We are most grateful to Robin Fox and Sollihull CC for the following words of advice to make your Cyclocross preparations hassle-free for all concerned.
CYCLOCROSS ADVICE
PARENTS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO…………….
• Work out where you are going!! Leave time for parking.
• Get to event 1 hour before start time.
• Be prepared to stay warm and dry yourself
• Pack some plastic bags to put wet kit in
• Bring spare warm clothes for the rider
• Make sure riders stay warm and dry before their race
• Get the spares ready (2 inner tubes/pump/basic tools)
• Bring a packed lunch or at least some cereal bars and drinks
• Make sure riders eat and drink enough i.e. proper breakfast, and then snacks/drinks in the couple of hours before a race, especially in cold/wet weather
• Bring water containers/buckets/brushes. Be prepared to get dirty. Clean water is a luxury at cyclocross races!
• Bring a bottle of water for washing hands at least – a large plastic bottle filled with hot water and wrapped in a doubled towel will stay at least tepid for several hours
• Cheer on all riders, not just yours
• Stay calm and encouraging at all times…….
RIDERS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO………………
• Check your own bike over the day before. Tell someone if there’s a problem (don’t leave it until race day!!)
• Get your kit ready the night before. Don’t forget licence. Use a kit list.
• Get signed on early and get your number on as soon as you can.
• For U14 and U16 and Junior riders, bring rollers and spare wheels for your cross bike with road tyres (or spare bike) for warming up on the rollers. You need some planks of wood to put the rollers on (usually rollers don’t work well on muddy lumpy grass…)
• Tyre pressures. Usually 30psi - 45psi. The more tree roots there are, the more pressure….the muddier and flatter it is, the less pressure.
• PRACTISE the start. Work out what gears you are going to use for the start.
• LEARN the course…..repeating the difficult sections.
• STAY WARM AND DRY. Pack changes of clothes.
HAVE FUN AND GOOD LUCK
With acknowledgements and thanks to Robin Fox and Solihull CC
One point they have omitted to say is to
"check your chip before you race!". Make sure it is yours!!!!!!!!!!! i.e. the same as your race number and the correct category. All your hard work and effort will count for nothing if your chip/transponder is wrong.
Home 
RRPCC Home