Is it the same as regular riding except your trying to pass everyone? - Depends on how you ride.  You will ride harder during a race than normal (you tend to push yourself more). 

How do you let folks pass you? Are you supposed to let folks pass you? - People will call their pass out.  You really don't have to do anything as it is up to them to make a clean pass.  The first half of the short track is fast and down hill, not much passing opportunities there.  The climb out of the woods is pretty tight, but passing could happen there.  Majority of the passing on the short track will be on the gravel road and parking lot.  Lots of opportunities to pass cleanly.

Can I "put 'em in the wall" if they don't let me pass? - I don't recomend that, please see above.  It is your responsibility to make a clean pass.  If the person in front of you is going that much slower than you then you shouldn't have a problem making a clean pass.  If your going about the same speed, no reason to wait for the fire road.  Only expection is the first lap if your towards the back, you will be pretty much following the pack until a the fire road.

What should I bring with me (i.e. is it self supported)? - What do you usually bring on a ride.  These races are short.  Water bottle or Camel back.  The Dirt Divas are usually serving some kind of food.  Last year I raced sport and single speed so I carried a change of cloths.  After the first race my cloths were wet from sweet and they got chilli in a hurry.  I changed in between races.

What are some general Do's and Dont's out on the race track?  Do's are to get there early enough to get registered and paid up before the race starts.  Easy for me to screw that up.  Big don't is to stay off the track when your race isn't going on, especially during the kids race.

I'm sure you will get some other replies.  The short track is a fun time with a good atmosphere.  As far as races go it is pretty laid back also.  Good way to get your feet wet again. 

I don't pretend to be fast, I just pretend to race. 
Needless to say I expect to get lapped so I try to get out of the way of the faster guys. I'm not going to put myself in the ditch for anyone but I try to make their pass as easy as possible.

FireAnthem wrote on 12/18/13 at 7:36am:



I dont know what the categories are but Ill be either doing Sport/open or SS if they have them. I'll ride with ya anytime. I havent been on the short track, its all new to me.

Banjo... Yellowduck said it perfectly! The only other thing you need to bring is 

Common sense... That will get you through the etiquette part.

I've rode with you before at Shermans Branch SS ride, You will do fine! 

Prepare to get hooked on racing though.

FireAnthem wrote on 12/18/13 at 7:36am:


I raced for the first time in the past Summer Series, but this will be my 1st time doing the Winter short track.  I'd be more than happy to get out w/you and anyone else to get familiar w/the short track and set some personal baselines.  I'll also be in a beginner class.  Friday or Saturday this week are open for me.  After that, it won't be until the 1st weekend of the new year that I'll be available to get down there.

Cheers!   

catsruletn wrote on 12/18/13 at 12:05pm:


No gaurantees. 

The more help the better. I dont wanna pi  . everyone off and ruin a good time out there. Plus it would be good to push my riding level a bit while having a good time. How do the races go down? What's the structure of the divisions?

This will be my first season and I was just curious what qualifies you for the XC 2/3 Clydesdale?

Banjo, Pkniland, Dan i can probably make saturday morning this week. I have to work friday night, let me make sure i can get off early enough to meet you guys up there. Ill get back with a definite answer tomorrow and hopefully we can get together.


Also for some of you that have done this series before, for a geared bike is the climbing more suited to stand-up mashing or seated climbing? Ive only been on the short track once, at least a year ago and dont remember much of it at all. Im assuming since its a short race youll want to just stand up and hammer the climbs and recover on the first downhill part of each lap? But who knows, im definitely not a "racey" guy 

Natedilla wrote on 12/19/13 at 5:44am:



Sandbagger lol. You stop riding or something? You were killin it in your beginner class during Summer Series. 


I will keep an eye on this thread. I'll probably be bringing the bike home with me while I am down the 23-26th to see the family.

teamdicky wrote on 12/19/13 at 2:14pm:


Any chance to get rad must be taken advantage of.  That is some strong beard work by that fella on the right...well done.