logged

Welcome to CX!   As a recent first timer (last year), I can tell you some things that I learned.   I raced the Crusade series last year.   I had done a lot of endurance riding for the couple of years prior, and was surprised at how many fast guys are in the area!   I got a reality check right away, when I finished way further down than I had expected.   I used my Mt. Bike for the first race, then I looked for a used cx on craigs list, w/o much luck.   I bought a new cx bike (trek xo2) which I've been pretty happy with.   The next few races I finished about the top 1/3.   My advice is to train at a high intensity, and be prepared to go balls out for about 45 min.  Try doing a ride with a really high HR for 45 min. and see how you feel, then you'll have an idea of what the race will be like (for example, my average HR in a race is prob. in the 170's).   I wouldn't worry too much about training for the obstacles, just get your intensity up as high as possible.   You can learn the tech. stuff as you go.   Good luck!   Alsatian