Cyclo Cross
Cyclo Cross is everything that Time Trialling and Road Racing isn't! It is almost entirely off road, sometimes requiring the rider to dismount and carry the bike over or under obstacles, usually muddy but always great fun!
The season is quite short, running from September until December for the West Midlands and just into the New Year for the Western League. The National Championships is usually early January. In addition, the Western League operates a Summer Series. Points are gained based on finishing position within age groups.
Age Groups are designed to ensure that competitors race against similar aged competitors so 8 year olds ride separately to 58 year olds who are separated into men and women. The distance, or more likely duration is based on the age group, so seniors and Veterans race for typically 40-45 minutes whereas juniors might be 20 minutes, although competition is equally fierce.
For more information go to West Midlands Cyclo Cross or for Events in Gloucestershire and Avon, check out Western League
Bikes can be either dedicated 'Cross bikes' or Mountain Bikes but either way must be rugged enough to take on rough ground, jumps, rocks, tree roots and anything else the organisers can put in the way. Bike shoes need to be SPD style to allow for running/walking when the ground gets too steep or rough to ride.
It is possible to enter races on the day, typically costing £15 per race, but attracting a day levy of £3 plus a day license of £3 so clearly much better to register in advance and obtain a race license.