Are you thinking of entering a mountain bike race but are not sure if you are ready or are unsure of what to expect during a race.
This article will provide you with 10 essentail tips that should help you to prepare for your first race.

Let me start by saying that everyone who is serious about riding should do at least one race.
Why? It makes you a stronger rider by pushing you in ways that other rides will not.

What should you expect and what should you do to prepare for your first race?

1) Pick a race that is far out enough to allow you time to prepare. - Give yourself a minimum of three months to get ready (See Tip 2 Get Fit)

2) Get Fit -
Establish a Base: Allow a month or two of long rides of 2 or more hours 3 times a week other rides can be recovery rides.
Add Intensity: After you get a base add intervals to build intensity. Two weeks before your race do a practice run at near race pace. The week of the race begin to taper. Descrease ride lengths but still have some short intense efforts to keep legs fresh.

3) Hone your Skills - Practice the skills necessary to confidently ride the race of your choice. Expect to encounter logs, rock gardens, quick transitions, switchbacks, and steep descents.
Work on maintaining speed and flow. Try not to get bogged down in the rough stuff.

4) Make sure your bike is race ready - Ensure that your bike is in proper working order especially shifting (a finicky derailleur can ruin your day), braking, and tires.
Lube your chain and shifter cables. Inflate tires depending on conditions: If hard pack tires can be firmer. If wet or muddy conditions run a little less pressure. Tubless tires will enable you to run less pressure and still avoid pinch flats.

5) Get the right Gear - Baggy shorts and a loose fitting tee may be okay for a quick trail ride and some beers with your buds but, on race day you will be better off with Lycra shorts (preferably bib shorts) and a form fitting bike shirt with three back pockets and a 3/4 front zipper to keep you cool. You can use a camelback but I would suggest traveling as light as possible an extra five pounds on you back can get pretty heavy after an hour and 1/2 of hard pedaling.

6) Get your race routine ready - Know what you will eat on race day from breakfast to post race. Too much and you will feel sick. Too little and you may bonk. Know what you will eat and drink during the race and pick points on the course where you will eat and drink. Have a post race recovery drink and sandwich waiting as well. Make sure you get your bike ready the night before: Lube the chain and cables, pump your tires, check shock pressure. Then put your pumps, tools, and lube in your car in case you need anything on race day. Lay out your race kit the night before and pack post race clothes as well as something to cleanup with. (I find that wintergreen alcohol a towel and a gallon jug of water will do the trick)
Fill your water bottles the night before. The less you have to worry about on race day the better. By being organized and prepared you will feel more confident and calm on the day of your race.

7) You will need a one day license and money for the entry fee this will run you between 25-40 for both. If you know that you will be doing a series or more than a few races apply for a license at USA Cycling for $60 you can race any Domestic event (race fee not included) and you receive quite a few discounts with USA Cycling affiliate partners as well.

8) Expect race time to be between 45-2 hours in duration depending on your class. The Beginner races are usually around 5-8 miles where sport races are about 10-15 miles.

9) Get to the race venue about an 1-1/2 to 2 hours before. Register online to save some additional time. You will still need to fill out a waiver at the race and you will want to be warmed up before you go off. You should be on the start line with a light sweat but feeling energized. Despite what some people may say do not ride the entire course on a race day. Ride 5-10 minutes of the beginning of the course and the end. This should be enough time to warm-up without fatiguing yourself up and enable you to review your start and finish strategy.
*Note you should ride the race course the week before the race or be familiar with it.

10) A winner never quits and a quitter never wins: Unless you are injured or you bike is broken do not quit. If you are pushing yourself hard you will probably want to quit but, dig deep and finish strong.

11) Dont Take yourself too seriously and remember to have fun it's "only a race".

When your done you should feel good about yourself Congratulations you just competed in your first mountain bike race - Well done.

Warning: Racing may be addictive!