The Story of My First Mountain Bike Race

Mountain Bike
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The Story of My First Mountain Bike Race
Author: Levi Bloom

This article goes out to all you aspiring mountain bike racers. I want to tell you a little bit about my first mountain bike race, and maybe it will inspire you to get to one yourself.

Let's start from the beginning...

I picked up a form at my local bike shop, filled it out, and sent it in along with $13. Then I re-read Ned Overend's book to make sure that I would know what was going on at the race. I had no clue what to expect at the race since I had never been to one. All I knew was that I should pre-ride the course before race day.

Well the week before the race my mom and I drove out to the location of the race looking for a state forest or a place with trails. No such luck. After talking to a local, we found out that the race course is on private property and it is only open for the day of the race. OK. The trip wasn't a total waste; at least we knew the directions and how long it would take to get there. We drove around a few back roads, and I was able to get a feel for some of the terrain I would be riding.

The race would be on Saturday, so I made sure to take Thursday off and get a decent ride in on Friday so I would be fresh. (If you take a day off the day before the race, your legs may feel "dead" on race day.) Also on Friday, I tried to load up as much race stuff as possible to save time Saturday morning.

I woke up nice and early Saturday morning and had a large breakfast of apple cinnamon pancakes four hours before the race. Then I threw all my stuff in the truck and double-checked by MTB race checklist to be sure I had everything I needed.

We left for the race, which was just a little over an hour away. The ride gave me some time to plan my race strategy and listen to some music to get me pumped up. Once we got closer I could see the riders warming up on the streets. I saw so many nice bikes and team jerseys; I was a tad intimidated.

We parked over in the field with everyone else. Walked around a little and made it to the registration table. They had a packet for "Levin Bloom." After they changed that, I changed into my cycling clothes and started to warm up for 20-30 minutes. (By the way, when I changed, I found a little bathroom under a pavilion. Normally you just change at your car.)

I tried to practice my start and my finish since they were in the same spot. It's always nice to know if there are any sharp turns or other surprises close to the finish, especially if you are duking it out for first place.

I made it back and people were starting to line up so I jumped in about three or four rows back. The race director had to give a quick speech at the line about race etiquette and the like. Start! Here we go! I had been practicing clipping-in to the pedal quickly, but guess what - it took me a few tries this time and everyone was passing me.

After a half mile or so, we hit a nice steep hill with plenty of switchbacks to separate the field. I love hills, so I passed a few people, and chased a few more at the top. Then I ran into a little problem: my descending skills. It's not that I was bad, but I was pretty inexperienced; everyone I passed on the climb would catch me on the descent. After trading places with the same people over a few hills, I knew I couldn't keep wasting my energy like that. So on the next downhill I just let the bike go. I had never had the balls to go so fast, and no one could catch me anymore!

The race just kept getting harder as it went on. Everything was pretty much mental; I've never ridden so fast or been in so much agony! At least I could check my odometer and see that only 4 miles are left!

As the race went on, I was passing people who were wearing team jerseys. How can they be sponsored?

Then I hit a nice downhill along a pipe line. Very fun! Took a corner and... another hill!

People start cheering for me at the base of the hill, which was kind of weird; I had never had people cheer for me while I was out riding by bike before. Anyway, this hill is freakin' great! I couldn't feel the pain anymore, and I just started flying up the hill because I knew the race was almost over. (One good use for an odometer!)

I got to the top of the hill, realized that there was a left turn and more hill! Worked out perfect since I was able to pass someone else. Then it was all fun downhill. The feeling I had on the climb was truly euphoric. That's what racing is all about!

As I near the end, people are out on their porches watching the race and cheering me on. After a sharp right, I cross the finish line. My mom is nowhere to be seen, so I take a cool down lap. When I came back to the line, some guy crossed it and his friend said that he might have made the Top 10 with that finish. I was puzzled. I was sure there was a pretty big crowd of riders ahead of me.

Then I simply waited around for a couple hours (nothing unusual) as results were compiled, and enjoyed a nice shaved ice and some free water during the wait. And yes, I did change out of my nasty, sweaty uniform.

Finally, the trophies: I got 5th overall, giving me a 1st in the 16-19 age category, and earning myself a nice little trophy to go with my free t-shirt. Wow!

Then I went home with the first trophy I could be proud of! I love racing!

Levi Bloom has been racing for about 3 years now. He is also the founder and owner of Bloom Bike Shop and http://bloombikeshop.com " http://bloombikeshop.com

Check out his site for more useful bike info and bike repair tutorials.

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Ten Ways to Get the Most out of Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes
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Ten Ways to Get the Most out of Mountain Bikes
Author: Travel Guy
With mountain bikes currently enjoying a huge surge in popularity, many people are approaching the sport for the first time - but even if you're used to riding road bikes, it can be difficult to know what to look for and what to do when you're planning to ride in a new environment. Here are ten ways to get the most out of your mountain bike:

1. Choose the right bike for you. Don't go straight for the most impressive looking mountain bike you see - choose a bike which fits you properly. Take it for a test ride to make sure it's comfortable.

2. Spend now, save later. You may not want to invest much money in a mountain bike before you're sure how much you'll enjoy riding it, and it's true that the most expensive bikes really only offer an advantage to experienced riders, but it's worth investing in a good, durable bike to avoid having to fork out on repairs later. Most good beginners bikes cost between six hundred and eight hundred dollars.

3. Get the right wheels. Obviously, the wheels will take more wear than anything else. Choose the tires for your mountain bike based on how much off-road riding you expect to do and the type of terrain you'll encounter on the trails which appeal to you.

4. Ease off on the brakes. To ride a mountain bike effectively you need to learn how to cruise. It may not feel that way, but in general, the faster you're going the more stable you are. Let your bike take the strain on long downhill slopes and use that momentum for the next rise.

5. Learn about the local trails. There isn't much point in buying a mountain bike and not knowing where and how to ride it. Mountain bike clubs are sprouting up all over the world and they can recommend the best trails for you to ride on in your locale.

6. Play safe. If you're riding your mountain bike hard, it's inevitable that you'll fall sooner or later. Investing in a good helmet can make all the difference. Some mountain bike riders also like to wear protective pads - and don't forget to wear sunscreen when biking in hot weather.

7. Look after your bike. Cleaning and storing your mountain bike correctly can make it perform better and last much longer. You will save money on repairs by investing some time and effort.

8. Build up slowly. When you first get a mountain bike you may feel tempted to spend all day riding it. However, riding off-road can strain your muscles in unexpected ways. Pace yourself as you get used to the experience - you don't want to strain a muscle and end up being unable to ride at all for weeks.

9. Develop a taste for adventure. Your mountain bike can take you to places you may never have thought of going before. Mountain bike clubs and magazines can advise you on the wide range of new riding experiences now open to you.

10. Have fun! A regular bike may simply be a tool for keeping fit or getting to work, but mountain bikes are all about having a good time!

Sources:-

http://www.dirtworld.com/

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Visit our website for more informative mountain biking articles at www.mountain-bikes-biking.com/

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Race Equipment Checklist for Mountain Bike Racers

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Race Equipment Checklist for Mountain Bike Racers
Author: Levi Bloom

I remember my first mountain bike race. Whenever I showed up, and was just about to change into my cycling outfit, I realized that I hadn't packed my clothes! Just kidding. But the reason I remembered them is that I had a checklist of everything I would need. I don't want you to forget anything, so I decided to put my list online.

You should print this out and hang it by your bike stuff so you can check everything off as it goes in your car. If you're preparing for your first race, or your eighty-first, better safe than sorry.

Bike

Water bottle (filled)

CamelBak or Seat bag

--spare tube

--tire levers

--mini-pump

--CO2

--energy gel

--mini-tool

--patch kit

Helmet

Sunglasses

Jersey

Undershirt (optional)

Gloves

Shorts

Socks

Shoes with cleats

Energy bar

Change of clothes

Post-race food and water

First-aid kit

Bike lock

Camera or Camcorder

Towel

Baby wipes

Money

Registration form and/or license

Light (for 24 hour races)

About The Author

This article was written by Levi Bloom in 2004 and originally appeared on http://bloombikeshop.com " http://bloombikeshop.com . Check out his site for more bike related information.

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Necessary Mountain Biking Equipment

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Necessary Mountain Biking Equipment
Author: ark
Being prepared while out on the mountain bike trail is an absolute must and a great rule of thumb is to always pack more mountain biking equipment the farther away from help you plan to be. There are a few important considerations you should also make regardless of the skill level of mountain biking that you plan to partake in.

The first consideration, for anyone planning on being active outdoors regardless of mountain biking or not, should be to have a well stocked first aid kit. You can purchase biker specific first aid kits, that are purposefully designed to fit nicely in a small pack, under the seat or even in saddlebags. A well stocked first aid kit will contain antiseptic, pain reliever, tensor bandages, band-aids, moleskin, and tweezers.

The second necessity is to have a mountain bike specific tool kit and there many options available as to the type of bike you have and the tools you want it to contain. The very basic tool kit should have the required tools needed to repair a flat tire and will fit nicely under your seat or in a saddlebag. Other tools to look for are an Allan key or small wrench, a chain breaker, a tire gauge, a Swiss army knife, and some strong tape.

Another highly recommended piece of mountain biking equipment to include is a spare mountain bike chain. Any experienced bikers know all to well how easy it is to bust a chain on the trail and the headache it can cause. Often a broken chain can be repaired but do not take the risk of being left without one.

Last but definitely not least is a portable air pump. These pumps come in numerous shapes and sizes and can be purchased specifically to fit your bike. Most can fit under the seat or in saddlebags, and often the repair kit includes one.

All these pieces of equipment are designed to be light weight and easily stored on your bike. Never risk traveling far from help without then because being prepared with the right mountain biking equipment can save you many hours of frustration.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Mountain Biking Accessories , Mountain Biking Equipment and Gear at www.SportsAndOutdoorStore.com

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