A wise man once said, "A race doesn't begin when the start gun goes off, it starts much earlier in the form of training and preparation." Here are some tips to help you get prepared.
Instructions
1. Call as early as possible to obtain a race flyer and entry form from the race promoter. Most races in the US are listed online by region or state. All pertinent race information such as start times, categories offered, race distances, directions and release forms are usually available online.
2. Preregister to avoid long lines and tight deadlines on the day of the race.
3. Be sure you have good directions to the race site.
4. Do a bike check at least two days before the race so that you have time to go to the bike shop if needed. Ten o'clock the night before a race, or worse, 10 minutes before your race, is not a good time to find out that you need a new chain.
5. Prepack your race and postrace clothes, tools, helmet, extra parts and anything else that you need. Have your gear bag waiting by the door. Prepack as much food as possible. Most race venues have poor food selections and when you're done you'll be hungry.
6. Prepare a checklist when you're getting ready. This will help make sure that you don't forget something important, such as your riding shoes or to change that leaky tube.
7. Plan a relaxing night before the race. Have a good meal and go to bed early.
8. Arrive at the race early so that you get a good parking space, can handle any registration complications and have time to relax before the race.
9. Take a practice lap or laps if possible. You'll want to be warmed up and familiar with the course, but not tired, going into the race. Consider bringing a trainer or rollers to warm up on if the weather is bad.
10. Drink plenty of water before the start. Also, be sure to visit the facilities before the start, having to go during a race can be uncomfortable and distracting.
11. Develop a prerace ritual, such as polishing your bike with a soft rag. This will let you run through your mental checklist, allow you to check your bike, and it can be calming.
12. Do a final bike check and know what should be fixed or replaced and what will work well enough for the race.
13. Stretch all of your important muscles before the race, and try to stay limber by flexing or jumping/bouncing around while waiting to start.
14. Be aware of your start time and be sure to be there.
15. Mentally psych yourself up to be competitive but also to have fun.
16. Bring your stretched, relaxed and psyched self and your checked and dialed bike to the start line.
17.When the gate drops or the gun goes off, pedal fast.
Tags: before race, before start, bike check, have time, night before, night before race