Originally Posted by flargle

Pish posh.

At least go to a local race and watch the C's before deciding. If you race and get your ass kicked, it will be good motivation for off-season training.Go to some spinning classes. Sounds a bit cheesy, but IMO is a great way to get into decent cycling shape. Also look for a local group ride that matches (or slightly exceeds) your level of fitness. Cyclocross-specific: get good at running. Also, get good at dismounting, carrying, and remounting the bike. Velonews currently has "cyclocross clinic" videos on its website. Watch them. And then go to the local park and practice those dismounts and remounts. I would use a cheap-o saddle for the CX practice and racing, because you'll probably bend the seat rails from not-so-elegant remounts.