Newbie Harescramble Question

[DRECKFRESSER]

I`ve never raced a Harescramble. Actually never raced anything except friends. Any advice on what class I should race riding a 03 KDX 200 being 25 years old (c class) or What I should prepare for most would be greatly appreciated!!! Just point me in the right direction. :) Would be Racing in virginia.

 

[KDXfile]

Check with your local racing series to see what classes they offer. Our series here has a "Beginner" class which is the best place to start for a newbie. If they don't have that, see if they have a "200 C" class.

 

[davidg]

My first race, that was eye opening. But really, just go there with a good attitude and have fun. I would suggest bringing a camel pack along, I'm guessing it's going to be a 2-2 1/2 hour race. Good luck!

 

[trout]

Im in the same boat...hoping to eventually feel comfortable enough to compete for fun. Also, do they have a kids class in HS?

 

[DRECKFRESSER]

I started riding kind of late in life and its probably a fat chance I`ll ever rank in any event!! But I`ll never know until I try. The only problem is all my friends that ride are Lazy riders. They hate the tough stuff. So that makes getting better hard because riding by myself isnt the smartest idea.
So I figure I would give harescrambles a shot. I`ll probably look like a sucker out there but I guess I gotta start somewhere!!!! :)
Virginia has a c-class.

 

[Bandit9]

I am 30 and started racing harescrambles on quad in 2001 and 2002. Finished 4th for the year in 2002. Switched over to dirt bikes this past Feb. First dirt bike I have owned since I was 5. Started racing harescrambles in May. I am in the C class, DNF'd the first 2, finished last in the 3rd, and managed to finish 15th out of 30 in the last one. I suck, really, but after 6 months on a bike I am getting faster. Most fun I have ever had. I know I will never be a pro, but just the competition is what I am after. Once you start racing, you will meet all kinds of riders who you will be able to hook up with. Your buddies might want to start racing too once they see all the chicks at the races. Better yet, get them to pit for you!

 

[DRECKFRESSER]

Definately the challenge is what I`m after. I just seem to push myself alot harder when I`m riding with people faster than me.
I bought my first bike (kdx200) last year and have been riding every weekend since then.
I guess it depends on wich race but how long do pits usually last? Any tips on things I need to have?

 

[kenl]

started late in life myself, but i did my first last year, after getting a subtle kick from a certain gentleman in n.illinois. what a blast, kind of see things differently after each one. try a b-class,stay out of harms way and ride to finish, having a physical/mental DNF must be a bitter pill to swallow., and by the way, it takes all i have just to stay on the bike, and i will move over, hit a tree, just to let the real racer's by. go out and have some fun. let all know how you did. many thank's to G.W.

 

[KDXfile]

You really should only pit when/if you need gas but your KDX should be able to make the whole race without a pit. Harescrambles go from start to finish without any free time. As a C rider, you'll probably ride 1 less lap than the AA's.
You'll need a camelback, all the protective gear you can get, and of course handguards. Also, you'll need to be able to ride a good pace for 1.5 - 2 hrs.
Practice doing that when you ride every weekend.

 

[DRECKFRESSER]

Thanks for all the help!! You guys got any good tips on a type of insurance!! I think some good insurance would help my lap times. :)

 

[Draybob]

You looking for a good Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy or just basic health coverage? :laugh:

 

[gwcrim]

Your buddies might want to start racing too once they see all the chicks at the races.

Ah, I see someone else has found out the real reason why us men love to race!

I'm l hoping to run some HS in the future. Probably in the old fart class.

 

[DRECKFRESSER]

HeHe! My wife wants the accidental death insurance for me.
Probably wouldnt be a bad idea! The she would be more likely to buy me things that make my bike go faster :)

For myself I am looking for some disability ins. So i have money to Feed all these damn animals she keeps bringing home if I get hurt. (she works at a vet)

 

[91KDX]

I thought I started riding to late in life to be any good, and I have yet to prove that theory wrong. I started riding db Dec 2001. My first db ever was a 91 KDX 200 just about stock. I race my first hs and finished last but I always finished (which everyone said I had to at least do) I think my problem was I started out in the B class after only 6 months on riding time. So I got really intimedated at first. But I kept racing and I have gotten better. I finished last in my first 5 races. I was on a very tight budget so I couldn't buy gear or parts so I was conserving my bike. And I wasn't skilled or in shape enough. But now 2 years later I have done like 10 hare scrambles and am starting to finish in the top ten which every one tells me is awesome but I don't believe them (don't know if thats normal or not). Have upgraded my bike to a 98 KDX 200 tricked out and very reliable (which is key). But once I start doing enduros I think that will boost my endurance and that will give me the strength that I need to go full out the whole time in a hs without getting tired. Hope this inspires somebody.

Ben

 

[Jeff Sexton]

This advice is coming from a 43 year old fat guy that bought his first dirt bike when he was 41 and started racing hare scrambles with his kids the following year:

First, racing HS is a little different that trail riding. When you're trail riding, you tend to go around or completely avoid those obstacles like logs and creek crossings and really gnarly ruts and tree roots that tend to give you trouble. Often times on an HS course this isn't an option because of the way the course is arrowed - remember you have to ride within 20' of the arrows except where the trail is arrowed on both sides, then you have to stay between them. You could ignore these rules, but then you'd be a cheater and I don't have time to tell you how I truly despise cheaters!

Second, you will discover that if the first paragraph above (about avoiding the hard stuff when you trail ride) applies, then you will almost certainly DNF a few HS in the beginning. Don't worry about it! What you will learn will be invaluable. Most of all, what you will learn is where you need to improve. As you discover new weaknesses, you head to the woods and work on them. Eventually you'll find yourself going out of your way to hit some gnarly hill or big log instead of trying to avoid them. This is the first sign that you're getting hooked.

Go out and try it. Ride your race and don't worry about what anybody else thinks. I DNFd my first 5 races and it just made me more determined to improve my skills. Now after a year of racing under my belt, instead of finishing at the bottom of my class or not at all, I'm usually in the top half. I'm still not fast but I'm sure enjoying it more.

Good luck.

 

[DRECKFRESSER]

Thanks for all the inspiration.
If your ever riding in a VCCHS event and a Goofy guy on a Worn out 03 Kdx with a German flag sticker on it Blows past you, just remember Its Your Own Fault. :)

 

[Jeff Sexton]

I can live with that. You wouldn't believe how many people have helped me get to where I am today.