adam holt
Do a few races from both series'. Both are lots of fun. Courses can vary within each series - I don't really feel like there's a "type". The Grand Prix is named after a different prominant Portland area cross racer each year, from what I understand. I think there are slightly smaller crowds in that series, but don't avoid the Crusade because of the crowds - it is an absolute blast!
Dismount however you're comfortable. I think there is a traditional school of thought that everyone should step through, and it works for some to really hit the ground running. But, to counter that, there is a recent video out of Jeremy Powers (google him) telling folks that neither way was "better", per se, and that the step behind is most likely a safer approach, especially starting out. Link below...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=N-OKMTztjIA
Either way, get out and practice, practice, practice dismounts and remounts. Practice them very slow, over and over on a safe grassy surface, and only once you begin to get comfortable, then add (just a bit) of speed. A friend advised (of mounts and dismounts) "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." It doesn't matter if you come into a barrier section at mach 5 if you can't smoothly hop off and back on your bike.
And, finally (I wish someone had stressed this to me when I first started) get to the course early on race day to give yourself a chance to pre-ride - it will help a lot! If you're racing a later category, check the schedule for "preview" time slots and get on the course when that time arrives. If you're racing first thing in the morning, get there early and get out on the course. It will help you get the jump on lots of folks who didn't preview and are reconning on their first lap. You'll already know the scetchy sections and how to handle them, and avoid pile-ups.
Have a blast!
Adam
> Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:03:19 -0700
> From: mud.man_365@yahoo.com
> To: obra@list.obra.org
> Subject: [OBRA Chat] Newbie Cross Questions
>
> When I was young I enjoyed some road racing and now that I am old I am thinking about giving cross a shot. I have a couple of friends that like cross and they are helping to get my big butt out there. One of my friends sold me one of his older cross bikes and I have been riding a bit. Now that I am getting closer to doing my first race (and getting nervous about it) I have a couple of questions that I am hoping you cross people can help me with?
>
> First, it looks like there are different cross series to choose from. A Grand Prix Tina Brubaker (can someone tell me who she is) and the Cross Crusade. I've heard that the Grand Prix races are shorter, smaller and mor beginner friendly. Ive also heard that the crusades are big, fast and pretty easy courses. Is one better than the other?
>
> Also, Ive been having a heck of a time trying to dismount by bringing my leg through. Im a pretty heavy guy and dont find it easy to bring my leg through. I do OK bringing my leg behind, even though thats not real pretty either. There seem to be lots of opinions on leg through vs. leg behind but its seems like either should be OK? Is that right? Ive been heckled my friends mostly due to my size and dont want to look stupid by not dismounting right.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Randy
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