We advised in a previous post that your bike must be spotless before a race (This contributor would go so far as to say your bike must be spotless before you even register for the race......but is compromising somewhat in order to be inclusive of those dreadful people who have dirty bikes......). But how do you get your cross bike clean, particularly after a dirty race? These steps will help you towards getting that bike back to race cleanliness in no time! (But seriously, they will help you clean your bike).
Step 1: Hose bike down at moderate water pressure before applying any cleaning products (ideally put your bike in a stand with wheels off (see below), but this is not necessary. This will remove any thick dirt/mud, grass etc. without you clogging up sponges with crap. Take care around bearings (see note below). Step 2: Apply degreaser to chain/cassette. Wash down frame and wheels with warm soapy water. Pay attention to small crevasses (brakes, jockey wheels,between frame and cranks, under fork), and make sure there isn't a build of of dirt anywhere. This sponging down also has the added benefit of being able to check the frame, brake pad wear, bottom bracket and headset bearing smoothness etc.. Thus you spot potential problems before they become actual problems. Step 3: Hose down bike and leave to dry upright (so water drains, especially away from bearings). Wipe down chain and cassette and re- lube moving parts. Spray with bike polish (this is optional but not for this contributor). Check gears, and then leave in bike house/garage until your next spin. Following these 3 steps will keep your bike race clean and running smoother for longer. NOTE (s): Clean your bike as soon as possible after a race or a training session (that is if it is dirty). This allows you not only to have an awesome looking bike but also to spot problems that could lead to mechanical breakdown in your next race. As we have mentioned before; A problem on Monday can be solved by race day. Clean your bike at home. Do not be tempted by that pond in the middle of the park that you were just turning into mud. If you have a bit of a drive home (and you have washed your bike in a pond, or have powerwashed it in the nearest garage) then lying your wet bike sideways in your car is a great way to kill wheel and bottom bracket bearings. Unless your bike is upright on a rack, then protect your car from bike dirt, instead of cleaning your bike on the spot. (This was learned the hard way by a cpuple of us in our first season of CX and many bearings were killed. This was not only a pain, but an expense) Check bearings and re-grease regularly if riding conditions have been poor. While 'cross can be hard on bearings, if they are kept greased, they will last as long as if you were riding on the road. This will not only save you money on new bearings, it will also prevent you turning up at race where your wheels won't turn.
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The 'cross season is officially upon us and the 1st round of the Fixx Supercross Cup took place today in Grange Castle. As always the Fixx crew put on a great show and it was no different this year as Ger, Richie, Russell, and Stevie made the trip up the M7 to get their seasons underway.
Ger was making his debut in the sport, and was joined by Stevie in the B race. Both got off to great starts, with both sitting pretty in the top 20. It was fast and dry as they sped around the lap, soaking up the atmosphere that is particularly noticeable early in the season. As the race progressed the effort began to take it's toll but both finished solidly with Ger taking a brilliant top 20 and Stevie making the top 30. No doubt both will be progressing towards the A ranks after a couple of more races. This was a super start for the lads and they are progressing well towards the 1st round of the Munster league. Russell and Richie took to the line in the A race. Russell was just back from holidays (and less than 24 hours after a long haul flight from San Fran...) while Richie's preparation was better, having switched focus from the road season at the end of August. Both started well and Richie was at the head of the race going into the first corner. Russell also had a good start, and was close to the front at the start, but rode within himself, knowing what the effects of going too hard after a couple of weeks off structured training could do. Richie sat solidly in the top 15 for the first half of the race until conditions changed dramatically. A downpour changed the course completely and with tyres pumped too hard (rookie mistake!), Riche fell twice in quick succession, but still managed a top 30 finish despite cornering worse than an arthritic pensioner for the remaining 4 laps. Russell also rode solidly in the top half for most of the race but also suffered a fall and this put paid to a higher finish. As always the Fixx crew, led by WORC and Expert Cycles put on a great show, in what was the season opener for many riders. Overall the Barrs rode well and their next race is the 1st Round of the Munster League in Fota (which we're happening to be hosting- enter on the events page!) which will also be a ranking event and therefore will count towards gridding for the national championships. Hon the Barrs! Here at the Barrs we've racked up a fair number of years racing experience between us so we do know a thing or two about preparing for a race (all of us having learnt from mistakes not worth making again!). As the CX season is upon us here is our brief guide on how to prepare yourself for your first race (we'll be brining you a road version of this closer to that season!).
BIKE (S): Simple one this but only if you know what to check. Make sure your bike is in full working order. Gears, bearings and brakes need to be checked regularly and replaced/regreased when necessary. Your bike (or if your lucky enough to have a spare, bikes) should be SPOTLESS before the start of the race. A clean bike is a fast bike! You've paid the entry, done the training, you may as well look the part with a clean bike. (Our Tip: Wash your bike as soon as possible after a training ride/race. You will automatically check all moving parts and re-grease as necessary. Check brakes, wheels, and tyres also- a problem on Monday can be solved by the race on Sunday!) Clothing: You are a cyclist and therefore you are almost a qualified meteorologist. Pay attention to the forecast a few days from the event as this will allow you to prepare what you need. Will you need a full change of kit between your warm up and the race? Will you need to do most of your warm up on a turbo? (If it's super mucky or wet? What will you need to wear in the race? (Caps, gloves etc.) By packing these the in the days before a race, you will be more relaxed on the morning of the race. Finally SHOES and HELMET. Forget these and you may as well as forgotten to bring your bike. (I was once at a race when a competitor forgot their entire gear bag- he was lucky he had good friends with spare kit) Equipment/Spares: Depending on your level, and the commitment you have made to the 'cross season this will change. A spare bike is the ultimate but it is certainly not a necessity! A spare wheelset with matching tyres to your race wheels is very helpful. A puncture late in the warm up shouldn't mean the end of your race. Spare tubes, tyre levers, allen key set, and a track pump are not only important, but essential- don't be that person who has to ask for a pump or a tube week in week out (you'll get away with it once!). As you race CX and get bitten by the bug, you can make further investment to improve your racing experiences. The best investment (apart from a bike) is purchasing a couple of different tyre options. An intermediate tread pattern for dryish, not too muddy conditions, and a mud specific tyre (particularly from November onwards). If you are using clinchers, it's really easy to change your tyres the day before the race, based on the forecast or your knowledge of the course. Your LBS will guide you through the options that suit your needs and your budget. (Check out McCarthy Cycles if you are around Cork City!). If you think we have missed anything then put your suggestion in the comments below! REMINDER: Click on the button below to enter for CrossBarrs at Fota! You might have noticed that here at the Barrs we've become a little bit excited as the CX season edges ever closer. We posted a blog saying why 'cross is awesome (and backed it up with a Youtube video so it must be true). But why should you give a cyclocross race a go? The thought of racing so soon after a long road season can seem daunting, even counter productive. But that's where you need to forget about the traditions of road racing briefly. First of all, even though this season is a bumper season for CX, there still isn't that many races compared with the road. The season begins at the end of September and is pretty much finished (bar the nationals) by the end of December. Down the South of the country you'll be doing very well to ride over 2 races in a month, if you race a full season your maybe racing 6-8 races. That is 6-8 1 hour intensity sessions- hardly too severe, even if you are keeping your eye firmly on the road. Secondly, there is an atmosphere around 'cross races that doesn't exist in road racing as often. As the race will be on a short lap, usually in a popular park, or sports venue (like Tymon, Punchestown, Fota etc), it becomes much more family friendly. Men and women can cheer on their partners, kids can cheer on their parents, while all the while supping on a coffee or eating sweets. Music is broadcast over the PA along with intermittent commentary, and this only adds to the sense of occasion. Add to the fact that kids races from u6 upwards take place just before the senior races really make a CX race a brilliant family day out. Finally starting off in Cyclocross is a far less daunting task than you might think. There's a relaxed vibe and everybody is there as much for the whole racing experience as they are for a result. Ripping around a park, going flat out, and pushing yourself and your skills to the limit is wildly satisfying. It's the only sport where you can be on or over your limit, and still be smiling at the same time. The racing experience is totally unique, and once you experience it you will be hooked. All you need now is a bike and a race to enter! Call into McCarthy Cycles to get a great deal on a bike- and click the button below to enter CrossBarrs at Fota on the 9th of October! Every July, cycling get's it's own space on mainstream sports Media when Le Tour de France rolls out. This is cyclings centrepiece and even riding the tour (never mind winning a stage or the overall) can be the peak in a professional riders career. Cities across Europe spend millions to get a chance to host "Le Grand Depart", and start towns and villages will break the bank to bring the race to them. The Tour does put on a great show (possibly the greatest show in cycling, and one of the best roadside fan experiences), but quite a bit of the time the show it puts on is not paid back with exciting racing on the road. This can be for many reasons which more qualified people than us have answered many times in the past few seasons. And we are certainly not going to give out (well maybe just a little bit) about the biggest race in the cycling season.
However there is more to bike racing than Le Tour. Currently the Vuelta Espana is offering up some of the most exciting racing of the season. G.C. riders are taking big risks to crack their rivals up until the very last day. Often times a Vuelta stage looks similar to the style of racing in most Irish domestic races (But faster.........much faster.....). Flat out attacking from the gun and continuing throughout the stage. Riders aren't afraid to lose this race, but at the same time they are willing to risk everything to win it (check out Orica Bike Exchange Backstage Pass on Youtube to see great examples of this). The racing is less controlled. Some Riders are tired at this point of the season, motivation may not be as high for the tour, and teams may not be as strong. This creates one brilliant bike race. If you are new to cycling, or are just gaining an interest in cycle sport and road racing, look further than Le Tour and then you will find the best that cycling has to offer. One Day Classics, The Giro, The Vuelta, Paris-Nice etc. are all races where riders are willing to risk it all to win. So, what's the catch? Le Tour is undoubtedly the showpiece of the Cycling Calendar and can make a riders career. However, often Le Tour is almost too important and riders don't (or are unable to) take the chance and risk everything. But (there's always a but) it is Le Tour de France. When Le Tour does throw up an epic day of racing, or a classic G.C. battle, then it is the best race on Earth. Therefore, as a cycling fan, it is a must watch, even if it ends up boring the face off you. We are delighted to announce that Café Velo have come on board to sponsor our CrossBarrs at Fota event. As well as providing a significant sum to help with the running costs of the event they are also sponsoring prizes on the day. It is brilliant when local businesses support local cycling events so hats of to Café Velo for this. Give them a like and share on Facebook and check out their website at www.cafevelo.ie. Or, even better, go in for the most unique and brilliant Cycling Café experience. We highly approve of the coffee spin (http://stfinbarrscyclingclub.weebly.com/home/in-praise-of-the-coffee-spin) here at the Barrs so we were delighted when Rob Horgan offered the sponsorship. You can enter CrossBarrs (also the 1st round of the Munster League) by clicking the button below!
There are many ways to measure success as a cyclist. You can be fit, you can get a few race results (possibly a win), you may have beaten a personal best. However, the true measure of success as a cyclist is in the Coffee Shop Story. Once you've been cycling for more than a few months, you will have begun to build up a base of experience where you may be able to contribute to the Coffee Shop Stories. But what is worthy of a coffee shop story? Is it setting a new personal best? A new max speed? Or perhaps a new max wattage? Unless you want the rest of the group to groan and moan as you open you mouth to explain how you are fantastic and that you surpassed your season goals and expectations (and most of them will not have), then you will stay away from raw data, numbers, and meaningless race results (e.g sprinting to 21st.....). These are far too disinteresting to be the point of a Coffee Shop Story (although throwing in a few numbers to help embellish the story is certainly advised.)
A Coffee Shop Story must create a snapshot of an epic day on a bike. You may have won, you may have lost, but like the numbers the result is only secondary. Usually the Coffee Shop Story involves the protagonist being the plucky loser, the survivor, the warrior battling whatever the day throws at them- crashing or nearly crashing would be a nice touch to add to the story here. Weather conditions should play a part. A howling crosswind or driving rain are far more entertaining than a calm and dry day. Only very occasionally does it involve the protagonist winning(but if you do win it automatically becomes a Coffee Shop Story). The Coffee Shop Story must involve you prevailing over adversity. You must have gone beyond your limit, and survived to complete the race/training session/sportif (It goes without saying that, if you packed the race/training session/sportif, then it does not enter your collection of Coffee Shop Stories, you weak human being). So never mind wattage, heart rate, speed, or results. The more Coffee Shop Stories you have, the better you are. CrossBarrs Fota is now LIVE on the events page at the top right hand corner of the screen. Get your entries in quick to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited for each category. There will be NO entry on the day, and entries will close on Friday the 7th of October, or before that if the race sells out.
Further details of the day will be posted here in due course and if you have any questions please ask via the contact us page at the top right hand corner of the screen. Now it's time to get out the 'cross bikes and get this season started! Race days: Weekly gatherings around the country between February and September where large groups of people on bicycles chase each other around the Irish countryside in order to be the first across the line.
The simplicity of this definition of a race day hides the complexities of what goes through the typical A2 riders mind on the day of the race, despite it being a somewhat accurate depiction of a bike race. What makes this complicated is that this definition relies on the fact that every rider is going to the race to win. This is where things get a little murky. Not every rider is going to the race to win. In fact most riders go into a race knowing that they won't win. They do know the riders who can win, and probably will win the race on that day. So why do we race knowing that the outcome for us probably won't involve us raising our arms in victory? Some of us use the excuse of training. "Oh I'm just using the first few races to get up to race speed and develop good form" is a line that's used among us. While this is true, what happens after those first few races? Do we suddenly transform into beating the best riders that Ireland has to offer? Most likely not (But we still remain hopeful of it- drawing on the more talented A2's who have done so in the past). The problem being is that while we are getting stronger race after race, so are they. Some of us harbour the hope that we will be strong enough to go with the breakaway; When those riders that we know will win the race take off and perhaps we are fit enough to hang onto their coattails. This is actually quite an effective plan and can work well on getting your name in the results on Stickybottle (that is of course you survive in the break long enough, that when they do drop you, you still manage to get in ahead of the bunch). It will nearly always guarantee the "A2" prize. However this plan is not without danger. The danger being that you blow up so badly and so early on in the race that when you're caught by the bunch you exit out the back door of that too. Sometimes the A2 hopes against hope that the weekly batterings dished out to them by the A1's will make them strong enough to demolish a field when the race is an A2/A3 race only. This does make sense. Surely an A2 who has been racing with the A1's would easily get into the breakaway, and then ride away from it with their fellow A2's and contest the win. There's just one slight problem. A3's are much better at hanging on to the coattails of A2's than A2's are at hanging onto the coattails of A1's. How dare they! So if winning isn't the motivating factor, what is? The pre and post race craic with the other riders. Hanging onto the main bunch while others drop away. Finishing a race spent. Surviving "an epic**". Being involved in the ebb and flow of the bunch. Speeding through towns and villages while a few spectators cheer you on (and maybe hearing your name if you're a local!). Being part of the sea of colour that catches kids and adults imagination alike. Looking at the race photos and posting the ones that make you look "pro". Being part of an event that might get 30 seconds of news coverage and spotting yourself in the bunch (Check out 2015 Rás Mumhan RTE highlights to spot yours truly hanging on for dear life). Uploading the race to Strava to show off the "insane" average speed or the seemingly unsustainable wattage. This is what keeps us coming back for more. And maybe, just maybe, we do sneak up the road, and we do contest for the win (or even a placing!), having pushed ourselves further than we could ever have imagined. (In which case the race will be added to the list of Coffee Shop Stories to be told forever more.) *A2: A second category rider. The middle ground. **An Epic: (a)Conditions in which sane people wouldn't dream to open the front door never mind ride bikes. (b)A notoriously difficult race where more than half the riders don't finish but somehow you manage to survive. An Epic will be added to the list of Coffee Shop Stories Ah the coffee spin. The one spin that can divide the cycling community. Most love it, some hate it(We find that very hard to understand). Here at the Barrs we love The Coffee Spin. Put simply it encompasses all that is good about cycling. We love it so much that our Saturday Morning Spins are solely dedicated to coffee and cakes. Therefore we have a good authority to tell you why The Coffee Spin should be an essential part of your cycling life. 10 O'Clock on a Saturday Morning at the Bandon Road roundabout is where the it all begins. The group gathers (usually between 6 and 8 riders) and the weather is surveyed. Will it stay dry? More importantly will it stay dry until we reach the promised land? Wind direction is not considered as this spin's route has yet to change significantly in more than 10 years. Everyone knows where we are going, the only change may be perhaps the way we get there. If it's warm and dry it will be the long way. If it is cool and a little damp then it will be the short way. No matter the way, both bring the group out of the city and along the country roads winding alongside the Bandon River. The pace is steady, riding "up and over" going downhill, and keeping a comfortable steady pace when the road turns upwards. As the group begins to smell the coffee the pace begins to ramp up and they hurtle down the hill and over the bridge towards the promised land. The sprint for the 50 sign has the group rubbing shoulder to shoulder as each rider looks to take the gallop. Once past the 50 sign the group casually roll into the picturesque town of Kinsale. This is the promised land. No matter what time of the year the town is buzzing with activity. Jo's café is the place to be and the group's arrival is always expected. Cappuccinos, Americanos, Espressos, Lattes, Flat Whites are all ordered (when it comes to The Coffee Spin there are no rules as what one should have), along with caramel slices, rocky roads, apple pies or cream buns (this is a coffee spin after all, not a fat burning ride). Everything and anything is discussed and old racing stories are dragged up for the umpteenth time but the group(well most of them) aren't sick of hearing them. Then comes the crucial point and the question is asked. "Another coffee anyone?" The answer is nearly always the same. 45 minutes after their arrival the group departs on the trip home. In the Summer this is no problem, but in the Winter the complaint of taking a while to get going can be a common one. Still it's worth it as the group makes it's way out of Kinsale towards Halfway and back into the City. The Coffee Spin brings the whole group together regardless of ability, racing pedigree, and fitness. It is ideal for all members. Those racing on the Sunday have an easy and relaxed ride and get to catch up with those not racing likewise those not racing get to catch up with those who are. During the winter when the focus may be on longer miles, then those who need them get up earlier and take the long way in to meet the group, then take the long way home, but the coffee stop and the joy it brings most definitely remains. |
St.Finbarrs Cycling ClubEst. 1938 Archives
October 2017
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