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Doing your first race

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Doing your first race

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flag Tu2kill
O+
Posted: May 14, 2022 at 16:20 Quote
Hello, I’m fairly new to mountain biking, I started about two years ago, and am looking to do my first race and am looking for suggestions and tips.

My goal is to do at least one race next year, 2023, as this is the first year I committed to getting into better shape and setting some goals for myself.

I found a couple of events that look like fun such as the Sea Otter Classic, and the Fears, Tears, and Beers race.

My question to you all who have done your first race, what are your recommendations, what was it like, and what other races do you recommend,

Also, are they any “fun” races (like a fun run) that you would recommend?

I live in the western US, but feel free to give any suggestions as they could help others.
flag ShawMac
O+ FL
Posted: May 16, 2022 at 11:34 Quote
This sounds exactly where I was at this year, wanting to step into my first race since 2004.

Join a local club if anything is available and do one of the weeknight or weekend races. Almost all races that I have seen at anything but the UCI level are geared to being "fun" with people caring more about their costumes and drinks after than winning.

I did a 3 stage enduro as my first race rather than an XC. I set a goal of being second to last. Anything better than that would feel great, and if I was last, well someone needs to be last.

Focus on riding clean, rather than going bananas fast. Clean is fast. I did well following that mantra.
flag Tu2kill
O+
Posted: May 25, 2022 at 13:56 Quote
ShawMac wrote:
This sounds exactly where I was at this year, wanting to step into my first race since 2004.

Join a local club if anything is available and do one of the weeknight or weekend races. Almost all races that I have seen at anything but the UCI level are geared to being "fun" with people caring more about their costumes and drinks after than winning.

I did a 3 stage enduro as my first race rather than an XC. I set a goal of being second to last. Anything better than that would feel great, and if I was last, well someone needs to be last.

Focus on riding clean, rather than going bananas fast. Clean is fast. I did well following that mantra.

Thanks for the info! I'll definitely look into clubs in my area.
flag eshew
Posted: May 26, 2022 at 14:49 Quote
Ride the trails prior to the race if you can. Ride a lot, ride more & then continue to ride. Fatigue has always been the number one issue, so get in the best shape you can. That and pace yourself.

The biggest benefit I found was finding a local race where I could ride the potential course weeks ahead, that allowed me to know the trail and gain the fitness needed. 25 mile rides with 5k feet climbing multiple times REALLY helped
flag BenLow2019
Posted: Jun 2, 2022 at 9:28 Quote
Tu2kill wrote:
Hello, I’m fairly new to mountain biking, I started about two years ago, and am looking to do my first race and am looking for suggestions and tips.

My goal is to do at least one race next year, 2023, as this is the first year I committed to getting into better shape and setting some goals for myself.

I found a couple of events that look like fun such as the Sea Otter Classic, and the Fears, Tears, and Beers race.

My question to you all who have done your first race, what are your recommendations, what was it like, and what other races do you recommend,

Also, are they any “fun” races (like a fun run) that you would recommend?

I live in the western US, but feel free to give any suggestions as they could help others.

I'd personally look to smaller events than Sea Otter for my first race. Sea Otter is well organized, but it is a BIG event and it may be confusing for the uninitiated.
Talk to your LBS about local races or group rides in your area.
You can also check out Eventbrite and Active websites for races in your region. Some these are fun rides more than serious, heated competition and they can help get you into the groove for how these events are structured and work on getting in shape. Many of them are annual events so you can find one that interests you and then possibly find YouTube videos of last year's event to see if it suits your desire before you sign up.

https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nv--reno/bike-race/
https://www.active.com/reno-nv/cycling

Good luck.
flag Tu2kill
O+
Posted: Jun 6, 2022 at 14:40 Quote
BenLow2019 wrote:
Tu2kill wrote:
Hello, I’m fairly new to mountain biking, I started about two years ago, and am looking to do my first race and am looking for suggestions and tips.

My goal is to do at least one race next year, 2023, as this is the first year I committed to getting into better shape and setting some goals for myself.

I found a couple of events that look like fun such as the Sea Otter Classic, and the Fears, Tears, and Beers race.

My question to you all who have done your first race, what are your recommendations, what was it like, and what other races do you recommend,

Also, are they any “fun” races (like a fun run) that you would recommend?

I live in the western US, but feel free to give any suggestions as they could help others.

I'd personally look to smaller events than Sea Otter for my first race. Sea Otter is well organized, but it is a BIG event and it may be confusing for the uninitiated.
Talk to your LBS about local races or group rides in your area.
You can also check out Eventbrite and Active websites for races in your region. Some these are fun rides more than serious, heated competition and they can help get you into the groove for how these events are structured and work on getting in shape. Many of them are annual events so you can find one that interests you and then possibly find YouTube videos of last year's event to see if it suits your desire before you sign up.

https://www.eventbrite.com/d/nv--reno/bike-race/
https://www.active.com/reno-nv/cycling

Good luck.

Thanks for the info!
flag Barks82
O+ FL
Posted: Jun 8, 2022 at 17:20 Quote
I have my first enduro coming up at the end of the month. Just a low pressure fun race, but I'm stoked nonetheless.
flag ShawMac
O+ FL
Posted: Jun 9, 2022 at 10:38 Quote
Barks82 wrote:
I have my first enduro coming up at the end of the month. Just a low pressure fun race, but I'm stoked nonetheless.

Careful, you are going to get addicted.
flag Tu2kill
O+
Posted: Aug 20, 2022 at 16:58 Quote
Barks82 wrote:
I have my first enduro coming up at the end of the month. Just a low pressure fun race, but I'm stoked nonetheless.

That’s awesome! Can I ask what race?
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