Tim’s Tips for the Cannondale Oktoberfest Challenge

Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Have you joined Cannondale’s Oktoberfest with Tim Johnson Challenge? Are you wondering how in the world you’re possibly going to get all those hours in over the next three weeks?

Tim took a second between races to share a few CX-themed tips for you:

• CX season is all about using the fitness you’ve built during the spring and summer the right way – make it last! If intervals aren’t your thing then don’t sweat it. Bail on the workout and go cruise into (and through) your local trails. CX bikes are meant to be ridden all over.
• Bring a real pump (not just CO2′s). You want to have high pressure for the road on a CX bike, but also may want to let some air out for the dirt/gravel/grass/mud you know you’re going to encounter. It only takes a second and can be the difference between liking it and loving it.
• Looking for an extra chunk of time before the time change? Extend your commuting route to include the path/trail/park/dirt road that MIGHT bring you back out at that road; You know, that road…the one you want to be on to get home… eventually.
• The difference between a CX bike and a road bike is this: a road bike is made for speed and distance. A CX bike is made for speed and discovery. Discovery of a place, a mindset or a pain level! Don’t let me scare you!

- Tim

We’ve had some solid rides already over the weekend, with over 15,000 hours already logged! What’s your plan for getting the hours in? Cramming some big rides on the weekends? Upping the number of rides per week? Both? Let us know your plans in the comments below!