| There are lots of different ways to race | | | | Give it a try, it's only as hard as you make |
| mountain bikes, Dual Slalom is just one of | | | | it. |
| them. It's been around for a while, so it's | | | | |
| proven itself as a good one. It's fun, | | | | Dual Slalom racing takes place at local and |
| relatively safe, and a great spectator event. | | | | international events around the world. Just |
| | | | look at the event flyer or schedule to see if |
| A. Dual Slalom mountain bike racing is a | | | | it is included. |
| great head to head competition down a man | | | | |
| made course usually with gated turns (much | | | | Over the years there have been a few |
| like ski racing). The course usually has man | | | | different mountain bike race formats to come |
| made obstacles such as berms, jumps, bumps | | | | and go. A new type of race that is gaining |
| and the occasional drop or rock pile. | | | | popularity is the Super D. |
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| The courses are short, with a single run | | | | A. A super D race is best described as a |
| usually lasting around 30 seconds. Two racers | | | | downhill cross country race. They normally |
| compete down nearly identical/parallel | | | | lack the technical danger packed elements of |
| courses at the same time. The runs are timed | | | | the downhill and in most cases, have some |
| and the same racers then switch courses and | | | | significant pedaling. |
| make another run. | | | | |
| | | | Usually, a Super D is a timed event and can |
| The combined race times are compared and the | | | | have either individual start times or a mass, |
| slower racer is eliminated. The faster rider | | | | Le Mans style start where everyone goes at |
| then moves up into the next round to race a | | | | the same time. |
| winner from another set of race runs. | | | | |
| | | | This is a great event a lot of people can |
| The races and eliminations continue until the | | | | enjoy. There isn't a whole lot of climbing so |
| final two racers are left. Their race is the | | | | you don't have to be in great shape, and you |
| final and it determines 1st and 2nd places. | | | | don't need a $3,000.00 downhill bike to make |
| The last racers that the finalists had beat | | | | it down. |
| then run a set of races to determine 3rd and | | | | |
| 4th places. | | | | Any bike will do for a Super D race, but this |
| | | | category of racing is where the all-mountain |
| This is a fun race format that moves fast | | | | trail bikes with 4, 5, and 6 inches of travel |
| through the race brackets. | | | | can really excel. |
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| It's fun racing head to head. You always know | | | | If you're thinking about getting into racing, |
| where your competition is and it pushes you | | | | but you think you might lack the endurance |
| to try harder. The courses are fun to ride | | | | required for a typical XC race, The Super D |
| and it's almost always good company. | | | | is a great place to start. |
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