Some of you may find this promotional video amusing!
I understand that the event sold out within 20 minutes, but quality spectating is assured.
Cheers
Colin
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure
CX at Bo'ness
(46 posts)-
Posted 10 years ago #
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Awesomeness level 11!
Posted 10 years ago # -
Excellent !
Posted 10 years ago # -
What a shame that we don't have Sporza here
Posted 10 years ago # -
Superb!
Posted 10 years ago # -
"What a shame that we don't have Sporza here"
I tihnk it's available online - certainly not long after the big races there are full length videos available. Some astonishing riding goes on. Truly.
In comparison, I'm riding at Dig in at the Dock (whcih reminds me, need to sort out some t-shirt printing as I was asked to do a design for them) and will be adopting my usual tactic of 'start at the back and if I pass anyone that's fine'. Will be one fo the first outings for the newly built X.
Posted 10 years ago # -
pure dead brilliant !
I was spectating last year, sporting a recovering ankle fracture, ill be along again this year, on me bike, but just spectating, perhaps we should try and make ourselves known to each other.
ScottPosted 10 years ago # -
This Sunday!
Hey Scott, I'll be easy to spot (probably). I'll have a stall somewhere selling the official Dig in at the Dock t-shirts, as well as taking orders for designs from a cycling t-shirt site I've set up.
Then riding... Well, I'll likely be going with my black, white and orange get up. Black Molteni jersey, black long-sleeved base layer underneath, Molteni cap under the black, white and orange Spiuk helmet, and on the Cotic X (still to be finished being built, eep!) which is.... black, white and orange.
Part of me is looking forward to this. Part of me terrified. It's a huge field for one single race, 130 sould hammering round the course - no idea how many times I'll be lapped. Flat course, so no lung-busting climbs, but that also means no downhills for a breather, and very exposed out there. Should be interesting - there are some VERY good riders taking part.
My aim is 120th. Now that might not seem terribly optimistic, but in my two previous races I've finished 2nd and 3rd last, so if I roll in the DNFs then I could make 10 places. Inside the top 100 would be insanely good (and very likely way beyond me).
Posted 10 years ago # -
It appears tha t I am supposed to working that day, so holiday forms are in, will know on Friday if I am ok. I will be on me bike, prob with both my son and grandson ,looking bemused . I'll be looking sheepish and slow, overweight and embaressed in equall amounts ! however I will be looking for you, t shirt sales are now my target . I should also have a flask of hot tomatoe soup flavoured stuff too !
Hopefully, see you there ! ScottPosted 10 years ago # -
I'll trundle over there, unless there's a lift going.
Posted 10 years ago # -
I've thought about giving CX a go this year so I'd like to come by and watch - also a good opportunity for some photos.
Depends on what other plans materialise for me on Sunday. If I can make it I may cycle out if the weather isn't too atrocious and I can find the energy, otherwise I'll get the train to Linlithgow and bike it from there. You know, up that stonking great hill that sits between there and Boness.
Posted 10 years ago # -
the cycle from Falkirk Grahamstoun avoids the big hill in/out of Bo'ness
Posted 10 years ago # -
I might have space Uberuce. I've got to get there a wee bit early as I've been given a space for my t-shirt site (and to sell the official DIATD tees as well), probably aim to be in Bo'ness for about 10ish.
Should be giving Steveo a lift as well, and probably my F-i-L (I need someone to man the stand while I'm riding).
Alternatively if you wanted to ride out and get a lift back I've three bike carriers on the roof, so two spaces (kappers, same offer, weather looking like it might be interesting).
Posted 10 years ago # -
Ok, iam deffo going, work can go shove it ! Or they gavej me time off ! See you all there !
ScottPosted 10 years ago # -
Afraid I can't make this one - good luck out there though.
The weather forecast seems to be decent now (I am not to be held responsible if this turns out to be false and you end up soaked and/or freezing, in addition to filthy).
Posted 10 years ago # -
That. Was. Hard.
Climb by blackpuddinonnabike, on FlickrPosted 10 years ago # -
Still, at least it didn't snow?
Posted 10 years ago # -
Got windy though, and gave a ridiculous headwind at one exposed bit. But mainly hard because it's a flat course, so there are no 'breather' downhills. Good fun though. Have discovered that while I don't have the fitness my bike-handling skillz can cope with this (which included unclipping and swinging a leg over the bike while going downhill on a rutted and bumpy 45 degree drop), and I'm good at the whole dismount/clear obstacle/remount thing (made up time every lap on that).
But the lack of fitness is my drawback. Kept trying to put more into it, but nothing there, without really being sure why. I wasn't gasping for air, and the legs weren't leaden. I just... couldn't.
Training. Weird concept, but I'm going to give it a go.
Posted 10 years ago # -
WC: I trained "seriously" for a 10k run a few years ago. In my head I anticipated hours of pain and injuries, but once I started it was nowhere near as bad as I thought. Because I enjoy running I liked pushing myself and going to the next level. I ended up knocking nearly 5 minutes off my pb just through following a sensible training routine.
You obviously love cycling, so once you start doing the serious training then you'll love it as well.
This is just me trying to motivate myself after two weeks of sitting on my couch eating chocolates :-)
Posted 10 years ago # -
Speaking of training and running, I've just put in for the Edinburgh Marathon, so there's plenty grind ahead for me too. I took up running on a whim back in May and have got a few half marathons/10ks etc done already. Looking back on what I've done so far I think the worst things were the following - likely goes for pretty much any sport:
1- Just starting off. The first run I ever done was ~7 miles, probably too much for a beginner, and with a few fitter friends, so it was a struggle to keep up. It absolutely ruined me and I was aching for days after. Now it takes about 15 miles to even approach that same amount of pain, and a mere 7 can be done without much effort at all.
2- Keeping it up in a slump. It's the nadir of my year as far as motivation goes just now. Even today, early afternoon I felt dead and lethargic. I forced myself out to do 7 miles and while it was a bit slow and ploddy to begin with by the end I felt great. There are a lot of days where you don't want to go out, but you know you should, so the effort has to be made. Though if you feel consistently drained that's usually a sign to ease off.
3- Off days. We've all had them. I found there was a period when I was obsessed with getting every run done perfectly, on schedule and with a fast consistent pace. Not realistic. There will be a day, or a week, or maybe even a month where things just don't go well and your training slips. Key is to accept it and not worry, as that inevitably makes it worse.
Now, on the plus side, my fitness has improved immensely, my stamina has never been higher, when on the bike hills that previously daunted and broke me are now laughed off, my body flows with endorphins and all the other stuff we exercise fanatics can't shut up about....
This is just me trying to motivate myself after two weeks of sitting on my couch eating chocolates :-)
2 weeks? You slob. My chocolate supplies only lasted 10 days :(
Posted 10 years ago # -
I do get the feeling it's a little easier if someone has a sort of natural fitness level as well. The fact you managed to run 7 miles, whether it broke you or not, on the back f no previous training is astounding to me - I did a 10k towards the end of 2013, to get me into running for a bit of cross training, and my first run was a mere mile to see how things would pan out, and I could hardly walk the next day.
I remember growing up, being tall and skinny, I'd be told I had the perfect long distance physique. Something which always seemed cruelly funny when it came to cross country running at school and I'd be coughing my lungs up almost from the off.
The funny thing is, I've never been fitter than I am now (at 37) simply through cycling every day, but go on a run, or take part in a cycling event, or even join up with CCErs for a ride to a distillery, and everything gets put into perspective. This year I want to run a half marathon (I reckon the small amount of running I did was beneficial in the off-the-bike sections yesterday); get at least one big ride in a month; and hit the weights. Big, possibly over-optimistic, aim is to get a top half finish in a CX race in the 2014 season (which is going to require a LOT of training).
What I'd really like is to be fit enough that the time I make up on the technical bits then sticks in the slogs in between.
Posted 10 years ago # -
p.s. should say when I say 'easier' that's not belittling any achievements! Just that the thought of running 7 miles without training and being able to do it is such an alien concept to me. Thing is, we all have our levels to work to which generally means we all end up at the samne knackeredness levels (I'll be as done in with a half marathon as you will for the full marathon - 26 miles, again, just seems so alien).
Then again, where's Min? You need to speak to her about ultra-marathons!
Posted 10 years ago # -
"...my first run was a mere mile to see how things would pan out, and I could hardly walk the next day"
Irrespective of general fitness/endurance capability, if you generally do no high-impact stuff then suddenly pop out for a run you're likely to end up with gripey legs for a couple of days even if otherwise fit. This effect can be enhanced by running downhill carrying a heavy weight, as I found out after trotting down Cairngorm with the child in a backpack a couple of years ago when I had to go sideways down stairs for four days afterwards.
Posted 10 years ago # -
As the man said, it never gets easier, you just go faster... ;-)
@WC I've been doing some "distance" running (up to 9km) for the first time in years as part of my physio for my achilles tendon rupture. Three months in a cast probably didn't help, nor will the scar tissue, but both lower calves ache for a day or so after each run. I'm guessing these are muscles that I just don't call into action much if at all on the bike. However, I can't say I find running around parks and the streets particularly inspiring and I'm looking forward to being able to run on the trails on Arthur's Seat again.
Speaking of which, I'd honestly say that I've found laps of AS (either on or off the bike) are really good for fitness training. It doesn't take too many goes before you're able to either spin the gear faster or put it up a gear.
It's only bettered by finding some really long hills and riding up them at a consistent (highish) effort level. (I feel a lot fitter and stronger after riding up something like Kirkstone Pass two or three times in a week's holiday in the Lakes).
Finally, I'd go easy on the weights. I did a bit of weight training whilst at uni (nothing like some others on here, mind) and I really don't need that extra upper body bulk on the bike... Pushing a higher gear up a hill is pretty effective resistance training in itself.
Posted 10 years ago # -
I'm not aiming for Arnie arms, just, y'know, 'toned'. But yes, Arthur's Seat is going to be thrown into the commute to and from work a bit more consistently. All just sensible stuff without going OTT.
Posted 10 years ago # -
You'll put your arms (and core) to work when you're climbing, espcially if pushing a big gear. That may be enough for toning. (Although, I've come to the conclusion that a lot of what is regarded as "toned" is an absence of subcutaneous fat that exposes the muscle structure below. You'll get that from a couple of century rides :D )
Posted 10 years ago # -
Ooh, don't want skinny toned though. Mel's reactions to the skinniness of Tour riders is enough to put me off that idea!
Posted 10 years ago # -
I don't believe that cycling gives you the upper body strength you need for cycling. Weight training is a good idea, especially for cyclocross. If you find you are doing too much, do less. The good news being that it is totally reversible!
Posted 10 years ago # -
Don't worry WC, there's a difference between "normal person" low body fat (say, 12 to 15%) and procyclist low body fat (7% I think Wiggins was in 2012).
EDIT: Egads! I've just googled it and he was at 4% in 2009.
@Min The good news being that it is totally reversible!
True, although it took 3 weeks of my arm in a sling for me to lose the bulk on my right shoulder. It's still there on the left.Posted 10 years ago # -
Yeah? That's just not fair. :-(
Perhaps you should try ultrarunning? All my muscles vanished when I did that.
Posted 10 years ago #
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