Nubee racing info needed

J

JohnRLove

New Member
Hi, I got back into mtb at age 50 two years ago and I'm afraid I have an obsession now. I'm Looking for a new challenge and I thought running some races in 2015 might fit the bill. I have no idea where to start. Back in my MX days you signed up with a district as an amateur, picked a class and started racing. Where do I go to get started in NJ?

Thanks
John
 
In NJ there is the H2H race series. They host about 8 races during the season throught out NJ and surrounding areas. The 2015 schedule is not out yet, but here is the 2014 schedule to give you an idea of locations and approx. times. The 2015 schedule will be posted on the link when finalized.

http://www.h2hrace.com/schedule

There are 3 levels of mtb racing you need to be concerned with at this point. Cat 3-Beginner. Cat 2-Intermediate and Cat 1- Advanced.

I would recommend starting out as a Cat 3 and learn/advance from there.
Here is a link to understand more about being licensed in a particular Cat in order to race in the H2H races.
http://www.usacycling.org/usa-cycling-license-information.htm

Finally the H2H race series offers age catergories to race in, you will be racing in the 50+ class.

You probably have a lot more questions, so ask up. If in doubt, learn by doing. A lot of folks will offer opinions but only you know whats right for you.

Cheers
 
Wow,

Thanks for the quick response. What's the difference between XC and Enduro? I understand the specifics regarding the hardware, but how does the terrain or length of the race factor in?
 
XC/cross-country: mass start of each class; usually 2-4 laps total, depending on class. Usually around 10 miles for Cat 3 (beginner), 15 for Cat 2 (Sport) and 20 for Cat 1 (Expert). Each lap will have a mix of climbing and descending. Some events will be on a long, single lap. Typically raced on a hardtail or short-travel (about 4" give/take) full-suspension bike.

Enduro: Sort of like "DH-lite" racing. Timed descents/stages and un-timed climbs/transfers between the timed stages, although there is usually some sort of time limit between the finish of one stage and the start of the next. Most amateur events are 3-4 stages during one day with each stage around 4 or 5 min long. Time is cumulative and the racer with the lowest overall time wins (think: automotive WCS Rally). Depending on the venue, riders may ride between stages, use a chair lift or a mix of both. These events are usually raced on what's commonly referred to as an "enduro bike" that has around 6" of travel front & rear and has geometry and components more geared towards DH riding. While generally less technically demanding that an all-out downhill race course, some of the timed stages can be quite technical - especially at lift-served venues where the stages are held on old DH race courses. Most riders wear some padding/armor and a full-face helmet (a full-face may be required depending on the event).
 
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There are also enduros in the area which are less dh-like. Round top, steel city, trexxler to name a few.

Even at the mountain creek enduro which had a couple of stages which were actually just dh trails, there were guys racing on hardtails and fat bikes. Not to say a 5-6" travel bike wouldn't be most peoples' weapon of choice.

Anyway, I hate xc racing because of how hyper competitive it can be but I love enduros because of how it just seems like a fun group ride where you race your friends on the parts you would race them anyway.

Most of the enduros I have done ended up being between 10-15 miles with ample time to do the transfers at whatever pace you want (some people just walk them). For example, at round top you just had to finish before 4pm, at one point I stopped and had lunch, at another I forgot to clock in so I rode a stage twice. That's my kind of racing.

Anyway, when racing season starts back up, if you're interested in enduros let me know and I'll meet you at one.
 
So my first race ever was 2013 SingleSpeed-a-palooza. I was 46 at the time and had only been mountain biking for a couple of years (and only a handful of times a year at that).

So I'm looking at the race categories and they have "Sport" and "Open". I see a couple of names that I recognize in Sport, since I know they are fast, and open is open to everyone, I register for Open.

Well, let's just say, learn from my mistake and DON'T DO THAT !!!!!!!!

They gave me plate #1 because my last name starts with "A" and I could not have felt like a bigger A$$hole all day.

So remember, "Open" is HIGHER than "Sport".


Dan-
 
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If mtbnj hosts the short track series next year, I would start there. Those were my first races. I think the're much more laid back and fun. I think its the best place to get your feet wet with racing. If not the h2h series is good, but I think its much more serious and competitive than short track.
 
On a more helpful note. When you sign up for that first race, try to pre ride the course.

If not the actual course, at least some of the trails. You can usually find an old map or gps track of prior races to get the feel for the place.

Racing may be new to you, but if the trails aren't, it's one less thing to make you anxious.

Dan-
 
If you ride on a regular basis, like 1-2 times a week or more, you may consider skipping Cat 3 and going to straight to Cat 2. Cat 3 courses are pretty short.

Or maybe try one Cat 3 race first then decide from there. Because once you race Cat 2, you can't downgrade to Cat 3. Well that's technically speaking .. people have done it and no one really cares, except in the case of 26er everyone made fun of him on this board.
 
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soundz said:
Or maybe try one Cat 3 race first then decide from there. Because once you race Cat 2, you can't downgrade to Cat 3. Well that's technically speaking .. people have done it and no one really cares, except in the case of 26er everyone made fun of him on this board.
Click to expand...

I didn't know 26er did this?
 
soundz said:
Or maybe try one Cat 3 race first then decide from there. Because once you race Cat 2, you can't downgrade to Cat 3. Well that's technically speaking .. people have done it and no one really cares, except in the case of 26er everyone made fun of him on this board.
Click to expand...

Where is your source? Find that thread!
 
John,
You are mirroring my experience towards entering back into the race scene. I jumped into the Cat 2 50+ class with little expectations other than riding some cool courses with a bunch of guys I didn't know. Turns out the guys were competitive yet not win at any cost bunch of really good guys - so don't worry about your fitness. All the H2H courses are fun and well run so enjoy yourself and don't hesitate to go for the win if it presents itself.
Greg
 
GSS said:
John,
You are mirroring my experience towards entering back into the race scene. I jumped into the Cat 2 50+ class with little expectations other than riding some cool courses with a bunch of guys I didn't know. Turns out the guys were competitive yet not win at any cost bunch of really good guys - so don't worry about your fitness. All the H2H courses are fun and well run so enjoy yourself and don't hesitate to go for the win if it presents itself.
Greg
Click to expand...

Lies, All Lies...

The H2H courses are tough... Lots of climbing and rocks everwhere on the first three events.

And...

These racers are super competitive... Don't let anyone let you think that this is an afternoon joyride.

Its called a race for a reason...
 
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