Mountain Biking - starting mt. bike racing

can i just skip racing in the beginner class and go straight to sport? or do i have to spend a certain amoutn of races in beginner?

Heck, just jump right in to expert.

sry if that came out wrong, but i ride and train with expert riders and a semi-pro. they told me to try and skip to sport if possible, b/c it wouldn't be worth my time in beginner. i was just wondering if you guys knew if i was able to do that.

Sure you can but why not whip up an a few beginners to get started.

that won't be any fun, i'd like to ride with some competition around me. i don't feel like being off the front the whole time, even though that would look totally bad *****

yes you can skip to sport.

can i just skip racing in the beginner class and go straight to sport? or do i have to spend a certain amoutn of races in beginner?

that is what i did. i am top 10 now.

good luck!

mx

can i just skip racing in the beginner class and go straight to sport? or do i have to spend a certain amoutn of races in beginner?

skip straight to sport unless you want to be top sandbagger like Rico.

Sandbagging is fun. You just stay far enough back on the first 3 laps so that the leader doesn't see you, then you crush them in the sprint.

you can also check your lap time against the experts, and maybe move up after you win a few sport races...

you can also check your lap time against the experts, and maybe move up after you win a few sport races...

uhhh, he ain't gonna just step into it and win a couple sport races.

unless they suck there.

mx

one never knows.... There was a kid showed up in WV a few years back - he was a college xc track runner - bike weighed a ton, flat pedals with sneakers - stayed in the sport class to win some decent parts.

one never knows.... There was a kid showed up in WV a few years back - he was a college xc track runner - bike weighed a ton, flat pedals with sneakers - stayed in the sport class to win some decent parts.

the top guys in my class are probably top 5-7 expert times. i don't think they are necessarily cherry picking sand baggers...it's just their time to shine and they are scheduled to move up (i hope)

mx

Speaking of races, what is the age usually for entry? Im 15 and dont expect to be coming top 10 or anything (or bottom 10 for that matter) but might like to get started in racing.

Speaking of races, what is the age usually for entry? Im 15 and dont expect to be coming top 10 or anything (or bottom 10 for that matter) but might like to get started in racing.

you're not old enough. wait a couple years until you mature a little. no sense in trying to get a head start.

mx

you're not old enough. wait a couple years until you mature a little. no sense in trying to get a head start.

mx

Lol, what do you think, im going to get hormonal and cry at the end of the race? jk jk

I'll have to grab one of Rod's fake moustaches.

i.e. hot rod

Speaking of races, what is the age usually for entry? Im 15 and dont expect to be coming top 10 or anything (or bottom 10 for that matter) but might like to get started in racing.

Depends where you live. Here in Canada, there are junior categories at all the races. Generally a 13& under, 15& under and then 17& under.

If you are curious, do some more investigating...

Depends where you live. Here in Canada, there are junior categories at all the races. Generally a 13& under, 15& under and then 17& under.

If you are curious, do some more investigating...

I would do exactly that, but near where i live (at least within 2-3 hours) there are not many jr. MTB'ers, so i was wondering if it is at all acceptable to just go into the "unlisted minimum age" category. I understand completely though, we have to protect old people's ego's. mmmmm waffles. The other ego's. jk jk

I would talk to a race organizer & see what they have to say. If they don't mind, go for it. Generally the junior races are shorter, due to the different physiological demands on a younger/growing body.

I would talk to a race organizer & see what they have to say. If they don't mind, go for it. Generally the junior races are shorter, due to the different physiological demands on a younger/growing body.

What is a common adult race length?

What is a common adult race length?
The Jr version of a race was typically one or two fewer laps than the equivalent old guy class. For example, I recall that Jr. Expert did the same number of laps as Sr. Sport. They also rode MUCH faster than the sport guys. :notamused:

Might I add there is bad karma for sand baggers.