Originally Posted by
MikeOK
So if you place in so many races you have to move up a class? If so that would be nice. Mountain bike races are filled with sandbaggers.
Yes. You acquire "upgrade points", and at a certain level, you're automatically moved up. Also, since there are no cash prizes in Cat 5 races, there is no real incentive to stay in cat 5 once you're eligible to move up (unless, of course, you just really enjoy rubbing elbows at race speed with a bunch of guys who are still learning to race).
Many areas have "training races" on a weekly or monthly basis. These are low/no-pressure events that are fast enough to be competitive, but allow you to do things like sit out a lap and then hop back in so you can focus on learning and strategy without having to turn yourself inside out just to hang on. If your area has these, they're a great place to learn and get to know the local racers.
BB