On 2004-12-28, charles buki penned:
Quoted message said:What is involved/required for racing for a newcomer?
I live in Alexandria, VA. Looking for cross country and/or mountain biking
racing opportunities for a 41 year old male. Never raced before.
Looking to find schedules, costs, requirements, on one hand. And on other,
how to figure out likelihood of getting hammered out there or maybe
competing without wholesale embarrassment. Advice, information welcomed.
Are there xterra races in the mid-atlantic area where you can run, for
example 5,10,15 miles and combine with mountain biking?
I did my first MTB race this summer. I've been riding for probably 1.25 years
and have never participated in any race before, ever.
I finished dead last out of all women in my beginner category, but there was
no embarrassment. Believe me, no one cares. All of the spectators on the
trail cheered for me. The important part is that you're out there, doing your
best.
If you can possibly find a course that you can pre-ride, that could ease some
of your jitters. You will know where you can really go all-out and when you
will want to be careful. On my race, there were a few really nasty mudpits/
puddles and I was able to prepare for them. Other riders weren't so lucky; I
saw quite a few bloody noses.
I raced because I'd heard it would greatly improve my riding. It didn't seem
to make a difference during the race, but in the several weeks after the race,
I did find myself going harder, faster, and over more technical stuff than I
had been before. I don't know what happened, but something definitely
"clicked."
--
monique
"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
-- Mark Twain
