Natinals question

[Richlude]

I was just wonder can any1 enter or do u need to qualify or something ?

[cam-o]

Anyone can enter, just pick an appropriate category and go for it.

[W2ttsy]

I was just wonder can any1 enter or do u need to qualify or something ?

well anyone can enter the nationals, and there are the same sort of categories as at state level. u17, u19, sport, expert, elite and hardtail. there are also the same categories for women.

be warned tho, it is very expensive to enter some of the higher categories, so you may wish to see how well you are doing at state level before considering racing at national level..

race entry + accomodation + transport (plane fares, driving there, yada) + food + day licence. it all adds up eventually...

W2ttsy

[Richlude]

what about the last rnd at thredbo ???

[robbyloveday]

i have never ridden at a compo like state i have been riding for about 6 months, do you think i would be able to go to state and not look like an idiot. It is my dream to one day compete at state level but i am just afraid i will look stupid, and i dont know how the system works either. So any help will be greatly thanked.

[acrider]

There is a race category that was specifically introduced for riders of your experience level.

"Sport Class"

Enter in this class and just go as fast as your own personal limits allow.

Riders are normally stagger started at 30sec intervals, so don't worry about how fast you are compared to others, as Downhill racing really is a comp. against yourself.

Just go for it and remember, have fun!
It's the reason you are probably riding in the first place.

Here's a bit more advice if it's your first race:

Try and get fit beforehand with lots of downhilling, roadriding, running etc if you get a chance. It frees up your mind to concentrate on your riding, and not how exhausted you feel halfway down the course.

During practice: Check lines beforehand, try and follow faster guys for lines.
Find out when the pro’s are walking the track and walk with them.

Never run the whole course at race speed during practice. Run sections and get a feel for them at race speed then slow down for the rest. Now that race day comes along and you have to take at least one run before your race run look at the course while going about 75% of the speed again. Look at changes etc... When the race run comes, go for it. Pin it the whole way and stay on your bike, REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE! HAVE FUN!

Race Advice:

- Fast Cornering is the key to keeping momentum up.
- Keep pedalling.
- Keep off the brakes
(Suspension works better and arm pump reduces)

Hope that helps dude!

[robbyloveday]

Dude thanks a tonne thats helped me loads and give me heaps of confidence.
I live in Sydney where would a good place to start my career haha do i need to join a club is that expensive.

[Gonzo]

You would probably be better of going in a few club rounds first before going in a state round. It will help you get an idea of what is going on in a less competitve envrionment.

[robbyloveday]

how do i get involved in a club?
i live is syd so would manly be my best choice?

[Nitrosoxide]

race entry + accomodation + transport (plane fares, driving there, yada) + food + day licence. it all adds up eventually...
W2ttsy

yeah it can be a little expensive, but when you get to ride in the shuttles or ski lifts, with the likes of Rennie, Hannah, Graves, Bryn, etc and watch them ripping up the course, line choices, body position's etc it definately improves your riding, & i think it is well worth it. Plus the atmosphere and hype of the nationals is well beyound anything you'll experience at a club or state round.
Plus if you do get a podium finish, prizes are much better :)

Ohh yeah and learn how to spell Nationals in your thread title :) hahaha

[W2ttsy]

yeah it can be a little expensive, but when you get to ride in the shuttles or ski lifts, with the likes of Rennie, Hannah, Graves, Bryn, etc and watch them ripping up the course, line choices, body position's etc it definately improves your riding, & i think it is well worth it. Plus the atmosphere and hype of the nationals is well beyound anything you'll experience at a club or state round.
Plus if you do get a podium finish, prizes are much better :)

Ohh yeah and learn how to spell Nationals in your thread title :) hahaha


i had the wonderful experience of trying graves' yeti 303... so plush...

and got to talk to emma mcnorton on the shuttle up to my race run. never been more calm in my life...

W2ttsy