Want to try racing? Try a low-key local event
Find friendly competition at a local race
Local mountain bike races provide a fun format for increasing your skills, feeding the competitive animal inside and meeting other regional riders. Additionally, these homegrown events are often hosted by local bike shops or bike-friendly organizations. So, supporting them supports the local cycling scene (trail access, community awareness, availability of bikes and parts).
However, many intermediate and veteran riders are intimidated by racing, seeing it as a fiercely competitive format for super humans who live on their bikes. Don’t be. If you’ve been riding for awhile, check out the local racing scene to spice up your normal riding schedule and style.
Visit your local bike shop and ask about races, check out their bulletin board or web site. Keep an eye peeled at trailhead kiosks for race posters. Do a Google search for mountain bike races in your area. Once you find one, check out the course, to make sure it is within your skills and abilities. Then sign-up! Go into the event planning to have fun, stay safe, all the while pushing yourself. The experience will change the way you look at riding.
Here is a sampling of upcoming local events in the mid-Atlantic area:
TWISTED TIRE / FALL CUP - Ashland, VA Sunday, September 13, 2009
MIDDLE MOUNTAIN MOMMA – Clifton Forge, VA Sunday, September 27, 2009
MONTVALE MAYHEM MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE – Montvale, VA, Saturday, October 10, 2009
ASSAULT ON LIBERTY MOUNTAIN – Lynchburg, VA, Saturday, October 24, 2009
TIDEWATER MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE – Williamsburg, VA, Sat.-Sun., October 25 & 25, 2009
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