Thanks for clicking this tab. Bike races and bike racing can be confusing at times. If you can't find the answer to your question on any of the tabs or the whole process seems overwhelming then take a deep breath and see if any of these steps can help.
1. Registration - You can only register for the race online, by following the "REGISTER NOW" link on the right hand side of the page. Registration closes on 7/20/11 at 11pm. Our online registration is run by USA Cyclng. In order to register you have to follow the steps on the USA Cycling website to create a profile. USA Cycling is the governing body for our race. They provide insurance for the event and other helpful services. On top of our registration fee you either need to have an annual license with USA Cycling or you can buy a one day license for $10. On the day of the event you will need to check in at the venue and pick up your race packet. Your race packet will have your number, timing chip, and other goodies.
2. Category What? - USA Cycling subdivides races into different skill and experience levels, or categories. If you've never raced before you can sign up for three different options: Beginner, Category (Cat) 3, or Category (Cat) 2. At the Missoula XC we will not have a Cat 3 race, so you're either a Cat 2 or a Beginner. The Cat 2s will race 3 laps for Men, and 2 laps for Women. The beginners will race on a modified course that avoids the most challenging climbing and technical descending.
3. Race Details - Whenever I go to races I like to print the race flier out so I can bring all the details with me. On the right hand side of our homepage there is a picture of the "RACE FLIER" and the "RACE POSTER." Think of the race poster as a show piece and the race flier as the nuts and bolts. The race flier has almost everything on our website only condensed into one document. If you are wondering what to print off and take with you, the "RACE FLIER" is the answer.
4. How much does this really cost - Elites are $50, First timers are $15, Kids are free, and all other categories are $25. If you don't have an annual USA Cycling license (see number 1) then add $10 per day. Every racer receives a free meal ticket at the venue.
5. I've never done this before - Good!!! We have a first timer men's and women's race. I'm not going to lie the course will be challenging. The good news is you only have to do one lap and then you get to enjoy a free meal and a cold beer. Cross country mountain bike racing is a mix of high intensity exercise and bike handling skill. It will test your mind, body, and grit. If you want to know what the race is going to feel like then ride your favorite mountain bike climb that's between 3-5 miles. Ride as hard as you can to the top and then turnaround and ride back the way you came without stopping at the top.
6. Pre-Riding - The course will be open from 9am - 9pm, Friday, July 13th. The course will also be open before 9am on Saturday the 14th. If you live in town or somewhere close there will be lots of opportunities to ride the course this spring/summer. The calendar on our web site will outline those days. The weekday mountain bike series starts June 27th and runs every Wednesday until July 11th. That is an excellent time to test the course.
7. How hard is the course - Under the course header on the web site we have posted some course maps and a profile. I am comfortable with those accurately reflecting the terrain. There could be some little tweaks here or there, but those maps should give you a general idea. The course is really difficult. Most of the riding around Missoula involves lots of climbing. We took what the topography gave us and tried to make a challenging and exciting course.
8. When should I show up for my race - Show up at least an hour and half in advance to check out the landscape and get used to the venue. I would be at the starting line 15 minutes prior to your start time. With parking and getting you race setup going and hour goes by like nothing.
9. Ideal Scenario - I know it's hard with work, but here is the ideal scenario for a racer either in town or coming from out of town. You arrive to the venue around 6pm on Friday July 13th. You check in at the lodge. You pre-ride the course for an hour or two and then head back to town. Dinner by 7:30pm and then bed.
10. More Questions - Please feel free to call or email, no question is a dumb one. My name is Ben, 312-502-5997, bfhoran@gmail.
1. Registration - You can only register for the race online, by following the "REGISTER NOW" link on the right hand side of the page. Registration closes on 7/20/11 at 11pm. Our online registration is run by USA Cyclng. In order to register you have to follow the steps on the USA Cycling website to create a profile. USA Cycling is the governing body for our race. They provide insurance for the event and other helpful services. On top of our registration fee you either need to have an annual license with USA Cycling or you can buy a one day license for $10. On the day of the event you will need to check in at the venue and pick up your race packet. Your race packet will have your number, timing chip, and other goodies.
2. Category What? - USA Cycling subdivides races into different skill and experience levels, or categories. If you've never raced before you can sign up for three different options: Beginner, Category (Cat) 3, or Category (Cat) 2. At the Missoula XC we will not have a Cat 3 race, so you're either a Cat 2 or a Beginner. The Cat 2s will race 3 laps for Men, and 2 laps for Women. The beginners will race on a modified course that avoids the most challenging climbing and technical descending.
3. Race Details - Whenever I go to races I like to print the race flier out so I can bring all the details with me. On the right hand side of our homepage there is a picture of the "RACE FLIER" and the "RACE POSTER." Think of the race poster as a show piece and the race flier as the nuts and bolts. The race flier has almost everything on our website only condensed into one document. If you are wondering what to print off and take with you, the "RACE FLIER" is the answer.
4. How much does this really cost - Elites are $50, First timers are $15, Kids are free, and all other categories are $25. If you don't have an annual USA Cycling license (see number 1) then add $10 per day. Every racer receives a free meal ticket at the venue.
5. I've never done this before - Good!!! We have a first timer men's and women's race. I'm not going to lie the course will be challenging. The good news is you only have to do one lap and then you get to enjoy a free meal and a cold beer. Cross country mountain bike racing is a mix of high intensity exercise and bike handling skill. It will test your mind, body, and grit. If you want to know what the race is going to feel like then ride your favorite mountain bike climb that's between 3-5 miles. Ride as hard as you can to the top and then turnaround and ride back the way you came without stopping at the top.
6. Pre-Riding - The course will be open from 9am - 9pm, Friday, July 13th. The course will also be open before 9am on Saturday the 14th. If you live in town or somewhere close there will be lots of opportunities to ride the course this spring/summer. The calendar on our web site will outline those days. The weekday mountain bike series starts June 27th and runs every Wednesday until July 11th. That is an excellent time to test the course.
7. How hard is the course - Under the course header on the web site we have posted some course maps and a profile. I am comfortable with those accurately reflecting the terrain. There could be some little tweaks here or there, but those maps should give you a general idea. The course is really difficult. Most of the riding around Missoula involves lots of climbing. We took what the topography gave us and tried to make a challenging and exciting course.
8. When should I show up for my race - Show up at least an hour and half in advance to check out the landscape and get used to the venue. I would be at the starting line 15 minutes prior to your start time. With parking and getting you race setup going and hour goes by like nothing.
9. Ideal Scenario - I know it's hard with work, but here is the ideal scenario for a racer either in town or coming from out of town. You arrive to the venue around 6pm on Friday July 13th. You check in at the lodge. You pre-ride the course for an hour or two and then head back to town. Dinner by 7:30pm and then bed.
10. More Questions - Please feel free to call or email, no question is a dumb one. My name is Ben, 312-502-5997, bfhoran@gmail.
