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'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 pyscowpath.com. 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. HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT CATEGORY I SHOULD RACE?
A. There are four categories: Juniors (18 & Under), Categroy 3 (beginner and first time racers), Category 2 (mid level racers), Category 1 (expert and pro level racers) . Within those categories are classes: Junior classes are broken down by age: 10-12, 13-15, 16-18 for both girls and boys; First Timers are open class, meaning all first timers race together no matter age or sex. For Cat 2 & 3, the classes are: Open (meaning any age), Masters 35+ and 45+ (so they don't have to race the young'ns), and Women (all ages). Single Speed is in a class by itself and is broken up into Men and Women. For Cat. 1, the classes are Open, Under 35, Masters 35+, Masters 45+ and Pro.
So, what category are you? If you're only out for the experience and can do just a single lap, then the Cat. 3 level could be for you. If you're able to hang mid pack on group rides, care about how heavy your bike is and can finish a couple laps, then maybe you're a Cat. 2 level racer. If you're leading the group rides all the time and calculating your body fat percentage, then you may be a Cat. 1.
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 Cat 3. races at one lap or at least 30-40 minutes. Cat 2 classes will race at least two to three laps depending on the course or for 1-1.25 hours. Cat 1 races 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. Cat. 3 races in the morning, while Cat 1&2 race after the Cat 3 race is done. 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 Cat.3, you will gather at the start with others in your category and then the race director will "stage" you or group you in classes. The fastest groups go first on down.
Q. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
A. First time racers pay only $5. Same for juniors. Cat 3 pays $15, Cat 2 pays $20 + a one day license for a total of $30. (For $60 Cat.2 can purchase a USA Cycling annual license and not pay the one day license). Experts pay $25 and must have an USA 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 IS A ONE-DAY LICENSE FEE FOR?
A. Because Cat. 2 & 3 racers are not required to own an annual license, a temporary one is issued on race day to be covered under our insurance policy. Cat. 3 racers don't have to pay it because of generous donations by Tim Edwards State Farm.
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 pyscowpath.com.
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 pyscowpath.com. |
