Originally Posted by 46x17
Fanny pack rules for pen, map, and manifest.
Bring a patch kit and CO2 cartridge.
Changing tubes and handpumping can really suck during race.
If you can try to visualize your route. Write major intersection and or checkpoints on your hand or cheat sheet if your brain needs backup.
Think about the route in terms of hills, wind, etc too.
Don't get stressed out at the start. Take your time to make sure you know where you are going or as others suggested stick to a back wheel
Holy hell, good advice. Also, bring a couple tubes and a handpump too. Sometimes just getting home can be a challenge, and redundant safety measures can't hurt.
If you're not in it to win it (I'm sure not) don't be a dick. It's just not necessary.
If your pride can handle it, (and it's not monstertrack) run a brake. You can ride more aggressively with one.