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@lardboy
I was there last night as well (Boardman CX wearing a long sleeve red jersey).
I thought exactly the same when I did the skills training last year. I was totally out of my depth, slower than everyone else, intimidated by 12 year olds speeding past me and petrified at every slip and slide. The first lap last night was a nightmare and brought those same feelings back again, but a few more laps helped them dissipate.
To be honest last night was pretty hardcore as a first time. It is a very technical course, with a couple of scary slopes, riding straight towards a brick wall in the dark and mud that clogged tyres within seconds.
I raced three times last season, including one using Herne Hill's course and although I finished last each time (including one DNF), my confidence and skills grew each time I rode.
The first race is at Bethlem and won't be anywhere near as technical if last year is anything to go by. There was lots of riding around fields, slogging over flattened grass and only one section that caused real problems, that a good few people walked.
I'm happy to give any help I can if you want some pointers from a relative noob who has been through some of the same stuff.