If there was ever an example of perfect timing, here it is:

Race Day: Packing Right, So You Don't Have to Pack It In - Cyclocross Training Tuesday

You don't need to worry about the tools, bike wash and stuff like that at this point.

What kills the experience for me is all the other stuff, not the race itself. If I get to the race late because I had to turn around and get my helmet, which I forgot, then I'm not having any fun until it's over.

I've been to races where people stop at the barriers, step over, then get back on and push off. Just remember, you're in the middle of a race and everyone has different goals. If you feel people coming up from behind you and you're struggling give them the right of way and everyone's happy in the end. Be predictable. Now, if you're in the thick of it and battling for places, elbows out and hold your ground.

If you're interested in technique before you go, there are pages from the JPow book, "Skills, Drills and Bellyaches" online. If you fall in love with CX, go buy it. Highly recommended. But until then, you can search using this table of contents:

http://www.cxhairs.com/wp-content/up...ampleIntro.pdf

If you search the book title, the skill and "pdf" you'll most likely find what you're looking for.