A question about cyclocross

[ostertoaster85]

What should I do as far as hydration? Waterbottles seem like a bad idea because they add to the weight of the bike that I have to lift. A hydration pack seem excessive for the lenght of the race. Is the race short enough that I can do it without water? It will probably be colder out, so I won't sweat as much as usual.

[mtnbykr]

if you do the c race [30 minutes], skip the water. the race will be over before you need to drink.

if you do the b race [45 minutes] find someone to hand you up a bottle when you need 1. i have used a small camelbak and found it works really well. one bottle on your seat-tube works good also. the bottle will get lighter as it gets empty....

try both ways in practice and see which works best. the bottle on the bike might get in the way when you pick up your bike for the barriers. the camelbak/bottle might get in the way if you shoulder your bike for run-ups.

hydrate well before the race also.

k