Interested in Racing BUT!

[StrBender]

I'm interested in racing XC. I am 46. My question is how safe is racing? I know there are risks in every thing. I'm self employed so being out of work would be a major conern!

Thanks

[snembalen]

I am close to your age and expecting out first child anyday now. Last thing I need to do is get hurt.

For the last couple years I have been doing the EFTA series races. In my mind it is no different then going on a ride with your buds; riding hard and telling hero stories afterwards over lunch. I have never been run off the course or put in any danger by another rider/racer. The risks you take while riding or racing are your decisions. You can always walk anything that you're not comfortable with.

Like any challange you have to weigh the risks and decide if it is worth it.
But be careful with the racing bug, it's easy to get hooked!

Good luck!

[sizlinseagulsoup]

I generally crash less when I race then when I ride. Maybe I'm more focused racing then riding... who knows. All I know is it is a lot of fun and your competitors are not going to try and assault you. If start doing stupid **** (ie, cutting corners to pass), then you might hit a big rock or something you normally wouldn't notice and get hurt.

Bottom line - be smart, you'll be fine.

[pk]

Hi StrBender--

Some race courses are fairly hard, others less so.

I think a perfect race to start off with to see if you like it is the Landmine Classic at Wompatuck State Park. The course is relatively buff and there are no really "evil" sections.

Lucky for you, it's this weekend!

You can find info here:
http://www.nemba.org/yabbse/index.php?board=12;action=display;threadid=2302

Good luck,

pk

[StrBender]

Thanks for all your advice and encouragement!
Now I just need to get in shape!

Hope to see you at the races soon

Stephen P

[keram]

same here @ 43.Started doing EFTA races this spring. I have to say that w/o taking too much risk you can get yourself up in top 30% of racers by just plain conditioning and getting ready for the season. I've started training using this URL http://home.hia.no/~stephens/mtbplan.htm - simply adjust the amount of hours that you're putting in a year and the spreasheet should work. If you want to win, however, you'll have to take certain risks. I'm losing most of time on dowhills, anything above 20 mph on a dirt road kicks in my safety and I slow down. Technical sections can be learned but you have to do lots of them and it will come after doing year or so racing. I spend ~ 200 hours/year training (if this can be called such) but for novice vet is enough. Equipment matters also, you won't make it on trek 820 or such and I wish I have gotten right away FS bike. Huge difference, but it's up to you to try the sport and if you like it then invest in a nice bike.
Hope this helps.

[splat]

I I find when I race I crash much less, I take easier lines and If there is a Hard obsiclte , that I may not make it over or just faster to walk around . I take that Approach because it is faster. and that is what racing is all about being the fastest , not like riding with your buds where it is a pride issue weather you dab or not.