The problem with X-C Races

[Big Game]

I haven't been racing all that long, but I've heard that X-C racing has lost a lot of popularity since its peak in the '90's.

Anyway, I think the problem with X-C racing is that they are too long (for all levels). One must train mucho hours a week in order to be competitive.

The terrain is too sedate. The highest power/weight ratio wins (even more so at big fat nasty hill climbing races like Lime Rock and Roll) . Bike handling skills seem to be irrlevant (Please, I don't mean to imply that the top finishers can't handle a bike, I know they can. I know they're better than me. What I'm talking about is that out of the 157 guys that finish in front of me, about half have limited skills... if the courses where a little tougher, I think the field would be far more competitive)

Weight paranoia. Do you have the lightest bike? Oh my God you don't. Oh no! You better go pluck down $600 to get that new fork. It's 40 grams lighter.

Perhaps it is because I'm not terribly fast that I'm so down on the x-c scene. I really want to race, but there is very little pay-off for me. I'd definately rather do something like DH but I lack the time to go to VT or Plattekill and have not yet been able to swing the $3-4k I'll need for a DH worthy bike. Plus I really do like forcing myself to acheive the fitness x-c demands.

I know a lot of riders love the long races. And I know they'll be around for some time to come. But maybe there should be a shorter, far more technical x-c races (with drop-offs, jumps and big ups) that would be fan friendly, perhaps even television friendly (o.k., I'm dreaming now), where those not so blessed with slow-twitch muscles, large wallets, and a lot of time would have at least a chance to be competitive.

[sizlinseagulsoup]

Races too long? Do you do the second start enduro and the VT50 and simular EFTA races? They are long but the NORBA races are certainly not. Some races are a mere 1.25-1.5 hours for experts!!! I personally find it insulting that they think 30 dollars is only worth an hour and a half. I am not sure what category you are doing... but if you are expert class, you probably have enough endurance to handle more time than that.

I know in my junior category and in local races, no one really seems to care about the bike. I certainly don't see a cheap bike and instantly think the rider sucks. Doesn't furgality count anymore? I admitt, I have a super-elite XC-Race machine, but now when something breaks, I just downgrade. When I snapped my XTR rear deraileur and replaced it with a used 99 XT that I took off my old bike that I had absolutely beat up, did I slow down? As far as I know, not one bit. I think that most racers have expensive bikes that weigh as much as a super-model, but they don't knock people that don't.

My humble opinion... but maybe I'm just ignorant to everyone else :-/

[Big Game]

Ah, yes. But would you put an LX on if your XT broke?


As far as length of races goes, the reason I race expert is because I want to get my money's worth. The Lord knows it isn't because I'm particularly fast. My point is that if there were an entirely different race series that were composed of shorter and really technical courses, I'd feel like I got my money's worth after being out only 20 minutes. Look at the Mount Snow DH. Top experts were finishing the race in 5 minutes. Do you think they feel short-changed?

If I was really good at x-c, perhaps I'd be happy with things the way they are. And I guess bitching about it is easier than accepting my limitations or training harder and longer. Perhaps then what I'm really should be arguing is that there is nothing wrong with x-c, rather, there should be a type of racing that is a hybrid of x-c and DH.

Well. It looks like I've seriously undermined the thrust of my argument.

[Eric72]

I will weigh in on this one. Although I have only raced bikes once, I have done a lot of running races on trails. The biggest difference between the two is that the running races had a much more diverse age and ability range. I think that mountain biking is still young and as the sport ages so will the competitors and we will see the feild expanding. When the feild is bigger you do not need to be competitive to have fun as there will always be somebody of equal skill that you can compete with, even if it is a battle for 2nd to last. I raced in the sport class on a heavey old Schwinn Mesa hardtail and had a good time coming in dead last, and nobody snubbed me or made me feel as though I did not belong. As far as course length goes, if I am paying for it I would rather ride farther which is why I put myself in the sport class anyway. I look forward to racing again. my lungs and skills have improved since my last race, and if I can keep my derailuers running smoothly I should be able to improve my placement. It is too bad that this sport can be very gear dependent, but in the end I view races as on opportunity to get together with like minded individuals and have a good time.

Eric

[johnnyt]

Now let's all come together. Here is the solution for you. Do multi-sport off road races or duathalons. You pay the same entry fee and get to do more stuff. These races appeal to a larger group from each community (runners and riders) and the courses are generally pretty varied. There are duathalons coming up in CT and MA and adventure races in CT.

Diversify, and free your mind!

[I Are Baboon]

Well, I raced my first XC race at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT earlier this summer. I've only been riding for a couple of years, but I ride lots of techno stuff (rocks, logs, roots, etc). I thought I was a pretty good rider, but I got my ass thoroughly kicked in that race. I agree with Big Game in that this race had little to do with bike handling skills, and everything to do with your fitness level. There was nothing technical about it. I thought XC racing would test your ability to control a bike, but it was more of a fitness test than anything.

I am hoping to race some more next year. After getting thrashed in the beginner level, I realize I have to train for a few years if I want to actually be competitive. It'd be nice to hear of a race that is a cross between XC and DH. Anyone know of any?

[sizlinseagulsoup]

Wrath of Sun Valley has a very difficult downhill (at least in my opinion). The race is in May everyyear in northern CT right off of Interstate 91.

I also like Killington. There is a lot more downhilling that at Wrath, however they are not quite as difficult (unless it is wet).

As far is XC races, Lime Rock is not nearly as techincal of a course as a lot of other races in the www.smartcycles.com series.

Just listening to your comments I would reccommend staying away from Fat Tire Classic (and the other races in Farmington), Jack Rabbit Run (it's semi-techincal, but still not very, it's flat and heavy trafficed), and Nutmeg Games.

Medow Muffin Madness is a very rocky course, and hilly... you might enjoy that. It's near Mystic CT.

[joe]

I wouldn't recommend Wrath to anyone who thinks that XC racing overemphasizes physical fitness. While Wrath has lots of rock gardens and a nice technical downhill at the end of each lap the race is decided on the climbs. The beginning of each lap involves some serious climbs, and if you can power your way up that every lap in beginner you can just run down that downhill with your bike on your shoulder. It's not a pure roadie course, but it still rewards a mountain biker who can handle the climbs over one who can clean the downhill sections of the course cleanly.

-joe

[sizlinseagulsoup]

I disagree. Granted there is a big climb at the beginning of each lap, however there is a much longer technical roller-coaster section at the top. Then there is the long downhill. I realize someone could run down the hill and only lose about a minute or two... however if they continuously ran in the coaster section, they would be absolutely destroyed. I think it might still be worth it, even with the long climb.

[Big Game]

Wrath definately favors fitness over technical ability. That said, it still is a pretty good race. I love the downhill section. I usually am able to pass at least one person. Which for me, is one person more than usual.

Plus, there is an audience to cheer you while rip down the hill. And of course, when the guy I just passed on the downhill retakes his lead on the up hill, there are never spectators around to watch that move. Which works well for me ---- without the eyes of onlookers, those passes seem so much less demoralizing.

My Bottom Line on Wrath: I'll always get smoked there, but at least there's excitement. It's a worth-while challenge.

Wow, will you listen to me...it's sounds like I'm going to rejoin the ranks of you masochistic x-c'ers. We'll see, I've done stupider things (like buying speakers out of the back of a van).

[bikerag]

You should only buy speakers out of a van if they are water cooled!!!

[Big Game]

You bet they were water cooled. Because that what Toad's Place uses. You see, the guys in the van said that they had a mistake on the invoice and they had two speakers too many. Toads Place only ordered 6 and they had 8. They even showed me the invoice to Toad's. They said if they went back to the warehouse with the two extra speakers, their boss would be pissed. So I decided to do them a favor and I bought the pair for $200. Best darn money I ever spent, right next to my lifetime membership to bikerag.com.

Big Game,

I raced the 'Mud in Your Eye' this past weekend and it was mostly technical singletrack and there aren't any long climbs (some short tech ones). Definately needed bike handling skills...The EFTA website stated it was an extremely technical race... It was at Ft. Rock in Exeter NH which happens to be where I ride several times a week...and is sweet...Gets a great rating on Bikerag.com...anyway the race was well run and a good time....

EFTA has several races in NH which, by guessing where they are (I also ride Bear Brook and Pawtuckaway), maybe more suited to what you are looking for...since there are only 2 left this year this only helps you plan next year....Although the race at Pawtuckaway (Longview last blast) is in 2 weeks....once again the EFTA website said it is "rooty and rocky singletrack"...check it out EFTA...haven't done this race but I'm probably give it a whirl...

At a minimum I would check out the Mud in your Eye next year... it also happens to be in a cool town near the NH seacost...Sounds like you live in CT but I'm sure you can leave the constitution state for a weekend (unless some judge thinks otherwise)...

BTW - I don't race too often but ride frequently...not into training or fitness level overkill but enjoy the technical XC epic and any and all singletrack...my point is, the above races are held at places I would ride anyway...where good bike handling skill are necessary...

[Big Game]

Sounds like that's worth a try.

I guess all I need to do then is a little bit of training, quit smoking cigarettes and get some $$$ so I can get a real x-c race fork.

I have some great speakers I'm willing to part with for $400. They're really good because they are the kind that Toad's Place uses all the time. I can definately get you an invoice to prove it so.

If you quite smoking and used the money you save to buy a new overpriced XC fork would you be an happier?...**** no

Would you enjoy MTB'ing more?...debatable

Improve your overall well being...won't touch that one.

Not in the market for Speakers but...

Is Toad's in New Haven?...sometime ago had a "lady friend" in Trumbull and we used to go to some place in New Haven..think it was Toad's...

Also used to frequent Russian Lady in Hartforn for Long Island Iced Tea over indulgence....

My CT experiences...(Besides a sweet ride I did at a place called Shinipshid....spent the better part of a day riding their with a buddy from Western Ma...good stuff).

Just rambling......

[Big Game]

The Russian Lady was deported a long time ago. I think she left in her wake the "Brickyard."

Toad's is still around in New Haven, but your "lady friend"got tired of waiting for you and she left about a half an hour ago.