cyclonoobie has questions

[madman91]

Hello,
I'm sorry for asking this question as it is probably all over this forum and all over the web but anyway...

What is cyclocross? Is it like regular road racing with road bikes but on grass, dirt , rocks? Or am i mistaking this with cross country.

Thanks

[Lectron]

Take a look here (http://www.cyclo-cross.com/index.htm) and here (http://www.cyclocrossworld.com/)

[Toasted]

Okay, now for some specific questions since I'm now confused and feeling stupid instead of simply ignorant:

1) are they actual tracks set aside for cyclocross like velodromes for track racing or do they simply rip apart a fine piece of land?

2) how is it possible to maintain balance while riding through that kind of turain while in a road bike style "attack position", or is that why they say these people are "the top cyclists"?

3) is it possible to enter the sport for fun as a "weekend warrior" since it looks like so much incomprehensible fun?

4) how does one get that much mud from their drive train? I can't get the sand out of mine from a trip to the beach last october and I've replaced almost everything already.

Thank you for your generous patience.