Thread: Good beginner xc mt. bike race?

So, DTM has been talking crazy and says he might do a 100 mile race next year (trail run) so I think I'm due for my first race on a bike. Even if he doesn't do something that long, I know he'll do something crazy on foot or bike.

I've never done anything like this before and I'd love any direction, help or advice you have on a good one to do in UT. I'm interested in a cross country race at this point. It'll force me to train this winter and I'm ready for that challenge. Nothing super crazy long and it can be solo or team. I'm not interested in winning, I just want a goal. Something to train for. Something that our little man Sam can watch me complete

So, what should I do? Thinking April or May....

Originally Posted by altachic

So, DTM has been talking crazy and says he might do a 100 mile race next year (trail run) so I think I'm due for my first race on a bike. Even if he doesn't do something that long, I know he'll do something crazy on foot or bike.

I've never done anything like this before and I'd love any direction, help or advice you have on a good one to do in UT. I'm interested in a cross country race at this point. It'll force me to train this winter and I'm ready for that challenge. Nothing super crazy long and it can be solo or team. I'm not interested in winning, I just want a goal. Something to train for. Something that our little man Sam can watch me complete

So, what should I do? Thinking April or May....

as for 'one race" I cant help you out there.

but the Midweek Full Throttle series in utah is great as is the Intermountain Cup. The Midweek races are alot cheaper though.

24 hours of Moab.

24h races have been the most fun I have ever had racing

You might check out these guys, they seemed super chill. I tried that cyclocross race with them up in heber this fall, pretty fun. I'm guessing the soldier hollow xc race would be pretty beginner friendly, and less of a drive than sundance.

http://weeklyraceseries.com/

Check out the Intermountain Cup schedule, they have an extensive race schedule with some stuff very close by (Draper being one of them). They start early in the year down in the St George area, that could help keep you moving through the winter as well; the race out at Five Mile Pass may be a good option for you as well, I think they run out there in April /May timeframe. Bootleg Canyon does hold some SuperD’s that I think you would like as well, I may be talking a few folks into those, we’ll let you know. You could also check into the more XC friendly shops around and look at their bulletin board, great resource. Revolution and Canyon in Draper come to mind for shops close by your house.

I think this is a great idea for you, I think you will really enjoy it. Plan on registering in beginner and know you are going to ride harder than you ever have before. You are going to be surprised how wrecked you are going to feel after you give a true 100% of yourself in this effort. It’s a cool feeling (once you stop puking /feeling like you are going to puke). Once you pick a goal, try to see if you can go practice ride the course a bit, it will help you. I’d be glad to go with you once it gets closer and do some actual race training with you, this may help calm you nerves a bit at the start line as you will know what to expect, when to hammer /rest, etc..

I'll echo Particle. I've done the weekly (Wednesday evenings) race series for a few years and they are really fun and super laid back. A great race series to do for a beginner. The races alternate weeks btw Sundance and Soldier Hollow, and some of the Soldier Hollow races are biathalons, complete with air rifle target shooting. And yes, they are as fun as they sound. Highly recommended.

Thanks for the info people.
Now I just need to decide what would be best to start with. The weekly races sound super fun.
I'd also like to do a team or solo 12 hour race in the summer or early fall...if anyone wants to join me

And Mr. AG-I'd love, love, love to go out with you in the spring for some help and pointers. Anytime. Seriously.

This is a pretty fun series:
http://www.mtogdenraceseries.com/about/

A little far for you but you could make one early season and get a feel for racing on a pretty easy course.

The mid-week races lead up to a 50/100k enduro at the end of the season.

I did a 50 mile race this summer for my first race ever. I wanted to do something long because 1. I wouldn't feel the need to go crazy fast and hurt myself 2. I really wanted something to push myself to get in shape for.

My .02.