How To Join Mountain Bike Races

By: Lisa Devoto

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you want to know how to join mountain bike races, you will first need a few essential items (like a mountain bike). However, you will also need to train before the race and have a good sense of the race rules. So, before you start mountain bike racing, check out the tips below.

To join mountain bike races, you will need:

A mountain bike
Training
A knowledge of the rules of racing
Cycling safety gear

Do some research before you even purchase a bike or gear (unless you already have such items). Check the internet to see where nearby mountain bike races are held. Your research will likely also turn up links to local cycling associations, so you can join up with a smaller organization to get your racing career started.
Purchase a high-quality racing bike and the appropriate gear. Unless you want to just race for fun, you will want a top-of-the-line bike and sturdy accessories. Order a bike online or have one custom-fitted to your body at a bike shop. At bike shops, you can also try out your bike before considering mountain bike races.
Read up on the rules of the mountain bike races you are joining. There are certain codes that must be followed during races, and you will want to know these codes so that you do not get kicked out or disqualified. Rules include staying on designated trails and yielding to vehicles with the right of way, and they can be found on the USA Cycling website, linked below.
Train with a team. Since mountain bike races require biking through trails in fairly unpopulated areas, you will probably want to train with friends in case someone gets injured and needs help. Also, training with a team can help you to learn tricks and tips that you would not find out on your own. You can train by yourself by biking on paved roads or by working out to get in shape.
Join small, local mountain bike races, and then advance. You will probably not want to start at the national championships, because as a newbie you will not have much of a chance. Instead, start with small races and improve your skills until you are ready for larger, more prestigious races.