cross

Cyclocross season is upon us, and that means training. Lots of training.

CX racing is all about technique, especially with technical sections and barriers to maneuver. Good technique could mean the difference between the place you’re in, and the one you want. And the only way to get there is through practice.

Like most cyclists, I prefer to ride my bike to the park, but it can be hard to negotiate traffic with oversized PVC pipes strapped to your back. So with the help of my father-in-law, Corky, and a little inspiration from the design of the Pony Shop barriers, we set off to create two compact, portable barriers. Here’s a step-by-step look:

REQUIRED PARTS:
2 – 10′ long 3/4″ PVC pipes (or 1″, whatever you choose)
2 – 3/4″ to 3/4″ PVC pipe connectors
4 – 3/4″ 90º “corners” with side 3/4″ threaded side outlet
4 – 3/4″ threaded to slip connectors
Miter box
Hacksaw
Fine grade sandpaper

STEP One
Cut twelve 18″ sections. Sand the ends – up to about 1″ up from bottom – with fine sandpaper. Some ends will act as a base and touch the ground, so don’t sand the ends of eight of your sections.

STEP Two
Using the Miter Box, measure a good spot to line up the PVC to make 45º angles for the base. Mark the box with pencil so all ends you’ll cut are the same. Create 45º angles on the non-sanded side of eight sections.

STEP Three
Put the connectors together. You might need to use channel locks to screw the threaded connector into the 90º corners. For each barrier, press one 18″ section deep into the middle connector for the top bar. Leave the other side “snug” (i.e. not pressed all the way in) so it comes apart easily for transport.

STEP Four
Put together like a Lego set. We chose 18″ sections so everything is easy to transport and made for easier math (Pythagorean theorem).

Our barriers are just over 13″ tall, come apart easily and fit nicely into a large Chrome bag (not the XL, mind you). Perfect for commuting.

We also developed a system with elastic so we could fold up the barriers like a tent pole, but it’s not necessary yet (we were worried about the barriers coming apart with any load during practice). Any improvements I make will show up here.

Thanks for all your help, Corky. It was fun working with you on this project. Now to get deep into my weekly practices…