OK, not this kind of dismount. Photo by Lauri Peil

So what’s one of the best things about watching CX? For me it’s the constant action. Throughout a course there are riders dismounting and tackling obstacles, remounting and accelerating away from a pack or racing across barriers with their bikes in tow on their shoulders or under their arms. Super fun to watch, but it can be daunting to attempt especially the first few times.

Basic Cyclocross Techniques – Dismount

While Cyclocross is centered on riding there are many additional components that make up this unique sport and below are some basic tips to get you started with dismounts, remounts and shouldering your bike. Keep in mind that the pros make it look easy and many of these skills are very difficult to master. The best way to improve is to find a spot with some cushion to dampen any falls, yes you will fall, I did lots, and then practice, practice, practice.

This isn’t me falling, but it might as well be. Photo by Lauri Peil

Unclip your right foot, swing your leg over, unclip your left foot and starting running, easy right? Not so much no. Here are a couple things to keep in mind while practicing your dismounts. First, do you really need to dismount? A basic rule is you only dismount and carry your bike during a race for two reasons; one you’re slowing down by staying in the saddle and you’d be faster just hoofing it. This may be a sand pit or steep incline that you could save some time by getting off quickly, getting through the hurdle and getting back on rather than shifting gears to power through and then having to shift back a minute later.  The second reason to dismount is that you cannot get past an obstacle without getting off. This could be barriers too high to hop or stairs or anything that actually prevents you from riding through it. So if you’ve met those criteria here’s how to get off as efficiently as possible.

Photo by Matt Steele

First; check your gearing. You want to remember that you’re getting off so that you can keep your speed up when you get back on. This is somewhat dictated by your personal preference and somewhat by the course. If you look beyond the obstacle and see a climb you might want to be a gear lower to save a shift while going up that incline, but if you see a flat open stretch you really don’t want to lose speed spinning and shifting when you could be accelerating past your competitors after you remount. So pay attention to your gear before you get to the dismount zone.

Once you’re ready to dismount there are two basic ways to do it. They both start with unclipping your right foot and swinging it over the bike to your left side while still coasting forward. For this you’ll stay clipping in on your left foot and both hands stay on the hoods for steering and balance. As you’re standing on your left foot with the bike on your right hip here’s where the two variations come into play. The preferred option by the pros tends to be that you bring your right leg between you left leg and the frame. This becomes your first step to the ground. As your right show impacts the ground you unclip your left and if done properly you are now in a running motion to pick up your bike and take step number two with your left. The trick with this is you have to fit you right leg between your still clipped left and the frame and when taking that step, unclip. If you don’t clear your leg and frame or unclip with your left properly be prepared for a tumble. The second method starts the same, you’ve unclipped your right, swung it over the back wheel and are standing on your clipped in left while you coast with your frame on your right hip. But instead of trying to thread the gap to take that first step your right foot touches down behind your left pedal and you kick out your left foot to clean the cleat and start your run. The downside here is you having to take an extra step behind and kick out your left foot rather than the more fluid first method. This way does tend to be most beginner’s natural approach. Try them both to see what works for you and feel free to flip your left or dismounts depending on your comfort and what the situation calls for. It’s a good idea to be comfortable in getting off to either side quickly and efficiently.