We've got the fever. After the Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross kicked off September, we've been itching for more 'cross action in a part of the state that's a bit starved for barriers, pits, and tubulars.
We love mountain biking; it's really sort of our thing. But after tipping our proverbial toe in the cyclocross waters earlier this month, and with days getting shorter and shorter, having cyclocross as a rather torturous training tool has been pretty darn nice. One of the beautiful and convenient things about the sport is that you can make a circuit just about anywhere, and use sections or entire laps for your interval training. Between family time and volunteering with the Norte Youth Cycling Farm Team, we've only got so much spare time, and 'cross has really helped us make the most of it.
That's why we whipped up the new Portable Barriers. The bad dads stick in the ground and make a perfect perch for any width PVC pipe or broomstick you might have handy. The best part is that you can put them flat against sech other in a backpack and take one or two pairs with you and toss them up whenever you have time. From the front yard, the cul-de-sac, or the local park, you can make a solid cyclocross course with barriers ready to rock in just a few seconds.
They're also a great learning tool for clubs and kids. The penalty for hopping a little short is limited to the shame of having to go back and put the bar back up; no skinned knees or missing teeth like on a more permanent barrier. Each kit comes with a 24" PVC pump, a length we picked for two important reasons. First, it's wide enough to make sure you're never directly over either of the metal parts of the barrier, and second, that's just long enough to fit in a backpack with about 8" inches sticking out, so you can truly bring everything with you without hassle.
The Portable Barrier is up in the store right now, so pick up a few and get 'cross wherever you can, whenever you can!
Got another crazy idea? Let us know and we'll see if we can crank out some more cool stainless steel tools to help you raise your gear!