I used to race CX
Did it for quite a few years, first on an MTB, then a real CX bike
(ie; no bottle-bosses, no mudguard eyes!!)
Riders now use MTBs & gravel bikes too
It's damned good fun, if cold/muddy/wet
It teaches excellent bike handling skills, that can translate onto the roads!
You might come round a corner & (due to traffic?) have to ride over gravel/horse-sh*t/diesel, invariably the CX-er will stay on the bike, & a less able rider slides down the road
Also, it's a damned hard (level 3 - 4) workout for an hour!!
Only problem is, you might get hooked
Coincidentally, I was in East Leeds, watching a CX this afternoon!
The
Jonathon Noble Memorial Cyclo-Cross
(organised by Seacroft Wheelers)
Temple Newsam.
https://yorkshirecyclocross.com/tre...-jonathon-noble-memorial-cross-temple-newsam/
Here's a few pics...
I bumped into my friend Sarah, who was riding her recently purchased ('pre-owned') Boardman
Something told us, that the previous owner didn't ride it off-road, let alone compete on it...