polarishardcorerid
Member
- Nov 16, 2006
- 23
- 0
How hard is it to get started in racing?
Also what gear and things do i all need?
Also what gear and things do i all need?
Racing
- Thread starter polarishardcorerid
- Start date
quintwatson
Member
- Jan 22, 2006
- 30
- 0
patto3 said:
What did you mean by bar ends?
I had and still have a similar question. I'm planning on participating in my first race ever May 6th. It's going to be a hare scramble.
I'm going by myself unless I magically make some new friends who ride dirtbikes near me :).
Can anyone more experienced chime in and talk about some often overlooked things that new racers tend to do?
I have the safety gear down pat, but I am really at a loss for exactly what to do to have my bike prepped and ready for racing.
I'm going by myself unless I magically make some new friends who ride dirtbikes near me :).
Can anyone more experienced chime in and talk about some often overlooked things that new racers tend to do?
I have the safety gear down pat, but I am really at a loss for exactly what to do to have my bike prepped and ready for racing.
- Aug 2, 2000
- 13,504
- 19
who says kids today are dumb? HILARIOUS!! :rotfl:hot125mod said:
polarishardcorerid
Member
- Nov 16, 2006
- 23
- 0
- Thread starter
- #8
quintwatson said:
Same here what do u mean by bar ends
oldguy
Always Broken
- Dec 26, 1999
- 9,411
- 0
So the old fashioned rubber grips don't work anymore :coocoo: .sixds said:
To prep your bike make sure you are up to date on ALL your maitanance, be sure every nut and bolt is torqued prpoerly, all grease points are greased, cables are adjusted, brakes bled, clean air filter, and did I mention ALL standard maitanence is up to date. Best way to prep is to go over the bike everytime you ride so you catch a problem before it gets to be a problem.
Now prepping yourself is much harder-
SpeedyManiac
Member
- Aug 8, 2000
- 2,374
- 0
Here's my experience on harescrambles (I started racing 2002 in Junior class, now I race expert so I like to think I have any idea of what I'm doing):
Here's my recommendations:
-Make sure your bike is well maintained. By that I don't mean it looks brand spanking new, but it should run well and everything should work at the beginning of the race (kill switch, brakes, etc).
-Have a good helmet, goggles or safety glasses (good for mud races), boots, gloves and preferably a chest protector and knee guards. I didn't have a chest protector when I started racing, but bought one after 1 race. They're definitely worth the money.
-For offroad, buy a drink system. You don't need anything fancy, just something with a reservoir, hose and bite valve. I use an ancient (10 year old) camelbak and it works great.
-I'd also recommend getting barkbusters if you're racing harescrambles/enduro/offroad. You'll pretty much never again break a lever, it saves your fingers in the woods and lets you bounce off trees easier.
-I recommend showing up early to the race. I like to get there early and just relax and bench race with other racers. The atmosphere at most races is really friendly so don't be shy, go talk to some people. Signing up early is also a good idea as most events offer a t-shirt or something to the first X number of riders. Souvenirs are always nice!
-Go to the rider's meeting. This is absolutely mandatory for new racers.
-Once the race is starting, get to the line and line up on your row. When they start the race (air horn, gun or for motocross, a starting gate), take it easy. You can't win a race in the first hour, but you sure can lose one.
-On the same idea, PACE YOURSELF. I get a kick out of the new guys. They go really hard for the first hour or so, then they're toast. I like to finish stronger than I start, so I'll hang back, take it easy for the first hour or so (keeps my arms from getting pumped up), then start upping the pace.
-Once the race is over, stick around for the awards. It's pretty entertaining and the offroad crowd is a great group to hang out with. Most races usually give out prizes randomly so you may even get some swag!
That's about it. The most important aspect of racing is to make sure you HAVE FUN. That's why we do this in the first place. If you take it too seriously, you're going to end up hating racing. At least that's my opinion.
Oh yeah, one last thing. Eat a good dinner the night before, a good breakfast and a banana before your race. Keep hydrated too (I strongly suggest you don't party hard the night before a race).
Here's my recommendations:
-Make sure your bike is well maintained. By that I don't mean it looks brand spanking new, but it should run well and everything should work at the beginning of the race (kill switch, brakes, etc).
-Have a good helmet, goggles or safety glasses (good for mud races), boots, gloves and preferably a chest protector and knee guards. I didn't have a chest protector when I started racing, but bought one after 1 race. They're definitely worth the money.
-For offroad, buy a drink system. You don't need anything fancy, just something with a reservoir, hose and bite valve. I use an ancient (10 year old) camelbak and it works great.
-I'd also recommend getting barkbusters if you're racing harescrambles/enduro/offroad. You'll pretty much never again break a lever, it saves your fingers in the woods and lets you bounce off trees easier.
-I recommend showing up early to the race. I like to get there early and just relax and bench race with other racers. The atmosphere at most races is really friendly so don't be shy, go talk to some people. Signing up early is also a good idea as most events offer a t-shirt or something to the first X number of riders. Souvenirs are always nice!
-Go to the rider's meeting. This is absolutely mandatory for new racers.
-Once the race is starting, get to the line and line up on your row. When they start the race (air horn, gun or for motocross, a starting gate), take it easy. You can't win a race in the first hour, but you sure can lose one.
-On the same idea, PACE YOURSELF. I get a kick out of the new guys. They go really hard for the first hour or so, then they're toast. I like to finish stronger than I start, so I'll hang back, take it easy for the first hour or so (keeps my arms from getting pumped up), then start upping the pace.
-Once the race is over, stick around for the awards. It's pretty entertaining and the offroad crowd is a great group to hang out with. Most races usually give out prizes randomly so you may even get some swag!
That's about it. The most important aspect of racing is to make sure you HAVE FUN. That's why we do this in the first place. If you take it too seriously, you're going to end up hating racing. At least that's my opinion.
Oh yeah, one last thing. Eat a good dinner the night before, a good breakfast and a banana before your race. Keep hydrated too (I strongly suggest you don't party hard the night before a race).
truespode
Moderator / Wheelie King
- Jun 30, 1999
- 7,984
- 251
- Aug 7, 2006
- 1,162
- 0
oldguy said:
you and speedy are right on the dot, especially this last statement :nod: .
- Nov 25, 1999
- 7,926
- 43
Rule 1:
Don't let the thrill overtake your skills. The most important thing is self control and decipline. All the preparation in the world will do you no good if you are wadded up into a tree or hay bale. Ride at your level, regardless of those around you. If you are better, you will make your way to the front. Riding over your head will give you the fast track to last or to the ER.
Rule 2:
Proper maintenance is important because it limits non normal wear and tear AND it allows you the chance to finish. You don't win if you don't finish. Refer to Rule 1.
Don't let the thrill overtake your skills. The most important thing is self control and decipline. All the preparation in the world will do you no good if you are wadded up into a tree or hay bale. Ride at your level, regardless of those around you. If you are better, you will make your way to the front. Riding over your head will give you the fast track to last or to the ER.
Rule 2:
Proper maintenance is important because it limits non normal wear and tear AND it allows you the chance to finish. You don't win if you don't finish. Refer to Rule 1.
