[Closed] Newbie racer - advice and what category to enter?

You're not being silly, it's great fun. Race Open to see how you get on, no license required.

yep what njee said. race open at first to see how you go. then look at your lap times and see were you would fit in to other cats.

Yep I agree with the last two, go for the open cat and as a suck it and see option then work out what suits you best.

First XC race I entered (15 years ago) I went straight into the sport cat when I really should have gone for fun as I had zero experience of a situation where people were actually [b]racing[/b] as opposed to just pootling along at a moderate speed with no sense of competition.

OK, entered into Open men for next week.

Next Question:Give me your top racing tips please!

Jimbo, for my first race in Open last year, I started at the back of the field, not wanting to get in anyones way. If you are a reasonable rider though (sounds like you are), I would recommend starting further up. Open categories can be very varied ability, so if you start at the back, you will get caught in the first technical bottleneck whilst everyone in front jumps off, whereas if you were further up the field, you would probably have some space to ride over obstacles.

I now race in a smaller, faster category and just pootle round at my own pace. I tried keeping up with people at the start of the first race of this season, but was shattered by the last lap, so now do my own pace from the outset.

So to summarise, for a large open field, I recommend a quickish start to get some clear air, then go at your own pace, and try not to fall into the trap of keeping up with others.

Also don't be afraid to run short sections. You see even the really fast guys doing that to get past slower people, as it can be quicker to run if required. Most of all though, have fun. I really enjoyed the banter in open category racing, so have a good day. Let us know how you get on.

Don't be lured into thinking 'crikey this is stupidly fast, they'll have to slow down soon'. They won't!

Pixelmix is right, just ride your own race, expect to get caught in traffic in the early bits of singletrack, shout clearly if you're passing someone. If you can talk you're not trying hard enough!

Ace - looking forward to it now, longish ride tomorrow and and then taking it easy for the rest of the week....

Does anyone know what time you need to turn up at these things? now much info on the pedalon website.....

So, just got home from the southern XC at pippingford. That was a totally different level of riding to what I'm used to. Decided I may as well go for broke, got to the front at the start, sprinted off the line and found myself at the front going into the singltrack - not what I was expecting.

Of course people started to pass, but on the advice of a seasoned mate, I turned myself inside out for 20 minutes, and then settled into a rythmn.

Ended up in 18th, not amazing, but I'm happy with it -took me to a new level of discomfort on a bike, and now I know I can take it - looking to sign up for the one on the 13th, just need to check with the boss!!!

Good work southern XC - excellent course, well organised, and a tip top day.

Lessons learnt are mainly to bring twice as much water as you think you want/need, and then take some more. I was sturggling at the end!

Thanks for the advice above chaps - much appreciated!

It was a much better course than the muc off 8 held their earlier in the year. I dont think any one was quite prepared for the heat i did a large bottle every lap ,nice to race in the dry though !! Got some mad tan lines !

yeah course rocked - lots of fun, though the heat made it very hard work.

Was super sketchy at the start in the tree's with sun glasses on ! I should of done a quick pre ride of the course !! Glad you enjoyed your first xc race ....its very addictive