I was going to try my first ever race this Sunday, it is a beginner class and so far 15 people have registerd, not sure of anyone else age or if other clydes are in this group.
My question is,can anyone give me some advice? It is a 8 mile race and a place i ride often so im comfortable with the trails
The event was call Month Of Mud, and there was no Clydesdale class.
Thanks for the advice, I did pretty good for it being my first time. It was very wet out and the course has lots of rocks and roots plus all the leaves on the ground so I did go down a few times. I somehow broke my seat but other than that me and the bike came out ok.
The results will be posted in a couple days, I know there was over 30 people registered for my class. My friend who also was his first time came in a little cocky, when the race starts he goes full board up this huge hill to get out front, I told him pace yourself its not a sprint. I passed him around mile 4 and never saw him again.
Overall it was a fun experience, according to strava I did 9.2 miles in 1:12:51, avg speed 7.6 ,elevation gain 1038 feet. Not bad for a 5'11'' 240lb 39 y/o
Just enjoy it. I'm a class 3/clyde racer, and we've got a good group of guys together that usually race in local events. If there is a clyde group, don't be afraid to register for it instead of the first timer category. I think it's a good thing you're first race is at a familiar trail, that makes a big difference for first time racers, it takes some of the stress out of it.
My best advice, stay loose and relaxed, and pace yourself, have fun and enjoy the race atmosphere.
Is this an official designation? I've never heard of classes within Clydes.
I've raced several races in the Clydesdale category. In the races I've been in there has been anywhere from 0-12 other racers in the category with me. For several of these they were a 2-lap type event with a pair of people racing, so many people that would have been in the Clydesdale category were instead doing a tag-team lap approach with friends (so there were plenty of people 200+ lbs, just not in the Clydesdale category since the Clydesdale category had to do both laps, the tag-team was only 1 lap each).
Definitely pace yourself, remember to ride your race.
There are a lot of people (includes Clydes) that like to go out crazy hard and set a pace that you may not be able to match and likely they can't sustain. However, there is a valid race tactic of going out hard to get away from other riders because most people get a bit demoralized if they see someone ride away from them, so once they are out of sight from you they can slow down and settle into a more normal pace but in your mind all you saw was how they just walked away from you, etc.
Now, even though you are riding your race...that doesn't mean you can't go hard or up your pace from the speed you normally ride these trails. Sometimes a little competition is exactly what you need to realize you can ride a given trail much faster than you ever had (key to speed is looking further down the trail, anticipating turns, etc...you know the trail so use that to your advantage).
Good luck and no matter what your speed is don't be an ass on the trail. If someone is faster than you that's fine...let them go...wish them luck (my goto comment is "Nice work!"), etc...often times people are surprised as for some reason they think I'm going to be pissed cause they are passing me. I'm riding a bike on a fantastic trail getting exercise having fun..how the hell could I be pissed no matter how the race goes....
Keep a level head, don't try to beat anyone but yourself, pee before the race, pull to the side to let faster riders pass, and try to keep a consistent pace.
I too race Cat 3 from time to time. I have yet to register for the Clydes even though I qualify for it. My first race of this year I came out just planning to watch as I had already registered but hurt my back 2 weeks previous. I took my bike with me even though I didn't plan on racing. I couldn't stand it and kitted up. I ended up missing out of 3rd place in Cat 3 30-39 by 34 seconds. With an injured back and having to pee the entire 9 mile time trial. I tell you what having to pee while racing is motivation to get finished.
Sounds like you had a good time! That's what it's about. Meet some new people, learn from the experienced folks, and give it all you've got.
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