Don't wait till that first race to get that shiny new (or dusty old) CX bike in the dirt. Flat stuff by the river, or hilly fun stuff in the foothills, just remember that those skinnies don't take the rock hits as well as your mtb.
Do the long one, up the mountain the back way, maybe Saturday or Sunday?
I'd be out there this evening, myself, but last Sunday's concussion event will keep me on the smooth for a few more days. (Had to get a new helmet even!)
Moo!
The odd thing about CX is that the courses don't exist until race day. That doesn't mean you can't just use your imagination though. Some people do mtb races on CX bikes, and some do road races on CX bikes. What's makes a CX course is a combination of road and mtb, with elements that should require dismounting. Some racers can bunny hop the barriers at full height, and some racers can ride through the worst sand or mud.
To get a great CX ride in, the trails by the river are great. Work in a few of the entry and exit hills, along the elevated dirt roads, dismount and run up, ride down. Look for long sandy stretches, dismount and run. Many trees are down all along the river area, these are natural barriers for CX.
Ride the foothills trails too. These are great for cornering skills- hard pack dirt, loose layer on top. The coyotes make great natural barriers to jump, you just have to catch them. ROcks? Just dismount and run, if they get too rough.
Moo
Cow, I am totally new to this kind of biking. How do I find out more and where are courses I can ride. Currently I am riding the west Bosque north of Alameda.
Madfly
(Marvin Gibson)