so i want to try cross this year...

Alright, I have been strictly a roadie for the past year and a half. My SO started to race cross last year and he fell in love with it. After hearing about how much he loves it, and how much he is sure I will love it, I have decided to try it this year.

I am going to be borrowing bikes from his co-workers(he works at a bike shop) for my first race(s) to see if i like it, but I was wondering- what should I do to get ready, what should I expect? (i am sitting here, recovering from knee surgery,so i figured why not learn about what I am going to be doing this next year)

any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

I've noticed that some roadies have problems with technical sections (I'm a mountain biker). Definitely pre-ride the course so you know what to expect. Also practice mounts, dismounts and barrier jumps before you race. I've been told that two wire hangers with a little bit of ribbon make for great barriers to practice with in your backyard.

Forgive the newbie here - What's Cyclocross?????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1QjxL2yBMw

http://www.madcross.org/

http://members.aol.com/napavelo/intro.htm

http://members.aol.com/napavelo/filthyfun1.htm

And another link with some vintage cross pictures. And we thought we had it rough!

http://www.blackbirdsf.org/cx/

If you want to physically prepare for cross, there are several elements to incorporate into your training. But first, make sure to get clearance from your doc.

Most cross racers begin running in June or July each season. Start very slow with short runs (5 minutes to begin) and work up to about 60 minutes total. Once you have a running base, you can add speedwork into your training. All courses are different, but most running is either up or down hill, so running on a trail will simulate the requirements of an actual race.

In addition, you'll want to learn the basic skills (mounting, dismounting, carrying the bike). In many regions you'll find clinics in August and September. Attend a clinic or ask an experienced racer to show you the skills then practice them. Eventually, you'll want to practice your skills at speed within the context or a higher-intensity ride. I recommend spending one day each week when you just focus on skills. You can make some barriers and set up a simulated course. And have some fun with it.

If there isn't a clinic near you, Adam Hodges-Meyerson from Cycle-Smart.com has a good skills DVD. There was also a series of skills videos on VeloNews.com lat season -- you could probably still find them online.

It's also fun (and educational) to watch cross DVDs -- there are a bunch out there!

For riding, you'll want to keep your aerobic base, so include one longer ride each week (2+ hours). However, you'll also want to incorporate some HIT intervals.

Hope this helps!