tubender
07-03-2007, 08:37 PM
May be I should have waited till I had more skill but it was a small event so I decided to go for it. I figured I would jot down what I did, both right and wrong in my first comp and share with my fellow noobs.
First, the good. I arrived early, well hydrated and ate a good breakfast that I am used to. My bike was ready and didn't need to be adjusted or repaired before my ride. I warmed up in the area that the event was held on the same soil. I adjusted my pressures for the terrain and tried to avoid wearing myself out warming up. I stayed out of the sun, the weather was cool so I didn't have to worry. I have been racing bikes quite a bit so I don't get nerves. I brought a banana in case (not sure why, but they work) I also brought my tool box with every tool any bike would need. I tucked my shoe laces into my shoes and ate some asprin to thin my blood a bit to help my heart accelerate a bit quicker.
What I did wrong. I didn't really know the rules, the event was relaxed and while it didn't make a difference, I really could have known more. I had a mechanical failure and didn't bring ANY spares of parts that could have failed. Cables, grips, tires tubes, brake parts nothing.. one of the riders loaned me his bike (thanks again!). I didn't carry water or anything with me to the sections. I did score some M&M's but many hours went by and by the end I was destroyed.
I want to compete again and felt comfortable as all the riders gave great advice and were very supportive. My arms are still sore but I was able to ride a bit today. To anyone who has avoided comps for the typical reasons (agro people, stress, etc.) those things simply were not an issue as it felt like a group ride with friends. an awesome day and I am still smiling ear to ear!!
First, the good. I arrived early, well hydrated and ate a good breakfast that I am used to. My bike was ready and didn't need to be adjusted or repaired before my ride. I warmed up in the area that the event was held on the same soil. I adjusted my pressures for the terrain and tried to avoid wearing myself out warming up. I stayed out of the sun, the weather was cool so I didn't have to worry. I have been racing bikes quite a bit so I don't get nerves. I brought a banana in case (not sure why, but they work) I also brought my tool box with every tool any bike would need. I tucked my shoe laces into my shoes and ate some asprin to thin my blood a bit to help my heart accelerate a bit quicker.
What I did wrong. I didn't really know the rules, the event was relaxed and while it didn't make a difference, I really could have known more. I had a mechanical failure and didn't bring ANY spares of parts that could have failed. Cables, grips, tires tubes, brake parts nothing.. one of the riders loaned me his bike (thanks again!). I didn't carry water or anything with me to the sections. I did score some M&M's but many hours went by and by the end I was destroyed.
I want to compete again and felt comfortable as all the riders gave great advice and were very supportive. My arms are still sore but I was able to ride a bit today. To anyone who has avoided comps for the typical reasons (agro people, stress, etc.) those things simply were not an issue as it felt like a group ride with friends. an awesome day and I am still smiling ear to ear!!