Mt. Sac Fat Tire Classic 11/4/07

[Wrecker]

I did a race where a girl had a flat in the first few feet, she changed it and came back to win 2nd (Bonelli)...so, you're not necessarily screwed, if you're fast

[Pho'dUp]

I'm in too. Hmmm, single or geared? Geared will probably be faster but singlespeed will be way funner.

[allison]

Originally Posted by mrtawney

I think I am going to try this race. It will be my first race. What do I need to carry during the race? Should I be prepared to do minor maintenance or just realize that once I need to fix something, I'm screwed anyway.

For my first beginner race all I carried was 2 bottles, a Gu and my Garmin on my handlebar. Never had a chance to do the Gu in either race I completed.

Some people carry tubes and minor tools, but for a shorter XC race, it's not really necessary IMO.

For those racing Pro/Expert they need more than 2 bottles, but usually they have someone to hand them extra bottles halfway through. Sometimes people will leave their extra bottles near the start/finish line, but if no one is around others can always grab them and then you're out your bottles.

However, if you're a Camelbak lover and not really into bottles, wear that.

[denmother]

Originally Posted by klutter

Online registration is up and running

http://www.active.com/event_detail.c...EE&affiliate=0

$25 bucks on or before 10/30/07, $30 after.

Correction: $25 on or before 10/09/07, $30 after, on-line registration closes 10/30/07.

[klutter]

Originally Posted by denmother

Correction: $25 on or before 10/09/07, $30 after, on-line registration closes 10/30/07.

Correction noted

[genusmtbkr5]

Ok, I'm still on the fence. Don't know if I want to race it or just party or race and party. Who's in so far?

[jfromlv]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

Ok, I'm still on the fence. Don't know if I want to race it or just party or race and party. Who's in so far?

You gotta race it if you come out! I'll be there.

[denmother]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

Ok, I'm still on the fence. Don't know if I want to race it or just party or race and party. Who's in so far?

Come on, race with us!!!

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by denmother

Come on, race with us!!!

Trying to get the day off now. I'll let you guys know. 90% sure I'll be racing. It should be a blast with everyone there. STR in full effect mode!

[BrewMaster]

Hmm...this still sounds like a fun 12 miles, but the idea of racing kind of freaks me out.

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Hmm...this still sounds like a fun 12 miles, but the idea of racing kind of freaks me out.

Sam, it'll be fun! No pressure, just ride your ride and have the chips fall where they may. The best thing about racing/events is the finish, people cheering, it just gets you pumped up. I'm about 95% sure I'll be racing in the sport class(3 laps=18 miles).

[BadBoyRipper]

Newbie here, and thinking of heading to this race, which would be my first race ever. Any advice? I would be in the Beginner's class.

Is it possible to hang? What makes you a beginner anyway? Do people sandbag? What should I bring with me?

Sorry for the questions, I just want to be prepared for anything. Thanks in advance.

[davidB]

i read your post on mtbr dude

if anything, try to come out to the bonelli race on sunday. Hell sign up and race it.

<--beginner as well

[jfromlv]

Originally Posted by BadBoyRipper

Newbie here, and thinking of heading to this race, which would be my first race ever. Any advice? I would be in the Beginner's class.

Is it possible to hang? What makes you a beginner anyway? Do people sandbag? What should I bring with me?

Sorry for the questions, I just want to be prepared for anything. Thanks in advance.

If you know the term sandbag, than you must be familiar with some type of racing, and yes, it happens in xc racing, just like most forms of racing. Looks like there's going to be a lot of STR peeps at this race, I'm sure there will be some sort of role call just before the race. This is a great first timer's race, fun course, not super challenging, but challenging enough, lots of friendly competition. Look forward to meeting you out there.

[BadBoyRipper]

Originally Posted by jfromlv

If you know the term sandbag, than you must be familiar with some type of racing, and yes, it happens in xc racing, just like most forms of racing. Looks like there's going to be a lot of STR peeps at this race, I'm sure there will be some sort of role call just before the race. This is a great first timer's race, fun course, not super challenging, but challenging enough, lots of friendly competition. Look forward to meeting you out there.

I think that I'll hit it up. I only know "sandbagger" because of wakeboard comps in which I compete. I'm looking forward to it!!

[allison]

Originally Posted by BadBoyRipper

I think that I'll hit it up. I only know "sandbagger" because of wakeboard comps in which I compete. I'm looking forward to it!!

I'm sure there are sandbaggers, but don't let it get you down, and don't become one

As for the race, you are a beginner if you are in your first year of racing and haven't won anything. Once you start winning beginner class in your age group, time to move up. I've never actually raced against anyone in geared XC, or raced geared at all before, but I signed up for Sport anyway. I wanted the extra laps.

If you are used to riding with a Camelbak and not good with bottles, use your Camelbak. I'd suggest taking out everything but the bare minimum, and not filling the bladder up all the way. You don't need a ton of tools and extras.

If it takes you an hour and a half to do your laps, no worries. Just remember to have fun and do your best. If you do your best then it's a success!

Personally, I'll be carrying two bottles on my bike, plus a flask of Hammer Gel on my bike. I'll probably have a snack or two in my back pocket just in case, and will have someone holding an extra bottle of water, and one of HEED for me near the start/finish so I can refill on hydration when needed.

It helps to pre-ride a course, but isn't a necessity.

Just keep your body in check (don't go 150% right away only to fall off and have to DNF because you bonk or something), go hard when you feel you can, and back off when you feel you need to.

Good luck!

[BadBoyRipper]

From the looks of things, it should be a lot of fun. I've only been on two real rides since I bought my bike earlier this year, and only have a small tool bag on the bike.

What tools should I bring along with me? I usually load up on Motor Tabs for hydration, and finally got the chance to use a Camelbak, and now I'm hooked. I'll be hitting the trails up until the race though trying to get ready for it. I have a real competitive nature, so I would love to have a "chance" at a podium, but not too worried about it.

[BandMan]

Are their any loops around Long Beach (30 mile radius) to compare it to since you cannot pre-ride until that day? I persuaded one of my buds at work to go in with me on the beginner class but we wanted to compare ourselves with the results of last year's to see where we stand. Pretty much if we are in the middle of last years results we talk, if we are at the front of the list we'll race. Funny how the word "Race" puts butterfly's in my stomach.

[allison]

BandMan - find a XC race course loop that is similar in distance and climbing and ride it. Unfortunately none of us will get a good idea of where we can go all out, and where we can reserve, but at least it'll be a pretty level playing field.

[BandMan]

Thanks Allison. I just reviewed the previous pages and went to the geoladders site which seems to help a lot. It also helped getting the "butterflies" out reading other posts of people having fun when they did the race. I'm in. See ya there!!!