I know this may sound like a dumb question. I ask a lot of those on BF.
Why do most cyclocross races (at least the ones around here) only have Masters 35+ and Masters 45+ and no *older* categories? Is it because not enough older cyclists are interested in cyclocross?

Hell, ain't that old enough for you?

Nobody over 55 is dumb enough to think this is fun?

Fear of lawsuits / having guys die out there?

I'll let you know in a few years if I think I need another category.

I think most smaller races do that mainly due to low participation with older guys. My dad is 63 and races cross in the North East, and in the 55+ class they will get upwards of 20-25 guys in some races. Around here it is the 35+ and 45+ as well.

Thanks for the info.
I'll be 64 in less than 2 weeks and just got my second cross bike. Since I'm not stupid enough to ride in the 45+ category (I think the oldest rider is ~48) I just ride the cross courses (usually alone) and less technical mth bike trails. Maybe by the time I'm 70+ they'll have a 55+ or 60+ category around here.

We run a 30+, 40+ and 50+. In addition we run 1/2/3, 3, 4a, 4b....and women's 1/2/3, 4 and Juniors.

We were running the 30, 40, and 50+ all on the course at the same time - staggered by a few minutes, but it started getting too jammed up so they moved the 50+ to run with the women because their fields were so small.

It's most likely because of your field sizes.

They have SM45+ and SM55+ CX categories here in Colorado, for a number of races. Usually get 10 to 20 guys in each.

we have 55+ in our MABRA (mid atlantic, usa) series. it's a small field, usually less than half dozen riders I think. not enough 65+ guys yet to warrant a category just for them.

CX has only recently become popular in the USA. I think you will see more older riders as the current crop of racers mature.

-marc

In the OVCX we have 4's, 4's 35+, 4's 45+, 3's, 3's 35+, 3's 45+. All 3's run together, all 4's run together, but scored in their respective age category. Also Elite Masters 1/2/3 35+