How to Start Riding in Cross Country Dirt Bike Race

Learn how to compete against other people interested in racing their dirt bikes in cross country races. How to get involved and tips for novices just getting into this exhilarating sport.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dirt Bike
• A place to ride
• Safety gear

1. So your ready to race, outstanding! First you will need to find and organization in your State that puts on these types of races. If you want to jump right into the big time and don't mind traveling a lot the GNCC is for you. http://www.gnccracing.com/
   
   I race in a State wide race here in Oklahoma check it out here... http://www.occra.com/
   
   To find out were to ride and race google your State or City.

2. 
   Sandy area on trail, many bikes wiped out through here :)

   Before you jump in try observing at least one race, pay particular attention to the riding abilities of people in designated racing classes and see where you might fit in, beginner, amateur, sportsman ect. Pay attention to equipment being used to provide safety to riders and protective modifications to the dirt bikes.
   
   Common safety equipment for riders:
   -Helmet
   -Goggles
   -Gloves
   -Boots
   
   Most races will require a helmet and goggles as a minimum.

3. 
   Brothers appreciating the joy of racing.

   Getting your bike ready!
   
   You about ready to take your bike place you have not thought possible, so you will want it in the best condition. Tires should be purchased for the terrain you will be mostly riding in. hard, soft, medium terrain tires are available. Keeping good traction on your path to first place is a must. Hand-guards (bark busters) are a very common accessory added to handlebars. This is a must have in my opinion they will save your hands from getting crushed by trees, branches or anything you may encounter flying through technical sections in the woods. Over sized fuel tanks can be very use full they will extend or eliminate fuel stops. Most races I have been to range from 1.5 to 2 hours in length. Normal maintenance is a must, always refer to your bikes owners manual to keep your machine race ready.

4. Practice with someone experienced and better than you. Watch other people racing in the expert and pro classes, pay close attention to their body position in different areas of the race. Most riders will stand on their foot pegs most of the race, while novices and beginners will tend to sit more exposing their bodies to more abuse.

5. 
   The tree won that battle.

   Ready to race? Good lets do it, your bike is running good your mentally and physically prepared and you have chosen a class that you will be challenged in but not outclassed. I remember my first race I had know idea what I had got myself into. This type of racing is likely to be the most demanding thing that has ever happened to your body. It looks very easy when someone else is doing it but when you do it for yourself your in for a shock. I have done many things, military basic training, mountain biked, marathons, skydiving and I can honestly say this is the most demanding sport I have encountered. I hope you enjoy it is much as I have and share your experiences with others. Cheers!

Tips & Warnings

• Always look where you want to go not where you are at, keep your head up!
• Plan for the next turn not the one you are on.
• Let the faster guys pass you, especially if they are not in your class.
• Keep your butt off the seat, steer and balance with your legs grip the bike with your legs.
• Grip you handle bars like you are holding a small bird, no death gripping!
• Don't forget your camel back, hydrate...hydrate...oh ya HYDRATE!
• This is a very dangerous sport, however it is extremely rewarding physically and mentally.
• Always ride to your ability and don't let other push you until you are comfortable with a particular obstacle or speed.

Resources

• Oklahoma Cross Country Racing
• National X-Country Racing
• My Site