Cascade Cross Series - Race #1 Silver Lake

Two weeks after Vanier and my bright, green Marx Conditioning socks are clean and ready to roll again. With a few changes this year, including tomorrow's venue and some class changes, I'm excited. There's nothing like a new venure. It's an adventure, right?

Silver Lake, Washington near Maple Falls en route to Baker from Sumas

The new classification has me a bit confused. I get it but last year I raced in the "C" class and things went fairly well. I didn't cream the entire field but I certainly held my own. This year however, classification reads as follows:
Categories below are self-seeding, meaning that you choose the best race for you based on your experience, speed, endurance, and equipment.
If you are sand-bagging (racing in too low of category), people will heckle you and you won't do it again.
If you race in too high of category, people will feel your pain. However, you can downgrade at the next race if necessary.
In general:

• C Racers are absolute beginners to cyclocross, even brand new to bike racing, or fitness is not really your thing, but you like to get fit by coming out & just racing! That's totally admirable - sweat your brains out. Or just participate & have fun, with low pressure!
• B Racers are people with some cyclocross racing under their belt & ready for a higher challenge, or experiencing success racing bikes in some other discipline (e.g. Road, XC, DH, BMX). Or maybe you're just a really good athlete! Cyclocross is different than other sports & even cycling disciplines, but it's also about anaerobic conditioning, mental fortitude, focus, & pure bike handling. Do you have those things? If you don't know, try Cs, then upgrade if you are seriously demolishing people out there.
• A Racers know if they are A Racers. You train hard & focus your life on this sport. Or you're a freak. Or both. Not for the faint of heart. Also, the races are long!

Remember, you can always race up! For example, if you are 50+ but should be racing As, race As! If you are a fast woman and want a longer, faster race, race with the A or B men! If you are fast junior and not feeling challenged in the C Men, race with the B Men!

 I'm pretty sure I'll end up in "B" class and that excites me. It's longer and it's harder. Both equal more fun.