Originally Posted by
jabikuta
I love em. Done three so far. Some advice...
-if you're in it to win it I feel that the beginning is key. So try and get ahead at fast as you can(but don't kill yourself or anything)because if you're in the middle or back a line usually forms at the first check point and that can really **** you over
- helmet
- practice quick mounting and dismounting, some bunny hops too for checkpoints.
- brake
-drink a **** load of water the night before and morning of
This all depends on the type of race (helmet, water, practice, brake always good advice). If there is a mandatory 1st checkpoint or it is a race with a set order of checkpoints, you're better off in front the whole way. Getting stuck in the crowd waiting for a signature is really frustrating. If you are stuck in a line and have a chance of finishing high, don't be polite. Shove your way to the front. If you're not going to win anything, don't be an ass.
If the order you go to the checkpoints is up to you, You can rush to the obvious first checkpoints or you can look for a route that will take you away from the crowds. I like to start with the checkpoints farthest away and work back toward the finish.
If there is a tattoo involved (generally not mandatory), go there first! If you don't, you'll be waiting for half an hour.
Although it's in the city and it seems like you'll be doing a lot of stop/go, to do well you should be ready to do 2-3 hs of steady riding at a good pace. A lot of kids that can hammer the 3 mile ride to the coffee shop will be dying after 15 miles.