Over the Hump MTB Race Series 2011

Swore I'd attempt a race this year, so I'm definitely in for a couple. Will try to make that May 24 first event. If not, I'll at least be out to watch.

 

Going to make at least 3 of the races. Re-arranging work travel schedule might be more difficult this year than last.

 

Im gonna be under the Fullerton Bike tent

 

I'll be there May 24th (along with most of the others, there's a few Tuesday nights I'll have to work late, but only 2 or 3 during the series). Still not sure if the new class additions include female too. :-k

Dino, you have to race at least 1 of them! You've got the bike, you've got the skill, and it'd be mad bragging rights when you beat all our times.

 

Kimmy: If you miss 2 or 3 races, can you still take home a series title?
Just wondering.

Competitors: Do you plan on racing in the same class? Bumping up a class?

Any Lurker's plan on racing? :?:
Get the awkwardness (of knowing no one) out of your system now.
Don't wait until the season finale to say hello!
Say something!

 

Just a reminder, we will run the kid's race every Tues night at 5:30pm! Open to all kids 6-10 years old. Entry is $10.

Special for this season… kids race for FREE when both parents race in the main race.


***Little guys (and gals) stay tuned for info on the BigWheel race a couple nights!


It's going to be fun!

 

Well Dino.....You gonna race just one for us or what? 8-[

 

I can't wait for the OTH, raced a few last year for fun and to get in shape. This year I am trying to get my first cup. I'm tired of using plastic cups at dinner. . I told myself I can't move up a class until I get at least top 3 in my category. Last years best was 11th so hopefully I have progressed so I can move to sport and get in that extra lap.

 

I'm in for the series, and depending on my lap times I'll decide if I'll jump up into the sport class (mens sport 3). My challenge is against myself, to push myself...and have a lot of fun while doing it.

 

Just curious, have any of you women you raced there asked the promoter about splitting the women's classes into age groups (ie 40- and 40+)? I noticed there were 59 women in the Beginner's class last year.

 

Here's the reply I got:

From: John Russell <[email protected]>
To: Nancy Harris <[email protected]>
Sent: Wed, May 11, 2011 9:55:49 AM
Subject: RE: Women's classes

Hello Nancy,
Thanks for the email. We always appreciate the support and suggestions. When we started the race we had two goals for the race class structure. First, keep them simple. Second, make sure the classes are large enough to make them fun. While there were a lot of racers in the women’s classes throughout the season, the largest women’s class (beginner) averaged about 15 people per race. At this point, we can’t really split the class further.

We love all of the support and enthusiasm from the women. The women’s classes had some of the best series battles!

See you at the races!

John Russell
Over The Hump Mountain Bike Race Series
www.overthehumpseries.com
949-219-0500

 

I intend to try it this year. How big is the bump up from Beginner to Sport? I'll be in the 20 year old category.

 

BEGINNERS CLASS- Recreational riders.New racers. You ride, but don’t usually race. Riding your local ride spot, you’re not exhausting yourself at 100% effort every ride, just to get faster. 10 miles is a long ride for you.

SPORT CLASS- You’ve either raced before, or ride hard when you ride your local spot. If a couple hour ride, with a decent amount of climbing makes you cringe, think about racing as a beginner. Sport Class adds approx 4 miles to the Beginner Class, so plan on racing for approximately 11 miles.

SUPER SPORT- A step between the Sport & Expert Classes. We have a lot of fast Sport riders who have considered to moving up, but the step to expert is pretty major. So we’ve created a new class as an intermediary between sport and expert. Super Sport will run 3 laps, and be an Open Age Class. All of you fast sport riders… this is the new class for you.

SINGLE SPEED CLASS- You ride a single speed bike! Women and Men open.


EXPERT CLASS- Typically race CAT 2 or CAT 1 at other races. This class is fast with 4 laps for experienced and accomplished racers.

• NOTE: Over the Hump is a recreational race, based on the guiding principle: HAVE FUN. We run on the honor system, as you choose your class. If the Race Directors determine you are incorrectly classed you will be reassigned to an appropriate class based on your skill level.
• Points are accumulated for the races scored in each specific class. Points are not transferred if you change classes mid-season.
• AGE: Your age group is based on your age during the season May 25-Aug 27. If your birthday will change your age group mid-season you may choose either of the age groups.
• How do we determine our classes? See FAQ’s Page

From the FAQ:

What are the “Classes”?- There are currently three broad classes: Beginner, Sport, Expert – On race day we’ll post the age bracketing, based on ridership. Why? No-one wants to race alone, not even the 75 year young-expert-woman. Being sanctioned we strive to keep it fun and simple.

 

SUPER SPORT, that's funny.

 

Thanks Denmo, I had read that as well, but I'm still not sure, to be completely honest. I think I hang in the Sport crowd but I might complete embarrass myself. Those that don't know - I've only been biking for about 2 months, but I've been biking a LOT (150+ miles weekly both road and mountain; I often do 4-6 hour rides). My legs are good enough for Sport class, I know that, but I can comfortably say my technique isn't 100% - hence my hesitation.

 

Sounds like Sport Class. The course is not very technical, so that should not hinder you. At 150 miles a week, you should have no problem doing 12 miles at 110%. Remember, you make up more time on the climbs than you do on the descents.

Try it, you can always change it later.....just don't short change yourself by going the easier way.

 

Thanks, I'll definitely give it my best.

Perhaps I could move this to a more appropriate thread, but... how do you make up more time on the climbs than descents? That seems backwards to me.

 

I've ridden with you before Evo, you will do fine without any embarassment in Sport!

 

The descents are not long enough to make up any significant time.

Let's take the Luge for example: you are a much faster climber than your buddy, so you get to the top of the climb in 40 minutes. It takes your buddy 45 minutes to get to the top. Your buddy has to make up 5 minutes on the downhill that u only 10 minutes long. There is not enough trail to make up that time difference.

 

According to the "What class you should pick" descriptions I should be in sport class. But I saw the freaks in sport class last year, those guys are super strong riders.

I'll be doing beginner, If I finish strong 3 times in a row I'll switch.