first race coming up

[Surferbruce]

i want to try out a local race coming up. i've only been back on a bike for a couple weeks but still think it would be fun. i did used to mtb a lot and did some local mtb races like 15 years ago(pre suspension era, i'm 35 now) but it's all pretty new again.
there is a beginner class and master35+. i assume i would be in the beginner class(25 min sounds better than 45min right now for sure) but are the beginner class usually all ages? i assume i can contact the organizers but in general are masters classes usually just an older elite/experienced group or a catch all for anyone 35-45?
theres also a clinic for the beginners that morning which should be helpful.

[NEthingbutlast]

i would race the beginners class if i were you. cyclocross races are a lot harder (depending on how hard you push yourself) than they appear. if it's just master's and not master B's and master A's...definitely race beginners. them masters are fast! master B's are typically as fast or faster than the majority of the C racers (minus the sandbaggers).

i would suggest going to the clinic if you've never raced before. it should give you a good feel for the course and let you see what your going to have to go thru before your eyesight goes all blurry and you can't breathe.

if you haven't raced before, just go out there and have a good time. start towards the back, let the people that are coming up from behind pass you, and just enjoy the pain. it's temporary.

[BlastRadius]

Masters A's or B's are (I've been told) older racers, and in the Bay Area here, some ex-National Champs.

[arctic hawk]

My first racing experience was last season. Had such a great time that I am back for more.

In my home province of Quebec, there isn't that many participants. So as a beginner, I was lumped in with Master A / Vet A (age group really 30-39 as far as I know) & fought it out for 1hr + 1 lap. Still, many of the riders shouted words of encouragement as I struggled along my merry way.

So, from one beginner to another, go out, keep an open mind, & have fun!

[moose1]

I'm considering my fist cylcocross race, too...this one is near where I work in VT in November (http://www.westhillshop.com/cross04.htm).

For any New Englanders out there, here's a list of '04 races from N.E.B.A.. http://www.ne-bra.org/schedule/2004/.