First MTB race experience

[Loraura]

I have no idea where those *'s came from.... Weird...

[SheFly]

Congrats! Sounds like your first race experience was very successful, both from a finishing and a motivational perspective.

Pre-riding a course is often very beneficial, but not always practical. I have gone into multiple MTB races not knowing the course. I don't find this necessarily to be an issue for me.

I have also been on the line waiting to start, in the pouring rain, at 40 degrees, and freezing. Whatever your inclination is, DO NOT OVERDRESS! Once you got going, I'm sure you were fine without the windbreaker and toe warmers, yes? For me, if I overdress, I end up having to work harder, and am incredibly uncomfortable the entire time. Even in the rain at 40 degrees, I don't race in a jacket - ever. That day was shorts, base layer, long sleeve jersey and leg warmers. It has taken me a REALLY long time to learn this.

Keep practicing, and great job out there!

SheFly

[limewave]

Sounds like you had an awesome race! Congratulations!!!!!

I agree with Shefly about pre-riding. I wish I could pre-ride every course, but that rarely happens. Only one time did I feel like it really cost me. The trail was much more technical than I anticipated. I ended up crashing 4-5 times because I was going too fast into a section. After that I was overly cautious.

[Wahine]

Nice race. You did a great job of scouting out the course and figuring out a good race plan. For a new racer that is probably the most important part. Well done!!!

[Anelia]

Congratulations! It looks like a good start for you. Keep on riding

[Catrin]

Congratulations on your race, and thanks for sharing it! I doubt that I will ever be able to do a mtb race (I am quite slow), but I certainly do love reading about them!

[bellissima]

Congrats! And welcome to the races