All the talk around the office is of how the summer has ended (it hasn’t, clearly, they’re just being negative) but whether one season is ending and another is beginning, one thing is clear; the cyclo-cross season is upon us.

Now, I’m only aware of this because of the sudden increase in amount of chatter about cyclo-cross bikes, what tubular tyres to run and chainring combinations. And I have to admit, it’s contagious.

It’s a funny old sport, is cyclo-cross. Modified road bikes with knobbly tyres no wider than 38mm seems gargantuan to the ‘roadie’ cyclists who frequent the sport that only takes place through the winter, but to us mountain bikers they still seem scarily narrow. Races take place on public parks, local woods or disused lumps of land and usually involve some sort of obstacle, be it a steep slope or wooden planks, that force riders to dismount and run. With the bike slung over the shoulder.

The last couple of years I’ve dabbled in cyclo-cross, only realising the season is underway sometime deep into the winter – when in fact it has been in full swing for months – and doing a mere handful of races. Before deciding it’s just too much hard work and sacking it all in and sticking to mountain biking around my local trails. And having fun.

But this year (might) be different. I’ve decided (I think) that I’m going to have a go at riding a full season (well most of it) of cyclo-cross in and around London. It remains to see how much of this (admittedly flaky) promise I can hold up, but I’m going to be more determined than past years.

Right, better dash, got a ‘cross bike to piece back together and give a service and clean to.