Sorry about this Steve, Riders who score points in the Notts & Derby league are all members of the league - either through their club or private membership. Membership is open to any club or individual based in either of the two counties. I can only guess that you have not spoken to Harry Gould (the Treasurer) and joined for this season. This would be the only reason that Russell (who compiles the table) would leave you out. I don't really know what to suggest you do. It's unlikely that the other riders or the officials would be keen to have to go back through those races altering everyone's scores at this stage. In the past I don't think we've gone back more than a couple of races in early season - but now we are at round 12.
Try speaking to Harry Gould or Russell Cox at the races. I hope this isn't as heart breaking as I fear it might be.

Listen up!
As organiser of many events and the best ever National Trophy to happen on December 12th at Mallory Park - I just want to point out a few things. I have had a lot of entries sent to me on all sorts of forms with cheques made out to all types of names of organisations!!! Hey guys and gals - read the book will you - the National Trophy is co-ordinated by John Burney the central organiser som I dont like wasting my valuable time sending things all over the place. Get organised you cross boys! Another important point is that entry to the Mallory circuit on the day will be £1 for everyone over 16 years old - even if you are racing. I bet this will start the whinging - well guys, we get the circuit for nowt so the £1 goes back to Mallory to say thanks - still cheap,raciong an entertainment. if anyone starts dodging beware!!!! The ticket checkers are out and if you didnt buy one you will be thrown out and embarrased by me on this site - dont let me loose this venue as I want a world cup event here soon.
Martin Eadon. National Coach/Team Manager - Organiser.

Tyre'd of falling off
Being relativley new to the sport of cyclo-cross, I am unsure of what tyres to use in what condtions. As I find myself constantly sliding and falling off on grassy/muddy corners even though I am going slower than the people around me, who seem to be managing O.K.
Perhaps its my skills, or rather lack of that is affecting my performance.
I would appreciate it very much if you could offer me some advice.
Paul Mace
(Loughborough Students CC)

Paul,Sorry to take so long answering you. I hope my advice will still be useful.
There is a lot more to grip than tyres. Cornering line, poise on the bike (including weight distribution), the bikes geometry, and tyre pressure all probably have a greater effect than the small differences between the good cyclo-cross tyres out there.
But to stick to the point: From this time of year on it's soft going out there, and you need some vicious tyres. Michelin Mud tyres are popular and grippy, but they are a little wide so they can clogg up your bike in thick mud - there are thinner equivalents from Verdestine and others. Tubs (tubular tyres glued to the wheel rim) can have the same aggressive grip and can be used at much lower pressure without risk of puncture - this improves the grip they offer. You must be careful to glue tubs on very securely because a rolled tub can end your race and cause a crash (tub tape is not enough). The most popular tubs are the modern equivalents of the old Barums; Planet-x's and Tufo's.
Fatter tyres gain their grip from the surface of the ground, which is less and less solid as the winter goes on. Thinner tyres cut further into the ground for grip, and also cause less clogging in mud. This is why MTB's wheels spin and clog up more than 'cross bikes. If we get any snow this winter then you'll find that this is greatly amplified. A thin layer of wet snow is almost impossible to ride on a fat tyre, but can be sliced through by a thin tyre to the earth beneath.
Really though, most improvement can probably be made by technique. Get used to feeling the bike slide on a corner and controlling it. See if you can train with some good riders during the week off-road, and see what they do different to you. Check your position on the bike, and make sure that you're ready to move your weight around to get the grip.
I hope this is of use.
Vin Cox

How to score I've been doing the Notts and Derby League events for a couple of years now, although not 'troubling the scorers', while a couple of clubmates have shown a bit more potential.
A Matlock CC rider put me on the spot on Saturday, waiting for the gun, asking why we haven't affiliated yet, explaining it was only £15 for us to start scoring points.
Can you let me know where we need to send money, and I can get our club affiliated.
In the meantime, your website is great, I intend to write a little piss-take of myself in the near future about how much fun cross is, even near the back, and I'll dial in a link to you. Our site is at www.teamspirit.org.uk if you fancy a look.
Regards, Martin Trouse
Team Spirit.

Matlock CC's own Harry Gould is the league treasurer. He will be able to take you clubs £15 and then you can all score points in the league. Shaven legged imps
We have a very interesting offer at the moment, which will interest cyclists and their families, we have a large quantity of Gillette Blue 2 disposable razors (twin blade fixed head) and we are selling them in bags of 10 for £1 Incl vat and postage!!!!
This will be a once only offer, so dont miss out get your order in quickly before they are all gone!!!!
Surf to the Impsport free ads page on our website for further details
website: www.impsport.com
email: info@impsport.com

Corrections for the league table
Russel,
With respect,I think if you check the league pointsfor race 6,Rory Screaton has 56 points, 10 too many and the same as S. Daxner. Also race 8 , Mark Blood has 56 points, 6 too many and the same as Dianne Moss. Sorry if this appears petty,but Rory's extra points could possibly affect 4 riders positions ( How ever lowly they may be. )
Regards Richard Malik.

Re - proposed MTB races
Tony,
I`ve just heard about your proposed Saturday MTB cross series to be held during the MTB season.Could you try and arrange your fixtures to take account of the Midland Super Series dates as many riders would like the opportunity to ride in both.The MSS dates were published in Cycling Weekly Week ending 9-1-99.
Regards Martin Wright.

Dear EMCCA,
First; congratulations on an excellent website. Second, I'm on the cadge!
Please may I have your permission to download two of your photographs on your "What's Cyclo Cross" page, to illustrate the Cyclo Cross results in our December edition of the club newsletter ('3 peaks' & 'start'). I would also like to add a link to your site from our own, which is currently under construction. I will in any case publish the URL, in the newsletter.
Yours in sport,
ROY BAZELEY
Newsletter Editor, Membership Secretary
Roy,
Anything on this site is yours to do what you like with, and you don't have to ask permission - but it's nice that you have asked. Please do link to us, and I'll happily return the favour.

Important questions
Loved the Strawberry Hill Course. Why could no-one take over the event 14.11.98 ? This sort of course is so much more enjoyable than a slog round a playing field (Moorways / Sutton Lawns, etc).
Neil Langham, Watnall
PS - Why was there a lack of first aid at the event ?
Thanks for the comments on courses.
First aid is the responsibility of the organiser, most simply invite the St Johns Ambulence to turn up in return for a donation. It's not unheard of for the first aid to just not arrive - and there's little to be done about it.
When an event has been in jepordy in the past the organiser has been able to rely on vast amounts of help from the league if his club could not help. The same was true in this case and was explained to various Plains Rider people. In the end they were quite determined to cancel, and the notified riders directly rather than alowing the league to take command.

That's the spirt!
Do not let the BCF interfere in cross. In my opinion they are a bunch of incompitant donkeys with zero organisational skills. They will dessimate cross like they have dessimated mountain biking. Take last years so called NPS series as an example. They will bring with them their greedy band of organisors charging extortionate entry fees and even car parking charges to park in muddy fields.
Say NO to the BCF. Why were they at the Nottingham meeting.
Malc Parr
The BCF gave us free use of PA equipment. We had to accept this to limit losses to below £1000. They seem to have no such finacial problems(!) acording to Cycling Weekly 6/11/98. [ed]

Flood-lit evening race
Please promote this event on your site and at the N&D races:
Thursday 19th November
Floodlit Cyclo-Cross Races
Quibell Park, Scunthorpe
Under 12's - 6:30pm - FREE
Youths - 6:50pm - 2
Sen/Jun/Vet/ATB/Ladies - 7:30pm - 5
Contact Mike Ward (01427) 874161 or Dan Ellmore at Impsport - (01522) 500505 email Dan@impsport.com
Many thanks, Dan Ellmore

Studs@Loughbrough (so my sister calls 'm)
Hello, I am the secretary for the Loughborough Students Cycling club for this year. As we have had quite a few riders taking part in the Notts and Derby League and the Leicester Leagues, I thought it was appropriate to add a link to your site which will be done in the next couple of days. If at all possible, could you place a link to our site, which although shall be moving to the university Athletic Union server in the next five weeks, is updated daily and provides vast range of information on races, results and LSCC.
Yours, James Lloyd
Web link

Foreign correspondence
Dear Sir, Thanks a lot for the information about your race. I have included your site on our link page. It is listed under 'Other Countries' as the last category on the page. You have the honour to be the first Cyclo-Cross Race to be on our page. If you know some other Professional Cyclo-Cross pages I have to include contact me.
If I have more links about Cyclo-Cross maybe I can make a special Cyclo-Cross links page.
My regards J. Christiaan Bol
Infostrada BV Homepage
Sports Databases, Multimedia, Statistics and Infographics.

A happy fellow
Thanks for a better course at Shipley yesterday, much more interesting. And thanks for altering the course at Moorways the previous week...I've always thought the bottlenecks favour the better riders, but cause chaos among the slightly lesser mortals - not that that affects me you'll understand, but I always feel sorry for those stuck in traffic jams. A word of apology from me about Shipley: I fetched a rider (No. 12 I think) off on the last lap. Sorry, but you too may reach the age of 64, so instead of huffing and puffing about it, you ought to consider getting off and checking us older-timers' pulse. You never know, we may have had a heart attack, and you may consider the thought that one day you, too, may grow old. Yours in sport and with tongue in cheek -
RON DUGGINS

"So called organisation"
excellent service getting the results on this quickly. Keep up the good work. Its a pity the other so called organisation the BCF isn't as efficient.
Your sincerley Malc Parr.

Blatent advertising
     Chris Parker calling, love the web site. Just a quick note really to let you know I'm now working at Peak Performance in Derby and we've got loads of Planet X cyclo cross tubs for sale at a proper price, we've got 28mm and 32mm rhino tubs at only 14.95 each, also anyone who wants any quality Trade name gear, we've got bibs at 22.00, tops at 18.00 and mitts at a fiver. I wont see you at the next event, PP is doing Snowboard show down at the NEC, but I'll probaly have a word in a fortnight.
Keep up the good work
Chris Parker.

You need to get on with this because the season is already half gone. Your plan to use the cross bike as a road bike will mean you can spend all your money on one bike, but it does mean your going to have to be able to fit a water bottle to it which could be a problem. Also it rather prevents you from buying an ALAN 'cross bike because their aluminium front forks flex so badly on tarmac.
Steve Grimwoods ELMY cycles (01473 255247) have a great reputation for supplying cyclo-cross bikes and equipment, so do Paul Milnes Cycles (01282 863017) who keep emailing their latest offers to me (and they sound good). Myself, I have to recommend COLNAGO (0802 690999). Expensive but otherwise unbeatable, my bikes so good it motivates me to get out and ride it.

Shocking crash
Thanks for the reply (see next letter), I wont be able to race this week, but hopefully I'll have a go soon. My son raced again last Sunday in Sansom wood and seems to be taking to it like a duck etc.
I heard a rumour that it was you in the crash on Sunday, It really shook all our family up after we had seen it. Whoever it was, I hope that they/you are OK and not suffering too much.
Cheers Steve Hand.

Thankyou for asking after me, and thanks to everyone else for doing the same at races recently. I am alright now. Amazingly, nothing was broken. Not even my bike. By tuesday I was back on the same bike training again. (I collided with a young spectator who wondered onto the fastest stretch of the course by the finish line. Many onlookers saw me cartwheel through the air at high speed, and then lie in pain for a long time on the ground.)

What's it all about?
Hi There,
I was talked into taking my son to Allestree Park for him to compete in the under 12's race last Saturday. All the family had a thoroughly good day out and hopefully he will be competing in a good few more races this season.
I am wondering if it is possible for myself to compete in a few races as an unattached rider. I have been reading the rules in the program, and it lookes as if I should have paid a 5 affiliation fee before the 1st September.
Can you advise me if I can join late and/or race in some races for the rest of the season, I can assure you that I will not pose any problem to at least the top 100 riders, I just need something more exciting than a trip into town to do on my bike.
You also asked if there was something we would like added to the program for the next issue. I would like to see the age ranges for all the vets catagories. Could you answer that on the e-mail as well as the other point above.
One other question is about the time of start on Saturday, we are assuming 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30 again, as it was at Alestree (Under 12's at 13:30).
Cheers Steve Hand.

There are standard times for starts of all Notts & Derby races, they are: Youth (u16)12:30, under 12s:1:30, and Seniors 2:15. At Allestre the Senior start was delayed to alow time for everyone to sign on.
Here's what to do if you want to ride in a race: Turn up with your bike and helmet and pay the entry fee of £8. It's that simple - anyone can just turn up and try it. (If you want to ride regularly or to count for the league then you would be best of joining a club and getting a rider registration card from the BCCA which takes the entry fee down to £6.)

Who remembers Richard?
Having been out of cycling for more years than I can remember it is good to have come across this site. Its good to see the cross scene is thriving.
As a former member of the Beauvale CC and a past regular cross rider I enjoy looking over the results even if its only to see how Harry Gould is doing against Don Flint. Having moved about the country a bit this last few years, and now living near Stockport, I have lost touch with all my old cycling buddies, so if any of you are reading this drop me and e-mail on whr9283@aol.com
Richard Walker
It's hard to picture you out of cycling, you used to organise an excellent event. [ed]

Show me the WOMEN!
Can anyone enlighten me to why the Womens Champs was not on last Sunday with the other Championships. It seems a shame that after fighting for so long for a Womens race to be recognised it has been shunted away from its proper place. What a cracking races on Sunday, i'm sure Ralph Digges would be looking down with a big smile for Steve's win.
Big field for the Vets Champs see you there?
Dave Mellor
I agree, see you there.[ed]

Kansas 'cross kid
HI, My name is Jake the snake I am 12 years old. I live In Topeka, Ks. I love riding Cycle-cross. I rode the SLIMEN unS CROSSEN last year and this year. the problem is there is no kids to ride with!! If there is any other cross races in my area Please let me now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SLIMEN unS CROSSEN
Sunday DEC. 6th Sunday JAN. 10th
(In the Lenexa, Ks, more info call Old Town Road track and trail-1-913-894-5588 or Joel Dyke-1-913-677-1807

Christmas coaching vid'
How about advertising my new video on your site and in the classified ads. Look out for the review in Cycling tomorrow and other monthly's.
This video is aimed at all levels and in particular the coaches and shows you how to train and coach the skills needed for cross. RRP is £19-95 and I will have copies with me at all events or contact me at address and numbers in BCCA hanbook or my email number. The video is very professionaly produced by a top company in digital format and was filmed on location at Aldersley Stadium a popular cross venue. Great for Xmas present, if you need more details then mail me. Thanks in adavance and congratulations on a fantastic site - great up to date and relevant information.
Best regards, MARTIN EADON. BCCA NATIONAL COACH.

If any one is interested
10th NOV - BCF SITE UPDATED! Includes latest ranking lists.
Ray

New to cyclo-cross
My son Oliver, aged 13 and I aged 42! are regular competitors in MTB races - but have never tried Cross. Oliver is a successful racer with u12 wins in Nemba and Diamond Back races but usually plays football in the winter.
Can we just turn up at an event and ride, can we use Mountain Bikes and do you have an adult novice category.
We live in Great Hucklow near Buxton - but having joined Buxton CC when we first moved here were dissappointed in the Club's attitude to offroad racing - who should we contact at Matlock CC ? Any other advice greatfully received!
David Holmes

Where's the results?!?
We are not getting a reply when we poll your fax. We have come through on the net and still can't get the result. What time will we be able to get them ?
Regards, Harry Gould
Sorry, it's up now. It's just that Viv has been using this computer for CV writing while I wanted to get the results typed in. [ed]

"IMP"ressive
Hi, Dan Ellmore from impsport here requetsing a link to our site: www.impsport.com please forward your full address and we will return the favour.
Also do you have afull result from the international, including the slowies like me who were lapped?? if so please attach it to an email and send it to dan@impsport.com
Thanks, Dan
I'm trying to get those results, and if I do they'll be posted on the results page [ed]

Bomb at Holme Pierrpont!!
Not Realy, I just find people read my e-mails if I put bomb in the subject!
Great website except for the gaping hole in the who's who! Hint Hint!! You could have put a message to Andy Naylor in to get him to shave off that drastic, sparse goatie! I'll keep checking for additions,
Alex Forrester

More praise
Dear Captain Excellent, Arrived at Ashfield Club night at Gate Inn Monday about 15 mins after opening time to find everyone sitting quietly. As I entered the room they leapt towards me shouting "have you got the results?!" I had earlier produced hardcopy of "cross@emcca" , the next 2 hours were spent analysing results, league tables etc. The Gate Inn is fairly low tech, in response to "have you got the Internet?" we get "electric or hand pump?" so Steve or Ray have to produce prints and everyone waits for one of us to arrive. "cross@emcca has become the highlight of our club nights!
Many thanks, Ashfield RC

Welsh have races + internet too!
Could you add this link to our events list for the Welsh Cyclo Cross season. (Also on Netscape Win95, your navigation text comes out blue on your blue fade backgroud, so it can't be seen - can you change it?)
Dr Mark W Jones

The link is added in the links area. And the navigation bar will soon be corrected. (The nav' bar problem is caused by my using a style sheet, it makes my job easier, but it seems there are too many browsers that don't recognise them)

More online results!
Just a quick line to let you know that the EMCCA web site is an excellent idea and that the results are on the web so fast it's almost as quick as waiting around after the event.
Keep up the good work.
ADY DOBSON (Beauvale C.C.)maremo
P.S. Is there a possibility of posting the Team Positions as well, As most of us mortals won't ever get enough points to be in the running for the Trophies, But are still interested in the Team Results.

I don't want to stop anyone waiting for the results at the events, it would make that part of the day boring for me if you all clear off. Anyway, I will endevor to do somthing in the way of team results as you request, and I will also put an Excel spreadsheet file of each result downloadable for you all to play with.

Amendment
Round 3 result: Chris Bristow finisher 46 is ASHFIELD RC NOT MATLOCK CC + is there a league table for juveniles?
ray ashfieldrc

PANTS
Excellent web site, but I'm a bit disappointed that today's results aren't up yet. How long does it take to type in 130 positions, names and teams?
My only other complaint is that there were no pictures of your alluring red underpants from last year's presentation.
Keep up the good work.
Tina Parker

I know that cyclo-cross is a major growth sport in the USA at the moment, but I don't know where its strongholds are. I'm British you see, and so I've only got experience of a couple of European countries where we have plenty of races. I regularly go to two races a weekend near me.
Search out the riders, clubs and races near you. Ride your bike, get to races, and organise a race if there are none near you. Keep at it and let me know how it goes.

Capital questions
I`M VERY NEW TO CYCLO-X, IN FACT I COMPLETED MY FIRST RACE LAST SATURDAY ATLEA GREEN (WHAT A NIGHTMARE),BUT THROUGHLY ENJOYED THE CHALLENGE. I WONDER IF YOU CAN TELL ME WHERE CAN WE GET THE RESULTS FOR LAST SATURDAYS RACE AT LEA GREEN
CAMERON DAVIS

Try the results page for the Lea Green race. I here it was a bit of a muddy day, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

No need to shout!
I have in my garage a PA System. ( 2 large acoustic horns, amplifier etc, will run for ages from a car battery, suitable for large sports field area). Could be used at a cross event. It belongs to Beauvale District Scouts who would appreciate a donation to funds. You will need to supply your own commentator. Anyone interested contact me at Ray@crstuart.fsnet.co.uk or see me at Notts and Derby Cross. Please give a few weeks notice. This is strictly on the basis of a low cost system with no guarantee of reliability etc but it should be OK.
Ray Stuart....Ashfield RC

FAST PRATS
As you know from last year i say what i think and dont hold back so here goes. Why is it that as soon as the youth race starts at a cross do quite a few brain dead morons who cant wait 30 mins decide to go out and practice the course. As a martial at the moorways cross i and other spectators saw the crass ignorance of these riders who are supposed to be top seniors ignoring the rules of racing, PRATS.
Secondly i also had reported to me by a tailender ( a position i know well, although i have never had any trouble because if i did i would take the rider out!!), that a certain top rider verbally abused him to get by even though the said rider did not give any instructions like left or right. ANOTHER PRAT. Were do these so called top riders think their prize money comes from. This situation dosnt bother me much as i know when riders are coming and tend to tell them which side to pass me on but woudnt it be a shame if the Notts and Derby lost riders to this kind of aggresion. Were would the so called top riders get there wedge from then. Its not all the top riders who are like this but the odd one or two who in my opinion are not good enough to be a top rider and certainly not as good as the tailender he abused. I was told the name of the offending rider but the tailender didnt wish it to go further. I will not name him here but he was a Matlock rider. The tailender was lucky it wasnt me or he would be wearing his wheel as a collar. all the best
Malc.

There are no good solutions to the over crowding problem. What ever is eventually done will be unpopular. Our races appeal to all abilities and ages, but the nature of the sport is that we all have to fit on to a 6-8minute long twisty course. The guys at the front are so fast that they often lap some riders 3 times in the 50mins.
I hope that the top guys aren't forgetting that the slower riders have just the same rights to be there, and that if they weren't then there wouldn't be a race.
Judges have to be able to work out what's going on, and so many riders and so much lapping push them to the limits.

Crossing the road
I'm a cat 2 roadie who wishes to start cross racing. I'm hoping to use it as training for my road season. I have managed to borrow a bike (or am in the process of trying to borrow a bike!) and would like some help/advice on getting started. I came across your TNT series and it looked like a good introduction. Would it be suitable for riders like myself? I live in Loughborough.
Thanks for your advice,
Simon Marshall

Yes, come along. 7.30pm every tuesday. It'll do you good and help you to get more out of the races you do. Given time, you might start treating road as trainig for cross.

Uncle Ben is a MTBer
Tell me whether there are any off-road mountain bike competitions in Derby for novices,
Uncle Ben
- Well Uncle, you can ride a mountain bike in any of these cyclo-cross races we're on about. Why not come along and watch one to see what it's all about.
Also, there is talk of a couple of summer race series for mountain bikes that will have all the details on these pages - so stay tuned.