Do you race?

stevieboy

Just wondering who races (stolen from streako's question in another post)

If so, what level do you race at, ie local, national/NPS or even internationally? Are you sponsored - either performance based or full blown sponsored?

I'll start:

I started racing last year, first up was a dusk til dawn (great way to loose my race virginity), then I did the fun race at the National Marathon Championships where I bagged a podium and finally I entered the sport category or the Midlands Champs and was well placed compared the other 9 til 5ers.

In my first year I managed to bag about £60's worth of prizes, £40's worth of free gear from my LBS who I ride for, and the promise of more if I get decent placings in future events.

Next year I aim to do the Whyte Enduro Series (or next years equivilant), the midlands series, a dusk til dawn and the sport race at the Marathon Championships.

How about everyone else?

TonyWard

Not yet but I did the Trailbreak Southern Trail Ride in Dunsfold last Saturday. My first event and I really enjoyed it so I'm thinking of doing the Autumn classice at Crowthorne on November 2nd

http://www.gorrick.com/calendar_page.php

Chaka Ping

Used to race local XC series' until about seven or eight years ago, keep meaning to give it a try again.

Usually came two-thirds down the field in sport - which I'd entered instead of fun so I could have a lie-in.

Also considering that Gorrick event on Nov 2, could be the perfect location for my big comeback.

Anyone know how serious the super masters category is? Would I be better in the open?

Surf-Matt

My downhilling (lack of) ability would let me down so I stick to running races (off road) which I'm not too bad at! For some reason I run downhill a lot better than I ride!

stevieboy

Surf-Matt wrote:

My downhilling (lack of) ability would let me down so I stick to running races (off road) which I'm not too bad at! For some reason I run downhill a lot better than I ride!

I agree, it's harder DH'ing on an XC bike due to the saddle height. Makes me nervous too.

Fancy a Run Vs Ride race?

Surf-Matt

Stevie - LOL! Methinks a ride would be quicker but who knows?!

I've done run vs horse and MTB vs horse (Mrs Matt riding - she's a very good horse rider) - always an interesting one!

I do lower my saddle for big downhills but too many bad crashes have left me nervous and careful (also have 3 week old baby - I'm running our company while Mrs Matt, a co-director, looks after the little one - an injury would be a total disaster)!

Just come back from a lunchtime 7km trail run and did my usual 10m/16km ride this morning. Legs now protesting slightly...

stevieboy

I can see it now, the next Bikerader Video Feature

Matt Vs Biker Vs Horse

Surf-Matt

Matt vs Biker on a DH rig carrying a 50lb rucksack vs semi lame horse maybe...

Spider987

I would like to get into it.
What ill probs do is train over the winter to get my fitness up as much as possible then enter in small competitions.
Does anyone have any reccomdations? bearing in mind im only 15 but will be 16 then.

stevieboy

I got involved through my LBS as they ran a Time Trial series, this led to me meeting other riders and snowballed into entering full blown races.

I'd check xcracer.com/co.uk as they list most races and allow you to enter online. One thing I will say is just do it, I was sh1t scared of entering my first race because of all the un-knowns. Haven't looked back since, there's a definate buzz about it, regardless of how fast or slow you are.

Spider987

haha well i work in my LBS part time and i dont know of any races up here but i will have a look around. Thanks for the advice

Vespa1871

I've always wanted to race but never got around too it, so next year, i'm planning on getting involved in some of the gorrick stuff.

I'm also thinking of doing the fun race at Crowthorne Nov 2nd as an end of season taster....... :?

Dilker

I live just outside Manchester and it's difficult to find races within a sensible distance. I'm gonna grab a Cyclo-cross bike and do some race this winter.. well try.

I did a couple of races in 2006/7 the MBXC league and a race at LLandegla(?) I did OK top 20 in the sport class, that was off no real training and no real experience. I did the first one on a Orange Alu Elite... FULLY RIGID!!! it's almost 15 yrs old at the time.

Crankmeister

dilker i must live nearby to you and would like to enter a race or two next year.it will be nice to see how the old legs and lungs stand up to the challenge we all have to start somewhere even though im 35.lol.
I live pretty near to the singletrack magazine office i may just pop in and see if they can offer me some advice on local events.

Brewsterwmb

Hey

Anyone reading this - please remember to look at our website > www.spambiking.co.uk.

Our first event of 2009 has attracted over 1000 riders before! Kicks of the year with a bang and keeps you going through the winter months - something aim for!

PS - also helps loose that turkey waist line!

Entry will be opening very soon!!

Dilker

Crankmeister wrote:

dilker i must live nearby to you and would like to enter a race or two next year.it will be nice to see how the old legs and lungs stand up to the challenge we all have to start somewhere even though im 35.lol.
I live pretty near to the singletrack magazine office i may just pop in and see if they can offer me some advice on local events.

I live just to the south east... unfortunately i live on the outskirts of Stockport. The one benefit of this is that it's only a hour riding out to the Peaks.

Leisure Lakes used to do a couple of races but they stopped last year. MBXC races were dotted about the midlands but they didn't do a 2008 series. Some of the Dragon XC races in North Wales are worth while.

Where is the singletrack office??

Crankmeister

hi dilker single track is based in todmorden i live in the next town right in the pendle area so i guess im further from you than i thought.

there is some nice routes here but the area does hold water to well and bogs up alot almost unridable in some cases.i remember a time back in 1997 on my sworks i was on a quickish decent that flattened out at the bottom ,i hit the bog hard and burried the front wheel cataputing me head first into the shite yes it hurt but i did get a good few laughs at the time ,shame no one had it on camera!!! :oops: