Beginner Info
Racing 101 (err, pre-101)
Whether its battling it out with some of your favorite trail buddies, challenging yourself to others across the state, or simply giving yourself a worthy challenge, mountain bike racing can be loads of fun.
So you have some questions about mountain bike racing:
First, which category should I race? The easy answer is that the “Beginner” category is not principally designed for the beginner rider. You will find some very fast riders here. Beginner simply means beginner racer. It’s a term I always disliked. It should probably be called ‘Comp’ or ‘Advanced’. Needless to say, most of us remember racing as a beginner as the best times, because riding wasn’t taken too seriously and there was always some hot dogs who loved showing off when they came across the finish line.
You will start simultaneously with others in your skill, age, and gender categories; meaning Beginner men age 19-29 will start together. Expect anywhere from 4 – 40 riders in your category.
The Top 10 is great to aim for since we give out ribbons that high.
Beyond the ribbons and trophies, the beginners category has a general raffle.
Anyone who was registered as a beginner is automatically entered and you don’t even have to finish the race. In 2006, we gave out prizes to EVERY single beginner participant. We hope to do this again this year, but is dependent on the love of our sponsors and your local bike shops! Treat them well.
Sport Class Racers have Trophies and ribbons for 1-10th and prizes for 1-3rd typically.
Experts have a cash payout.
Other Tips:
Eat normally or with a good high carb diet the night before. Changing your diet too much will cause other gastric problems best not experienced with PortaPotties. Be at the race at least 2 hours before your starting times. Don’t do any last minute overhauls to your bike.
This should probably answer most of your questions. For the rest of you, come on out to Double Lake on Saturday for the PedalMashers free Beginner’s Race Clinic.
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