I have a question about dismounting for cyclocross. If you dismount to the left side, do you unclick your left foot before you transfer to the left side or do you do it right before you step off the pedal? The reason I ask is I have not practiced this before, I just gave it a whirl at Cruise The Blues and just about bit it hard. There were 4 of us fighting for position as we neared the shoot where we had to dismount before we ran through the scoring table. I was in second position and the lead rider did it and I guess I thought I would try it as well. We were coming in really hot and I think I started to panic as I tried to unclick with all my weight on the left pedal and my foot didin't want to come out. I started to tighten the brakes and was only feet away from the large metal cattle gates as I dropped my right foot to the ground somewhat behind me and this allowed people to see I hadn't done this before . I was able to shake loose my left foot at this point and run my legs back under me, but I was sure that I was going to smash into the fencing, wouldn't that make a great picture?

Can someone tell me the right way to do this so that I can practice this some?

I don't know much about CX, but I've always had pretty fast dismounts using the "hit the ground with my face" method. Re-mounting the bike is always a little slow after one of those though. Also makes for a good picture.

Here is a link that will give you some ideas. Google for more. I am terrible at it, maybe someday I will learn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfieEG8b_Dk

Mark I believe they call that the 5 stitch method, did they ever call you to come clean your blood off their rocks? If they do, I'll go with you and we can ride again!!!

John, thanks for the info, that will help a lot. Now I just need to practice, practice, pratice.

Mitch, you unclip on right and and step the right leg over, the unclip on left as you dismount.

It takes practice!