As a 47 year old racing against 25 year olds (CX, not DH) heck it DOES make sense. The Single speed category is typically "open". I'll never win, but one of the advantages is that you DO get to smile at the young pups as you pass once in a while. 8-[ Although I do see plenty of sandbagging at the races. Perhaps something like a golf handicap system would work?? Then again, I race for fun, not to win and maybe sandbagging and winning is more fun for some folks?
I'd be very surprised if you were able to be on the podium in Cat2 and couldn't hang with the Cat1's. Heck, aren't most races cat1/2 anyway? When I was racing it was my observation that most people who were able to podium in one category were able to move up to the next category without any real problems. So, is that where you have been, on the road? I've been tempted to try it again, but not tempted enough to actually do it. ~R
Mountain biking has changed from Expert/Sport/blah blah blah to Cat 1/2/3 (Expert/Sport/Beginner). For men, this is a difficult transition because the Semi-Pros have to decide whether they are Cat 1 or Pro (sense any sandbagging there?)
Sandbagging is killing the racing scene. If you've been riding for more than 2-3years on mtn bike trails, then you aren't a beginner, period. You may not finish top 3 but why does everyone have to win? Is this racing or AYSO? Unfortunately everyone races for different reasons: for fun, to win, to win the series, etc...so it is really hard to gauge where your efforts stand. Mtn biking comes with great comradarie and has that "take it to the max" attitude/mantra(much like my beloved skateboarding), shouldn't that be on the race course too? Learning to race, that should learned at your expense, not at others. You'd be surprised at how fast some guys/gals get after sticking out a whole season. They aren't even the same rider. My first expert season the winner was getting me by 11 minutes, by the end, 1 or 2, the next, he was chasing me. And it really isn't hard to see where you are at before a race. Just go ride with some others, and that'll give some indications of fitness levels. just my .02. tired of the sandbagging....
me and Denmother shook that i would move up. but if i lose my points, heck no techno. i'l race all 5 that i need for the points, and the 6th that i can throw out, i'll register in sport as a nonmember under my brothers name or something :wave: i'll register as dino brown :lol:
i came from desert moto riding, and have now been rding mountain bikes for about 2 years. i dont consider my skills beginner by any means, but my race times say otherwise. it took my 2 seasons to even get a top 15 finish in beginner, and now i finaly won a race. iTS racing. AYSO has no winners or losers, you play for the fun of it. If thats the case, it may be best to save the frustration, and just go for downhill trail rides wit your buddies, and race each other down, with a mass start. Racing is not fo everyone. its very time and money consuming, and stressful most of the time. my $0.02
Brandon, go ahead and finish out the Winter Series in Beginner, and then reevaluate, no sense losing points and the Winter Series title!!! However, if you want the jersey, you'll have to stay in Beginner all year!!!
maybe i can crash one race, just so i can prove i dont do well in them all. :lol: i emailed donny last week, and still no reply. i may end up just staying :?:
Congrats to you and winning your race. It sounds like you worked for it. I didn't realize the beginner class was so deep and competitive these days. 15 deep, dang, the old expert group never got that big. iTS racing. AYSO has no winners or losers, you play for the fun of it. If thats the case, it may be best to save the frustration, and just go for downhill trail rides wit your buddies, and race each other down, with a mass start. That sounds like fun too! No one is forcing you to race, so don't complain about paying. I guess it comes back to my point: we all do it for different reasons. Never raced beginner, never came close to winning sport(3 podiums in 4 years), but moving up made me push myself to do things that were previously unimaginable in expert. Good luck at your next race! Hope you win!:lol: paz afuera
Back March 14th and yes I pedal now! :beer: Way too much open (XC) area here you have to earn it! Learned you can actually puke if you pedal too much as well as feel like your lungs are not working! Been real exciting! I have a new found respect for super D and XC guys/Gals!
LMAO! Yeah when your hammering down hard on a DH bike it definently works the lung burn! EHHH, Either way its still a good venue and alot of good people!:beer: Heres the first race I ever did! They have 3 this time around at Beacon. Its a freeride DH race 8' straight step up, 12'+ rock waterfall, doubles and alot of skills needed. http://www.truveo.com/Beacon-Blowout-07/id/3099790247
Haha! Unfortunately today I get to find out how long you can change that title to "former bike rider". #-o:-srotest:](*,)
