iBikeRide.com

Racing is fun. It doesnt matter whether you are seriously competing or without a hope and in it just for a laugh (like me). It will undoubtedly bring out the beast in you and push your biking forward.

The atmosphere is chilled and friendly before a race, furied during and electric afterwards. Many clubs organise races locally and have entry levels for beginners, sports, youths, old gits, women, men, fun and so on. Hence there is no excuse not to take part . So get out and spend a day you won't forget. This post covers a great race on a great trail worth visiting in it's own right in Crowthorne Woods in Swinley Forest, Bracknell way.

Autumn is a great time to ride as it isn't too hot and the sun often shines and weather aside the colours of the English countryside really will knock you sideways. The race day was a perfect Autumns day.

If you can get to a race a good bit in advance it is worth it. It's fun chilling out and talking to other riders. There are normally some stalls and decent grub kiosks to enjoy and of course you can check over your bike, stretch and take your bike often for a practice lap to get your lay of the land and your body warmed up.  

The atmosphere is very chilled and friendly. As each of the races gets ready the relaxed chill'dness starts to transform into excitement and trepidation.

From the 15 minute pre race warning there is the final check of your bike set up and general faffing ...like making sure your laces are just tight enough (and then you can check them again!) You slowly move into the throng of riders many jostling to get to the front (you can tell who the really serious riders are by how early they get to the start and how much they jostle to get to the front (but respect). The 1 minute warning comes and your foot is now perched on the pedal, adrenaline is pumping like crazy, the body is tense and you are engaged ready to let roar.....this goes on for what seems like an eternity...you enter the zone....you are off..

Now at this point  I understand why people get to the front early because unlike the warrior poets of riding heroes imagethat is sitting there in your mind, the reality is quite different. Jostling in what must be around 20 feet with 80 other riders means your first few minutes are spent riding the slowest you have ever ridden whilst riders topple into each other trying to get past. Prizes should go for staying upright in this first bit. Technical slow riding in congestion article to follow.

Soon space clears and you are pumping away. The course is maybe on average 30 minutes riding and you do a different number of laps depending on your category e.g. women's fun is 1 lap, men's fun is 2 laps. The course is great and you should ride it at any point in the year.

Winding single track, tons of cornering and switchbacks, Little bomb hole sections with drops and steep platform ledges to roll or jump off. Roots everywhere. You need to keep your eyes pealed and definitely be on your toes.. 

The psychology of racing is different to normal riding in that there is no waiting, pausing, stopping to help other cyclists, sessioning sections, letting others past. It is about staying ahead and winning. It's certainly a buzz. Liek a naughty kid staying up late on Halloween eating sweets it kinda feels like an excuse to be a discoureteous rider, put your bike first and get away with it.

At the end you do feel exhilarated and if you haven't done it before you will feel it was a different type of riding altogether. You certainly push yourslef. Can't wait until my next one. I think racing will definitely help improve my speed, fitness and technical ability.

(Andy - stopped me falling down  hole)

Most races let you pre-book online and register. Some like this race organised by Gorrick lets you register on the day. Check you bike out before you go and train if you can (see links below)

This link covers getting your bike in tip top condition http://ibikeride.com/mountain-bike-surgery/race/race-prep..so-you-wanna-win/

This link is really useful on getting your body in tip top condition (in under a week... yeah right!;) http://ibikeride.com/mountain-bike-surgery/training/training-for-your-ride/

(stumpy_dan with stumpy in need of serious carb reload, a comfy chair and beer)

Pics of the Course and the day (well worth a look if you are thinking of riding)

https://www.theimagefile.com/?skin=6899&Action=_VC&id=853840&ppwd=rn2669rp

Gorrick Web site

http://www.gorrick.com/index.php