CX n00b here... How do i get started?

[Psydotek]

So i'd like to try out a CX race this year. I've got the bike and necessary gear but all the licensing stuff confuses me (granted i haven't spent much time reading over the rulebook but it's still confusing). Do i just show up to an event, register, and race? Or is there more stuff i need to do about the licensing (like do i have to worry about getting the license before even bothering to show up to an event)?

I just want to get out there and race (and see how badly i do).

[92degrees]

You can buy a 1-day license at many (most?) races.

[flargle]

Where do you live?

Almost every local series offers a one-day license for a nominal fee (check to make sure). Ride the beginners race. Yes, you just show up, register, and race.

Before the race, watch the 4-part CX clinic vids on velonews and practice your remounts on an cheap saddle that you won't mind bending.
http://www.velonews.com/vntv/

[Psydotek]

Thanks!

I'm in southern california. I've scoured cyclocross world and socalcross for information and found a race near me to attend (prestige series race #2 i believe). I just don't want to show up to an event and be told that i can't race because of something i didn't know or should've taken care of beforehand.

I need something to do between triathlons.

[PDXJeff]

Here in Oregon we need an OBRA license (Oregon Bicycle racing Assoc.). It's 20 dollars for the year, or 5 dollars per race for a single day license.

The race series have there own registration fees. Usually around 20 dollars per race. I like to get there plenty early and get signed up before any warm up or course pre-ride.

Some series offer a series registration for a small discount if you want to sign up for an entire series, but my experience is that most people pay the 20 for the OBRA yearly license and then just pay for each race individually at the event.

Good luck, and have fun!

[gobes]

Go to the clinic on 9/16. Last year I had never raced cyclocross and was nervous about it. I attended a clinic that was two weeks before the first race of the season. After that I felt more confident going in to the first race.

As others have said, you can get a one-day license at the race. Do you have a 'cross bike or mountain bike? If you have a mountain bike just make sure that you take off the bar ends (if you have them). Other than that just bring your bike, shoes, and helmet and have some fun.

[Psydotek]

I have a cyclocross bike. But all it's seen is commuting duty so far... It needs some fun.