What is your pre-race ritual?

[limewave]

Counting down the days to my next race (#3) and I'm starting to formulate a plan for the hours leading up to it. I don't have a ritual down yet, so I thought I'd ask those who race regularly, what are your "musts" before a bike race?

I'm thinking about bringing my shuffle. Music really helps me relax and focus. But it will mean putting the headphones/shuffle into a pocket of my jersey during the race. It's point-to-point and I'll have no where to leave it at the start.

[SheFly]

I try to show up at a race venue 1.5 to 2 hrs prior to my race. First stop is always the porta potty! Then registration, back to the car to kit up, and out on the course to pre-ride at least a lap (assuming that is allowed) - this won't work in your case if it is a point-to-point, but perhaps riding the start one or two times to pick a really good line would be helpful. Even riding as much as 3 miles in and then back would give a leg up on that first piece of the race.

Then, back to the car for food and drink prior to the race. Another trip to the porta potty ;) and any last minute MINOR adjustments to the bike.

Last part? Lining up and telling the da*ned butterflies to take a chill pill!

You'll be fine! And I, personally, would skip the iPod - no need to carry it (and potentially lose it) during the race.

SheFly

[Aggie_Ama]

I have only done 3 XC races and about 6 short track. Our courses are closed for pre-ride day of the race. So get my number plate, go over the bike, ride about 30 minute warm up practicing sprints to open the legs. Visit the potty and deep breath. Get to the line about 15 minutes early. I am lucky at this point to not have stomach issues but with longer races I know pre-race food will be important. I am thinking about that....

[limewave]

The course will be closed day of. But we are arriving the day before and I plan to pre-ride the last 7 miles (out and back for 14 total) before doing packet pick-up that evening.

DH swears that getting up at 2:30 AM to down some Gator Aide is key. I think that would just cause me to to have to get up again at 4:30 AM to use the bathroom :)

[crazycanuck]

I spend quite a bit of time going to the loo..often it's only a tree as there aren't enough porta loos half the time.

Then I remind myself that yes although i'm one of the slower riders (working on that atm) I still have the right to be there.

I smile :)

[jessmarimba]

I try to drink a whole larger gatorade the day before, but I sleep so poorly before a race that I'd never deliberately plan on waking up in the middle of the night!

[JennK13]

I also "hydrate" the day before with a Gatorade. I take Valerian Root the night before a morning race to help me sleep. While DH would like to be with me beforehand, I like being alone and since races are usually close to me, I drive solo to mentally prepare. I ALWAYS listen to the theme song to the movie S.W. A.T. the one that references Samuel L. Jackson - perhaps cheesy, but I listen to that before every race, softball game, interview, whatever. Everyone should have a "theme song" :)

[SheFly]

The course will be closed day of. But we are arriving the day before and I plan to pre-ride the last 7 miles (out and back for 14 total) before doing packet pick-up that evening.

DH swears that getting up at 2:30 AM to down some Gator Aide is key. I think that would just cause me to to have to get up again at 4:30 AM to use the bathroom :)

If you can, try to ride at least the first mile or two as well. The start is usually hectic, and while not a place you will typically win a race, a place where you could lose it (meaning that it is, at least to me, one of the most important parts of the course).

Like someone else said, I do pre-hydrate the day before, but there's no way I would be getting up at 2:30 am to drink Gatorade!

SheFly

[gnat23]

Relevant:
http://www.upperechelonfitness.com/about-us/blog/2009/12/11/cyclocross-warm-up-and-race-day-preparation/

I'd add to this that I eat a gu about 15 minutes before the race starts. :)

-- gnat!