Wooden Tiger

So I got a new MTB and while I'm not in the best shape (working on that...), I wanna enter a race this year. I am a Clydesdale (right now...) and between 35-40 years old. I've also never raced.

Basically, I don't want to race in a series, per se, but I would like to enter at least a single race. Are there any such events out there?

dminor 

You're in luck - - WV has a thriving organization for MTB racing and they put on quite a few:

https://www.wvmba.com/ridewv/index.ph...pper&Itemid=65

There is almost always a first-timer's class in every age category; and 30-39 is often one of the largest groups, so there stands a good chance of being enough to make a class.

Also check the I Play Outside web site (https://www.iplayoutside.com/Search/index.php) and filter the event schedule by XC MTB races - - some are the WVMBA series events but there are others too in your neck of the woods. IIRC, one of the once-regular posters on the site ("soccer mom" apclassic) runs or had something to do with the iplayoutside site. She was also an organizer of the Appalachian Classic MTB race, but that one may not be going on any more.

If you need more info, let me know and I can hook you up with another WVian who is still on BF occasionally who was a real avid MTB racer but now does mostly road. But I'm sure he's still plugged in to what's available out there and could give you some pointers.

Have fun . . . racing is a blast!

Wooden Tiger

Hey, thanks for the leads! I'll check into'em!

TrekDen

I'd like to add another West Virginia based promoter. Appalachian Bicycle Racing Association (ABRA). They put on handful of MTB races per year, and are usually nicely run. There are 4 on the schedule now, as the Seven Springs race for April 7th had to be cancelled due to the fact that winter hung on too long this year. Just too much snow up there right now, and they are still going to be skiing this weekend..
There's always a beginners category, so get out there and have some fun. Chances are if you show up at an ABRA race you'll see me there. I usually work the finish line as an official, scoring and placing the finishers.


https://www.abraracing.com/Schedule.html

Wooden Tiger

Hey, thanks for the lead! I will definitely look into that!

I've kinda fallen off the wagon since around the beginning of the month. I was off to a great start, then the cold got pretty bad, along with some bad weather, then we went on vacation, and now that we're back, I'm sick! I really need to get back out there and get some training in if I'm going to do ANYTHING!

Cyclist01012

You can also check out the 331 power series in Ohio 13 races across the state do one or do them all cross country, short track, time trails and enduro racing.

Wooden Tiger

Unfortunately, Ohio is a bit far away for me.