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Wanna Race Your Mountain Bike |
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Tuesday, 26 February 2008 |
'Wanna Race Your Mountain Bike' but don't know how to get started? You've come to the right place!
The Nebraska Lottery Psycowpath Championships is a well-organized race series that is just as excited to see a first-timer cross the finish line as it is a semi-pro. We are committed to creating an event that welcomes all participants and fans to come out and enjoy the outdoors, as well as some friendly competition. We know it may seem daunting so we've tried to answer some of the popular questions for those who want to start mountain bike racing. Of course if you have further questions, please feel free to email the Psycowpath Committee President, Ryan Feagan at
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For further details you can download the Race Bible from this website.
IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS YOU'D LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED, PLEASE EMAIL THEM TO
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WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Q. WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO I NEED?
A. Any kind of off-road or hybrid mountain bike with knobby tires.
Q. WHAT DO I WEAR?
A. You can wear what you picked up off the floor this morning. But you are required to wear an approved bike helmet. We also recommend gloves to protect your hands in case you fall. Plus, they help keep your hands ON the handlebars!
Q. HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT CATEGORY I SHOULD RACE?
A. There are four categories: Juniors (18 & Under), First Timer/Beginner, Sport, Expert. Within those categories are classes: Junior classes are by age: 10-12, 13-15, 16-18 for both girls and boys; First Timers are open, meaning all first timers race together no matter age or sex. For beginner and sport, the classes are: Open (for the really fast guys), Masters 35+ and 45+ (so they don't have to race the young'ns), Single Speed (for the gearless) and Women. In expert, the classes are Open, Masters 35+ and Semi-Pro.
If you're only out for the experience and can do just a single lap, then the beginner category could be for you. If you're able to hang with the faster guys on group rides, then maybe you're a sport level racer. If you're leading the group rides all the time and weighing your food before you eat it, you may be an expert. The official mountain bike rules are pretty flexible but usually once one has raced up a level, one rarely goes backwards.
Q, HOW LONG IS EACH RACE?
A. It really depends on which category you put yourself in. The higher the category, the more laps. We try to keep the Beginner/First Timer races at one lap or at least 30-40 minutes. Sport classes will race at least two to three laps depending on the course or for 1-1.25 hours. Experts are usually close to two hours and way too many laps!
Q. WILL I HAVE TO RACE AGAINST THE FAST GUYS/GALS?
A. Each category races at the same timeframe. Beginners/First Timers race in the morning, while sport and expert race later. You will be lined up against other racers in your class. Each class then starts within 30 seconds to 1 minute of each other to avoid crowding. So, for instance if you're a beginner, then all beginners will gather at the start and then the race director will "stage" you or group you in classes. The fastest groups go first on down, with each class leaving the start line within 1-2 minutes of the previous class.
Q. IS THERE A KID'S CATEGORY?
A. Yes! Every venue has a special kids only race (under age 10). Their race is usually a short lap or two around a grassy area or flat section. There are prizes for all, and podium spots for the top finishers. A great way to introduce youngn's to the sport, and to involve the whole family in your race day experience!
Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
A. First time racers pay only $5 for their very first race, plus a $10 one-day license fee, for a total of $15. Same for juniors. Beginners pay $20, plus $10 one-day license for a total of $30. Sport pay $23 + a one day license for a total of $33. Experts pay $25 and must have an annual license. Kids (under age 10) race free!
Q. WHAT AM I GETTING FOR THE ENTRY FEE?
A. Each racer gets a series t-shirt, water bottle and sticker. Also part of that fee goes to the local trail maintenance club that maintains the local off-road trail systems (trailshaveourrespect.org). Also most of our events will have free food.
Q. WHAT IF I CAN'T FINISH? DO I GET MY MONEY BACK?
A. It's OK if you can't finish. Sometimes it just isn't going to be a good day. If you can't finish, you just need to report in to the time keepers and they will list you as DNF (did not finish). Unfortunately, there are no refunds.
Q. WHAT IS A ONE-DAY LICENSE FEE FOR?
A. Because beginners are not required to own an annual license, they instead can purchase a temporary one for that race day. This is your official approval to race.
Q. TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE ANNUAL LICENSE.
A. USA Cycling is the official governing body of all official bike races in North America, from the grass-roots level (like us) on up to the Pro level. NORBA (National Off Road Bicycle Association), the mountain bike division of USA Cycling, keeps track of all of our races. That means they officially recognize our event, therefore we are covered by insurance and all racers will get points for finishing. Through USA Cycling (www.usacycling.org) you can purchase an annual license for $60, so anywhere you compete in a NORBA sanctioned event, you won't have to pay the one-day license fee. Plus by registering you get cool discounts on travel, car rentals, insurance, merchandise as well as up-to-date newsletters on all things bike. You can also purchase an annual license at any of our events. Just pay the fee and we'll send in the paperwork.
Q. WHERE CAN I GET A SCHEDULE OF RACES?
A. Several participating shops have schedules they can hand out. You can also download a copy from this website.
Q. WHERE ARE THE RACES HELD? HOW DO I GET TO THEM?
A. There are one or more races at most of the local off-road trail systems in Eastern NE/Western IA. The Race Bible has all the trail information, including directions, course descriptions and venue descriptions so you can decide if you want to bring the family. The bible can be downloaded from this website.
Q. HOW SOON DO I NEED TO GET TO THE EVENT?
A. A good rule of thumb is about an hour before race time. That will give you time to register, get all your gear ready and warm up and stretch.
Q. HOW DO I REGISTER?
A. Look for the registration table at the event. You will fill out forms, pay the entry fees and get a number plate. Fees are listed in the race bible.
Q. WHAT SHOULD I EAT AND DRINK BEFORE OR DURING THE RACE?
A. Depending on how long your event is will determine your pre-race and race day food intake. Generally, if your race is under an hour, eat a regular meal the night before and at least 3 hours prior to the race. Don't over eat. Your body will use the energy from those two meals to fuel your body. Eat a goo-pack or drink an energy drink about 15 minutes before the start to top you off. During the race drink water as often as you can or at least every 15 minutes.
If your race is 1.5-2 hours, still eat the same way but you may want to chew a portion of a cliff bar about 45 minutes to a half-hour before the race. Goo pack 15 minutes prior. If it's a hot day, be sure to hydrate well. You should probably have another one or two goo packs every 1/2 hour to 45 minutes after race start.
If your race is 2 hours or more, you will benefit by consuming protein after your 2nd hour of racing and it's a must at 3 hours and beyond. Otherwise your body will start turning muscle into energy and that's when fatigue will set in and it will be time to take a nap instead of riding (i.e. bonking). Protein comes in a variety of options. It's best to test out your options before racing with it to avoid stomach upset. Most bike shops can hook you up with some kind of protein replacement powder or drink. It's not recommended to hydrate with only protein-based solutions. You will learn a very hard lesson if you try. It should be in addition to water or a water-based electrolyte replacement.
Q. WHAT'S ALL THIS TALK ABOUT ELECTROLYTES?
A. Electrolytes are the nutrients the body needs to function at it's best during high output activity. Electrolytes are commonly found in sports drinks which contain sodium and potassium salts for replenishing the body's water and electrolyte levels after dehydration caused by exercise. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, contain a large amount of sugar for energy, which can cause stomach upset if over-consumed during high intensity. You might want to research more diluted varieties for hydration during a race. Check online or any of your local bike shops.
Q. WHAT IF I GET HURT?
A. If by chance you launch yourself into a tree or onto the ground and can't finish the event, walk your bike out to the start/finish line and report to the time keeper. If your injury is more serious where you would need professional medical assistance, let another racer know right away. We ask all of our participants to help a fellow racer no matter what. Then that person can go for help. Each race director has someone assigned for emergencies. Sometimes we are able to get off-duty PMT's to volunteer their time at the event. In any case, you will be taken care of as soon as possible.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE RACE IS OVER?
A. There will be food on the grill to eat usually and music playing. There will be an award ceremony after all racers have completed the race and times have been recorded. If you raced in the morning, stick around and cheer on the other classes or the kids. Just by hanging out you'll be able to meet many other fellow racers.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 February 2008 )
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