racing advise

jackricho

Hi
Iv been thinking of entering some races. But im alittle un-sure if ill be A, good enough or B, fit enough? Is there any races which will be easyer than others? or is it just a case of in at the deep end??

Cheers Jack

Pirahna

This year will be my first go at mountain bike racing, I'm 47 if it makes you feel happier. From the people I've spoken to I'm expecting a very mixed range of abilities, from very quick racers to people out for a potter round on a Sunday morning. The only way you'll get an answer to your questions is to turn up and have a go.

aidso

Agreed. Just turn up and give it a bash - everyone has to start somewhere.

I started the XC racing a year ago and the new season is fast approaching. There should be different categories for the races you enter so go for the Sport / Senior 4 and there will be many more noobies like yourself. Above all other advise, make sure you have fun or at least enjoyed yourself post-race. No point in busting your ass and paying for the privilege .

miss notax

Yup, in at the deep end and give it a try!

I did my fiirst xc race a few weeks ago - good fun although I got a terrible result! There were lots of others who were new to it too, a complete mix

Go for it and have fun!

njee20

Whereabouts in the country are you?

You may find an enduro as opposed to a true XC race being a better introduction. XC races are lap based, with a range of ability and age based categories to chose from, categories can be fairly small.

Enduros tend to be time based (lots of 2 hour ones around, so they don't need to be long events), you get some very fast people at the front, and some not so fast people. It can be a less intimidating introduction, and can often be more relaxed. You will usually get far bigger categories, so you're more likely to have people to race against than in some XC races.

If you're in the South East you can do a lot better than the Gorrick events, which whilst being XC races have a large contingent of 'weekend warrior' types to pit yourself against in the fun and open categories, rather than being all lycra and shaven legs.

At the end of the day, just have a go, it's great fun, you'll ride harder than you thought possible.

jackricho

Thanks folk all great advise.
Im live near huddersfield. Anybody know of any good web site to look at for races, Etc?
Thanks Again.

Jack

SiLanc

I would recommend doing an Enduro as NJee says, you'll find it more laid back. An enduro tends to be a real mix of racers and people doing it for the crack/challenge. An XC race tends to be the more dedicated rider so will be more serious, but still is good fun. Generally speaking we're a friendly crowd!

I can recommend the Whinlatter Challenge (http://www.whinlatterchallenge.co.uk) as I've done it before and it's pretty tough, a decent distance and is a mix of all sorts but is very friendly and a good one to try and do the distance on your first attempt.

If you want more info I have a race report from previous years here: http://xcenduro.co.uk/racing/races/2009/wc_2009.asp

I can also recommend the Brownbacks race series which is based on the Huddersfield side of Manchester near Bacup but details of this years series are to be released soon so keep your eye on http://www.brownbacksracing.co.uk.

There are some useful links on my site and some useful advice to get you started:
http://xcenduro.co.uk/links/links.asp
http://xcenduro.co.uk/racing/racing.asp

Shameless plug over!

Si