Questions that have come up:
1. What time should I get there?
A: If you are volunteering, try to show up about 1230-100 unless you have been asked to show up earlier or later specifically. If you are racing, expect to show up at about the same time. Use good judgment. The races START at 2pm and registration opens at 1pm.
2. Can non-UND students participate?
A: Yes. In any and all capacity. Race, Volunteer, Spectate.
3. Can we throw marshmallows at the racers?
A: Cyclocross is a niche sport within a niche sport. I'm sure many of the racers won't mind some friendly marshmallow tossing, but some will. Remember, this IS a competitive event and some people are more competitive than others. Use good judgment, and remember... what goes around comes around... who wants a muddy hug?
4. I'm not certain about my bicycle or ability... what should I do?
A: Of all the bicycling events that are available in our state, this Halloween race is going to be the most "beginner friendly". The weather will be great (ouwxguesser back me up on this), the race will have a little bit more of a fun atmosphere, and there will be plenty of experienced riders at the event that you can get some tips from if you're looking to get more seriously involved. It is a timed event, so you'll finish when the leaders finish, so no worries if you feel "slow" (I always say "racing" is a relative term). As for your bicycle, we'll have people racing on everything from mountain bikes, 29ers, hybrid bicycles, road bikes, single speeds, extracycles, and full blown cross racing machines... basically... if you have a bike, you can race it. If you show up and it's something crazy, we'll hopefully be able to get it into "racing shape" before the start... (but with our mechanics... I won't guarantee that lol).
5. What type of clothes should I wear?
A: Alot of us are pretty serious cyclists, so we'll be wearing the full spandex. So feel free to come wearing that, or make fun of us for wearing it... just don't make fun of our sponsors because they're the ones who allow us to run these great events. Tights and long sleeves are good... each person has there own temperature threshold. Bring extra stuff. You can always take some stuff off during the warm-up.
MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A COSTUME. Otherwise... *shakes fist*
6. How can I pay for this?
A: We take cash or check.
7. Do I need a helmet?
A: YES! While this race isn't technically a USA Cycling event (we did this on purpose... trust us, we have a plan) there are no rules. That said, we will be running this race EXACTLY like a USAC event rulewise. So in fact there are tons of rules. (Don't worry... it's straight forward)... However, you will NEED a helmet for this race. You will NEED to have that helmet ON and SECURED ANY TIME YOU ARE ON YOUR BIKE! Even if the race hasn't started, even if you're just going to the car to get something, even if you're just registering. The only time you don't NEED to wear a helmet, is if you're on rollers or a trainer.
Not to mention... it's just a really good idea.
8. Dave, alot of the crap you say makes no sense. Is there something wrong with me?
A: No Billy... it's completely normal not to understand all of this cycling mumbo jumbo. In fact, one of the reasons that the UND Cycling Club and the UND Cycling Team host events like this is to expand the cycling knowledge and culture in and around the Grand Forks Community. So if any of this stuff sound confusing or complicated, don't worry... it will be made perfectly clear.
Above all else... this is a cycling event. Try not to worry about all the little details, and just have some fun. Let us do the worrying for you.
Hope to see you all there!