hoping for tips

[BFloFoxRider.]

ok so ive been thinking about starting to ride xc alot more to get in shape and hopefully race fontana this upcoming season. im pretty sure the class i would race in there is usually only one other person. what tips do you have for someone who wants to train, and race cross country?
is there anything else i need to do other than ride as much as i can? thanks =)

[tbowren]

Don't take this the wrong way, but if there is only one other person in your class, are you REALLY hoping to race? Or are you just wanting get fit and be able to ride faster? I like to pretend I am a racer, and I compete in all the Warrior Society Events, but mostly I just want to do my best and the races give me goals that I can train for and work towards.

With that being said, here are my tips from a "pretend racer":
1. Get a heart rate monitor and learn what your LT (lactate threshold) is and what your Max HR is. Start keeping track of how you feel at certain HR and learn how hard you can go before you go into the red zone.
2. Get a road bike or a set of wheels with slick tires for your mtb for the road. Nothing builds endurance like long road rides.
3. Goto Geoladders and learn the profile of the course. Pre-ride the course or find local hills that compare to your event. Specificity is the key. Get your body used to the demands the race will place on it.
4. Embrace lycra (even in the dirt). Baggy shorts make hard riding difficult if they are getting caught on the seat. I guarantee you more racers will be in lycra than baggies at an official race.
5. Try to ride at the time of day of the event, and learn what types of foods and what times to eat that food work best for you. (Make sure you leave 2 to 3 hours of time between eating a meal and racing)
6. Stretch your muscles after every ride or every night and get lots of sleep.
7. Eat right after your rides. Once your workout is over, start getting your body ready for the next one.
8. Don't ride 110% on every ride. Mix it up with slower recovery rides. If you always try to go fast, you will end up always going medium.

Those are all I can think of off the top of me head, but it covers the basics.

Good luck!

[2wheel_lee]

Get a road bike. Although riding an XC bike a lot helps, it's still not as good as getting in lots of mileage on a road bike.

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by tbowren

Don't take this the wrong way, but if there is only one other person in your class, are you REALLY hoping to race? Or are you just wanting get fit and be able to ride faster?

well beginner there is one other person... if there is only one i would probly end up going straight to a higher class but i would have to get way more training in

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Get a road bike. Although riding an XC bike a lot helps, it's still not as good as getting in lots of mileage on a road bike.

would you like to contribute a road bike ? =)
hahha well if money permits i may be able to afford something from wal mart
hahahaah

[2wheel_lee]

I am selling a very nice GT road bike (limited edition frame made in Santa Ana, CA) with Dura Ace components and Mavic Cosmic Elite wheels for $1000. After I get a chance to take photos, I will post it in Marketplace. It's a 55cm frame.

[Fired Yo Momma]

I may be interested I want to get a road bike. I will say this for riding road 1. Its fun to go real fast 2. uneventful (boring) 3. Good for training

[davidB]

what age group?

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by davidB

what age group?

i think i would be 16-18 as of next season
but if i race xc in november i would be 13-15

[Lor]

Here's two tips:
1) Stand up wind of me after a good burrito.
2) Don't pee into the wind.

JK Brandon keep riding w/ us and follow the advice of what you read so far on the other posts. If you can't do all then do what you can.

[MOSH1DH]

never eat yellow snow.
ride as much as you can and eat healthy. it will improve you dh skills as well.

[jfromlv]

My advice to you is to get a light, and come out and ride with us on Monday nights. There are two youngsters who are brothers that often show up, and totally shred on the climbs. At your age, you really need to learn the basics, and take in as much as you can from experienced riders. There are so many different riding styles, and not every style works for different riders. You're on the right path by asking for advice.

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by jfromlv

My advice to you is to get a light, and come out and ride with us on Monday nights. There are two youngsters who are brothers that often show up, and totally shred on the climbs. At your age, you really need to learn the basics, and take in as much as you can from experienced riders. There are so many different riding styles, and not every style works for different riders. You're on the right path by asking for advice.

how much is it for a good set of lights?
arent the decent lights somewhere around 150?

these two lights look the same...
scan i use the road one for xc?

heres the dirt one
http://incycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=2499

and heres the road one
http://incycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=2496
they look similar except for the battery packs but the road one is way cheaper
i could probly buy two of them

edit:
or are these ones better?
http://incycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=2511


would it be better to buy one good light or multiple decent ones?
like should i get two of the 120 dollar lights or spend around 250 and get one good one?

[jfromlv]

Originally Posted by BFloFoxRider.

how much is it for a good set of lights?
arent the decent lights somewhere around 150?

at least

[Pain Freak]

Just keep riding with those guys from Incycle, you'll get plenty fast.

[osmarandsara]

If you are thinking of racing in Fontana, I would recommend you go check out the course and ride it a few times in advance.....The course has some technical sections...The first time I rode it at a very "mellow" pace just to check it out I endoed twice : )

It also has some fairly steep and sustained climbs........

[dhshuttlemonkey]

Just ride with daddy Jason and copy everything he does. You'll be as fast as him one day.

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by BFloFoxRider.

would you like to contribute a road bike ? =)
hahha well if money permits i may be able to afford something from wal mart
hahahaah

If you don't have 1k to throw down on a bike you would only train on, I recommend picking up an old steel bike. craigslist often has stuff for cheap. It will be a much better buy than some wal mart crap.

I've read you shouldn't train on the road though.

[sauce]

hey, i think it's really cool you're giving xc a try. i'm sure it'll help you with your dh racing, too, as you'll become a better pedaler. my advice is just to ride with people faster than you ... it's the best practice. and single-speeding is great for developing leg strength and might help you develop the sort of agressive pedaling style you'll want for dh. most importantly: have a good time!

[Shu]

Originally Posted by mechmann

it was nice to meet you today brandon!

you will do well at the race.

can't wait to see you on the podium

With only 1 other in his class...finishing will net a 2nd place trophy....

Ride as much as possible w/ stronger/faster riders...that will help you push yourself

[allison]

Originally Posted by Shu

With only 1 other in his class...finishing will net a 2nd place trophy....

Ride as much as possible w/ stronger/faster riders...that will help you push yourself

He's a strong beginner xc racer either way!

Good riding with you, Brandon. See you on Sunday morning.