About to dip my toes into cross

[pll]

A quick update ...

The race last Sunday was insanely fun. It was a 2 person relay race. I managed to dismount "in style" most of the time, but, not surprisingly (at least to me), it requires some rhythm and timing to dismount gracefully and jump over the barriers. I only clipped one barrier once and I did not crash, but wasn't smooth and far from graceful. Mounting, on the other hand, seems to really require a leap of faith. That cost me a lot of time. I noticed I could pass several people after a barrier, but mounting held me back.

Perhaps I could have had less pressure on the tires (it was a bouncy ride and I skid a couple of times)... I definitely need new shoes. The MTB shoes I have are a bit too big for me, which did not make a huge impact on the road bike (I used to have SPD pedals on it), but I can definitely feel the need when I run/jog with them.

Can't wait for the next race!

[Kernyl]

Congrats on your first race! You're on your way, figure out the equipment as you go.
Personally I also use SPD pedals and really like them. I have Moto Diva shoes, which fit and perform well, but yes they are mesh. I still have dirt in my toenails from my race last Sunday.
I usually have a bruise on my butt cheek throughout the season. I'm not really sure how it gets there, but it does. And then it stays...but there's no type of riding better than cross!