Mountain Biking - How do you get into bike racing?

I'm a pretty experienced runner and I race on foot quite regularly. There always seems to be an abundance of races of all distances to do by foot, wherever you are. (I'm in LA)

I'd love to get into bike racing - particularly, mountain bike racing. I'm much more of a climber than a downhiller (probably no downhill only races for me...can't afford to get injured), and I'd love to do some cross-country style races with moderately technical singletrack and big climbs.

With the great weather down here in SoCal, I'm sure there are races nearby - I just can't seem to find them or the community of people who race around here.

Can anyone help me get started? Groups/organizations/locales would be welcome. Also, what I should expect from a beginner race - anything special I need to bring?

Visit some local bike shops - they should be able to clue you in on local races & riding groups.

You should bring a basic tool set, extra water & food, at least one tube & a small pump or CO2 cartridge.

Good Luck, and have fun! Also, keep in mind that it's perfectly acceptable to get off your bike & run down a hill if you don't care to ride down - just stay to one side to let riders pass...

http://www.norbanationals.com/

http://usacycling.org

Check out Southridge Racing Club. (http://www.southridgeusa.com/) They're the big one in the LA area with a full slate of XC races. I think they're centered around Fontana. Good luck!

Edit - - BTW, since you're a runner too, when you're checking out races, look into off-road duathlons. They're a blast for someone with a strong running background.

Check out Southridge Racing Club. (http://www.southridgeusa.com/) They're the big one in the LA area with a full slate of XC races. I think they're centered around Fontana. Good luck!

Edit - - BTW, since you're a runner too, when you're checking out races, look into off-road duathlons. They're a blast for someone with a strong running background.


As dminor stated, SRC is your best bet and they put on a great series. Because of where the races are held the climbs are not very long but they are a killer, some steep climbs. Also, they are not very far from LA. There is usually no traffic heading that way on weekend mornings so it should not take longer then 45min to get there.

Another good thing is you do not need to be a part of any club or hold any racing licenes for the club races, just show up on race weekend and enter. If you find that you enjoy the racing then I would suggest joining SRC but as I said, no need to for your first race. Lots of good riders there and good people.

MSF:beer:

Thanks for the info - however, I can't seem to find the link for the actual upcoming race dates. I do see all the "big event" results - sort of intimidating for a newbie like myself ; I was thinking of doing like a small "no-name" race for starters as opposed to a "NATIONALS" or something competitive like that.

If you could point me the way on the links, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Don't be intimidated. Southridge is just a very good, very organized regional race promoter. They just don't have a lot of upcoming information, I think, because their 06 season is winding down. But if you noticed, they seem to go all year. I'm sure there are other races around, as large as your area is, but don't shy away from SRC. From what I've read about them, they work very hard to make everyone's experience - - newbies especially - - a good one. There need to be more promoters who work so hard to grow the sport.

Check the bulletin boards in the local shops; you should see some posters. You can also see if there's anything local on Active.com. (http://www.active.com)

Oh, and listen to MasterSezFaster - - he lives there and knows the scene real well.