A Guide to Starting Cyclocross 2016-17

http://www.matlockcyclingclub.org.uk/#!guide-to-cyclocross/cggt

A guide to starting Cyclocross 2016

The Cyclocross season usually begins in September and runs until January and with a number of new members and / or parents wanting to find out more about taking part in the local events, here is a brief guide to getting started.

Matlock CC is part of the local SRAM Notts and Derbys Cyclocross League (NDCXL) which runs between September to January in local park facilities. http://www.ndcxl.org.uk/new/

Cyclo-cross is a fantastic, fun sport … a perfect introduction for youngsters into competitive cycle sport, likewise a great way to get and keep fit on a bicycle. Come along and have a look!

Matlock have lots of members of all ages taking part so you won't be on your own! We usually congregate near our club gazebo next to the course so we can cheer each other on during the races. Its really is a great family day out in a very friendly atmosphere with race categories for all ages.

Who can take part?
All are welcome to participate in the NDCXL – from beginners to experts, young to old, living in the area or not.
As a member of Matlock CC you qualify for membership of the NDCXL league and amass points, however you do not have to be a member of a club or British Cycling to have a go – just pay the appropriate Entry fee either online through the BC website or on the day find the sign on tent and hand over your entry fee!

NDCXL Races are divided into age categories and have the same format (Updated for the 2016-17 season):
Age category Start Time Duration Online entry fee  / On the Day Entry fee (if available)

Under 9 11:00am 7 minutes £5 £5 on the day

Under 12 11:25am 15 minutes £5 £5 on the day

Youth 12:00pm 25 minutes £7.00 Online entry only through the British Cycling Website

Veteran Men 13:00pm 50 minutes £15.00 Online entry only through the British Cycling Website

Junior Men & Women, Women, U23s & Senior men 14:30pm 50 minutes £10.00 £15.00 Online entry only through the British Cycling Website

Note – If you are over 16 and do not have British Cycling membership (proof in the form of a licence will be required) you will need to pay £3 for day insurance – consider joining BC. Online Entry is through the British Cycling Website and will close about a week before the event. Also note that gridding of riders takes place at the start line - information is here: http://www.ndcxl.org.uk/new/entry-fees/


What you’ll need:
• a bicycle in good working order, preferably with knobbly tyres – without bar ends (this is a league rule)
• a cycle helmet
• some comfortable sports clothing – senior riders should note that they must ride in their club or plain kit
• your Entry fee
• if you are a member of British Cycling then you’ll need your membership card/race licence – but don’t worry if you’re not in a club or not a British Cycling member – you can still ride with day insurance
• some extra time before your race starts to have a ride around your course – an hour is a good guide – you’ll get to chat and see what others are up to!


Where and When?
The event venues are displayed on the NDCXL events page, including postcodes for your sat nav and maps. http://www.ndcxl.org.uk/new/events/

This years 2016-17 NDCXL calendar is below - please check with the NDCXL site for any updates.

Event Name Location Date

Round 1 Hardwick Hall, Doe Lea, near Chesterfield, S44 5QJ Saturday September 10th 2016

Round 2 Alfreton Park, Alfreton, DE55 7AL Saturday September 17th 2016

Round 3 Shipley Park, Heanor, Saturday September 24th 2016

Round 4 Markeaton Park 1, Derby DE22 4AA Saturday October 1st 2016

British Cycling National Trophy Round 1 Derby Sunday October 9th 2016

Round 5 Bingham, near Nottingham, NG13 8BL Saturday October 15th 2016

Round 6 Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham NG12 2LU Saturday November 5th 2016

Round 7 Markeaton Park 2 , Derby DE22 4AA Saturday November 19th 2016

Round 8 Regional Championships Darley Moor, Ashbourne DE6 2ET Sunday December 4th 2016

Round 9 Bakewell Showground DE45 1AQ (Matlock CC Organised Round) Tuesday December 27th 2016

Round 10 Broxtowe Country Park, Nottingham NG8 6GT Saturday January 14th 2017

Round 11 Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, NG9 5HA Nottingham Saturday January 21st 2017


Please remember to print your name clearly on the entry sheet as the judges form the results from the names on the sheet and remember to put Matlock CC as your club as every ride counts towards the Harry Gould Club Participation Trophy at the end of the season which the club can win!

Information on how to decide what age category you or your child is in is here:
http://www.ndcxl.org.uk/new/age-categories/

Anything else please just ask as we have lots of experienced members who will be pleased to help.............