| Mountain bike racing is a rapidly growing sport. It is | | | | want a bike specifically designed for downhilling. |
| often thrown into the 'extreme sports' category, but | | | | Finally, always carry an emergency repair kit. We |
| shares little in common with such sports as | | | | recommend a good multi tool as well as a tire |
| skateboarding or trick biking. A mixture of ski slalom | | | | puncture repair kit and a water bottle. |
| and intense trail riding, a good mountain bike race is | | | | Types of Racing |
| exhilarating to watch but even more fun to ride. | | | | There are several different types of races. You may |
| When you think about mountain bike racing, if you | | | | want to try them all, or focus on one kind. Let's take |
| have at all, you probably think it's just for crazy | | | | a look at the options: |
| young people. The truth, however, is that people of | | | | Cross-Country: |
| all ages and abilities can partake, from children to | | | | The most common type of race, the cross-country |
| grown men and women. | | | | (or XC) race is a direct competition where riders take |
| Before jumping in, however, it's a good idea to learn | | | | on a pre-constructed trail or track. If there are a |
| the basics. This article will cover everything you need | | | | large number of riders, the race may be divided into |
| to know, so you can hit that trail today! | | | | sections, such that only a few riders go at a time. |
| The Name of the Game is Fun | | | | This is a fast-paced and intensive race, somewhat |
| The first, and most important rule, to mountain bike | | | | comparable to track-bike racing, only with obstacles |
| racing is to have fun! Sure, in any competition, we | | | | and rough terrain. |
| want to win, but this sport is about the pure thrill of | | | | Downhill: |
| riding on new and exciting terrain, and a win is just | | | | This is a straight-shot downhill race. Riders go down |
| the icing on the cake. | | | | one at a time and the fastest time wins. Usually the |
| In order to keep things balanced, most races are | | | | course will have both natural and man-made |
| broken up into different skill levels, so you'll always be | | | | obstacles, such as ruts, jumps, boulders, and other |
| riding against someone of comparable skill and | | | | obstructions. It is essential to have a clear view |
| experience. Categories are broken up by age, | | | | ahead of you at all times, so that you're surprised by |
| experience level, weight, and sometimes there are | | | | any of the obstacles. |
| even men- or women-only races. Before signing up | | | | Downhill Slalom: |
| for one, check out what the race has to offer and | | | | Similar to straight-forward downhilling, the slalom may |
| sign up for the appropriate level. | | | | take place on the same (or similar) course, except |
| Start Small | | | | there are gates along the way. Just like in slalom |
| If you're just getting started, no matter how much | | | | skiing, the rider must pass around the edge of each |
| riding you've done, it's a good idea to start at the | | | | gate. A penalty is given for any missed or touched |
| lower, or beginner, levels. If you try to dive headfirst | | | | gates, and the best time wins. |
| into an extreme race, you could lose your | | | | Hillclimb: |
| confidence, or worse, get injured. So start small, and | | | | This is also an individual race against time. Much more |
| once you have some experience you can move up | | | | physically taxing than the downhill ride, in the hillclimb |
| to higher difficulties. | | | | the fastest rider to the top wins. |
| That said, if you really know what you're doing, don't | | | | Important Tips Before you Race |
| take on a race that's way too easy for you. Just as | | | | Once you've picked out your race and bike, you're |
| you wouldn't like to be left in someone else's dust, | | | | almost ready to hit the course. There are just a few |
| it's not fun for other riders if you fly past them on a | | | | more things you should keep in mind. |
| course below your level. | | | | |
| Also make sure you're in good physical condition. A | | | | 1. Practice: Before entering a serious race, you should |
| mountain bike rice can be a strenuous affair, so make | | | | have logged hundreds, if not thousands of hours |
| sure you've got plenty of practice on downhill rides, | | | | riding your bike. The only way to get better is to |
| and on different terrain. Also make sure you've got | | | | keep doing it. |
| the strength and endurance to finish a race. Make | | | | 2. Know the risks: Competitive mountain biking can be |
| sure and check out how long a race is first. | | | | a dangerous sport. Always wear a helmet, but know |
| Your Bike - Is it Ready? | | | | that it is a potentially dangerous extreme sport. |
| Once you've ensured that your body is ready, it's | | | | 3. Hydrate: Always drink before the race, and keep a |
| time to check your bicycle. It can be frustrating and | | | | bottle or Camelbak with you at all times. Dehydration |
| potentially dangerous to breakdown mid-race, so | | | | can stop you dead in your tracks. |
| always do a routine check-up before a race. Tune | | | | 4. Pace yourself: If you're in a long race, just like in a |
| your bike, check tire pressure, check the brakes, and | | | | foot race, don't blow all your energy at the beginning. |
| take it on a test run before tackling the challenge. | | | | 5. Know the course: You should always take at least |
| You should also consider what kind of components | | | | one test-run on a new course, at a slower speed, |
| your bike has. A full suspension mountain bike can | | | | before racing it. Surprises can be dangerous. |
| really help cushion those falls, but it also means a | | | | Time to Race! |
| heavier bike, which may slow you down. A bike with | | | | Once you've covered all the above steps, there's |
| a lighter frame is great, if you can afford it. | | | | nothing left to do but get out there and race! There |
| The general type of mountain bike matters as well. | | | | are lots of races all over the world, so check online |
| For trail races, a cross-country bike will keep you | | | | or a local newspaper or biking magazine, and enroll |
| covered, but for serious downhill bike racing, you'll | | | | today! |