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Race Etiquette

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Fisherman:
So http://www.thedirthead.com/index.html will be my first trail bike race. Although I've ridden Croom and all the other tracks around tampa several times, I'm mainly a runner and I've never raced on the trails before.

So what are the basic rules for passing and getting passed on single track? It's usually easier to follow than lead, so I imagine that drafting is common and many people will ride in groups. Any tips for a first timer? I'm only doing the 7 miler, so it becomes more important. If it were a longer race I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks.

Pariah:
Drafting....this is reserved for the road.  There isn't much drafting in MTB races....  Passing is usually done where can do so, and typically on the left.  As for getting passed - thats your call if you know the rider is stronger than you communicate where you plan on letting them by...  In a 7 mile race most folks may consider that an all out 7 mile TT and go as hard as they can with the run in mind....  Not many groups form either, there isn't any wind to hide from due to the trees and so on...  get out front, a good start is paramount and ride your race not getting caught up in another rider's pace

Fisherman:
Thanks. Good to know. I just want to make sure I don't violate any unwritten rules.

mellowme17:

--- Quote from: Pariah on July 15, 2011, 07:48:53 AM ---Drafting....this is reserved for the road.  There isn't much drafting in MTB races....  Passing is usually done where can do so, and typically on the left.  As for getting passed - thats your call if you know the rider is stronger than you communicate where you plan on letting them by...  In a 7 mile race most folks may consider that an all out 7 mile TT and go as hard as they can with the run in mind....  Not many groups form either, there isn't any wind to hide from due to the trees and so on...  get out front, a good start is paramount and ride your race not getting caught up in another rider's pace

--- End quote ---

i saw plenty of drafting in a mtb race(squiggy)... not nearly as much as the road but fare share

Pariah:
Squiggy isnt a real MTB race 8)  in the FSC series the only time I saw drafting was at Ft. Clinch were we actually used real roads from section to section of singletrack....but point taken.

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