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<p style=”text-align: center;”>Ok, so Ive been riding and progressing pretty nicely, and I was just wondering if the beginner class would be too much, what races are around me, and any relevant info that I should know. Im not looking to win anything except have fun and not embarrass the hell out of myself.</p>
My Strava times are under my name, Brock Putman, and feel free to add me if you want. Im looking for any feedback good or bad here. Thanks
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Also, many of you may know George Hincapie, the Tour de France teammate of Lance Armstrong. He lives in Greenville, SC, and I passed him the other day on the trail. I can officially say I passed a Tour de France team winner. Just thought that was cool. I know if he was actually trying, he would make me look like a circus monkey on a tricycle
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Hi, Brock! If you simply wanna get a taste of racing pick any affordable race around you and have fun. It’s not a bad idea to ride race course couple times before actual event.
To find races you can google something like “Mtb race near “your town”” or check with local bike shops.
Good luck.
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It’s simple Brock!
Ask yourself this question: Do I want to race?
If yes: Sign up for a race
If no: Don’t sign up for a race
Mountain bike races are fun, from the beginner categories up to expert. Even the folks that take it “seriously” are out there because they enjoy it. That said, it isn’t for everyone. Some folks just don’t care about competing at any level. But the only way to find out is to try it! Who knows, you may get hooked, start training, wear a HR monitor, shave your legs…
Since it sounds like you’re in Greenville – a rad town by the way – check out the Upstate SORBA site: http://upstatesorba.com/
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The best way to know if you “should” race is to do a race. No amount of training and number crunching will amount to the actual experience you get from an actual race.
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Why not shoot for Cranksgiving (link here —>http://upstatecranksgiving.org/)? Plenty of time between now and then to practice and “train”. Go to Paris Mtn. and ride Brissy Ridge trail a few times. Go up to Pleasant Ridge (the JFA Trails) and ride it a few times. The experience of doing Cranksgiving, as well as the great people you’ll meet and have fun with, will let you know for sure if racing is something you’ll enjoy.
See you there 🙂
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Thanks guys. My main concern was that I didnt want to just completely get in over my head and embarrass myself, but it doesnt sound like that is really the case. I may try Cranksgiving. Its basically downhill from what I gather, and thats ok. I was kinda of looking for something in between. Ive noticed Im faster on downhills than a lot of the XC guys Ive ridden with, but on the super steep grades I tire out before them. Im 5’11”, 220 lbs. I have a Giant Trance X1 circa 2011. I think I may just enter it, blast the downhills, and see where I am in the beginner class. Thanks for the help
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<p style=”text-align: left;”>I was in the same boat last year. I really wanted to give racing a try, but just didn’t know where to begin. I signed up for a race and got my ass handed to me but had the time if my life! The people were fun and friendly and shared words of encouragement. I’ve raced in about a dozen now and feel like I’m progressing nicely. Normally I’m a mid pack cat 3 rider but I do have a second place finish and one first place at a small local event!</p>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Once again I say go for it! If the bug bites you like it did me you will have a blast!</p> -
Like it’s been mentioned – the best way to figure out if you’re ready is to go out and try a race. Depending on the format of the race, you can end up chatting with some friendly fellow bikers (with far nicer bikes 🙂 ), and at the end of the day they are a great challenge and great fun. Regardless of the results in your first races, I’d encourage you to try again the next year as I’d say races really help one improve on their skills/try new and different trails.
By the sounds of it, perhaps an enduro event might be more to your liking?
Cheers!
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I’m signing up for my first race. It’s the Couch Potato at Mt Pigsah in November. I’m 37, kinda outta shape, & bought my first bike about 4 weeks ago!!! I plan on making a fool out of myself so I know what I’m starting with. Hope to see you there!
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Awesome to hear that Ninja! The Couch Potato race looks like a fun one.
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Just try it
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