cyclocross in BC (lower mainland) -- newbie questions
 

I've been thinking about trying cyclocross this season and would like to hear from anyone with Vancouver-area experience.

I looked at the Cycling BC website and saw the 2010 calendar, the BC Cup series, the Ins and Outs FAQ and all that. But I still have questions.

How newbie-friendly are the BC races?
Is registration always same-day?
Can you show up with your MTB and expect to ride in the Citizen section?
How early do you go in order to pre-ride the course?
Can you pre-ride the course if you're not planning to enter the race?
Are there any 'cross practice rides or clinics in the Fraser Valley area?

All answers are appreciated and in case my screen name has you worried, I'm not planning to ride my folder.

:)

For the most part the BC races are pretty newbie friendly. Not as good as the Eastern Ontario ones put on by the Ottawa Bicycle Club, but to be fair, I don't think *any* are.

You will be fine with an MTB, make sure any bar ends are off though.
Pre-Ride - Well before the first race starts. Especially if you haven't raced much 'cross, it really helps to ride the course. I'd show up towards the beginning of registration and then start pedaling around.
Pre-riding and not entering - Some people get grumpy about it, but go for it. As long as you're off the course when the race is on, no one is really going to care. Besides, there is no better way to actually see what cross is about than trying a lap or two on a real course.

I don't know of any clinics or practice rides, but I'd be surprised if there weren't a few around. Hopefully someone will pipe up if they know.