Trying out MTB racing

[AndyKeene]

I've got an enormous-wheeled knobbly-tyred thing on order, so will be looking for some off-road action this year...

[MhairiMackenzie]

Thanks for the tips guys. Based on this I'm just going to find something I can make and go for it. I have a 2008 hookooekoo which will do me well enough to have shot I think.

[MhairiMackenzie]

I used to ride the 7 stands in Scotland. When you're talking technical bits what is it like compared to that?

[Simon]

Hey Mhairi if you can ride trail centres don't worry about it there's nothing to trouble you around here. You won't even notice it. It's only wet or muddy conditions that can make it tricky in places over roots or in ruts plus the occasional bomb hole. You've always got solid trails in trail centres but muddy forests you'll have to learn to slide around a bit! Tyres and tyre pressures make a big difference as usual. If it's wet/muddy reduce your tyre pressures - 30psi or lower even if your light -and you won't have to go too nobbly on the tyres and you'll still get grip without slowing you down too much humping a big nobbly tyre around. Have fun anyway! Let us know how you get on

[Simon]

Hey Mhairi, just in case you're looking here are the details for the Eastern XC series. Seven rounds left running til Sept so plenty of choice.

details http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/?series_id=262

[Steve Hanks]

I've just ridden round 1. Not very technical, but fairly flat and 90 minutes of pedalling like a madman on damp loam even the slight upwards damp singletrack was starting to get mentally drain after 90 mins. I think ive finished top 3rd of 60 in Vets, despite being the first race back after the chest infection and no real riding in Feb chest so hopefully I march onwards and upwards in the next round.

Competition is stiff though, with Nick Craig and pals riding.

[Simon]

Great you're back on your bike. I'm only just getting over that flu myself. First week of proper trainingfor a month. I'll defo do a few of these. Sounds good. BC points bringing Nick Craig out then. I put a thread up on forum for it.