Which class should I ride?
 

I'm new to both cross and racing in general. I'm doing my first race at the end of the month and am wondering which class I should sign up for. The race is the Hillbilly Hustle which is an NJBA race that has two classes that I could possibly sign up for: Men Cat 4 Masters 40+ and Men C (Cat 4).

The difference seems obvious, but I've heard/read that "Masters" classes tend to attract guys who've had many years of racing experience (not necessarily CX only), whereas the regular Cat4 races tend to attract those of us who are total noobs. The series does have a Masters 40+ class too that I know I'm not qualified to race in. Am I confusing the two Masters 40+ classes? Which class would a 43yo total noob be more likely to race against those in his similar situation and fitness level?

Thanks for any info.

I would go for the Cat 4 Masters. The top racers in that division will probably be much faster than you, but there will almost certainly be other racers at your level. In my experience, the main difference between C and Master C is that the younger guys tend to be more aggressive and take more risks. What that translates to is guys passing you right on your hip in tricky sections. The Masters generally wait until they have a clear opening.

I agree with Andy - go with the CAT 4 Masters - it's actually a very rare thing to find one of these categories in a Cross race around here so take advantage of it. The regular CAT 4 will be full of experienced road riders who are new to cross - but are coming off a full season of racing - and they'll be a lot younger and faster. The regular masters category will have ex-pro's / Elite riders. (FYI - in the Nittany Lions race this past weekend, the 45+ year old Masters category had some of the fastest times in the race.) CAT 4 Master is the way to go. Have fun!

go Masters 40+, I looked up the race and its at 8am instead of 3pm for open 4's. You can pre-ride the course before your start (try to pre ride from 715 to 745am). The 3pm is the last race and the course will be pretty chewed up by then. You could see the lines you want to follow but I like the pre ride advantage of the am race. Racing early also gives you the rest of the day to watch football

Thanks for the advice. I just signed up for the Men Cat 4 Masters 40+. We'll see how it goes and I can always change my racing class for the next race of the series. Looking at the registration, I figure any heat with a monetary prize is probably overreaching at this time. Then again, I may be wrong. But you gotta start somewhere.

The later race time doesn't bother me. I'm planning on getting there in time for a morning preride, and will be able to check out the course well beforehand. The family's psyched too. Now I owe my wife a cowbell. :thumb:

good luck, you can normally jump on the course after the leaders pass on their last lap. check with officials beforehand but that's the standard practice around here. Just try to stay out of racers way. Get to the line 10 min early