Beginner Racer- Redefined!
Racers asked we answered. Beginners, what is it and what can a new racer expect.
So, WE formed a Beginner Race Committee formed of Shop Owners at Fullerton Bicycles, G2 Bike and Surf City Cyclery to weigh in on the top 5 things Beginner Racers need to know about racing?
- Have Fun (Not smiling during a race causes fatigue). At OTH you’re riding with friends.
- Hold your line. Others will pass when it’ safe (stay calm).
- ASK Questions: Warm friendly staff, shops and other racers are here to help, and can answer any question SO ASK (Everyone who is not a beginner, was at one time, we love that you’re giving it a go).
- Welcome to the Joy of OTH Vortex. Your riding will get better, and your friend list longer this summer. As a bonus, your family and friends might just get sucked into the bright hole of “Racing for Fun”. Maybe they’ll be temped to drink in the fountain of liquid love that fun mid-week mountain bike racing pours.
- REMEMBER: It’s only a bike race. (As much as it painfully difficult to admit, life is bigger than a bike race!) Come on out, give it a try, set future goals, and remember: “Only the people who don’t race, don’t win!”
Beginner Racer “re-“defined: A racer without previous race experience. Someone who is competitive within the beginner category.
Introducing: The NEW Beginner Series in 2015. This year there’s two series.
- Beginner race series scored on 6 races (So we’ll have 2 beginner race series this summer: 1st and 2nd half series)
- Beginners will be scored on 4 races and drop worst 2 races.
- Some beginners will have the opportunity to ride with an Elite racer during their race, and receive during race pointers and support, during two races (race 3 and Race 8)
- After the 1st beginner series Ending June 23, top 5 move to Sport.
- There may be some isolated cases of this not being the case (for example if a racer finished 5th because they collected 9 10th place finishes, they may be allowed to race in the same class, at the race director’s discretion.)
”Why the change?” you ask? Well, lucky for you, we have an answer. Over the Hump is a race for EVERYONE. That means that beginner racers need a place (in the wide world of Mountain Bike Racing worldwide) to drink the Cool-Aid of a fun midweek mountain bike race. We realize it’s a gateway drug, and giving Beginners the same opportunity to experience success, without the challenges associated with obtaining EPO and shaving every hair follicle fits in our top 5 values.
So, is mountain bike racing for everyone? No. BUT, for the people who are investigating the “race idea” we want to give them their place.