If the thought of racing a mountain bike sounds like fun to you...YOU’RE RIGHT! As an #MTB racer and Race Director, I can give you an inside perspective on what you need to do to have a great first race. (For the purpose of this article, we are assuming you own a mountain bike and have ridden off-road numerous times.)
NOTE: As with most action sports, mountain biking can be dangerous and the chance of injury is real. There is the potential from simple injuries, all the way up to and including permanent injury or death. If you see something you are not comfortable riding during your race, get off your bike and walk it! There are clinics you can attend with an MTB skills coach. Challenger Skills Clinics are a great way to hone your skills before you try racing.
Research - Before you enter your first race, know what you are getting yourself into. Read about the race course's difficulty level on the race website & or Facebook Page, and look for videos on YouTube to show you the course. Is there a "Novice" or "First Timer" Category? Your local bike shop is a wealth of knowledge and can let you know if you may be in over your head. Your friends who ride may have raced that event previously, ask them. The more you know, the better you will be prepared.
Is there a GPX (Garmin/GPS Data) file posted? Will the course be marked in advance so you can pre-ride (ride the exact course before race day)? Are there group pre-rides in advance of the race? I hold several pre-rides of the Challenger MTB race. Riding the course in advance of the race will give you confidence on race day.
Items Needed - Pretty obviously, you’ll need your bike & helmet. Don’t laugh, but I admit, I've gone to races and forgotten important items like my helmet, bike clothes, food, and water bottles. Make a checklist of everything you need, print the list and as you pack your gear, check it off. Spare tube, bike pump, gloves, eye protection, healthy snacks, lunch, LOTS of water, a water bottle or a hydration pack, a small medical kit, bike lock, hand sanitizer, some toilet paper, and a folding chair are all items you may want to bring. Some racers bring a pop-up tent and folding table if they know they will be on-site all day.
Days Before - Is your mountain bike ready to race? When was the last time you had a professional mechanic tune your trusted 2 wheeled friends? Before you head out on the trail, have your local bike shop check it over. Most shops have a checklist they go through to make sure your bike is in race condition.. tube, bike pump, gloves, eye protection, healthy snacks, lunch, LOTS of water, a water bottle or a hydration pack, a small medical kit, bike lock, hand sanitizer, some toilet paper, and a folding chair are all items you may want to bring. Some racers bring a pop-up tent and folding table if they know they will be on-site all day.
Race Day - EAT BREAKFAST! Skipping breakfast on race day is a sure-fire way to have a negative racing experience. Your body needs fuel to perform. The experts at Livestrong have a great short read on this topic.
Plan on arriving two hours prior to the start time for your first race. This will give you ample time to figure out the lay of the land, sign registration papers, set up your area, prep your bike, suit up, and warm-up. You'll also probably feel the need for SEVERAL trips to the port-a-potty. Remember to stay hydrated during this time, and eat light snacks like fruit, or a Clif Bar. Avoid eating protein before your race. About 30 minutes prior to your race time, ride around nearby for 10 minutes to get your blood pumping. Get in your last minute port-a-potty run, and make it to the pre-race meeting/staging area 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
Don't try anything new on race day. Don't make any adjustments to your bike. If someone says, "Hey try this awesome hydration drink”, just say, "no thank you". Stick to what you know and are used to doing. Water will be just fine for your first race.
While you are racing, remember to breathe. If you want to pass someone, call it out loud and clear in advance of your pass, and make sure there is a section wide enough that it is safe for both you and the person you are passing. An example would be, "Passing on your left". If you are getting passed, as long as it is safe to do so, move over slightly so the overtaking racer can safely pass you. Most likely you'll be competing for a small medal or perhaps a bike pump, if you don't win it's not the end of the world.
Lastly - And most importantly, HAVE FUN! Race Directors and course designers work hard to string the trails together in such a way that will be fun and leave you with a smile on your face. We want to see you have a great time enjoying what we have been planning since last year's race.
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