Why would I want to try
Mountain Bike Racing?
There’s another side to
mountain bike riding that is the quickest way to
becoming a better rider- RACING! Ever think about it?
Do you like to chase your pals through the singletrack
of the Chubb and Castlewood’s trails? Then racing might
be for you. Do you need motivation to train regularly
and get in better physical shape? Racing can put you in
the best shape of your life. Do you like to watch great
athletes make it look easy? You will see Experts do
things that will blow your mind.
Is racing scary? Won’t
I get whipped by racers with lots of experience?
Racing is not scary- it’s
fun and a great way to meet more bikers who are as crazy
about mountain biking as you are. And the racers are
separated into categories based on ability or age- there
is a spot for the newbie and the aspiring pro! Race
length also depends on your experience level, so you
don’t need to worry that your first race will become a
“death march”. For your first race, you’ll be a “First
Timer” and will race whoever else is giving it their
first try that day. When you line up for the first
time, you’ll be excited, and those new racers with you
could become your best biking friends and fiercest
competitors, too! A “First Timer” race usually lasts
about 45 minutes or less, just enough to give you a
sense of the excitement of racing. After that, you can
race in the “Beginner” class, among racers of your age
and gender for your first season. Later, if you’re
really bitten by the “racing bug” and do well, you can
move up to Sport Class, and maybe, someday, “Expert”,
the “black belt” of mountain bike racing.
How would I start, and
what does it cost?
Find the race schedule
from stlbiking.com, from flyers at your local bike shop,
and call or email the race organizer. Chances are,
you’ll find a race at one of your favorite trails, and
can start there. For first timers, the race fee is only
$15, plus a one day “NORBA” temporary license. And the
bike shops who are co-sponsoring the state MTB race
series are offering special discounts and coupons to
first time racers this year. Regardless of how well you
place, you have a chance at cool drawing prizes and will
have a unique and exciting experience. It’s a whole
different ball game than chasing your pals, then
gathering up and resting and taking a drink before
continuing.
Why would I pay to race
on trails I can ride for free?
That’s sort of like paying
to watch a baseball game at Busch Stadium or watching it
on TV for free. This is the real game! The cost is
nominal and the entry fees only partially cover the
costs of running the race series- the sponsors cover the
rest.
Is my bike good enough?
If your bike is safe and
trail-worthy, it is good enough for your first race, and
probably good enough to get you through a Beginner
season, too. If it’s a bucket of loose bolts and has
“iffy” brakes, you’re better off asking the race
promoters if the bike shop sponsoring the race has any
“loaner bikes”. They are often happy to loan out one or
two demo bikes, first come, first served, to folks who
are trying racing.
How should I prepare
for my first race?
Make sure your bike is in
good mechanical shape and you are in shape for a 45
minute, non-stop hard ride. Do a one to two hour,
non-stop ride once a week, and once a week, go hard,
really hard, for 2-3 minutes at a time, then catch your
breath while pedaling easily, and do it again and
again. The week before the race, don’t train hard- you
can’t get stronger in just 2-3 days. Get rested
instead and be fresh for race day. On race day, bring
your bike, wallet, helmet, shoes, shorts and a shirt.
Bring a couple of water bottles, too.
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