by Alan Coté
Courtesy of Mountain Biker Magazine (May 1996)
[ Note from Webmaster: This article comes way back from 1996 ]
So you've seen pro riders on the NORBA circuit or here in the pages of Mountain Biker's "Pay-dirt" and you wish you were part of the action? Well, remember that almost all National Off-Road Bicycle
Association (NORBA) races include a full selection of categories--34 in all--which allow any cyclist to give racing a try. According to NORBA, more than 30,000 people took out short-term racing licenses (1 to 30 days).
For all of you race virgins out there, here are some questions about your first time.
Where's the race?
Your local bike shop is often a great source for the word on area races. Event promoters often send entry forms to bike shops, and odds are that someone working at the shop is a racer. Mailing your entry form and fee
ahead of time will save you the late charge for race-day registration.
Do I need a NORBA license?
For most events, one-day NORBA licenses are available at races for a small fee, which will get you into the Beginner category (or the special First-Time category that some events offer). To ride the more advanced Sport category,
you need a 30-day license, which costs about 15 smackers. Or you can ante up for a one-year license for about $30. Not all races are NORBA races, though, so check the race brochure.
Do I need a new bike?
No. In fact, you'll ride best on a bike that you're most familiar with and comfortable on. No matter how fancy your own machine is, you'll see lots of tricked-out bikes that are nicer than yours. Beating the people who ride those bikes
is one of the best aspects of racing.
Do I need suspension?
No. Suspension is needed just as much or as little as for your normal riding. If you have a fancy shock (or two), great. If not, that's fine too.
Do I need clipless pedals?
No. Compared to toeclips, clipless pedals have definite advantages, but they also take some getting used to. If you don't yet own them, clipless pedals should be an upgrade priority, but you certainly can race (and even win) with toeclips and sneakers.
Do I need a helmet?
Absolutely. Wear one whenever you're on your bike at the race, even if you're just pedaling across the parking lot to the Porta Potti. Race officials will scream at you and can disqualify you from the race if your on your bike without a helmet on your head. It's an insurance thing.
What should I eat before the race?
It's a personal thing. Experiment before training rides to see what works best for you. If you eat a big, greasy sausage breakfast an hour before the start, you might very well yack it back up. Most beginner races are short, so bonking shouldn't be
a problem. The key is eating far enough in advance to be able to digest it.
Where do I put my race number?
Fasten it to the front of your bike Use the zip-ties or bread-wrapper ties provided with your race packet to attach the number to your cables or your handlebars. Sometimes there's also a number for your jersey. Pin it low on your back.
What should I wear?
What youe wear for your normal riding. Shirts are required, though sleeves are not. Gloves will save your hands in a fall, and sunglasses can keep dust and mud out of your eyes. Fancy Bike clothes are comfortable, but thet won't make you go any faster.
When should I arrive?
Get there several hours early. You'll then have plenty of time to stand in the long line for registration (or the john) without feeling rushed. Be at the start area and ready to go half an hour before race time, especially at bigger events; riders are staged (lined up) early.
How should I warm up?
That's also a personal thing. About a half hour of moderately paced riding is common warm-up. Do a final check that everything works correctly on your bike. If the course is short and there isn't another race going on, then go for a lap. Standing around for half an hour is
staging ends up negating everyone's warm-up anyway.
Do I need to know tactics?
Sort of. You've probably read all sorts of stories about the subtle tactics that pro riders use, but dont worry about those. The only concern for beginners is setting a steady but hard pace
that can be maintained for the whole race.
Should I carry food and water during the race?
Yes. Consider how long the race will take, and plan accordingly. Few beginner races are long enough to require food, but an enery bar in your pocket is good insurance. Carry enough water so you wont go dry.
Can I get help on the trail if my bike breaks?
No. You have to fix everything yourself with the tools you carry. Receiving any assistance will disqualify you from the race, and just ain't in the independent spirit of Mountain Biking.
So what tools do I need?
You should at least have a pump or CO2 cartriges, a spare tube, a patch kit, tire levers, hex wrenches (4, 5, 6mm), a spoke wrench and a chain tool.
Even if you dont race, you should always carry these tools and the knowledge of how to use them whenever you ride.
Are there rules?
You have to stay on the marked course. Shortcuts will get you disqualified. Otherwise, it's just a race to the finish line.
Do I have to stay on my bike the whole time?
No. You can dismount and push your bike as much or as little as you like. You do have to finish with your entire bike, however. And no ghosties on the downhill.
Should I whine and complain to NORBA officials or the event promoter?
No. They already have their hands full. If results are posted and your name isn't there (or you're definitely in the wrong place), then find an official and explain the situation nicely.
Will I get a prize?
Maybe. The prize list is often posted before the race. If the race information says "three places" for your category, that means that the first three finishers receive prizes. Racing isn't about prizes though--it's about extending your limits and having fun.
Am I going to crash? Will it hurt?
You might. Yes.
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