Cross Crusade - What Class Should I Race?

[david58]

I am a fat (6'2" x 215# Clyde), 53 yr old, BEGINNER. Never rode single track, or off road at all, until my first cross race on Saturday last.

I am debating the class to declare myself in the Crusade. The beginner fields are 100+, and that seems like a lot of moving road hazards. The Masters 50+ is even a larger field (numbers based on last year), but I wonder if it isn't safer for me to be at the back of that pack instead of being surrounded by folks at my skill level, or worse.

I am NOT competing to win anything - I just want to learn how to do this silly sport, enjoy the workout (am still fat, but 25# less fat than before April 23, when I bought my bike), and not get hurt or hurt anyone. I have two (repeat, 2) cross races under my belt, so I really am a beginner when it comes to skills - not trying to fool anybody, as I truly stink at this sport.

I appreciate your advice - and particularly want to hear from those of you that might have to maneuver around a moving road hazard like me.

[Andy_K]

The beginners are definitely the smallest field of the day -- by a lot. With 50+ you race with the Master B's, 60+ and juniors, so you end up with well over 200 guys on the course. I think that's the biggest group of the day, with the possible exception of the women. There will be more slow racers in the beginner race, and the top tier of the 50+ race will be faster. Of course, with the beginner race you run the risk of being passed by a unicyclist. Seriously, it happens.

Really, I think you can pick it based on what time you'd rather race. With the 50+ you get to sleep in later. I've talked to people about the issue of faster riders having to get around slower riders, and everyone I've asked, without exception, has been cool about it. The general feeling is that it's part of the race. As long as you maintain a predictable line, they'll get around you. If you're going to do something really slow, like coming to a full stop to remount, just try to be as far to the side as reasonable. The guys who are really fast will tell you which side they intend to pass you on. Respect that and you'll be fine.

You may also want to post this on the OBRA mailing list, which is very active -- http://obra.org/mailing_lists. There's also a Cross Crusade forum -- http://www.crosscrusade.com/forum/default.asp. People haven't really started posting there much yet this year, but I bet if you post your question you'll get some answers.

[david58]

Driving up from Albany, I kinda like the idea of sleeping in a bit. I have already registered for Alpenrose as a Beginner, but will cross-post and see what other folks think. As long as faster riders are cool with me being on the course (and they have been in Eugene), I'm cool with getting passed. Shucks, I find some of the best lines by following the guys that have just lapped me!