1st mt bike race

[Vicki]

I did my first mt bike race last Sunday and it was a blast. The course was not very technical, there were a lot of long straight-a-ways and deep sand. My race was one 10 mile loop.

I will admit that I was very nervous. I didn't know what to expect since I had never even seen a mt bike race before. I received so much encouragement from the other riders and the spectators. I did pretty good, I came in 13th out of 24 riders.

My husband did his first race too, he came in 5th out of 44 riders.
We both are going to race in 2 weeks again. I've found out that riding on road rides builds up so much endurance for mt bike riding. I was amazed at how I was able to keep pushing it when other riders were pooping out.

If anybody out there has any advice on riding mt bike races, I'll take it.

Vicki

[Nancy]

Vicki!
Congrats! I don't think I am the one to give advice since I always come in much closer to the end of the pack. But I agree that the road riding seems to really build your endurance. Our local annual August ride (the Ore to Shore) usually has more than 1000 riders, but it's a real blast and plenty technical for me. So my only "advice" is to continue with the road riding, get real comfy on the trails and have lots of fun!
Nancy

[han-grrl]

way to go on the race. this is my first time racing this year too, and i must admit, i have picked up the racing bug! i plan on doing the same race series next year plus some provincial ones. Here are some tips i got from experienced racers:

1) your objective is to finish, safely. don't bother trying to ride a section that is normally quite difficult for you if it is just going to cause you an injury, you are better off (and faster) getting off your bike and running.
2) if you need to run if your bike, put your left hand on your handlebar and the right one behind the seat. you'd be amazed how much lighter and easier it is to push then pull your bike.

excellent work!

Han

[ocean]

Hey congratulations!!!
I did my first mb race a couple of years ago......I didn't know anyone, had put clipless pedals on the day before (!), and got there late. I just had time to put my number on my bike and line up and the guy said 3-2-1 go!!! I didn't know how long the course was or anything!
When he said go, I just went as fast as I could anmd found myself in the top three....for about 30 seconds, then everyone started passing me!!! But I did ok in the end...and I def caught the bug.
And everyone was so nice, and so helpful......now I go mostly for the comeraderie, although I have progressed to Sport, and have my rivals I keep an eye on during the race!