How to get started racing mountain bikes in colorado

Do you remember the feeling you had when you realized no one was holding on and you were staying upright on a two wheeler for the first time? What did you notice? The wind? Every rock and possible obstacle in your path? Do you remember how you could not wipe that smile on your face? Or that first taste that you were in control of your own destiny? I am sure that many of you do. That is the difference between a cyclist and a bike rider. A cyclist is anyone who remembers that exact feeling every time they start to pedal. Here in Colorado we are blessed with the most beautiful cycling trails and routes available to help us remember.

Although our dear state does provide ample opportunity for road riding (especially in winter) most of us still prefer our mountain bikes. The first tracks on a spring morning in the foothills can be just as great as first tracks in Vail's bowls.

We all like a little competition on the trails. Who can clear a rock garden or who can hit the climb the fastest. Competition just seems to come natural whenever two or more cyclists are gathered. Whether it is on the trail or in the bar! But how do you take the next step and see how you compete with the others out there? It is much easier then you might think.

I imagine you already have a bike. And do not feel like you have to have the latest, lightest, greatest bike out there. Any solid bike with working gears and brakes will do you nicely. And I am also assuming that you know if you want to ride in gravity (GR) or cross-country (XC) events. And keep in mind that gravity is separated into many different disciplines. As far as safety gear the rules change for XC and GR. You will HAVE to wear helmet in any mountain bike event. For XC you will want to wear as little as you can get away with. The uniform for most XC riders are a lightweight cycling helmet, jersey, padded shorts, shoes to match your pedals and gloves. For GR you will want to wear as much padding as you can wear and still ride your bike. The uniform for most GR riders are a full-face helmet, chest protector, gloves, durable GR shorts, jersey (full or short sleeve) as well as leg and/or forearm armor . Now you are dressed and ready to go. But where do you go?

Another reason we are lucky to live in Colorado is that we have the premier competitive off-road cycling series in our back yard. That series is the Mountain States Cup. (http://www.racemsc.com/) This series starts in mid May and goes through the summer. They generally have an additional late fall race in Angel Fire, New Mexico as well. To find other cycling events in and around Colorado check out http://www.rockymountainsports.com/. But before you plan your schedule you have another website to visit. That website is http://www.usacycling.com/. USA Cycling is the sanctioning body for the Mountain States cup. USA Cycling is the group that handles most of the amateur and professional cycling events held each year. The most important aspect of what USA Cycling does is group insurance. This insurance protects you during the event. So if you do not have insurance and are afraid to (or let your child) compete, you should not let that stop you. There is of course fees involved with signing up with USA Cycling. Depending upon your age and what disciplines you are competing in a racing license will run you from $30-90 for a full year. They also offer $10 one-day licenses for beginners. Another expense to consider is entry fees. Entry fees are for each event and each discipline. They will vary some from race to race. Make sure to check each events website which will tell you what there's is.

That is what it takes to get started in a nutshell. Last piece of the puzzle is you and your bike. When you line up for your first race just remember that feeling you first had when you knew you were in control.