Definitely do the race. Sylvan is a great first race since there are a bunch of spectators and everything is contained in a small area. The 2018 Stampede lap times ranged from 21 to 40 minutes in the Novice men class and the course will be similar this year.
- Ride as much as possible to build fitness (on and/or off road).
- Do some group rides with people to get used to close proximity trail riding and learn the good lines. Riding with faster people makes you faster.
- During the race, bring a tube/tire repair kit & pump/CO2 inflator, a bike multitool, and some water. Won't need food for races under 1hr.
- Eat well the day before the race and rest a couple days prior (no long/strenuous rides). Don't eat a giant breakfast on race day.
- Make sure your bike is in good working order. MTB races are self supported so if you have a mechanical issue you'll have to fix it yourself with whatever supplies are in your repair kit.
- Don't make any major changes to bike setup the week of the race.
- If you think you have a good chance of placing higher up the roster, get to the starting line early and go hard on the initial sprint so you have fewer people to pass when on course.
Last edited by DH001; 03-20-2021 at 11:15 PM.
⚒ Trails don't build themselves. ⚒
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