Weekly Cross Practice

[Chris]

What kinds of weekly cross practices are out there? We had one two years ago that was USAC sanctioned, etc. They didn't do it last year and I put on one of my own, unsanctioned. I'd like to do that again, but a little more organized and with more events. If you have one in your area or put on one of your own how is it done? Is it sanctioned? What is the setting, etc.?

[vpierce]

A large park, some field cones, and home made PVC barriers. We do 2-3 unsanctioned mini races, usually 4-5 laps each. Last year we only had a few regulars but there seems to be more interest this year.

[jmoote]

There's a sanctioned weeknight practice/training race in Toronto, but a little closer to home we have two weeknight practices. Pin flag course, barriers and a good bunch of people - we split into ability groups and do hot lap intervals Australian Pursuit style, as well as some focussed drills for sand, runups, transitions, etc. Not fancy, but the rewards are great, especially as a relative newcomer (3rd year of cross) able to draw from the experience of others.

[coylifut]

we use a very large wooded park. luckily it has a bmx and 4 cross course that we'll incorporate, but mostly it's the hillocks, meadows and trails. I never bother with plastic barriers, because it requires some one to bring them. We simply use natural materials to quickly construct barriers. The same stuff seems to be lying around each week. My suggestion is to have 10 or so people involved. You'll have 5-6 show each week. A big enough group to make it fun, but small enough to not arouse park directors and other users. Besides all the usual drills, playing follow the leader around the whole park works. It seems someone is always finding a new and interesting lines throughout the complex.

[krooj]

There's a sanctioned weeknight practice/training race in Toronto, but a little closer to home we have two weeknight practices. Pin flag course, barriers and a good bunch of people - we split into ability groups and do hot lap intervals Australian Pursuit style, as well as some focussed drills for sand, runups, transitions, etc. Not fancy, but the rewards are great, especially as a relative newcomer (3rd year of cross) able to draw from the experience of others.

Where does this go down? I'm currently doing hill repeats in Riverdale park, but anything with barriers and mock races/courses will be infinitely better.

[jmoote]

Where does this go down? I'm currently doing hill repeats in Riverdale park, but anything with barriers and mock races/courses will be infinitely better.

Midweek has historically done it at Centennial ski hill, I believe on Tuesdays starting in September. With new ownership of that park I'm not sure if that is changing.

[krooj]

Midweek has historically done it at Centennial ski hill, I believe on Tuesdays starting in September. With new ownership of that park I'm not sure if that is changing.

Thought that might be the one. I did the clinic last year, and Scott had tons of useful advice. It's a bit of a trek from home (leslieville), but I think I'll manage.

[acotts]

we use a very large wooded park. luckily it has a bmx and 4 cross course that we'll incorporate, but mostly it's the hillocks, meadows and trails. I never bother with plastic barriers, because it requires some one to bring them. We simply use natural materials to quickly construct barriers. The same stuff seems to be lying around each week. My suggestion is to have 10 or so people involved. You'll have 5-6 show each week. A big enough group to make it fun, but small enough to not arouse park directors and other users. Besides all the usual drills, playing follow the leader around the whole park works. It seems someone is always finding a new and interesting lines throughout the complex.

You have a local 4x course. Holy crap that is awesome!