Just curious what conditions/terrain prompt you to shoulder the bike. Around here, it is extremely rare to see anyone shoulder, regardless of what class the race, the conditions or terrain.

From what I've observed, I've just always assumed that it is more economical to hold the bike to the side when going through barriers (and in fact set the bike down between barriers and just hoist it over each barrier.) I've just gone along with what I see, so I almost never shoulder.

I'm not sure if I'm just carrying the bike wrong in the side position or what, but I have a hard time running through the barriers. It feels darn clumsy trying to hold the bike out to the side and run. It seems like I'm always hitting my right shin on the pedal, or fighting to get the bike high enough to clear the barrier.

Would it help me if I learned to shoulder quickly and cleanly and used it more often for long/mutliple barrier runs, or just save it for really nasty steep run-ups? What do most of you do?

thanks,
Todd

and that's about it.

just long runs in general. last wknd there was a race with a long flat dry run in it, and i tried both on my shoulder and rolling it, and i was able to run faster with it on my shoulder.

jeremy

Just curious what conditions/terrain prompt you to shoulder the bike.

I shoulder any time I have to take more than 12 steps (three barriers). I get off the bike for a) barriers, b) run-ups, c) mud that's not runnable, and d) tricky spots that are just faster to run. For all of those I use the 12 step rule.

If there is sand, mud, stairs, rocks, roots, or holes that would cause you to waste energy pushing or hoisting the bike, then I'd shoulder it. Also, there seems to be a certain steepness to an incline where it seems more efficient to carry. I'll push the bike on longer or more gradual hills, but many times these hills are borderline to just ride. Also, I think if you are a smaller person, it is sometimes better to push than carry.

Just curious what conditions/terrain prompt you to shoulder the bike. Around here, it is extremely rare to see anyone shoulder, regardless of what class the race, the conditions or terrain.

From what I've observed, I've just always assumed that it is more economical to hold the bike to the side when going through barriers (and in fact set the bike down between barriers and just hoist it over each barrier.) I've just gone along with what I see, so I almost never shoulder.

I'm not sure if I'm just carrying the bike wrong in the side position or what, but I have a hard time running through the barriers. It feels darn clumsy trying to hold the bike out to the side and run. It seems like I'm always hitting my right shin on the pedal, or fighting to get the bike high enough to clear the barrier.

Would it help me if I learned to shoulder quickly and cleanly and used it more often for long/mutliple barrier runs, or just save it for really nasty steep run-ups? What do most of you do?

thanks,
Todd

If you're short, it might make more sense to shoulder or to pick the bike up by the down tube (sort of a modified shoulder). Example here: http://www.pbase.com/dens/image/49818762

according to the long run up or more than 12-steps rules, TN2, you'll be shouldering all day long on my courses this year. :)

von, TN2 is not short, he's just about tall, or something.

ps TN2, i remember nearly having to shoulder you on Mt. Magazine a couple years ago. my, where has the time gone?

according to the long run up or more than 12-steps rules, TN2, you'll be shouldering all day long on my courses this year. :)

von, TN2 is not short, he's just about tall, or something.

ps TN2, i remember nearly having to shoulder you on Mt. Magazine a couple years ago. my, where has the time gone?

The "shouldering all day long" option is under serious consideration. I'm really a runner in cyclist clothing anyway, right? ;)

No, I'm not short - just weak. Combined with a 28 pound bike, that seems to be my problem. I have to say I tried carrying by the downtube as suggested by Vonteity, and that may be the ticket for shorter runs.

Mt. Magazine? Ugh... bad memories. Apparently not bad enough though. I actually "plan" to ride Magazine immediately, as in hours, after my next cross race over in Russellville. Must maximize the suffering to travel time ratio, no?

Mt. Magazine? Ugh... bad memories. Apparently not bad enough though. I actually "plan" to ride Magazine immediately, as in hours, after my next cross race over in Russellville. Must maximize the suffering to travel time ratio, no?

good memories for me, i got to watch you vomit and strange passers-by ask if you needed emergency medical attention. ;)

that was the weekend i first got my merckx elite, and just a few weeks after that second "A Perfect Circle" cd came out. remember my passenger? ouch.

hurt me bad

LOL you marathoners don't know when to quit, do you? in all honesty i probably will be taking it fairly light on the courses this year, particuarly the barriers, and letting the park speak for itself. bring the hills.

setting up short barrier runs, instead of massive ones, and spending more time plotting and marking the course (180* turns, off-camber stuff, etc) makes for a more fun course for both racers and organizers.

i'm jealous of mt. magazine this weekend, but am not in shape to tackle that one, just yet. give me a month or so.

Just curious what conditions/terrain prompt you to shoulder the bike. Around here, it is extremely rare to see anyone shoulder, regardless of what class the race, the conditions or terrain.

From what I've observed, I've just always assumed that it is more economical to hold the bike to the side when going through barriers (and in fact set the bike down between barriers and just hoist it over each barrier.) I've just gone along with what I see, so I almost never shoulder.

I'm not sure if I'm just carrying the bike wrong in the side position or what, but I have a hard time running through the barriers. It feels darn clumsy trying to hold the bike out to the side and run. It seems like I'm always hitting my right shin on the pedal, or fighting to get the bike high enough to clear the barrier.

Would it help me if I learned to shoulder quickly and cleanly and used it more often for long/mutliple barrier runs, or just save it for really nasty steep run-ups? What do most of you do?

thanks,
Todd
I almost never just roll the bike along, untill I am about to jump back onto the bike. I carry it beside me over most barriers, but for runups, or unrideable sections, happens more often when ridding fixed, I usually shoulder, takes less evergy usually. It also frees your arms up better for better running form. Do be careful about pedal and crank position when shouldering a fixed bike, the pedals might still be moving and hit you in the stomach or back.

If you're short, it might make more sense to shoulder or to pick the bike up by the down tube (sort of a modified shoulder). Example here: http://www.pbase.com/dens/image/49818762

There are some great shots of you throwin' down the good stuff on that site! My faves:

http://www.pbase.com/dens/image/49818769
http://www.pbase.com/dens/image/49818773

A+

Philippe

I only shoulder on muddy hills or long hills and usually grab the downtube and throw it on my shoulder, can't seem to get my arm around the headtube otherwise I"d probalby do that.

I rarely shoulder it- mostly the quick "lunch box" carry an old cross pro showed me. It doesn't seem to effect my time either way, and I find that way to be easier for me- but it might be also due to the fact that I am a taller rider with longer arms.

:)