Something I love about running is how anybody, even a slow jog-walker, can participate in a big race.
I’d love to have an outlet for my competitive energy with cycling, but big events look like they are only for very experienced, fast riders. I’m a happy G5er! I never mind coming last, but would hate to feel like a nuisance to faster folks.
CX is calling to me! It looks novice-friendly both in vibe and course length. How does one give it a try? I don’t really want to buy another bike before being sure I’ll enjoy it. Is there a place that does CX rentals? Is there a place to learn racing techniques or should I just show up at a Nordic Cats even and jump in?
My experience with CX is at least ten years out of date at this point but I would be pretty sad if someone jumps in here and says that it is no longer a welcoming place to new riders who are just figuring things out. I think there should be a place for you at any series/race and a group of people there to welcome you in.
As far as a bike goes, if you already own a gravel bike or one of these new road bikes that clear massive tires you can just pull off your water bottle cages and put some tires on it and you are good to start out. I bet someone here even has a set of tires they’d be willing to give/loan to you (as I think about that pile of tires at home).
I believe Mark/Kevin will be running the CX skills and drills at Mclennan park on Thursday evenings, that used to start late August/early September so I’d expect to see something shortly. Hopefully one of them chimes in here with some more up to date experience.
I’ve been racing CX for getting close to a decade in master men…and I’m not particularly fast. I started in Novice at Keslo and then moved to sport and eventually expert. Thanks to my boys I have also raced now in a handful of US states and have been at events with many hundreds of racers of absolutely all fitness and skill levels.
I do think it is the most accessible discipline for beginners. Nordic Cats is one local series and the other is Kelso. I personally prefer Keslo although part of the reason is that the Kelso has lights and the races are later in the evening. Kelso also has the advantage that you can see most of the other racers while on course.
Kelso has 4 categories including Beginner and Novice which are 30 minute races. Racing on a gravel bike or MTB are both pretty ideal. You really just need tires wide enough they don’t dig into the dirt. Ideally 33mm or larger.
The CX skills at McLennan park are a great way to get introduced to the skills for CX. But you can honestly show up at a race in bike kit and a working bike and give it a try. There definitely isn’t any pressure from faster riders whatsover. The Ontario races (O-Cup) are also very welcoming and beginner friendly (I think!)
Thank you! My bike (2025 Trek Domane AL5) can accommodate tires of up to 38mm. I would love a second-hand purchase or loan if anybody is offering! I’ll keep my eyes out for the skills and drills class, too.
I believe CX nights will start next Thursday @Sabrina@MarkW
I think I still have a set of CX tires somebody gave me a couple of years ago but I’m away and I’ll be back on September 17. If you still need tires by then, let me know!
We were just talking about starting practices yesterday. We will for sure be starting next Thursday at McClennan park. Sundays venue is still being decided upon.
@AdamPoll was right: CX is still super welcoming; pretty much any modern bike works from MTB to road. For beginner categories, there is no limit on tire width, but for the higher-level serious racing we are limited to 33mm tires, so a Domane would be absolutely fine.
For what we do on a Thursday, road tires would be ok to come out and see what we are up to. See if you think it will be fun for you, and then figure out any equipment issues afterwards.
I have a pair of brand new tubed cx tires sitting in a box that, I have no use for as well, that I’m happy to give to a good home.
As for local race. I really like Nordic Cats because the course is a little more beginner-friendly. It had a range of participants, from National Champions to a 6-year-old last year. Our club is also hosting a regional and ocup race in Woodstock on Thanksgiving weekend, so if that doesn’t impact other plans it is worth checking out, it is by far the easiest course on the calendar from a technicality point.
