Cyclocross Racing - More Noob 1st Race Q's

I'm new to cycling in general, and very new to cross. But, I'm planning on entering my first race this weekend (I'm starting to freak out), and I don't have any idea what I'm doing.

If I get there early, will they let me warm up on the course? The women's race is the first one, so no one else should be on the course. How early should I get there?

Are there any rules or items of etiquette that I should know before I set out? Places that you should/shouldn't pass other riders (assuming I have the opportunity to pass someone)? I'm assuming that I need to yield to faster riders. Anything else I should know? Tips, suggestions? I'd appreciate anything I can get...

Thanks!

And I have no spare wheels. Do I need to provide the pit folks with a tube in case of a flat?

Elliot - where are you racing? Is there a series down near you? Or is this for the chicrosscup in Bartlett this Sunday?

I wouldn't worry so much about the pit thing at this point. Just get out there and have fun!
As far as etiquette, don't go in to corners too fast and then lock up your brakes. Pass when you can, but keep it safe (are you racing 4s?).

I just wanted to finish my first race - and I was able to with only washing out twice, and one of those times was b/c I was goofing around. Lesson learned.

Bubba cross series in St. Louis. I'm racing in the "women's" category, which appears to be at the same time as the men's 4s.

Don't worry. I'm not going to be overly ambitious. My goals (in order of priority):
1.) survive
2.) finish race
3.) not break bike
4.) not break myself
...
23.) not make a fool of myself

Really, if I can accomplish the first two I'll be really happy. If I get the first three, I'll be ecstatic.

Ooh. Are there rules about water bottle cages? I've noticed that some racers don't have any at all. Don't you need water over the course of a 40 minute race?

water cages are a fashion faux pas in 'cross, but I saw an elite guy who just put one in his rear jersey pocket (actually the cages get in the way of shouldering your bike)

just drink plenty the night before and right up to the event, and you should be alright.

if anything, worry less

I trained for my first race a little too zealously and tweaked my outer right knee with fast dismounts and leaping over pretend barriers at the high school track, plus I ended up overestimating my abilities and wiped out

the beginner class is pretty relaxed and 75% of them are there for fun

most everyone pre-rides the course to get a feel for the cornering, nothing like a nasty surprise stump to send you flying

First, hope you had a blast.:D Second, how'd you do on the goals 1---23?

I did have a blast. Of course, someone asked me the same question just as I was limping away from the finish line, and I had a somewhat different answer. But, having had a shower, a good night's sleep, and lots of water, I'm feeling much more positive, although I'm in significantly more pain today.

As far as my goals, I'd say I more-or-less acheived 1-22. My bike definitely finished with things in different places than they were in before I started, but I think I've gotten most stuff back to normal function. Had a pretty cool wipeout off the top of a triangular-shaped dirt mound, but it was a relatively soft landing, and I think it screwed up my bike more than me. Finished the race, didn't technically DFL (6th out of 7 women--what a sausage fest!!!), although I think the chick I passed ended up quitting on the last lap. Goal 23 was probably a lost cause from the very start. I got some pointers from some real-life crossers on how to do dismounts/remounts, which will probably be very helpful. Until this point, everything I know about cross was gleaned from the internet--I can't find any local crossers. :'(

Overall, definitely a positive experience, and I will definitely do it again after I save up the money for the ridiculously expensive entry fees and after I've gotten better with the dismounts. More cowbell!

congrats!

congrats!

+1!!!

Glad to hear your race report. Remember EVERYBODY wipesout in CX(even the experts), it's part of the fun:D. I'm guessing that "more cowbell" means you'll be doing more races, good for you!

I wonder what a cross country race is like...all the races i've ever been in were in the street(wit traffic) or in parks on pure concrete