| Contrary to popular belief, mountain bike racing is not | | | | Cross-country: This is the most common type of |
| just a sport for young, adrenaline-crazed muscular | | | | mountain bike race. The riders compete directly |
| macho men in leather jackets. Rather, today's | | | | against one another while riding around a circular track |
| "adrenaline-crazed" bike rider is as likely to be middle | | | | of varied terrain. In instances where there are |
| aged as he is young, flabby as he is muscular, and | | | | significant numbers of racers, the group is typically |
| feminine as he is macho. Mountain bike racing is an | | | | divided into sub-groups by age or ability levels. This is |
| equal opportunity sport that only requires one thing | | | | a rigorous form of racing, as riders must jockey for |
| from its participants-that they have fun. | | | | position and understand the mechanics and timing of |
| Before you can enjoy this activity, however, you | | | | passing other riders. |
| must learn a few basic rules of the game. | | | | Hillclimb: This race pits rider against the mountain as |
| Fortunately, learning these rules is almost as | | | | compared to rider against rider. The riders are paced |
| enjoyable as competing in the bike race. | | | | as they climb the hill, individually, a few moments |
| Mountain Bike Racing is for EveryoneUnlike other | | | | apart. The winner is judged by how fast he, or she, |
| sports, mountain bike racing does not discriminate | | | | reaches the top of the hill. |
| against gender, age, or particular body types. | | | | Downhill: The riders in this race are timed by the |
| Because this sport's focus is on fun rather than | | | | speed with which they navigate the hill. As with the |
| competition, it is open to all to participate. | | | | hillclimb, each rider is released downhill individually. The |
| To enable fair competition, however, a number of | | | | courses in downhill racing frequently involve difficult |
| competition levels, or categories, exist within this | | | | obstacles for the riders to surmount, thus accounting |
| sport. There are categories for beginners, categories | | | | for the challenge of the this type of race. |
| for different age groups - even a category for those | | | | Dos and Don'ts of Mountain Bike RacingAlthough |
| weighting more than 220 pounds (the Clydesdale | | | | becoming a skilled mountain bike racer takes training |
| category.) Thus, do your research and find the | | | | and experience, a few basic dos and don'ts should be |
| category that best suits your particular needs. | | | | noted: |
| But choose carefully. If you overestimate your ability, | | | | DO: |
| you might well end up with a bruised ego (and dust | | | | · Practice. Practice. Practice. To become a |
| on your face) as your competitors cross the finish | | | | skilled mountain bike rider, you must ride-often. |
| line way ahead of you. Conversely, if you | | | | · Cross-train. Mountain bike racing takes |
| underestimate your riding ability and choose a | | | | strong leg muscles, in particular, and you will be at a |
| category that is not sufficiently challenging, you might | | | | disadvantage if your are not physically ready for the |
| be labeled a "sandbagger" (e.g., someone who enters | | | | challenge. |
| a lower division race simply to increase his/her | | | | · Accept the fact that you are embarking in |
| chances of winning) by your competitors. | | | | a potentially risky activitym where injuries are not |
| Of course, as always, prior to embarking upon this | | | | only not uncommon, but even to be expected. |
| new pursuit, however, it is wise to obtain your | | | | · Research the course before the race. |
| doctor's approval. Mountain bike racing is loosely | | | | Ensure that you 'pre-ride' the course (or one |
| considered an "extreme sport" for a reason-it can be | | | | similar)prior to the race day. |
| (and frequently is) quite physically taxing. | | | | · Carry an adequate supply of water with |
| Why Choose Mountain Bike Racing?If you are an avid | | | | electrolytes. |
| bike rider (but not a racer) you may be surprised to | | | | · Thoroughly inspect your bicycle and ensure |
| learn that taking your beloved bike out for an | | | | that all maintenance appointments are up-to-date. |
| occasional race will actually turn you into a better | | | | · Conserve your energy during the race by |
| rider. Experts say that the varied, sometimes | | | | appropriately pacing yourself. |
| dangerous, terrain of a racing course forces the mind | | | | · Allow other riders to pass you - never try |
| to focus on quick solutions for safely traversing | | | | to block a passing attempt. |
| unpredictable course. These "split-second" decisions, | | | | DON'T: |
| made with full concentration, enables a rider learn | | | | · Worry about the other riders with the |
| techniques faster than years of casual riding, in | | | | (perhaps) flashier bicycles, gear or outfits. Their ability |
| addition to sharpening reactions in response to | | | | to buy expensive racing equipment is no indication of |
| sudden changes in terrain or unexpected conditions. | | | | their skill level. |
| Tips for Choosing (and Maintaining) Your Bike | | | | · Ride when you should walk. Almost every |
| A common misconception by those new to this sport | | | | racecourse has small sections and obstacles that are |
| is that they have to have a "special" bike. Certainly to | | | | difficult to traverse. Endeavoring to muscle your way |
| compete at the highest level, a bike of a certain | | | | (via the pedals) over such hurdles may seriously tax |
| quality is required to enable a level playing field. | | | | the remaining energy required to complete the race, |
| However, the most expensive choice is certainly not | | | | and heighten the probability of injury. |
| a necessity. Rather, the most important aspect of | | | | · Arrive late. You should arrive at least an |
| the bike is that it be sturdy and reliable. | | | | hour prior to the start of the race. This will provide |
| While suspension and dual hydraulic disc brakes may | | | | sufficient time to enable a 20-minute warm up ride |
| be appealing, with respect to off-road racing it is | | | | and listen to the pre-race briefing to ensure that |
| crucial that the bicycle be lightweight. Towards the | | | | there have been no last minute changes to the |
| end of a race every extra pound will begin to feel | | | | course. |
| like fifty. Additionally, excellent quality front shocks | | | | · Consider the other racers. Doing so will |
| will substantially absorb the rocky terrain encountered | | | | simply increase anxiety levels and inhibit optimal |
| in mountain bike racing. | | | | performance. Instead, focus upon the upcoming |
| Finally, as may be obvious, the essential factor in | | | | excitement of the race. |
| choosing the right racing bicycle is that it be suitably | | | | · Don't pass other riders, during the race, |
| matched to the racing course. Cross-country | | | | without appropriately notifying them of your intent. A |
| mountain bikes are better suited for trails, whereas | | | | simple "passing on the left" or "passing on the right" is |
| downhill mountain bikes are clearly designed for | | | | sufficient to prevent collisions and resulting injuries. |
| enhanced safety for downhill racing. | | | | The Finish Line The finish line in mountain bike racing |
| To ensure that you are able to address repair or | | | | is rarely the finish line. Those who love extreme |
| maintenance issues, the following items (at minimum) | | | | sports, such as this one, are rarely satisfied by the |
| should be carried by the rider: extra tire tubes, | | | | thrill of just one race. It is likely, therefore, that you |
| toolkit, and a puncture repair kit. | | | | will one day look back on dozens of races that |
| Rules of the Road | | | | consumed every ounce of your energy and tested |
| In mountain bike racing, the rules of the road depend | | | | your stamina. |
| upon the type of the race. The three most popular | | | | Whether you won or lost these races is incidental - |
| types of mountain bike races are cross-country (XC), | | | | what you will remember is the fun that you |
| hillclimb (HC) and downhill (DH). | | | | experienced. |