It’s September. The leaves are brown, whilst the mud underneath is soaked like a squishy upside-down cake. So what do you do? As for Ben and Jude, they successfully introduce what their rugged bikes to what they were created for – off-off-road cycling!
Cyclo-Cross (CX) is the term we’re getting all the more familiar with. The likes of Vos, tearing it up in all kinds of weather, and the advantage of discs for mixing up the commute as well as weekend undertakings have really taken off. And why not? Here in the UK, we have the weather conditions for it almost all day, let alone year round.
Herne Hill is a centre of all things good in South-London cycling. This season, two generations of Baroudeurs take part – father and son, making the most of a sunny-muddy day has to offer. The team at Herne Hill offer inductions and work you through the technicalities of rolling around in the wet stuff. It is advised that you do bring your bike with you; without it, you may be politely asked to leave. Mud wrestling is only allowed in the privacy of your own garden.
However, once with your bike, the closed-track is a maze of challenging terrain, braking control, high intensity; involving: jumping off, running, and jumping back on again. There’s so much going on in a such a short space of time; what’s not to like?!
