Getting Started - Racing Information

Buying A Bike:
Frame Styles || Bicycle Sizing || Component Variances

Racing Information:
1st Timers || What to Bring


1st Time Racers
If you are like many people, you are thinking about racing for the first time because after watching and cheering for your friends, you may think to yourself how fun it would be to test your ability and skill level against other people in your age division. Racing for the first time may seem like a scary ordeal mainly because you do not know what to expect, however you have no idea what you are missing! It's a true test of your endurance and strength, but it is also a whole lot of fun, not only for you but for the people cheering you on. Think about it, would yo rather be cheering someone on or have someone you don't even know cheer for you?

If you are completely new to racing and have no idea what to expect, all I have to say is expect to have a great time meeting new people. Since you are a first timer, you may not know what to bring for a race and perhaps you don't know how to register. Before you can register for a race, you need to obtain a race license from either NORBA or EFTA (depending on what organization you want to race in.) NORBA is the largest organization which holds races all over the country while EFTA is a New England based organization that offers a variety of great races in the immediate area. An EFTA oneday license may be purchased at the day of the race, however it's cheaper to buy the yearly membership if you plan on racing all season long. A NORBA oneday license is also available, but it is recommended that you purchase your license ahead of time for the year to avoid any complications and expenses during the season.

Click on the below links to obtain your official race license-
EFTA License
NORBA License

Once you have obtained your racing license, all you have to do is send in an application for the race you want to do (or you can register at the race if the field is not filled), show up, and race!

What Should I Bring?
Before you even show up to race, make sure that you have everything you need to complete the race. Your bike should be in working order, tires need to be properly inflated (more or less air depending on course conditions), and be sure to have plenty of water. Most 1st time racers only have to do one lap so bringing a spare tube incase you flat is not really needed unless you really have a problem with flatting all the time. A helment is ALWAYS required or else you are not racing.

While you are out on the trail, you mat run into other riders ahead or coming up behind you. If a more advanced rider is approaching you from behind, they will usually say "rider on left" or "rider on right". This means that they will either pass you on your left or right side. Please be kind and move off to the side of the trail if people want to get by. Hogging the trail and holding up traffic is generally not a good technique to practice.

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