zx108

hello all. i am new to mountain biking but once i get a real bike i am going to be going alot and want to take part in some races, and be able to be in the front when i go with a party. i am a 15 year old, is there any seperation in age? if so am i going to be doing really light riding?

thanks in advance.

gwhunt23

Good on you for getting into it early. Always cool to see another kid on the trails.

I got started with my first race when I was just 12. Today I see that 8-mile lap as being a third of a quick training ride, but back then it was hell. I enjoyed it and found a new love for a new sport. I was hooked. Now I'm almost 15 and have been getting into the triathlon scene lately. I've found sport(s) for life.

Off of my soapbox and onto your questions: As far as getting a "real" bike goes, I'm guessing you are on a Wal-mart type bike now? The owner of my local bike shop once told me "If you're not sure you can do it, make sure you have a bike that can." So, get out there and get a decent bike at your local bike shop. Shop around at a variety of bike shops, talk to the salesmen and get a feel for all of the bikes that are in your budget. Try not to go into a bike shop and walk out with a new bike 30 mins later.

As for getting in the front of the pack, that might take a while to get up there. Even if ya do, it's probably time for you to move up to the next level. For example, I could have done the Junior's race and kicked everyone's butt by 30 minutes. But I didn't. I did the next level up with the adults and came in way far behind. My point is... don't worry about how fast you are, how "good" you are, because mountain biking is all about fun. Nothing else matters.

About the kind of riding you'd be doing in races... it really varies by the event. Be prepared to do much less than the top vets, of course. Once you get out there riding, look into a shorter beginner's race. Whatever you're comfortable with.

Good luck man. Maybe I'll see ya at some race somewhere.

zx108

thanks for the low-down. i am going to be doing xc, not to extreme xc, but it is classified as xc. i have no clue how long i go, miles wise, becasue i just come to a fork in the trail and go which way i like better so i dont really complete a say a 10 mile track.

i apreciate the advice on buying, i went through that in the regular mountain bike section and already have a bike lined up.

apclassic9

Most races will have set categories of racers - you will probably want to start out in the beginner class, doing 1 lap of a multi-lap race, or a shortened course on a point to point. See how your personal time stacks up against the Junior, High School, and sport classes, adjusting for the race difference, and figure out where you belong from there. Some races (NORBA) have age categories, some have skill categories, and some have both.

My sons started xc racing at ages 13 and 7, both in the Junior Sport 14 and under category. The older one now races Sport 19-34, but has put his time in the High School 15-18 and Jr. Expert 18 & under categories. The younger on is still racing Jr 14 and under in WV, and will be racing NORBA 13-14 at SNowshoe & Mt Snow.

Check out the NJ MTB groups for how they divide up thier racers, and HAVE FUN!!

myenzo

I'm 15 too. Anyway's if you want to get a decent bike I would look at the Giant line. They're cheaper than specialized, but have better compnents and the frame is just as good. I ride a giant Iguana, not really a xc bike but it works. From the giant line I would recomend a XTC. I picked one up, they are so light. But it costs 1000, not sure if thats in your price range though. Otherwise look at a Giant Iguana or Ranier. Anyway's as for passing people, I am really good at downhill sections, so that is where I pass everyone. But you definatly want to train a bit before you race. It takes more energy than you think it does. If your doing a multilap race bring some sort of energy gel, they are really effective. You just have to get past the taste. Finaly, you need to remember to pace youself. If it's possible try to bolt to the front of the pack when you start, but if they're moving really fast, don't try to overtake them, you will just burn off all of your energy. Oh, remember to have fun while you race.

drumbum

I would not recommend a Giant Iguana (heh ). You ride one and I used to ride one, and yeah, it'll work for you, but if you want to start racing more consistantly, look more towards something alittle higher. Giant classifies the Iguana as "Recreational MTB", so treat it as what it is.

That said, the Iguana lasted me 3 years and really got me started. Great bike.

*Rage*

what is usually involved in a race difficulty and jump wise usually im 15 too and i can clear some decent gaps but if there is gona be stuff like in the official hucking and jumping thread i duno