Mountain Bike Racing: How to Find and Choose a Race

As opposed to going down a trail at random, course designers have ridden the area they lay out and are familiar with the obstacles. More importantly, race courses are designed with continuity in mind. The trails flow from one obstacle to the next. This makes for a great ride without the normal breaks and indecision when riding somewhere unfamiliar. Expect most beginner courses to range from 12 to 18 miles on average.

Watch Better Riders

Mountain biking has a certain amount of learning by osmosis. Once the basics are down, a rider can improve further by watching how better riders tackle different obstacles or choose their lines down drops and up hills. Individual riders tend to have their own unique styles; watching others can give you ideas of how else to approach certain types of terrain. Ultimately, mountain bike races offer the opportunity to become better.

Find Race Listings

Races can be found at Bike Reg. Racers can register right at this site and follow the links for more information on the different races listed. Races can be also be located by talking to the other riders on the trails. Sometimes local races are held and not listed on the web. USA Cycling also offers race listings; these races will require you to purchase a temporary license for the day.

Pick a Race

Racing can be viewed in multiple ways. Some racers are more comfortable racing on familiar trails. Check out the listings thoroughly. Often, races can be found on private grounds that would otherwise not be available to ride on. While these races offer the unknown, it is usually worth it to ride.

Attitude Is Everything

Remember your first race is just that: your first. You won't set the world on fire. Go to have fun and learn what you can. Racing is an experience and even if you only race once, you'll have plenty of those trail stories that will get larger with each telling.

The Group Phenomenon

Spend a day surrounded by other mountain bikers. Enjoy the socialization. If you've been eyeing up other brands, here's the opportunity to talk to people who own them, perhaps try them out, or at least get the opinions of other riders. Want to upgrade? Ask and others will share there expertise. Mountain bikers are a unique breed of cyclists. Enjoy the day