First race tomorrow AM...any tips for a beginner?
11-20-04, 02:57 PM
#1
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First race tomorrow AM...any tips for a beginner?
Well, I have my first race tomorrow. I have a vague idea how to mount and dismount, completely forgot how to carry, etc. Any tips for a newbie? I'm really anxious about it for some reason, I guess I'm afraid I won't finish.
11-20-04, 03:17 PM
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I did my first race a month ago.
1. get there about an hour before the race, To register, make sure bike is working, do 1 or 2 practice laps.
2. take note of which side you should pin your number on. plus don't use the holes it pin it on, make new holes with pin. otherwise it blows around to much.
3. get to the starting line warm and little out of breath.
4. Enjoy your race! It's supposed to be fun!
couple of good cyclocross pages for beginners:
https://willybikes.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=61
https://willybikes.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=62
1. get there about an hour before the race, To register, make sure bike is working, do 1 or 2 practice laps.
2. take note of which side you should pin your number on. plus don't use the holes it pin it on, make new holes with pin. otherwise it blows around to much.
3. get to the starting line warm and little out of breath.
4. Enjoy your race! It's supposed to be fun!
couple of good cyclocross pages for beginners:
https://willybikes.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=61
https://willybikes.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=62
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11-20-04, 05:14 PM
#3
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(I just raced my first race today) Be prepared for weather and temp, dont know how cold it is in CA but I was in winter gear warming up and then stripped down to shorts and short sleeve for the race. Bring advil or ibuprofen or whatever. If you find a spot that looks like its gonna provide difficulty ride it till you're comfortable or more comfortable god knows I should have.
11-20-04, 08:00 PM
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The earlier you can get there the better. 2 hours early sounds crazy, but you'll have enough time to walk the course BACKWARDS, pick out your lines and look for problem areas that you might not see on your ride around the course.
Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate...I usually drink 1 Liter water 40minutes before the race...gives you plenty of time to absorb and pee before the start. It really helps to be hydrated.
On the runnning sections I try and remind mysel steady jog. No sprinting. It will only get you more out of breath. Get the feet back on the pedals as soon as possible and pedal. Clip in later when you have the bike up to speed.
Hope this helps...you'll do fine...I was anxious before my first race this season too..
Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate...I usually drink 1 Liter water 40minutes before the race...gives you plenty of time to absorb and pee before the start. It really helps to be hydrated.
On the runnning sections I try and remind mysel steady jog. No sprinting. It will only get you more out of breath. Get the feet back on the pedals as soon as possible and pedal. Clip in later when you have the bike up to speed.
Hope this helps...you'll do fine...I was anxious before my first race this season too..
11-21-04, 06:12 AM
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I remember my 1st race ever from last year. I agree with everyone else. Get there early & get some water in you. You won't have time during the race & the water bottle thingy gets in the way anyhow, remove it! Not sure where you are racing but do dress in layers & during the warmup laps, you will get warm/hot. Remove layers as necessary so you don't overheat. I am not a "racer" by any stretch of the imagination so I tend to over dress a bit. A sweatshirt & t-shirt will be enough good at freezing (32f or 0c, depending on where you are), hope this helps. Get a practice lap in & don't worry if you end up last at the start.
Check tire pressure. I had mine all the way up whereas everyone else... If you are not sure, ask some people with team jerseys on. I am certain that they will help you out as I have never met an unfriendly CX'er yet who won't help.
Go at your pace so that you will finish. It doesn't matter if you get lapped. I am a short distance commuter who wanted to try something different. Heck! You sound as if you know somewhat more than I before I hit my first race. Enjoy the experience, I loved it so much that I was back for more this year. Not that I am any better though
Check tire pressure. I had mine all the way up whereas everyone else... If you are not sure, ask some people with team jerseys on. I am certain that they will help you out as I have never met an unfriendly CX'er yet who won't help.
Go at your pace so that you will finish. It doesn't matter if you get lapped. I am a short distance commuter who wanted to try something different. Heck! You sound as if you know somewhat more than I before I hit my first race. Enjoy the experience, I loved it so much that I was back for more this year. Not that I am any better though
