Cyclocross - Another beginner race question...

Thinking about doing my first ever CX race next weekend.

I've seen that many people have a pit person, and more then one bike, which they switch back and forth from. Is this common place?

I mean, I can handle the race. I raced BMX for a national sponsor for many years as a kid. I run marathons, duathlons, and have been doing 50 mile solo rides every weekend. I know I can handle the physical part, but I don't really know anybody else who races yet, and won't have a pit person. And I definitely don't plan on ever having a second bike to switch on. How over my head will I be?

Also, how well does a MTB helmet work during a race. Will the visor be annoying, or should I just buy a road helmet? I think I have most of the equipment I need as a beginner. I have a decent CX bike, but I'm unsure what spare parts to take with me. I suppose spare tubes would be good.

What other odds and ends will I need?

I like to be prepared, so any help would be appreciated.

chances are changing a tube is going to take you too long. you don't need any spare parts, but a spare wheelset would be helpful in case you do flat. mtb helmet will be fine, if you are annoyed by the visor take it off. i don't think a pit person in anywhere near necessary unless you are racing on the elite level (or have a friend/girlfriend/wife/boyfriend/husband/cousin/whatever that wants to go, but not race, and is willing to stand in the pit and help you out should you run into trouble).

you'll make friends, just give some high-fives on the start line and have fun.

How over my head will I be?You probably won't finish last.

Almost no amateur crossers have pit mechanics. Unless you are elite-level, it would come off as rather comical, in fact. A spare bike or wheelset in the pit is mostly just DNF insurance if you are concerned about series points. Unless you get real lucky and flat right near the pits, you'll be losing lots of time on a flat or mechanical.

Most local races have neutral mechanical support, so spare wheels or tubes is pretty much all you really need.

For pros with spare bikes and dedicated support, you switch off bikes at regular intervals because of accumulation of mud/dirt/grass. Again, a guy'd have to be really lucky to have the flat or mechanical right near the pit. In one race last season, Tim Johnson rolled a tubular. He popped it back on, then rode very carefully until the pits, where he changed bikes.

I've never seen anyone change a bike in amateur races, at the most you'll need a set of pit wheels.

Your fitness will be fine but it's the transitions where cx races are won and lost.