Women in Dh racing

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

How many of you are racing dh or have raced in the past? I am wondering how as women in dh riding grow, is women's dh racing growing or shrinking?

[mattj]

My wife would not really consider herself a DH racer but she has raced in the past and likes to do about 1 race per season. You should add a category for the occasional racers to your poll...


-m

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Ok dokee, get her to vote now.

[SRH]

I raced a few times...it was super fun!

I've been in poor shape over the last few seasons...and would only consider doing some "fun" local races at this point. Unfortunatly they had cancelled those weekly "fun" DH races at C.O.P. this past season...We'll see what Thunder Bay has to offer next summer!

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

COP cancelled their races? Why?

[amg]

I raced a little bit about three or four years ago...I'm "retired" now, and spend my time at races telling other people what to do. :)

I'm considering taking up adventure racing for something new...or marathon races. :eek:

[SRH]

I'm not sure why they cancelled them...I think it had something to do with the placement of the new lift...which really didn't interfere with anything in my opinion. They didn't do a four cross course this past season either. They had one XC race though. I'm not sure what the plan is for this upcoming season...I do know that the price of the season's pass has gone up by over 50%. A lot of people aren't very happy about that.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Wow, that's hugely disappointing! The one thing I miss about Alberta is weekly COP racing! That is a huge shame. I guess Thunderbay isn't looking so bad to ya now D?

[SRH]

Ha ha...well I don't know if I would go that far Cheryl. I'm not happy about the extra miles I'm adding to my commute to visit you ...

I really had a great time when I came out to see you this past summer! It's hard to be so far away from your best friend!

[Scooter]

I plan on racing this upcoming year. I did dh race when I lived in N.S. I usually won every race......cause I was the only girl there...haha. Ocassionaly there would be one other girl. I am excited to race next year though, I really enjoyed it.

[Ramirifika]

I noticed (outta the 14 that have voted!! - I know there's more out there!) there was a couple that voted they planned to race and some that voted they dont plan to ever race. Fair's fair and I understand the pros and cons to racing . . . that being said I think a major crux for women who are considering racing or have tried once already, is perhaps the welcoming vibe or lack there of. I generally put in an effort to meet new women and at the least give them a friendly face to say HI to. But if anyone has any questions about anything dh race related feel free to ask me or PM me if you'd rather. I dont claim to be the most knowledgable person out there but I've had my share of experiences - spaning 4 seasons of racing from local races to world cups. There is an interesting relationship btwn women in competition and it changes at each type of event. Canada is by far the best place to race . . . we're really friendly here EH. :canada: :)

[Fluid]

Okay, I just voted for the plan to in the future but never have before category. The only two races that I am considering are the Rat Race over on the Sunshine Coast and the Bear Mtn Challenge DH race.
I have never raced before in my life and really don't know what to expect but I've heard the Rat Race is a great way to get into it as everyone there is super supportive, encouraging and friendly.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Oh Danika! You are one of the most inspiring female racers in Canada. And of course you can answer anyone's questions about racing, you know more then any one else I can think of with all your first hand experience in racing. I hope the ladies on the board thinking of racing take up your offer and get encouragement they need to start.

[Lady Gravity]

Okay, I just voted for the plan to in the future but never have before category. The only two races that I am considering are the Rat Race over on the Sunshine Coast and the Bear Mtn Challenge DH race.
I have never raced before in my life and really don't know what to expect but I've heard the Rat Race is a great way to get into it as everyone there is super supportive, encouraging and friendly.

i did the rat race for the first time last year, my first race. made a ton of mistakes, but still had a lot of fun. i've always wanted to do bear, maybe this year.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

A few of the ladies that race from Kamloops chatted and decided we are probobly going to go up into expert for 06. Not because we think we are faster then sport (not true) but just to add some riders to the expert catagory and leave the sport catagory for some of the newer riders getting into the racing scene. I can't imagine how it feels now that there is no citizen or sport beginner to go to your first race and race some riders that have been at it for a few years. I hope this motivates some new riders to try it out in a more beginner catagory.

[mtbgal]

i did the rat race for the first time last year, my first race. made a ton of mistakes, but still had a lot of fun. i've always wanted to do bear, maybe this year.

I've heard nothing but GREAT things about the Rat Race as well! That is definitely a race that I want to try this year. Danika, i think that you should put it on your list too, if it doesn't conflict with other races or school. Is it a dh bike kinda race, or a mid-size bike kinda race? I heard that there is a lot of pedaling.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Don't make fun of me but I have never heard of the Ratrace? Where is it? What time of year?

[mtbgal]

http://www.user.dccnet.com/rtcamposano/

here's a little bit of info... Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast.

[mtbgal]

oh, and the rest of the BC MTB Schedule will be announced December 16th...I'll keep ya posted.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Oh sweet! I need to decide if I should give racing another go in 06 or stay out. The timing crew would appricate not having to stay as long to time me that's for sure!

[amg]

Okay, I just voted for the plan to in the future but never have before category. The only two races that I am considering are the Rat Race over on the Sunshine Coast and the Bear Mtn Challenge DH race.
I have never raced before in my life and really don't know what to expect but I've heard the Rat Race is a great way to get into it as everyone there is super supportive, encouraging and friendly. You should definitely go to the Rat Race, it's a really well done event with a great atmosphere. There also lots of other trails over there to explore if you have the time.

[Sharon]

I almost did one DH race in 2001?

Cambell Mountain Penticton.

Lee was racing so I would go with him. Instead of being the supportive SO I figured if I was going I would race.

I raced Sport in the Action Quest in Summerland the Saturday, Sunday was the DH, I tried to get some air on one of the little hucks, pile drived and dislocated my shoulder. I blame the bike - it was a VPS 3.

That was the end of any DH racing I wanted to do.

I think the hardest thing about DH racing is standing around waiting to start, the anxiety of the start and everyone watching you race down the course.

XC racing is much more solitary in that respect.

I don't do either now. We prefer travelling to different places and doing more epic type riding.

Sunshine Coast where the Rat Race is has some fantastic riding!
Best kept secret, I hope they can keep it that way...

[Ramirifika]

Yeah I think I'll try and make the rat race too . . . I've heard great things and I love the sunshine coast already. Mtbgal, if nuggget says ok lets do it together. And medium travel bike I think. I've ridden there before and you dont HAVE to have a big bike . . .but I dont think it matters . . I've heard the xc competition is fierce (for elite anyway) but I can only imagine the DH is super chill grassroots racing. Do you camp up there or is it hotel/b&b style. ohhhhh that sounds NICE!! Waddya think ladies - dh race AND B&B all at once - best of both worlds for sure. yeah I know I'm such a chick.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

If it's low pressure it sounds right up my alley. I am thinking of giving racing another go but I usually freak out and end up sitting next to the course crying half way through my run. Maybe I need to pick less scary races to get my mojo back in.

[amg]

There's some campgrounds nearby, and I've seen a few people with campers/tent trailers camp near registration, but there's not much space there, it's the parking area too. Town is about 10-15 minutes away for hotels, and I hear there's some great b&b's. I stayed in the Cedars Inn the two times I've been over - for those of you with dogs, they have some big ground level rooms that allow dogs and are nice and easy to get bikes into. Course-wise, there's lots of pedalling, and it isn't steep at all. It's smooth and has lots of berms, a couple of tables (don't recall any gaps, ride-arounds for everything) and a couple of drops. Nothing huge. Very...I don't know...swoopy? and fun.

[Wayne P]

I've done the Rat Race and its one of my favorites. You can race it on a mid travel bike or a DH bike and be equally competitive. Its fairly flat with a little up and a little steep, all on single track. There's the odd jump, but nothing sketchy. The atmosphere is great and a good way to start off the season for sure.

After the race, we went riding on the nearby trails and had a blast. Probably the sigle best group of trails you'll ever ride. I highly recommend doing this.

[mtbgal]

WOOHOOO!!! RatRace it is then!
Schroetum, Ja~Ja Nugget will be stoked on us going over there - and hey - you can show us all your racing lines, and I'll make dinner and eat a lot. The usual:)

[mtbgal]

I've done the Rat Race and its one of my favorites. You can race it on a mid travel bike or a DH bike and be equally competitive. Its fairly flat with a little up and a little steep, all on single track. There's the odd jump, but nothing sketchy. The atmosphere is great and a good way to start off the season for sure.

After the race, we went riding on the nearby trails and had a blast. Probably the sigle best group of trails you'll ever ride. I highly recommend doing this.

Wayne, you've got me all stoked! I'm riding my little pink bike over there...YAY!

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Ya it's so nice to have Wayne up here in Kamloops. He brings a lot of stoke to the scene.

[Wayne P]

Shucks...

[Troup]

My friend rides DH, She doesn't use the boards so I voted for her:D

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Well let her know about the Ladies forum and maybe she'll sign up!

[lets ride]

I didn't see a category for retired but change my mind, so I had to go for plan to race in the future

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

You can only retire if you are over 60!

[lets ride]

lol k i got a couple years left in me then :)

[ralph]

I'd like to race, but my riding goes from ridiculously terrible (ie I want to quit riding altogether I'm so frustrated) to fairly alright. With my psyche (too competitive for my own good and a ehh-perfectionist to boot) I think it might be too intense (or maybe I might be too intense) to race. I'm trying to learn to just sit back and let it roll no matter what kind of day I'm having, once I'm able to accomplish that I want to try racing. The prospect is both exciting and intimidating.

The rat race sounds fun, the description of the track reminds me of a trail we have down here called rat pack (or had until they logged/plowed through a bunch of it).

-chelsey

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Ya I know what you mean. You gotta relax and realize it's a individual sport and to race to push yourself, not to show how fast you are compared to others. It's not a career, it's supposed to be fun.

[just ride]

Ive never raced, but i want to one day.. im just scared i guess. the only bike ive felt confident enough on to race with was the chumba cheryl.. i miss her!

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Where did she go? A good home? I know how you feel.
Come race anyways! It would be fun not matter what you rode!

[mtbgal]

I'd like to race, but my riding goes from ridiculously terrible (ie I want to quit riding altogether I'm so frustrated) to fairly alright. With my psyche (too competitive for my own good and a ehh-perfectionist to boot) I think it might be too intense (or maybe I might be too intense) to race. I'm trying to learn to just sit back and let it roll no matter what kind of day I'm having, once I'm able to accomplish that I want to try racing. The prospect is both exciting and intimidating.

The rat race sounds fun, the description of the track reminds me of a trail we have down here called rat pack (or had until they logged/plowed through a bunch of it).

-chelsey

one of thing that racing does offer is a chance to meet other people that feel exactly the way you do. everybody has a first race.
everybody has a terrible race, a great race, a 'wow that felt like the best race ever' but my time was really slow race, a 'that felt soooo slow' but i did really well race, a 'I could have tried harder' race, a 'i tried my hardest' race, or a combination of many feelings race.
there are so many simple victories that you get in the weekend from just being satisfied that you finished your race, to doing a drop or section so well that you worked on so hard and finally got in your race run. Or that you meet some new people and just had lots and lots of fun!!!
you learn something new every time you race. it's really cool that way.

i think that the key is to not put any expectations on yourself, except to have fun. you can't control what happens!!! it may pour rain, or your brakes lock, or your derailleur falls off. or you wipe out, or :drool: in your helmet at the finish line...hehe!
racing is also an EXCELLENT way to learn about your intensity. It's only as intense as you decide to make it. You learn your forte's and what skills you may lack.
And all you can ever do is your BEST with whatever is thrown at you!

my first race ever i came last. slowest time of the weekend by OVER a minute. the only person that remembers that fact is me, and at the time, no one noticed either. but i sure learned a lot that weekend, and met a couple girls that i still race and ride with 5 years later, and it got me hooked on learning as much as i could about racing. Best race i ever had, if you ask me!

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

That is an awesome point I always forget. No one cares, no one remembers how badly you did, except you.

[Lady Gravity]

Ive never raced, but i want to one day.. im just scared i guess. the only bike ive felt confident enough on to race with was the chumba cheryl.. i miss her!

the thing about racing i don't care for is you're racing the clock, not other people - i find i push myself more if i'm trying to beat someone else (bmx track - altho i'm pretty slow there as well :lol: ). if i'm motoring down a trail and i can hear a buddy right behind me, it motivates me to go faster.

[Ramirifika]

You want to ask if someone can chase you down the hill?! That'd be interesting!! I'd probably wipeout from laughing too hard!
But you're not alone Lady Gravity. I know alot of people that are better at head to head racing. Mtbgal has a thing for that too and my boyfriend. I dont, unless I'm infront, I get wigged out and I dont trust other racers wont ram into me.
So we all have our preferences and strengths and weaknesses. I really like bmx too, I just have to struggle mentally with it a little more than dh. And I love dh because for me its not ALL about comparison. So we're not all the same. Its cool to see people figuring themselves out through their riding.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Ya it pushes me harder to be chased or chase someone but I like the challenge of going head to head with myself. I am most hard on myself anyways so it makes sense to race against myself.

[mtbgal]

the thing about racing i don't care for is you're racing the clock, not other people - i find i push myself more if i'm trying to beat someone else (bmx track - altho i'm pretty slow there as well :lol: ). if i'm motoring down a trail and i can hear a buddy right behind me, it motivates me to go faster.

Ramika is right that i don't really care for racing the clock either...I definitely like trying to keep up to people (her especially), but don't care to have her ride behind me, cause i know that she's just checking out my poonanie...just kidding.

I think that that has definitely been the biggest challenge for me in racing, but it has also been the most satisfying thing to slowly overcome. You have to change your perception from 'I don't like it' to 'I am challenged by it, and I like challenges'...or something like that.

Right now, my biggest challenge in racing is...$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Can't seem to find a turn around statement for that!!!

[sheila m]

one of thing that racing does offer is a chance to meet other people that feel exactly the way you do. everybody has a first race.
everybody has a terrible race, a great race, a 'wow that felt like the best race ever' but my time was really slow race, a 'that felt soooo slow' but i did really well race, a 'I could have tried harder' race, a 'i tried my hardest' race, or a combination of many feelings race.
there are so many simple victories that you get in the weekend from just being satisfied that you finished your race, to doing a drop or section so well that you worked on so hard and finally got in your race run. Or that you meet some new people and just had lots and lots of fun!!!
you learn something new every time you race. it's really cool that way.

i think that the key is to not put any expectations on yourself, except to have fun. you can't control what happens!!! it may pour rain, or your brakes lock, or your derailleur falls off. or you wipe out, or :drool: in your helmet at the finish line...hehe!
racing is also an EXCELLENT way to learn about your intensity. It's only as intense as you decide to make it. You learn your forte's and what skills you may lack.
And all you can ever do is your BEST with whatever is thrown at you!

my first race ever i came last. slowest time of the weekend by OVER a minute. the only person that remembers that fact is me, and at the time, no one noticed either. but i sure learned a lot that weekend, and met a couple girls that i still race and ride with 5 years later, and it got me hooked on learning as much as i could about racing. Best race i ever had, if you ask me!


I can't add anything else to this post.... it covers so much and is soooo accurate. I've been there and done that, and felt all those feelings over my last 4 years of racing/riding. Great post, mtbgal. I've lived it, as you have :) And am still living it...
I'm not sure why I continue to ride, but I know it is captured somewhere in your post.
Continue to write, because you are "bang on" and if I find it inspiring, there are at least 10 other girls who feel the same.

[Phoenix]

I'm a downhill rider but have no desire to race. I ride/have ridden with lots of the top female riders, especially when I live in North Van last year, and just from talking to them the scene turns me off. These women are great to go for a rip with, but when it comes to racing they always seem to be fighting and talking behind each other's back, and I don't want to be part of it. I really enjoy riding my bike and feel that racing may ruin that for me. IMHO.

[sheila m]

I'm a downhill rider but have no desire to race. I ride/have ridden with lots of the top female riders, especially when I live in North Van last year, and just from talking to them the scene turns me off. These women are great to go for a rip with, but when it comes to racing they always seem to be fighting and talking behind each other's back, and I don't want to be part of it. I really enjoy riding my bike and feel that racing may ruin that for me. IMHO.

There are a lot of different personalities on the race scene. Don't get discouraged from racing after seeing a few moments of rivalry.

There will always be catty chicks; it isn't just on the race scene.
But there are some consistently great people too.
Ignoring the crap (:argue:)
and enjoying the positive stuff works pretty well.

[caitlin]

Phoenix - that's too bad you were turned off of racing - I definitely don't think that is the norm and I've met some of my best friends through riding and racing ... I've only ever had one negative experience in my two seasons of racing and that girl was most definitely an exception. Its true that racing isn't for everyone but I don't think you should let a few bad apples stop you from at least trying it once - you might be pleasantly surprised!

[Ramirifika]

I agree with Caitlin and Sheila! I met my best friend racing too. Not to mention other awesome ladies like Sheila. In fact I just spent all saturday riding with a bunch of great women out in abbostford at an indoor clinic.

On a REALLY open note, I had a big curfuffle happen last season btwn me and another girl - I mention it bc it was rather publicized. Anyway, it was not fun, but it has been sorted out and even better not only did we both learn a lot from the incidence, but so did the whole cycling community that was watching. I obviously wish it could have been avoided, but I am thankful for the life lesson that came with it.
So, what I'm trying to say, is, yeah its not all roses all the time. Just most of the time. I love my racer friends and dont know where I'd be without them.
If you are even slightly interested in racing then why not try? I dont think you would regret it. The majority of women are super friendly. AND we would love another one to join in.
It would be great for women to come together and be able to be competitive AND friendly, encouraging AND focused on doing their best. You have to stick to your own values, it can be difficult at times, but it's essentially up to each and eveyone present to contribute a postive vibe.
Phoenix, if you ever showed up at a race, I'd be more than happy to show you the ropes and introduce you to the people I know.
Maybe I'll see you out there.
Danika

[mtbgal]

hey Ramika, i met my best friend racing too! Weird.

I was just in a meeting regarding women in sport. The never answered question came up; 'How do we get more women to participate in cycling then for some to eventually participate in racing?'

What are some of your ladies thoughts? Is the 'talk' behind other women's backs a big reason for a lot of women? Is it the fear of 'failing' or even 'acheiving' too much?
Is the competitiveness too much?

What would make the race scene more attractive to women? I would love to hear some thoughts from people.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Bring back some sort of beginner/citizen type catagory. I realize Cycling BC is trying to get rid of catagories but with the level in the sport catagory it makes it pretty scary for a new girl to jump in the mix.

[mtbgal]

hmmm. The Beginner class was taken out in mtb because there was NO ONE in Sport class... the Sport class for the women in BC is usually the largest class! It did actually have a good effect on women's numbers at races, beleive it or not.
Have you seen this before? http://members.shaw.ca/wnbr/ This is something that the women in the roadie world set up. It basically tracks and keeps the road women informed, letting them know the Cat 3/4 friendly races, etc..
Kinda cool and supportive.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Ya I get why the class was kyboshed, but when you want to try out racing for fun and you are in the sport class with girls who have been shredding for 5 years, it certainly gives me a sense of why there aren't a lot of new faces in the women's race scene.

[mtbgal]

well, that certainly give me a couple answers...

"but when you want to try out racing for fun and you are in the sport class with girls who have been shredding for 5 years..."

a. if a girl is 'shredding' in sport class, she will get moved up
b. if a girl is wants to race for fun, then why would she be turned off if someone in her class may beat her time?

I completely understand your point. If a lot of women feel this way, then it may be that women have such a competitive nature that very few would be confident enough to go out and maybe come last. Perhaps a "pre-race" race clinic or a mock race day to get women comfortable with the idea of racing might be an answer.
I find that a lot of women don't like to travel into the unknown...you see that in the 'getting over fear' thread. It's not really in our nature, is it?

How do you get women over that 'I'm going to feel foolish or lose because i don't have all the information to win' stigma?

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

[QUOTE=mtbgal]well, that certainly give me a couple answers...

"but when you want to try out racing for fun and you are in the sport class with girls who have been shredding for 5 years..."

a. if a girl is 'shredding' in sport class, she will get moved up
b. if a girl is wants to race for fun, then why would she be turned off if someone in her class may beat her time? [QUOTE]

That's a good point. In the last race I was in there was 3 girls in sport who took like a minute out of the beginner girls. Of course they are going to get moved up, but maybe some lady was already discouraged enough to decide not to race anymore?
By racing for fun, I didn't mean they didn't care about their time. Just that maybe they aren't looking to make a career of it and they are mixed in with girls that are working their way through to pro.

[amg]

I've heard women who are at their first couple of races comment a lot about the worry of getting caught up to and/or passed - not because they are really competitive, but more from either a) worrying about a wreck, or b) not wanting to interfere with the other persons race if they're having a better day.

There also seems to be more of the "talk" that mtbgal referred to in the Sport level. I've been the invisible person working at the start at several races and have been surprised by some of the comments I've heard from women. I've come to expect a lot of razzing and big talk from say, the 15 year old guys, but theirs seems to be more casual and less spiteful than some of the things I've heard from women.

That said, there is also a lot of support among women for each other among groups of friends that race together. So maybe there just tends to be more extremes. I raced a little bit several years ago, and it seemed to be less b*tchy back then, maybe because there was so few of us (three or four was a big class in Beginner!). Then again, maybe time and old age is colouring my memories rosier than they were!

[mtbgal]

Wow, thanks for both your comments...that's crazy! Us women are a tuff crowd! Well, some are; that's what i'm picking up.

So if the environment was less bitchy and more supportive, would it help? Any suggestions or solutions? Pretty hard to change people's attitudes or personalities...
A Beginner Class is one suggestion...any more?

[newgirl]

hi there

I used to mtb many moons ago on the north shore but moved away to get married have kids blah blah but now want to get back into it sooo badly but am not sure where to start as its moved on in leaps and bounds in the last decade. I would love to have a general instructional course for a beginner and not just for racing - how about form, shifting, (maybe even crash advice??). Does this exist??? I am interested in xc and DH (in a moderately mild form until I get schooled!)

[mtbgal]

hi there

I used to mtb many moons ago on the north shore but moved away to get married have kids blah blah but now want to get back into it sooo badly but am not sure where to start as its moved on in leaps and bounds in the last decade. I would love to have a general instructional course for a beginner and not just for racing - how about form, shifting, (maybe even crash advice??). Does this exist??? I am interested in xc and DH (in a moderately mild form until I get schooled!)

For sure there are courses for you! Where do you live?

www.dirtseries.com (http://www.dirtseries.com)

[newgirl]

I'm in North Van but willing to travel....!

[newgirl]

hey thanks for that link MTBgal - it looks great!

[mtbgal]

The Dirt Series is definitely something i would look at if i were you! Their first local camp is on May 13/14 in North Vancouver, one in Whistler on June 17/18 and MANY more dates all over the summer and North America.
check out www.dirtseries.com (http://www.dirtseries.com) and email Candace for more details.
Really great coaches, ahem:), and a really professional camp that is supportive. They cater to all levels, and you will definitely meet local women that are at your same skill level. I'm always amazed at the improvement and confidence that women have after the camp.
another super Dirt Series camp is up in Blue River where we go Heli-biking. Super cool, and the trail is beginner friendly for sure!

[amg]

Wow, thanks for both your comments...that's crazy! Us women are a tuff crowd! Well, some are; that's what i'm picking up.

So if the environment was less bitchy and more supportive, would it help? Any suggestions or solutions? Pretty hard to change people's attitudes or personalities...
A Beginner Class is one suggestion...any more?
I don't know if you can do much about peoples' attitudes. It might just be a matter of those with the attitudes learning what's appropriate and sportsmanlike at events. Anyone who wants to move on to a higher level of competition needs to treat their competitors - and everyone at a race - with respect. Only thing, is what's the best way to get that message across effectively?

I should say though that most women I've seen competing at the pro level were great role models. I've always admired Alison Sydor, for example. She was the first female mountain bike racer I learned about when I was just getting into the sport. And of course there's some pro dh racers from BC who seem to give a lot back to the sport too. ;)

I don't think I would have been inspired to get into mountain biking too the extent I did if the people I saw representing the sport had been bitchy and nasty.

Having a beginners class again might help...do you think numbers have gone up enough to keep the time it takes to get enough points to move up to sport reasonable?

[mtbgal]

I think that this will definitely be a test year for numbers. I guess we'll have to wait and see how many people come out to race this year!

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

I totally understand that the numbers can't merrit another catagory, but having something for beginners could help alot. No chance of bringing back citizen? That's how I jumped into racing!

[Ramirifika]

With the change in BC cup format, a new category may not be needed. There are so many races to choose from and lots of them arent rated as a big race. Check the schedule, try and find a race with a low rating (pretty much means not a large amount of racers will be there I think) and a race that is somewhere you are willing to travel too and giver. There are lots of great women who race really casually, dont be afraid to go and meet them and race them.
If you REALLY need help and are REALLY nervous but still want to race, well, maybe I should think of putting on a women's dh course in north van for absolute beginner racers and go over the basics . . .
Are there that many out there that are intimidated? Let me know.
We all started somewhere . . . should we get into our first times???

[RiotGirl587]

i really wanna start racing...i think a lil camp or mock race would be good...

[Ramirifika]

Alright, when my midterms are over, I'll post a camp idea and see who's interested, so about 2 weeks from now, for say around late march.

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

I think that's an awesome idea. I think some ladies need a gentle way into racing to see that it's really not that bad, the girls are really nice and they have it in themselves to do it.

[RiotGirl587]

i just havent the slightest idea what to expect..last summer i tried to do a couple of their races on whistler but didnt have my fully becuz it broke or didnt try they trail out before..or i knew for a fact i couldnt do the trails it was on

[Ramirifika]

Yeah for racing definitely
have a full face, and other armour is REALLY good
know the course from top to bottom b4 the race run, but not necessarily b4 the race weekend
and be a competent rider, just comfortable on you bike and have some solid basic skills. beginner racer doesnt mean beginner rider!! You dont have to be awesome or anything close to that, just know the basics.
What you DONT need
to be really fast
have a super expensive bike or top of the line mtb gear
be able to drop or jump, although this can help

I've never done the Whislter races are they every week? Where did they ususally run them?

That's prob a great place to start. . .

[RiotGirl587]

they were every other wednesday just on whistler bike park

[mtbgal]

i think that a mock race camp/clinic is a really good idea. Danika, you could take people through a day of what you do; mental prep, bike prep, trail knowledge, rest time, etc... that would be super cool. let's talk.

[lets ride]

'have a super expensive bike or top of the line mtb gear
be able to drop or jump, although this can help'

You are right about this Ramirifika. I have raced on and off for a few years and I haven't had a real dh bike ever....I showed up for my first race with a cross country helmut,shorts and a t shirt. Not knowing anything was great!

[Fluid]

I would TOTALLY be in for a women's dh course for absolute beginners! And my torn rotator cuff should be healed enough by end of March, too. Woo hoo!

[RiotGirl587]

oh man.. i was talking to oneof my friends a guy of course..hes like oh ill help u. but first u have to have a really good bike and be really fast...and i was no and he was like yea im like "if ur in it to win...you guys are all the same cant do anythingjust for the fun of it or just to see if u were any good..blah blah..." now he doesnt talk to me...funny eh?

[mtbgal]

oh man.. i was talking to oneof my friends a guy of course..hes like oh ill help u. but first u have to have a really good bike and be really fast...and i was no and he was like yea im like "if ur in it to win...you guys are all the same cant do anythingjust for the fun of it or just to see if u were any good..blah blah..." now he doesnt talk to me...funny eh?


you lost me...but check your pm's