After just pleasure riding for several years, I have decided to enter my first XC race. I entered the beginner category in the 18-29 class. The course is one lap that is about 9.4 miles long. I've ridden the course several times and only once at a near race pace-- and that was haulted when a friend snapped his chain.

As far as I know, the format for the start is going to be one big group and then we make a mad dash for the trailhead. From there it is alot of mixed single track and double track.

Any tips on passing?

Any tips on being passed?

Do other people like to start out kind of slow and then build on their pace or the other way around?

The website for the race can be found here:
http://www.tourdelizard.com/

Anyone else going to be at this race?

Thanks,
--Tom