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First MTB Race ever - am I too old to start at 52?

lrjhm3's picture

By lrjhm3 - Posted on 30 March 2012

Re: This ride meeting: 
Rock 'n' Roll MTB Presents XC State Round 1: Jarrahdale
Status: 
Finished
Laps: 
3

First MTB race for me. Learned a lot and had fun! Decided to go off slow and not hold anyone up in my group which, given my time, was probably the right choice! Managed to pick up a few places but was suffering at the end - the constant pounding and lateral movement on a MTB is clearly something one has to get used to! Not sure if 52 is a good time to start but...

Amongst what I learned:

  • Reccy the entire course!: Coming up to what looks to a noob like a cliff at the end of a lap is a sure way to slow you down Sticking out tongue

  • Drop your tyre pressures: Skating around on 35psi Front and 38 Rear on pea gravel is not advisable (luckily I sorted this out on the reccy);

  • Having a Racing Ralph on the front in pea gravel is a sure wash-out inducer (again sorted this out on the reccy);

  • Remember to drink - this is what a Camelback is for!

  • If you are stuck behind someone for most of a lap, you are allowed to ask them if they could make way;

  • Watching a Master Class rider flog down the end-of-lap cliff in one move was inspiring (although I doubt I'm ever gonna do that);

  • Being good at making way for faster riders is the quickest way to get some praise - I did this very well Smiling.


    • So, onto more racing!

    RICK JAMES's picture
    Like you said, "Had Fun"
    Submitted by RICK JAMES on Fri, 30/03/2012 - 11:53.

    Like you said, "Had Fun" nothing else matters.

    magsy's picture
    never too old
    Submitted by magsy on Fri, 30/03/2012 - 19:26.

    well done on completing your first race!!!

    I rode in my first race last year, the same year that I turned 50, the same year I bought my first bike, the same year I rode the kep track and the same year I competed in the cape to cape!

    I am still at the back of the pack but when I am finished a race I think what's next!

    just get out there and have FUN!

    DuncS's picture
    well done
    Submitted by DuncS on Sat, 31/03/2012 - 07:19.

    I am also 52 but have been into it 6 years now. You learnt all those lessons way quicker than me. Next lesson if not already learnt: go tubeless.

    lrjhm3's picture
    Never too old to learn and enjoy.
    Submitted by lrjhm3 on Sat, 31/03/2012 - 12:50.

    Thanks guys and gal for the encouragement. Great to know there are other age vets out there!

    I'm also aiming for the Cape to Cape this year Magsy - maybe you can tell me about it? Puzzled

    And yes DuncS, I learned the tubeless lesson very quickly: after having to ride home 5 km from work on a flat tyre after getting punctures back and front simultaneously from double-gees, and only carrying one spare tube and no repair kit, I immediately ordered a set of wheels with Stans rims. No issues since and much better ride Smiling

    Cheers.

    keddy's picture
    life's what you make it
    Submitted by keddy on Sun, 01/04/2012 - 19:39.

    Get out there and get dirty. Set goals aim High. Mtb community is so welcoming and encouraging. Meet people kalamunda track and Jarridale have people riding in the am every Sat and sun ask if you can join someone Safer to ride with a friend. Avanti, Kalamunda, rock and roll Mtb all do skills . Best place is here ask if someone will join you for a ride and go from there. Kyra

    magsy's picture
    4hr
    Submitted by magsy on Sun, 01/04/2012 - 21:44.

    Hi It was great to see you at the 4hr today...it was so hectic I didn't even get your name??

    I hope you enjoyed the day, how did you go ?? next time Kyra and I go out for a ride we will let u now

    keep an eye out for social rides on the calender

    welcome to mountain biking!!

    marg

    lrjhm3's picture
    Thanks All
    Submitted by lrjhm3 on Tue, 03/04/2012 - 16:00.

    Hi All,

    Marg: My name is Leonard - it was great to see yourself and Kyra there as well Smiling.

    Managed to complete 7 laps but after a spill on the first lap (went straight over the bars at speed after following someone too closely , not knowing what was ahead and hitting an immoveable object!) my elbow gradually seized up and got too painful to continue: it's currently bandaged up and no serious biking for me for little while Sad. My competitiveness definitely exceeds my skill levels at the moment, plus I violated the rule of reccying the entire course before one races it - again!

    Still, had great fun and definitely felt more comfortable on the bike than at Jarrahdale. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming - it's fantastic! Would love to go for a ride with you - let me know! Also interested in any rides anyone goes on - it's all good experience and much safer with others. Warning - I'm not that quick tho!

    Cheers

    magsy's picture
    ride
    Submitted by magsy on Tue, 03/04/2012 - 18:42.

    oh dear an OTB is not fun hope u r not too bruised up ...it will be one of many spills that's how we learn! 7 laps is about Kyra's pace >>I am a bit slower but I am working on it
    when u r back on your bike pm either me or Kyra and we will organise a ride
    marg

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