jtakaki20

So I'd really like to get into some races next season, my only hesitation is that I'm a Double Bass performance major and I'm not worried about breaking my wrists (I probably should be though), I'm just curious on a scale of 1-10 (ten being most dangerous) what is the risk level of me breaking something? In my opinion it doesn't look like that would be a big risk factor, but what do I know. What are some of your worst or most interesting injuries/spills from racing?

Cynikal 

I went over my bars twice last season and got up and finished the race. The only thing that was hurt was my pride (and not by much). Jerseys look better when they are dirty anyway.

Andy_K 

I think it depends on how aggressive you are. I've noticed that the faster guys seem to crash a lot more than I do.

I raced 14 times last year and crashed twice. I didn't hurt myself either time. I did pull a calf muscle in the second race of the season that hobbled me for a few weeks, but that's got more to do with me being 40 than with cyclocross being dangerous.

Overall, I wouldn't be surprised if cyclocross is the safest form of bike racing. Crashes are more likely than in road racing, but mud and sand tend to be much more forgiving than asphalt. I'd give it a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10.

gfactor

You're going slower and the ground is softer. Maybe train to keep your hands on the bars?

Justleaning

I crashed almost every race. lol Seriously though, its a roll of the dice. I know a guy who broke his leg the 2nd CX race of the year. That being said I'd say its safer than the road.

justin70

What are the consequences if you are forced to take unforeseen time off?

flargle

He'd have to give up his recording session of duets with Anna Netrebko.

DinoShepherd

I race C-X, MTB and Road.

C-X has the lowest danger factor of them all.

If you are doing it right, the biggest risk is having your heart or your lungs explode, which has almost happened to me twice.

-Z