Hi Kathy,

I saw that there was a ton of mud at the USGPCX race in New Jersey this weekend. How do you go about riding that stuff? Or do you? What do you do to get through it?

Yes, there was a ton of mud this weekend at the race!! Strategy for getting through the mud played a big part in the race so having and developing one before the race was imperative.

There are two options for getting through the mud: Ride it or run it. Based on the course lay out and what your strengths and weaknesses were you need to decide what you are going to do remembering that the course would likely change lap after lap. So what you decide to do on one lap may change on the next!

Once you decide whether you are going to ride it or run it, you then need to figure out how you are going to execute that.

If running is your choice method, you need to figure out if it is faster to suitcase the bike or to shoulder it. You also need to figure out where to get off your bike with out loosing too much momentum so you can make clean and quick transition from riding to running. You donʼt want to get off the bike after youʼve come to a stop!! If you can get off the bike before you come to a complete stop you will keep your momentum which is ideal.

If you decide you are going to try and ride the mud there are few things you can do to get through it depending on the length of the mud pit and how much power you have left in those legs of yours. As you are approaching the mud pit section here are some helpful tips for getting through it on your bike:

1. Get up to maximum speed before you hit the mud

2. Pick a good line thatʼs already exists in the mud

3. Go into it hard

4. Keep your head up

5. Look ahead to where you want to go

6. Lean back

7. Maintain and hold your momentum as long as you can!!!

Good luck out there!

Kathy Sherwin
Velo Bella - Kona Elite Cyclocross Team