wkpat81

Today was my first race ever on mountain bike (or any bike for that matter) I was pretty nervous before everything got going but as soon as we started that was all gone. There were about 50 riders in my class and I placed 12th. Not too bad, kind of expected to do worse but was pretty pleased for my first race. I was actually closer to the front until the guy in front of me crashed with about two miles left and made me crash. It wasnt bad, just lost a lot of time getting up and getting going again. I think that next time I should be able to finish a little closer to the top. (hopefully) Anyway, just thought id share. Oh and these things start to damn early. haha The race started at 8am and it was an hour and a half drive from my house, had to leave at 5am to make sure I was there with plenty of time to warm up. Now im just rambling..

Take Care

wkpat81

By the way, the race was two 4 mile loops for a total of 8 miles. Nothing to technical, but a lot of hills. The guy that won it finished way out in front of everyone else, I dont think anyone was within 30 seconds of him.

Take Care

AquariaGuy

Congrats!

I have yet to enter my first race. But i don't know if i should do it on my hardtail..Giant Yukon.

troie

What do you ride pat?

wkpat81

I have a 2003 TREK 6700 with Disc Brakes. THe bike is completely stock right now, but im looking into some upgrades in the near future! Im really happy with the bike so far!!

Take Care

Mad Dog JR

Right on! glad to see you did well! i think i got 14th at my first race. but it was 16 miles so it was a little longer than normal and i wasent in the best of shape.
So are you hyped to do another one? lol

Tomorrow i have a race myself, its another 16 mile course. if i get first place i will also be 1st for points for the whole state!!!!! (and i WILL get first ... touch wood) Im so damn pumped to race tomorrow! i can feel the adrenaline already!

wkpat81

Yeah, im pumped to race again. Im not sure when another race is, but im going to the bike shop in the morning to ask. (they were the ones that got me signed up for this one) I know I can do better than 12!! I didnt really know what to expect so I kinda started off easy (not an excuse, I really started pretty slow) I think next time I can get the top 10. I found out that the guy that won hasnt lost a race around here in quite a while, I found out after I got home that he finished 43 seconds ahead of the 2nd place finisher. Good Luck tomorrow maddog!! Quick question, I asked this in a different thread also. What upgrades would be most benifecial to me for my bike. Again its a TREK 6700 with disc brakes.

Take Care

Mad Dog JR

Well if your doing fine with the stuff you have than why spend money changing it right? the only reson to upgrade components is if they break, if you want them to be lighter or if you want something stronger. but the most worth while upgrade i would think would be wheels and tires. lighter wheels will be faster durring take off and be easier to move. and tires would be somthing you would change if the ones you have already are worn or not suted for the conditions at hand. but there is also the cool factor of expensive upgrades to another thing to consider is comfort upgrades such as seats, bars, grips, and stems (for fit).

BTW, I got 2nd today, i should be around 2nd to 1st for points in state to

wkpat81

Hey way to go!!! Hopefully ill be able to place that high before long!! How many races do you think you have been in? Take Care

Mad Dog JR

Im sure you will be within about 3-4 races, i have 7 races under my belt. 2- first place wins, 1-second, 2-third, 1-Six and one 14th place.

a2psyklnut

Congrats Guys, it's great to hear you guys doing so well.

As far as upgrades, I'm of the ilk that think, "Only replace it when you break it", but at the same time I'm constantly changing things on my bike to find what works best. i.e. stem length and rise, different seats, different tires.

There are several thoughts on upgrading if you must. Usually the most dramatic upgrade you can make without spending a whole lotta money is to get some new tires. If you're going to be racing a lot, new lighter tires can dramatically reduce your "rotational" mass and will make your bike feel lighter and faster.

From there, wheels are another good thing to upgrade for the same reason. Rotational mass is more significant.

If you're bike is really heavy, chances are you have generic and heavy stem, handlebars, seatpost, seat and bottom bracket. Individually there isn't too much weight difference between generic or brand, but if all are good components you can easily shave 1-2 lbs off a bike.(Depending on what you have to start with of course!)

Of these, you'll probably swap out the bottom bracket first due to wear. Generic BB's are really heavy and a good one can be found for as little as $30.00.

A new air suspension fork can immediately shave 1.5 lbs off your bike, but you're gonna be spending some serious coin for that upgrade. If you're going that far, you may consider purchasing a complete race ready bike.

Good Luck guys.
L8R