NORBA Racing Categories

[Cypress]

Say I wanted to race mountain bikes again. I almost made semi-pro before I "quit" when I was 18, now I'm 24. I've been racing road for a little while, and am over half way to cat-2...

What should I race in NORBA? I haven't really touched a MTB in over 5 years.

[ZeCanon]

expert.

I am 19, a cat 2 and a competitive semi-pro, and I've been mountain biking for the past 5 years. If you haven't, you will not be a competitive semi. You could probably hang on the fire roads, but you won't stick with semis in the woods.

[Cypress]

Mmk.

Thanks for your input. Have they changed the way you get classed in NORBA? I remember basically walking into races when I was 16 and signing up for expert races, even though my license said sport.

Can you walk onto a semi race as an expert (expert is what USA Cycling claims me to be)?

[ZeCanon]

Depends on the promoter, but for the most part, no. For any large race, like the NMBS circuit or nationals, definitely not. They will make you race your category.

Race expert. You only need 3 top 3 finishes to upgrade, and if you get those then you know you're ready. You never raced semi before... I'm not sure you understand how large the jump is.

[Cypress]

Depends on the promoter, but for the most part, no. For any large race, like the NMBS circuit or nationals, definitely not. They will make you race your category.

Race expert. You only need 3 top 3 finishes to upgrade, and if you get those then you know you're ready. You never raced semi before... I'm not sure you understand how large the jump is.

3 top 3's???? I've did that 4 times over! Damns.


I might make a trip down to Castle Rock this summer. If you're there, We'll hit it at some point.

[kenhill3]

Cypress-

I think the smart thing would be to go Expert, plenty competitive for you I'll bet. I think you'll get bumped up if the powers that be think you're a sandbagger :)

[ZeCanon]

3 top 3's???? I've did that 4 times over! Damns.


I might make a trip down to Castle Rock this summer. If you're there, We'll hit it at some point.

I'll be split between east coast and rocky mountains, mountain and road, so I'll be all over the place :)


Get your top 3's again (in big races, not small ones!) and upgrade. Although the point is kind of moot anyway, because I doubt they would give you the semi upgrade after all this time anyway.

[Dannihilator]

For NORBA's Expert.

For non norba's semi pro.

I'd avoid NORBA since now a days it's a sad, pathetic joke.

[MattP.]

I'd race expert for your first race and see how you do. All the NORBA events I've raced in (DH) there has been some amazing competition in the expert level.