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3 comments
Thanks for the good advice guys. So far I've taken the car to all of the races I've done this year as my wife and kids have come along too (only one of them was close enough to ride anyway).
As the weather gets worse and my family are less likely to want to come and support I might have a chance to try riding to a couple of races but it doesn't look like its going to be a regular thing.
Unfortunately the train is not a good option for me as services are limited, especially on a Sunday, and on a cost/benefit comparrison with the car it doesn't come out so well. Where I live is semi-rural by comparrison to London and roads are quiet on a Sunday morning so it does make for easy motoring.
What you have to think about is all the extras you would have to take on your bike.
Change of clothes and shoes (you don't want to cycle home cold wet and muddy) drinks, tubes, pumps etc etc
Not saying it is not impossible to cycle to the race, it's just that all the things you will need to take there and bring back. WIll you have the energy
PS
Seeing as it is England and the weather will sneak up on you just because it can
Take the train. I ride the London/SE and Eastern Leagues (live central London) and can take the train to 90% of the races. There are contraptions for extra wheels on your forks. Everything else you can sling in your backpack.
If you're like me and 40+ the ride is a great warm up so long as you bring a gel to top up once you get to the venue. B/c you have arrived already 'warm' you don't have to arrive so early (assuming you're not trying to EOL) and your day might actually be compressed.
Plus it's nice to be self sufficient and with less paraphernalia there's less faffing about before the start.
When it's really muddy you can always grab a ride home or at least part way home with another racer. After all cross is friendly so you'll meet folks as the season progresses.
What's not to like?