A veteran will barrel up to a hurdle at 20 mph, leap from the bike with inches to spare, spring over the obstacle, and with just a single step on the far side vault back into the saddle and power away. For run-ups, or nearly rideable hills, a 'crosser will take as much speed as possible into the base of the ascent, then jump from the bike with momentum still on his side. After running a few steps with his hands on the handlebars or brake hoods, he'll flick the bike onto his right shoulder with a single, practiced movement and sprint up the hill, using short, sure steps to avoid a nasty slip. After clearing a hurdle or cresting a hill, with hands gripping the brake hoods or handlebar tops, the 'crosser leaps from the left foot, throws the right leg over the saddle and lands on the inside of the thigh, slides atop the saddle, and stabs the right foot down toward the waiting pedal. In clips the right shoe, next the left, and off the racer charges.
Remounts are particularly crucial, and grow more so as conditions worsen and competitors tire.
A botched remount, where a rider misses the saddle or fumbles for the pedals, can cost him the race or some skin. With a master, it's pure poetry in motion. But the idea of 'cross is not so much to look good as to feel good. Spending a couple of months doing these short, intense races, with the premium they place on leg and lung power both in and out of the saddle, will make you a stronger cyclist on road or trail next season. Move on to Practicalities Top Article and pictures Patrick O'Grady.